Appraisal Buzz Interview with Vladimir Bien-Aime, President of eTrac

Buzz: For our readers, who may not know of your company, eTrac develops the most popular web-based appraisal office management solution for real estate appraisers.

Buzz: So, what are your thoughts on all your new competition?

Vlad: How does that old saying go, “imitation is the best form of flattery”? Seriously, it seems that every year a new company attempts to copy what we have done and, unfortunately for them and their clients, they fail. Although we welcome the competition, I think appraisers are more hesitant to try new technology after a bad experience. We have been around for over 5 years now and provide a truly valuable service, which is the foundation of our success. We will continue to be the leader of innovation in the industry and it think everything else will work fall into place.

Buzz: Aren’t you much more expensive than a lot of these newcomers?

Vlad: I think some think that primarily because in the past we only had one package and that really didn’t work for everyone. It was pretty much an all-or-nothing sort of deal, and since smaller appraisal firms did not need all of the bells and whistles, it was out of their price range. Those that think we’re more expensive need to visit www.myetrac.com/pricing.asp now. I also believe if you compare us to any competitor, you will see why we always come out on top. Our technology is unquestionably superior and our support is second to none. Comparing us to vendors with old technology that don’t even offer toll free support or training is not only unfair but pointless. That’s why from August 15th through September 15th we are running the Dare to Compare promotion. If you switch to eTrac from any other commercial web-based trackin g system, it will only cost $99.95 dollars for the first year. We want every appraiser to check us out and see what they’ve been missing.

Buzz: I know what most tracking systems do but what differentiates eTrac from all the other systems available?

Vlad: Since eTrac was developed from the ground up on Microsoft’s .NET technology, it allows us to deliver solutions that are flexible, powerful and expandable. Of course we continue to do the things that made us a leader such as managing orders, updating clients and tracking receivables but now we do so much more. Here are just a few things that eTrac offers that set us apart from the competition.

• Integration with QuickBooks. eTrac is now integrated with Intuit QuickBooks financial management software. With eTrac and QuickBooks, it is now possible to get a clear overall business picture without significant overhead. Surveys show that about 65 percent of appraisers use QuickBooks, so it only makes sense to make it easy for them to do so.
• eServices. Users of ACI are able to download orders, send status and appraisals files directly from within ACI Report. Appraisers don’t even need to logon to their websites to stay in the loop.
• Loan Origination Software (LOS). The integration of LOS software such as Calyx Point allows appraisal orders to flow directly from the lenders’ systems to the appraiser without re-keying of information. This significantly reduces errors and saves time.
• Integrated Payment processing. eTrac is able to process credit card payments and checks online. Appraisers will be able to take checks or credit cards and have money deposited directly into their bank accounts without any additional hardware or software. With the free mobile option, appraisers can even take checks or credit cards in the field using their cell phones or PDA.
• Forms Integration. eTrac can download order data from most major forms vendors and have them populate their appraisal form to save valuable time by reducing data entry.
• Shared Office Calendar. Appraisal offices can now stay in sync with each other via the shared eTrac Office Calendar that provides online scheduling of appointments and downloading into Microsoft Outlook.
• File Sharing and workflow. eTrac’s built–in workflow provides a simple mechanism for appraisers and reviewers in the office to exchange large files securely without wasting time on cumbersome email attachments.

Visit www.myetrac.com for more information about these exclusive eTrac features.

Buzz: Tell me more about the QuickBooks integration features of eTrac. It seems like something that every appraiser would be interested in.

Vlad: The QuickBooks integration product, called eSync integrates directly into the QuickBooks file menu and allows for 1-click downloading of all transactions. There is no need for a complicated export or import process and double entry is virtually eliminated. The eSync integration requires QuickBooks 2002 Pro or higher.

Buzz: I understand you are launching a new product in the very near future. Can you talk about it?

Vlad: We are releasing the eTrac Marketing Center on Monday August 22nd. eTrac Marketing Center is a powerful, all-in-one email marketing solution that works with eTrac Office Manager. We use an intuitive wizard to let anyone send personalized and professional emails in minutes. eTrac Marketing Center will allow our clients to easily market their services and keep in touch with their clients, staff and appraisers via email, fax, or postal mail. eTrac Marketing Center will be offered as part of our new packages and pricing model.

Buzz: It seems that everyone at eTrac has been really busy. I ‘m glad you took the time to bring us up to speed on all the exciting things happening at eTrac. Keep up the great work!

Vlad: Thank you Joan, we are very excited about the future and I looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas in November!

To learn more about eTrac please call sales at 1-877-My-eTrac or visit our web site at www.myetrac.com.

Vladimir Bien-Aime
President of eTrac