I am a new member of Nachi and am seeking the professional advice of my colleagues!! My wife and I are starting this Home Inspection business together and are in the process of trying to find the right software program to purchase. We are very computer literate but would like the program which best suits the needs of the home inspectors industry. Any suggestions? Anyone?
Thank You,
Shawn and Kate Gagne
Take a look here
http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2263
You may be able to get a very nice price for one of the best programs available.
Good luck. 
Could be worth it depending on the final price. But if, like you say you’re very computer literate, the limitations of this program will frustrate you at times. Just to name a few; 1)can’t include internet links in report, 2) text documents only, that is no Word or any other type documents, 3) very slow and 4)get ready to do LOTS of editing (in MS text).
Check out all the different programs most will send you trial copies.
According to Lorne Steiner (InspectVue) they will be coming out with the new version this spring, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Thank you so much for your feedback. Do you use something different and if so what is your opinion of what might be of best use? I am looking for something that is comprehensive to the customer and gives a great presentation. I have checked out several programs, and the one I like best so far is something called Home Guide 3.0 Suite… are you familiar with this and if so, what is your opinion?
Again, thank you for your thoughts, it is very helpful in deciding what is the best direction to go in.
Have you checked out 3D ??
check out the reporting software section in the Nachi Mall.
Those are the same things I dislike about PV, except for the very slow part, as I have never had a problem with the software being slow.? And to be honest I did allot of editing with PV, but it is nothing compared to what I am going through with 3D
Anything but Home Guide in my own no legal binding don’t sue me opinion.
Not one single software program is ever easy, but over time they all get good. Pick one stay with it, mold it to your own…and make it work.
I use PV, but I’m in no way compensated or endorsing the product, and I have no vender interest in NACHI.:mrgreen:
What, that’s crazy, no vendor interest, can this be right? How did you become a member?
The only thing I don’t like about 3D is the funky glasses…
funny
True… But once you learn 3D and get the boiler plate fine tuned it is a great program.
That’s what I keep telling myself. 
You bursted our bubble when you said anything but home guide, that was the one we have liked the best out of the 5-6 we have looked into. We being, my wife ( the computer wizz ) and myself the home inspector. Any reasons why you say anything but the Home Guide?
Out of the 5-6 what have you looked at?
Everyone learns differently and sees things differently…that is why we have choices…maybe HomeGuide suits your eye ? I haven’t investigate that software…so I can’t offer an opinion…
Have you never looked into it because they didn’t offer funky glasses with the program? LOL
Tell us which ones you have looked at and perhaps that will help us know which ones to check out. I use HomeGauge, no funky glasses.
Inspect Express
Reason I like it is because it is an overlay to MS word
Like the rest of them some english changes are required.
Also think if the Software will be used on a PDA - Laptop - etc.
—IMO your first SW package will only last a few years until someone will have a better one and you will replace it
rlb
I have used 3D for the past 12 years. It’s the best I’ve seen and I’ve tried them all. With computer software experience you should find it easy to use and easy to develope you’re own templates. Without a computer software background it may be a little difficult. However, there are many resellers around the country that sell templates for just about every application.