My assistant takes photos if I am swamped. So I am taking the photos. I pull the comps and recheck the data after his input. I have my hands all over the report as well.

I just hired an assistant recently and you would not believe how much easier my life become. It gave me more time to concentrate on selling part of my business, driving with clients and not just sitting in front of the computer most of the time. I can spend more time with my kids and start to sleep like a normal people 7-8 hours instead of 4-6. I like it so much!
My assistant does the exact same thing as DeanaW said. I finish the report, check everything after her and upload pictures. I do take a pictures and inspect the properties myself.

Thanks Deanaw for the referral, having an assistant is great. I have so much more free time I am so happy! She is great with data entry, never had an issue yet. The fee is well worth the sanity you will gain!

You are very welcome!!! I love her too!!!

On another blog I recently saw some info on an automated data entry software for BPO's. It connects with your MLS and enters all the time consuming subject and comp info such as SF, bed/ba, garage, etc. Has anyone used a system such as this? Does it work?

Greg,

Don in San Diego, what blog were you on and what software?

Thanks

Sounds like pretty fancy (read that costly) software considering the wide range of MLS formats to pull data from, and even wider range of client BPO forms in which to populate it!

GK

Can't remember, looking through them now. Will let everyone know once I find it again.

Mr F

The program I saw had connected with some MLS, not all but mine was on the list, and different BPO companies. Not all companies and forms are set up, but if it enough of mine then I could do so many more.

They only charge $49.95 per month, so basically the cost of 1 BPO. Some agents have said it takes them 25-20 minutes in total to do a BPO, not including pics. This could allow me either more time for extra BPO's or more family time OR BOTH!

I know, I know. I've not said anything because, well just because. No, I don't subscribe to it, but according to their website:

"HOW IT WORKS
Introduction

Are you tired of filling out the same form over and over again? Then let BPOXXXX help you. Simply put all data to be input into a very straightforward and easily understandable text file and BPOXXXX can read the data from there and submit it to the web site - completely automatic, without your interaction!

The data source can be in either of two different formats: a text file with a list of variables and their values of the form key=value or as a comma separated text file (CSV format). A text file in CSV format can be generated and edited by Microsoft Excel and many other applications.

The CSV format is most appropriate for use with a few variables with many different values."

It works with IAS, RT, FARVV and several others.

I don't know if I could totally trust something like this and still have the quality I have in my reports that get me the number of orders I get.

Something to think about!

If you want to have a human being input your data at an extremely reasonable cost, send me a PM.

I think the Data Entry is really the simplest aspect of this whole enterprise; maybe only 7-8%. Determining "what" to put in is where the work is, and that can't be shuffled off to anyone else. Who's going to take care of any QC required alterations ?

Finding Comps involves probably 40% of the effort; taking pictures of the Subject maybe 15%; obtaining Tax info on the Subject 12%; writing catchy QC Proof Commentary 20%; making an Opinion of the Subjects's Value 5%.

I discovered last week that my Shield Deluxe (Kaspersky) Anti Virus/Anti Worm Software interferes with FINITI because they make you download a 10 meg software module that then resides on your Computer, and then they now send you data packets for the individual Work Order which look very suspicious to Kaspersky and they know it !

FINITI 's solution last week was that I take the time to un-install my anti-virus software; do their BPO; and go buy and install some other Anti-Virus Software . . . . for the privilege of doing their Assignments. Originally, they mimicked the FARVV/SourceOne System. NOT GONNA HAPPEN HERE !

I've done work for them since 2007; but that has now ended !

Vermont - I'm with you all the way, input is the lowest amount of time (except the PCV website, then it's 3 times longer), pulling comps can take a while depending on the property and location. I still feel the "hands on" approach is better, you can control your own quality and in the time it would take one to review what has been entered automatically and that it is correct you could actually do the input yourself.