February 6, 2018

Using templates is a quick and easy way to jump start your appraisal reports with default information. Templates are created at the form level and many appraisers set up multiple templates for the same form type to better suit their needs (i.e. template based on neighborhood). So what happens to the “perfect” template when a new version of the form is released? Don’t fret, just follow these quick and easy steps.

1. Create a new report using your template
2. Click File > Change Report Type and select the NEW Report Pak
3. Verify the form contains the data from your old template
4. Make any adjustments as needed (new fields on new form, etc.)
5. Click File > Save As > Template and give it a unique name

Now, when you create a new report, you’ll have a new template associated with the new form. Interested in more efficiency tips? Join us for a Saving Time in ACI Report training class.

February 23, 2017

To get started using Appraiser Genie, email info@appraisergenie.com or call 325-704-2592 to set up your account. Once an account has been established, follow the below basic instructions for using Appraiser Genie.

1. Export a CSV from your MLS (supported list: http://www.appraisergenie.com/#mappedmls)
2. Click eServices > Import Analysis Data > AppraiserGenie.
   
3. A sign in window will appear. Enter your Appraiser Genie credentials and check “remember me” to skip this step in the future.
4. Once the Appraiser Genie page launches, populate the Subject Address (if not pre-filled), select your form type and then click Start New Report to browse for CSV.
   
5. A progress bar will appear while Appraiser Genie crunches numbers and scrubs your data.
6. Make your selections and click NEXT to proceed through the Appraiser Genie workflow.
7. After the Public Record section an Export To Report button will appear in the upper left. You can export at this time, or continue through the analysis and regression sections.
   
8. Upon export the appraisal data will import into ACI Report (this can take several minutes and the window will automatically close when complete). The graphs and PDFs will be available on your computer in My Documents\Appraiser_Genie. You can use these for reference, or attach the PDFs to your appraisal report as you normally would.

For more information, contact Appraiser Genie support at 325-701-9012 or via email at info@appraisergenie.com. Live training classes are also available on appraisergenie.com.

February 10, 2017

Getting a new machine is exciting, but newer operating systems paired with your office network can be difficult to navigate. We’ve established this document as a guide for the folders and files you’ll need to hit the ground running with ACI software on your new PC. If you’re not comfortable moving your own database, please don’t hesitate to call or email us. The ACI One Call team has office hours 7-days a week to help you early, late, and even on the weekends. The below list includes the default folder locations; however, if your office is networked or you’ve changed your options this may be slightly different.

The paths for your files are located in your software. To validate these file locations go to: Options > Environment > File Locations, or you can go to the Database Redirector to create a reusable template.

In \Program Files (x86)\ACI32\ you’ll find:

• Dict.u (this file holds the words in your dictionary)
• BackUp
• Canisters
• Configuration
• Databases (File Lister \ ACI Research)
• Images
• MISMO
• PDFS
• Picklist (Common Responses)
• Reports
• Signatures
• Templates

The Configuration folder will always be local on the C drive: The files contained in the Configuration folder keep your current settings and are integral to making sure your new computer is as close to the previous one as possible.

It may be beneficial to copy the entire ACI32 folder to your external hard drive. This way, if you have any data that you need, it will be accessible. You can then copy the above folders to place within ACI32 folder on your new computer.

Remember if you need us we’re here. Just call 800-234-8727 Monday – Friday from 7am – 10pm ET, or Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 5pm ET. Also, before completing the migration and wiping your old machine – triple check that everything is operating as expected and your settings, signature, reports, and common responses are all available.

July 14, 2016

The Weighted Value Calculator is a super tool to assist you in determining the Indicated Value by Sales Comparison Approach. This worksheet displays a summary of each Comparable’s net and gross values along with corresponding weights.

The weight is calculated using the ratio of a Comparable’s gross adjustment percentage to the overall gross percentage. Comparables that have a lower gross percentage are assigned a higher weight. Comparables that have a higher gross percentage are assigned a lower weight. The weights are then applied to each Comparable’s adjusted value, the sum of which provides the overall weight.

To launch the Weighted Value Calculator, navigate to the Indicated Value by Sales Comparison Approach field and click the in-line worksheet icon . Use the check boxes to remove selected Comparables from the weight calculations. Click Import to use the weighted value as your Indicated Value by Sales Comparison Approach.

You can start enjoying this ACI One feature right away at no additional charge. Just run WebUpdate with the Special Update ID ACIONE to incorporate this new worksheet into your existing version of ACI2012. Remember, we’re here to help you 7am – 10pm ET on weekdays and 9am – 5pm on weekends, just email onecall@aciweb.com or give us a call at 800-234-8727.

TIP: The summary breakdown can also be used just for reference. Select the Copy button to attach a copy of the worksheet to your clipboard, you can then include the image in Extra Image Pages, Documents or even email programs to show your work.

July 6, 2016

To use Sales Price to calculate the Comparables Adjusted Value on a LAND form, you need to change your Report Options. By default the land forms are set to use the line for “Price per” so that you can calculate adjustments by the appropriate unit for the property (sq ft, acre, front foot, etc).

If you prefer to calculate adjustments based on sales price, you can easily switch this option. Simply open the land report and then from the top menu select Options > Report and click the + (plus) sign next to the appropriate Land form (Land2, Land_10, Land_15). Select Sales Comparison Analysis and select the radio button for Sales Price. Click OK to accept the changes.

Select Apply to Future Reports Created with Default Options to use this option for future reports. To apply settings to an existing template, edit the template and select the option. When creating a new report, select Use Default Report Options to use the default options.

May 25, 2016

To save or deliver a PDF, MISMO XML or ENV file in ACI Sky, you will use the “Deliver” option. Click the “Deliver” button in the upper right corner of the screen. A Sky Delivery prompt displays boxes to select your format and options to either email or save the PDF, MISMO XML or ENV file. You may select them individually or select multiple formats.

Note: If you select ENV or MISMO XML, you must pass UAD Validation to continue the creation and delivery of the file.

To email the selected file formats, check the box next to Send Email to: Next, update the ‘To’ line with an email address for delivery and be sure to press ‘Enter” to apply the email address. To save the selected file formats, check the box next to “Download Local Copy of File(s).” When you are ready, click Deliver and your files will be emailed and/or saved depending on your selections. When processing is complete, a success message will appear and your files will be delivered and/or saved.

May 25, 2016

An ENV file is short for “Envelope,” the required file format for delivering appraisals to AppraisalPort®. This delivery option is included in the ACI eServices subscription. To save an ENV file in ACI, you will use the delivery option. Click eServices > Send Report > AI READY or click on the AI Ready icon.

Note: you must pass UAD Validation to continue the creation and/or delivery of the file.

The ENV will then appear in the preview screen (aka the OADI Uploader); this is where you can view the translation. From here you may select Save to create a copy of the ENV to your local machine, or Send to deliver the file through AppraisalPort.

May 3, 2016

Q: Can I have my Comps 456 page print right after my Comps 123 page?

Yes! Your ACI Software has options to display the additional comparables pages after the Comparable 123 page or after the Signature page. If you want to switch the order, all you need to do is to flip the Report Option, close and reopen your report, and SHAZAM! It is reordered.

Just open a report, select Options > Report, click on the plus sign next to the main form (ex: 1004_05UAD), then select Additional Comparables. On the right side of the window, select an option to Display Comparable Sales 456 and 789 Pages. You can include them after the Comparable Sales 123 page or Signature page.

This option is set for each form type and can be applied to both Sales and Rental comps. Just remember to close and reopen the report to see the option take effect. To apply this option to all of your future reports, you can either save it as a default option or flip the option on your templates or cloned files.

To set your default options for a specific form type, check the box that indicates Apply to Future Reports Created with Default Options. Then when you create a new report, make sure that you select Use Default Report Options.

December 28, 2015

Yes, our tests of ACI Report, Track, Flash, Research, Sketch and the ACI Delivery client were all successful on Windows 10 without update or modification. Our web-based services for file delivery, maps, flood, data, and file storage are all compatible with the Windows 10 platform, too. In general, ACI works on Windows 10 much the same as it does on Windows 7 or 8.

For more information on Windows 10, here are links to get you up-to-speed.

• Overview of Windows 10 Features
• Q & A for Upgrading to Windows 10

Have a question about features, functions or just overall efficiency? We’re here to help you with a quick and friendly reply to OneCall@aciweb.com.

October 16, 2015

A: EAD (Electronic Appraisal Delivery) is the MISMO® XML delivery portal for the FHA. EAD compliant MISMO XML can be created with ACI Report™ (eServices > Send Report > FHA MISMO Delivery).

The EAD has similar requirements as UAD, but includes some additional data standards and a digital signing process for added security.

Here is a quick breakdown of key items:

• Case Number formatting 123-1234567
• Data formatting is the same on UAD forms 1004 and 1073 with one exception.
  • Year Built may be left blank if the property is not Existing Construction.
• Additional formatting requirements for 1004C, 1025, 1004D forms.
  • Dates in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  • Numeric fields (no commas, +, -, $, etc.).
  • Money: whole dollar amounts, use decimals only when necessary.
• Digital Signing of XML to provide additional security of appraisal data.
• No Supervisory Appraiser Allowed.

For more information about EAD, visit our Compliance page. If you have a specific question please email OneCall@aciweb.com or call 800-234-8727 and we’ll be happy to assist you.