As an appraiser, I rely on data. I rely on keeping my files safe and secured, and for maintaining them for a minimum of 5 years after they are produced per USPAP and licensing laws.
A number of years ago I decided to go paperless. So no more file cabinets, manilla folders and printed hard copies. Now, everything is contained within the appraisal file itself and thus the need for effective back up solutions.
For my appraisals themselves, I use the Vault by Alamode. For $200 a year, I can safely store 1000 files and retrieve them as needed. I really don't need to retrieve them usually - but it's nice to not have to remember to move files to an external hard drive, or back up to CD/DVD media.
Recently though, I also found the need to back up everything else. An external hard drive I use to back up copies of old photos, office documents and music, suddenly decided to go POOF with a large amount of smoke! Needless to say - EVERYTHING on that drive is toast!
There are a few different options out there - but the best, most economical I have found is CloudZow.
Think about the things you need to back up as a real estate professional.
- Client correspondence
- Contracts
- Photos
- Video
- Financial records
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