Need Appraisal Studio Support? Tel# here. Boycott ACI? (news)

by AC , Monday, November 24, 2008, 16:59 @ AC

"My baloney has a first name, it's A-C-?...”. Let's wait and see if this is true!

APPRAISAL STUDIO USERS:

From what I've read on the internet, ACI (Appraiser's Choice) does not intend to support Appraisal Studio Software (from United Systems in Arizona). They may intend to try and get Appraisal Studio to dump their paid for Appraisal Studio software and to switch to ACI Software. I've noticed they've taken down the United Systems site at: www.unitedsystems.com and replaced it with an ACI "attaboy" page.

APPRAISAL STUDIO USERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO CONVERT:
However, today (24 Nov 08) I spoke with Paul at ACI Sales (800-234-8727), and it looks like Appraisal Studio users will be able to convert to ACI software for a little more than the typical cost that others are paying for yearly Technical Support. My United Systems Account, now at ACI shows that I am not currently paying Tech Support (only paid for 6 mo worth since 2000 for Appraisal Studio when new forms came out). My cost to convert to the inferior ACI product would be $499, which includes a year of Tech Support. I asked if new forms came out in say JAN 09, would ACI support this for Appraisal Studio users? Paul said he doesn't know. Paul also said that ACI was giving "LIMITED" Tech Support for Appraisal Studio right now. Whatever that means.

But why convert to the inferior ACI product? It would be an opportune time for al amode to step in and help Appraisal Studio users, by offering them a discount to switch. Wait and see if al amode offers a discount on WINTOTAL -similar to the ACI offering ($499 for software including support). Either way this ACI takeover of United Systems will likely cause us a huge headache and loss of income - vis-a-vis having to take out lots of time to learn some new appraisal software -and ticking off Lenders because of guaranteed errors associated with this learning process. And as you know, time is money in the appraisal field.

For all of us who have used Appraisal Studio (from United Systems) for a long time, that is much like going from eating Caviar or Steak to spam or bologna sandwiches. Appraisal Studio was entirely "glitch free" for my for the past 3 years. I never had to buy a Technical Support contract, except when new forms were introduced. Appraisal Studio is uncluttered, sleek, fast, and worry free. I've looked upon Appraisal Studio as the cadillac of all appraisal software for some time now. And I have dowloaded and tested them all, including Day One which I thought was rather clumsy, poorly designed (desktop) and filled with glitches.

ACI would be much better served dumping their own lousy ACI appraisal software and putting most of their emphasis on Appraisal Studio.

If this turns out to be the case, and if ACI intends to leave Appraisal Studio users "holding the bag", then perhaps a "Boycott" of all ACI products maybe a good thing.

APPRAISAL STUDIO USERS:
In the interim. HERE IS A TELEPHONE NUMBER OF A GUY WHO HAS OFFERED TO HELP ANY APPRAISAL STUDIO USER WITH ANY TECH DIFFICULTIES:

Any Appraisal Studio user who isn’t in the position to go thru the cost and hassle of switching software, and in need of technical support, help is available. Just call 623-399-4696 for questions and details. Please keep in mind that they are not affiliated in any way with ACI, United Systems Software, or Zaio Corporation.

APPRAISAL STUDIO / XSITE GLITCH
(XSite takes out Text Editor in Appraisal Studio)

The ONLY glitch I know in Appraisal Studio has to do with al amode's XSite. Whenever you update Venders via XSite software, it takes out the TEXT FORM capability in Appraisal Studio.

HERE IS THAT QUICK FIX, if you need it. It takes about 3-4 minutes only.

CLOSE DOWN Appraisal Studio!

Right click START and choose "Explore"
In your file directory tree (called Explorer). Go into the folder C:\Program Files\United Systems\Appraisal Studio\Install Client

Double click the file "ClientSetup.exe". Choose REMOVE. Click the Finish button when this pops up.

after that finishes

Double click the same file "ClientSetup.exe" again. It will then automatically go thru the INSTALL again. Click the Finish button when this pops up.

This procedure is quick. It does NOT ask for any passwords, etc.

Now maybe a good time to copy/backup Appraisal Studio system files for "safekeeping".

/s/ Steve Keohane @ AppraiserCentral.com

Tags:
appraisal studio, united systems, appraisal studio tech support, ACI, boycott ACI, xsite, al amode