They say we should work SMARTER, not HARDER!

These days the work is getting harder with the advent of the 1004MC, HVCC, AMCs, and a host of other terms and lingo - but the good news is, volume is up and the work is getting steady!

I was talking to an appraiser friend locally, who is still using paper for everything.  I was encouraging her to embrace mobile technology to simplify the workflow.

I have gotten my inspection into the digital age and even down to holding it all with 1 hand!

I have been 100% paperlessnow since 2003.  I have a full 5+ years now of appraisal files which are totally digital, with supporting documents and workfiles contained within the reports themselves!

My current tools are the AT&T Tilt whicih uses Windows Mobile 6 as the operating system.  I run Pocket Total from alamode and use a Disto laser measuring tool now instead of the tape or wheel.

My Tilt takes decent photos (as a back up) but it doesn't have a flash. So for interior photos, a standard digital camera is useful!

This set up cost me $500 +/- for the phone, $250 +/- for the Disto, and $220 +/- for the camera.  I already owned Pocket Total as part of my Alamode package.

So my total outlay of funds was around $970.  This has likely saved me at least an hour a day - or 30 hours a month.  Even at $20/hour - that is $600 a monthin time alone and this paid for itself in 2 months.  Not to mention that having my phone, personal information manager, Internet, email AND inspection forms all in one device is pretty darn slick!

My next consideration is the iPhone -

Alamode is developing an application for the iPhone- and that has me pretty excited!  I can finally have my iTunes library with me when I measure homes!!

Seriously - the main point is to get you thinking of ways to shave off a few minutes a day from your current workflow.  If you can save even 10 minutes a day with technology - you will have gained hours and days of your life back......which you will likely FILL with new work!