ClickFORMS Version 6.9 Released
The latest version of ClickFORMS, 6.9.3, was released June 17, 2009. This release corrected an isolated issue regarding the display of digital signatures. ClickFORMS 6.9 also includes a number of new features, forms and fixes that improve on Version 6.8 and provide an easier, more-enriching form-filling experience for appraisers.

The main feature included in Version 6.9 is a refined ClickFORMS Auto Updater. The Auto Updater is now Windows Vista compatible, and automatically checks for updates once a week. In addition to the Auto Updater, we have incorporated one of your top suggestions: windows now remember their size and position.

Another useful feature included in this release is an improved PDF Creator. With the new PDF Creator, the average file size for PDFs has been dramatically decreased, helping to conserve disc space. Older versions of ClickFORMS created PDFs with an average file size of 6MB; PDFs created with ClickFORMS 6.9 are less than half that at an average of 2MB.

ClickFORMS 6.9 also added four new forms, provided five updates to existing forms and included eight software fixes.

Version 6.9 is not available via automatic update. To update your copy, you must download the full installer. Go to BradfordSoftware.com and click the blue Download tab at the top of the page.

A complete list of the new features and fixes included in ClickFORMS 6.9 is available here: http://bradfordsoftware.com/clickflash/cf06162009/

Transmitting Reports: What's in a name?
At times, there may be misunderstandings between you and your clients when they ask that you send them the report in a specific format. You might have heard something like this:
“Please send us your file using ACI.” But wait a minute... I don’t have ACI, I use ClickFORMS!
Or perhaps they’ll say that they need it AI Ready, and you’re telling yourself, “Shoot, now I have to purchase another connection?”

The truth of the matter is that some of these names are interchangeable when you’re talking in terms of transmitting an appraisal report. These are the names that go together:

• AppraisalPort = AI Ready
• Lighthouse = ACI

So if your client is telling you that you need to submit your appraisal using ACI, just know that what you need is the Lighthouse connection.

Are you finding that pages are being dropped when transmitting through Lighthouse? Please give us a call to let us know: 800-622-8727.

Direct Orders and AMC Orders in Dead Heat Post-HVCC
The Appraisal Institute reports technology vendor Global DMS has found that, in the six weeks following the implementation of the HVCC, the percentage of appraisals ordered through AMCs is roughly the same as the percentage of appraisals directly ordered from the lender to the appraiser. This marks a sharp increase in the percentage of valuation services ordered through AMCs.

According to Vladimir Bien-Aime, the president and chief executive of Global DMS, larger lenders have been more likely to conclude that the volume of their appraisal orders justifies the decision to outsource valuation services. However, it may be more economically justifiable for small to midsized lenders to keep the appraisal ordering business in-house.

To read the full article, visit the Appraisal Institute official website at the link below: http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/ano/current.aspx?volume=10&numbr=11/12#7570

Nevada Passes Legislation to Approve BPOs
Carrie Bay, of DSNews.com, reports Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons signed Senate Bill 184 into law Tuesday, June 9, which enables Broker Price Opinions (BPOs) to be performed within the state of Nevada. This bill, which was reportedly met with widespread support from real estate brokers, agents and appraisers within the state, created guidelines for BPO preparation and delivery to alleviate concerns about their use.

The legislation allows for the preparation and use of BPOs in Nevada for a number of different purposes, including the listing of real property for sale. The new law also allows for the use of BPOs by existing or potential lien holders on a property, so long as the BPO is not used in lieu of an appraisal to decide whether to approve a mortgage loan.

“In some situations a full appraisal might be the appropriate product, while in other situations a BPO gives the customer the information they are looking for," commented Michael Ramer, president of the Real Estate Valuation Advocacy Association, in a statement. "It is also very common to get a BPO in addition to a full appraisal which gives the end user even more information. The key is to match the valuation or pricing tool to the need, and Nevada’s legislation now allows users to choose from a full spectrum of valuation tools in appropriate situations.”

To read more about this legislation, and to read more statements from real estate professionals, read the full article at: http://www.dsnews.com/index.php/home/news_story/3099

U.S. Housing Starts, Permits climb in May
Bloomberg.com reports U.S. housing starts rose to an estimated annual rate of 532,000 in the month of May. This is up 17% from the previous month, in which the annual rate was 454,000. The rise from April to May beat estimates, signifying positive movement in the housing industry. Building permits also rose more than estimated.

“It’s fair to say that we have found a bottom in housing, though the concern is that the bottom is at a very low level,” said Zach Pandl, an economist at Nomura Securities International Inc. in New York. “We have a long way to go to reach more normal levels of activity.”

To read more about this housing trend, read the full article at: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aPWDH98FdnVI

Tech Tip: Location Maps
We regret to inform you that Map Solutions, whose flagship service GeoLocator has been used as a Mapping Solution with ClickFORMS, is no longer in business.

Those who currently use GeoLocator as their mapping solution can utilize the Location Maps included with ClickFORMS Maintenance plans. Location Maps with ClickFORMS make use of Microsoft MapPoint technology, and can be modified with custom labels.

To add a Location Map to your ClickFORMS report, simply perform the following steps:

1. Open your report.

2. Go to the Services Menu.

3. Select the New Location Map option.

4. Click the Locate button in the Address Locator Window.

5. Click the Transfer Button in the Address Locator Results Window.

6. You can then move and modify the map arrows as needed.

If you are not current on a maintenance plan, please call us at 800-622-8727 or visit http://www.bradfordsoftware.com/clickforms/maintenance.shtml to learn more.