Last updated April, 2009

Free reporting software (EZguide 8)

Contents (in the order found on this page):

Homexam’s hardware

EZpad

Other items (not from Homexam)

Permanent entries

Word

Insurance

Home Inspection Tools

Chapter/page dividers for 3-ring binders

Homexam Hardware

   Homexam now offers hardware in addition to software and books. Here’s the scoop:

EZpad

   Like an automatic transmission on a car, EZpad will shift your report creation into high gear fast! Intended to work with the new EZguide 8. Price: $100. Not satisfied? Return it in like-new condition within the 30-day period after UPS lists it as “delivered” and get a full refund.

Permanent entries:

   Before buying anything on the web, check out the vendor a www.resellerratings.com.

   Get the best prices from daily auctions at www.onsale.com . A great non-auction website that surveys dozens of sources daily for prices and can find the best price on hardware is www.pricewatch.com .  You also might want to go to www.surplusdirect.com to see if there are any bargains in factory refurbished goods or close-out inventories from retailers that have gone broke. You also might want to visit www.buy.com .  

   Cheap Software has great bargains, but sometimes they are more expensive on the web— www.buycheapsoftware.com --so call 888-999-2611 instead if you are looking their more expensive offerings.

Word

   To use Homexam's EZguide for Windows, you'll need to get a copy of Word 2000 (or later). Probably the best way to buy :Word is to get Microsoft Works Suite on ebay. As of  2009, Suite 2004 is available for  less the $20, incl. shipping. There is hardly any justification for getting a newer version of Word unless you are part of a huge corporation and regularly collaborate with others on the same Word file. However, keep in mind that Suite 2004 includes a version of Word (Word 2002 or Word XP) that must be fixed with a free patch downloaded from the Microsoft website (instructions are found in the EZguide file). 

   2010 update: If you would like to avoid that hassle, you can purchase Works Suite 2006 (which includes Word 2003 - one of the best versions of Word ever published) for $30 from https://www.buycheapsoftware.com/details~productID~2917.asp. It also may be a good idea to stay away from the latest versions of Word; no one has mentioned any problems, but they have not been tested with EZguide by Homexam.

Voice Recorders (solid state, no tape)

   Voice recorders are great. You get random access to their solid-state memory, so you don't have to wait for tape to roll to get to playback the message you want. Try to get one with ordinary batteries, such as AAA, instead of button batteries.  

Insurance

   You may get a good deal on Errors and Omissions insurance from the Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers ( www.frea.com or 800-882-4410). Dan Bowers, founder of the Great Plains ASHI chapter, says he switched from the ASHI-recommended agency because of FREA's efficient service.

   Home inspector tools

   Get a 10% discount when you buy equipment from Building Specs Inc. by mentioning you saw the link on the Homexam website: www.buildingspecs.com  

   Get a good price on a Monoxor II CO tester— see article 6E in The User-Friendly Home.

   Chapter/page dividers for 3-ring notebooks

   You can get 8 tab dividers for chapters in Homexam's User-Friendly Home (Structure, Exterior, etc.) for $1.80 per set from Joe Toomey (call 301-951-0010)