This document discusses various gadgets, gizmos, and technologies that can help improve productivity for real estate appraisers. It covers dual monitors, social networking, online backups, cloud storage, offline storage, syncing services, storage devices, email programs versus webmail providers, laser measuring devices, online calendars, GPS devices, remote desktops, calculators, voice recognition software, eFax, report writing software, and integrated data services.

1. GADGETS, GIZMOS, & TECHNOLOGY
Technology Solutions for
the Real Estate Appraiser
John Dingeman

2. Dual Monitors
Dual Monitors can save you time by
displaying multiple programs and
streamlining your workflow.
Large, high-resolution monitors can
increase productivity.
Consider Touch-Screen
Monitors which allows for
direct manipulation of the data.

3. Social Networking
Use social networking to connect to peers or to promote your business.
Facebook© gives people the power to share and
make the world more open and connected.
www.facebook.com
LinkedIn© is the world’s largest professional
network. LinkedIn connects you to your
trusted contacts and helps you exchange
knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a
broader network of professionals.
www.linkedin.com
Twitter© is an information network.
Millions of people, organizations, and
businesses use it to discover and share
new information.
www.twitter.com

4. Online Backups
MOZY CARBONITE CRASH PLAN
www.mozy.com www.carbonite.com www.crashplan.com
Online backup services store a secure backup of all the important files on
your computer's hard drive so that you can retrieve them in case of file loss
or corruption. This can be a life saver if your hard drive fails, your computer
is stolen or you accidently erase an important file.

5. The Clouds
Cloud storage is a model of networked online storage.
Cloud storage services may be accessed through a SkyDrive
web service application. Storage maintenance tasks,
such as backup, data replication are offloaded to the
responsibility of a service provider, allowing your
business to focus on your core business. GoogleDocs iCloud
Offline Storage
Google Docs – www.docs.google.com
Windows Live SkyDrive - www.explore.live.com
iCloud – www.icloud.com
DropBox SugarSync
Syncing
DropBox – www.dropbox.com Evernote
Evernote – www.evernote.com
SugarSync – www.sugarsync.com

6. Storage Devices
Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level
computer data storage connected to a computer
Network
network providing data access to its clients. NAS not Storage
only operates as a file server, but these devices can Device
act as on-site back ups and can contain RAID arrays.
External hard drives typically connect to the
computer using a USB cable. They are used to back-
up files, data recovery, cloning or additional storage.
USB Flash Drives are data storage devices that
consist of flash memory and are typically removable
and rewritable. Storage capacity can be as large as
256 GB. USB Flash External Hard
Drive Drive
Consider using a utility like Microsoft
SyncToy to synchronize files and folders.

7. eMail Programs vs Webmail
Standalone eMail clients like Outlook, Goldmine and Pegasus are PC programs
that are mainly used to store your eMail records, contacts, tasks, and calendar on
your PC.
Webmail providers offer email access using a webmail client, and many of them
also offer email access by a desktop email client using
standard email protocols. As with any web application,
webmail’s main advantage over the use of a desktop
email client is the ability to send and receive email
wherever there's a web browser. Its main
disadvantage is the need to be connected to the
internet while using it .

8. Webmail Providers
Webmail clients are becoming more
robust, not only in size (eMail capacity) Gmail
but in services offered. Review the
different services and choose the best
one for your needs.
Zoho Mail Hotmail
Gmail – www.gmail.com
Hotmail – www.live.com
Yahoo – www.yahoo.com
AIM – www.aim.com
Zoho – www.zoho.com
AIM Mail Yahoo Mail
Some webmail clients do offer a desktop
application like Windows Live Essential.

9. Laser Measuring
Still measuring with a tape or a wheel?
A hand-held laser meter can be used for fast and easy
distance measurements of length, squares and volumes
with the press of a button. Save time and money and
emphasize your competence with modern measuring
methods.
Devices can include options like digital point finders,
displays, tilt sensors, Bluetooth® technology, and transfer
software.

10. Calendars & Scheduling
An online calendar keeps your business connected to
critical appointments, meetings, and events. Share
calendars with employees, customers, and remote
workers from any Web-enabled device in the world
Online calendars can typically be synced to multiple
locations (your desktop, laptop, tablet, phone, etc)
share calendars online (publicly or privately) anywhere-
anytime with just an internet connection.
Your online calendar can email event reminders at a
time and day of your choosing.

11. GPS (Global Positioning System)
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global
navigation satellite system (GNSS) that provides location
and time information anywhere on or near the Earth.
GPS navigation device is any device that receives GPS
signals for the purpose of determining the device's current
location on Earth.
GPS devices contain maps, provide direction (via text and
speech), provide traffic conditions, and show nearby
amenities such as restaurants, fueling stations, etc.

12. Remote Desktops (RDP)
Remote desktop is one of those wildly creative computer
terms that means exactly what it sounds like. Remote
desktop allows you to control the desktop — and, indeed,
the entire contents — of a computer from another machine
entirely.
People use remote desktop capability to do a variety of
things remotely, including the following:
• Access a workplace computer from home or when traveling.
• Access a home computer from other locations.
• Fix a computer problem.
• Perform administrative tasks.
• Demonstrate something, such as a process or a software application.

13. Remote Desktops (RDP)
When you connect to your Mac or PC, what you see is a
real-time image of your computer's screen. You can
instantly work with your files, programs and network – from
anywhere – just as if you were at your desk.
Remote desktop software exists for most operating systems
and platforms, including handheld computing devices.
Some RDP solutions include:

14. Calculators
HP12C
A time-tested performer, the HP 12c has an easy-to-use
layout, one-line LCD display and efficient RPN data entry.
Date Duration Calculators
Function specific calculators available online
TimeAndDate.com
Conversion calculators or general calculators
Try Google – use Google’s built-in calculator function, simply
enter the calculation or conversion you’d like done into the
search box.

15. Voice Recognition Software
Speech recognition software makes it easier for anyone to use a computer.
You talk, and it types. Use your voice to create and edit documents or
emails, launch applications, open files, control your mouse, and more.
Control your PC in a relaxed, hands-free mode without constantly reaching
for your keyboard or mouse. Say goodbye to repetitive stress injuries.
The leading solution in the field is Dragon Naturally Speaking from Nuance
software.

16. eFax
Internet fax services that let you send and receive faxes through
your email, the web, or smart phone. See significant savings by
reducing your phone costs, both long distance charges and the
need for an additional phone line. Many companies provide this
service:
eFax
myfax

17. Report Writing
Write your reports with narrative comments – create more
credible and accurate reports in less time.
Appraiser's Paradise
Appraiser's Paradise is changing the business of writing
narrative appraisal reports. Their Internet system eliminates
duplicated effort, elevating you to the highest and best use of
your time.
USL Documenter
The USL Documenter Application Software addresses USPAP,
Supplemental Standards, and Liability Management.

18. DataMaster
Integrated Data Services
Comprehensive, accurate property data drives success for any company in
the real estate industry. You need comprehensive property descriptions,
accurate and validated property values, access to highly targeted marketing
lists, and insight on market trends directly impacting your business to
separate yourself from the competition.
DataQuick
Vital Intelligence for the Real Estate, Lending and Investment Markets
RealQuest
The Leading Solution for Real Estate Data and Information