You can map multiple addresses on you iPhone using Google Maps in three easy steps.  First create a Google Map on your desktop or laptop.  Second, email that map to yourself.  Third, check your email on your iPhone and click on the link for the map you created.

Click HERE if you can not see the [...]

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ZipRealty released an updated version of their iPhone app on February 18th.  The updated version includes an augmented reality feature that enables the user to look through their iPhone to see what homes have sold recently and what homes are currently listed for sale.
ZipRealty’s new HomeScanTM feature gives users the opportunity to look through their [...]

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I can access the local MLS on my iPhone when I am not in the office.  The problem is that the website is not optimized for a mobile device.  Fortunately AT&T recently expanded their 3G network into my area.  Even though my MLS is not optimized for mobile devices, at least I can access it [...]

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The idea of a fuel cell has been around for a long time.  According to Wikipedia, The principle of the fuel cell was discovered by German scientist Christian Friedrich Schönbein in 1838.  I would not have guessed that the idea had been around for more than 100 years!  So will a clean inexpensive energy source [...]

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Thumbnail image for A Fast Turn Time is the New Appraisal Requirement [Ugly Trends]

A Fast Turn Time is the New Appraisal Requirement [Ugly Trends]

by Bryan McDonald

The pressure for a quick turn time has always been present but has increased significantly in the past few months.
Real Estate Appraisal Turn Time is the time between when an appraisal order is received and the time the appraisal is turned in to the client.

Click HERE if you can not see the embedded video above.
There [...]

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Google Maps Labs and 9 New Experimental Features

by Bryan McDonald

Google Maps launched 9 new experimental features.  You can enable any of the new features by clicking the little green vial in the top right menu.

I use Google Maps for my real estate appraisal business almost everyday.  Three of the new features I found useful are: Drag ‘n’ Zoom that lets you draw a [...]

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Thumbnail image for Mortgagee Letter 2009-28 Appraiser Independence

Mortgagee Letter 2009-28 Appraiser Independence

by Bryan McDonald

Enactment of ML 2009-28 (Appraiser Independence) will be implemented February 15, 2010.
ML 2009-28 (originally planned for a January 1, 2010 implementation) has two parts: a) prohibition of mortgage brokers and commission-based lender staff from the appraisal process, and b) appraiser selection in FHA Connection.  The effective date for both sections of this guidance will take [...]

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Thumbnail image for Google Voice – An Independent Contractor’s BFF

Google Voice – An Independent Contractor’s BFF

by Bryan McDonald

I used RingCentral for several years to manage the stream of business calls I receive.  Now I use Google Voice as my main business line, it is cheaper (free) and has all of the features my small real estate appraisal company needs.
With Google Voice, you can easily mange your calls and voicemail, people can reach [...]

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Thumbnail image for How to Sync Bookmarks Across Computers [Mobile Appraiser]

How to Sync Bookmarks Across Computers [Mobile Appraiser]

by Bryan McDonald

If you use multiple computers your bookmarks can get scattered and unorganized. Bookmark synchronizers solve that problem by merging your bookmarks and storing them online for easy access.
I use Google Chrome as my web browser and was happy when Google released Chrome version 4.0 that added bookmark syncing and extensions.
You can enable bookmark sync to synchronize [...]

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Thumbnail image for Hitler’s Rant on the HVCC!

Hitler’s Rant on the HVCC!

by Bryan McDonald

Have you seen Hitler’s rant on the HVCC?  My new favorite video that pokes fun at the appraisal process.

Click Here if you can not see the embedded video above.

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