Last updated Jul., 2005

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

Full Size Laptops

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 . A similar, but harder-to-use site for hardware AND software is www.cmpexpress.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.

Word

   To use Homexam's EZguide for Windows, you'll need to get a copy of Word 2000 (or later). Now you can get Word 2000 for about $120 as part of Microsoft’s Works Suite 2000 (be sure to get the SUITE, not just Works 2000) from Softman (Cheap Software): 888-999-2611 - http://cheapsoftware.com/.

Also check out www.pricewatch.com and click on “software.” Homexam still has a few copies of Works Suite that includes Word 2000 - $50.

Note: If you use Word 2002 or Word XP, you must download and install the latest service pack for Office from Microsoft (there is a flaw in Word 2002 that kills macros).

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.

   Full-size laptops for EZguide

   Used laptops: Check with Dollar Computer Corporation (800-910-0085; www.dollarcomputer.com or www.computersfree.com ). If you are buying any computer equipment, you probably should check the prices on www.pricewatch.com (pricewatch is great for hardware but not for complete systems) or www.pricescan.com or www.bestbargains.com .

   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)