I just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that DaVinci for iPad is now available in the App Store. You can download it from this link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/davinci-for-ipad/id372048588?mt=8.
Like the first iPhone version, this is a Labs release. There are some areas we know are still a bit rough around the edges, and in particular the photos handling we're going to revamp quite a bit. But, you'll definitely get a feel for where we're going with this.
First is the sketcher. Not only do you have more room to work with your sketch, we've been able to implement a toolbar that makes switching between drawing modes, adding symbols and labels, and defining areas more intuitive. A new keyboard layout simplifies entering dimensions and drawing lines. We've added directional arrows to the keyboard that can be used instead of swiping if that feels more comfortable. And we've also introduced the ability to draw 45 degree walls by either swiping in a diagonal direction or using the corresponding arrow keys, which is a huge time-saver.
Data gathering also got a huge boost from the extra screen space in that we're able to show the data entry form, navigation between forms, and the active QuickList on the screen at the same time. Tapping a QuickList item automatically takes you to the next field and loads the next QuickList. You'll be amazed how fast you can rip though the data gathering phase. Even the FieldPad benefitted with all the extra screen space for drawing with your finger.
One of the key features of the iPad is that there's no correct or incorrect way to hold it. DaVinci adopts this philosophy by rotating all screens automatically no matter how you hold it. So whatever orientation feels most comfortable to use is just fine.
Also, just like the iPhone version, you can configure DaVinci for iPad to sync reports, form layouts and QuickLists from WinTOTAL, TOTAL 2010 or DaVinci Mobile Pro.
a la mode, inc.
NTREIS MLS Area Housing Activity Report Compiled for North Texas Real Estate Information System
Current Month Summary for: January 2009
The link below will take you to an interactive Dallas real estate map with 4th quarter 2008 sales data. It is sortable by percentage price change, median price, and by average sales price per square foot.
Visit the site at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/graphics/homesales/084q.html
DALLAS - A local mortgage broker said she's trying to take some uncertainty out of home buying in the down economy.
Linda Davidson saw a car commercial that promised buyers they could return the car if they lost their job. She wondered if the same concept could apply for a house.
David did a little research and found a company doing the next best thing.
The "Worry-Free Mortgage" costs buyers about $500, but it offers them protection in case they lose their job in the first two years after they purchase their home.
If the person is laid off during that time the insurance simply picks up the mortgage.
That's up to $1,800 per month for a maximum of six months, Davis said.
She is hoping it will help improve sales at a time when people are afraid to buy a home.
Larry Strickler, another local real estate agent said he thinks it's a great idea.
It could become a standard practice with home listings, he said.
Foreclosures were on the rise in Dallas, Irving and Plano at the end of 2008, according to a report from First American CoreLogic, but remained steady in Fort Worth and Arlington.
The Santa Ana, Calif.-based company (NYSE: FAF) said about 0.9 percent of the homes in Dallas, Irving and Plano with mortgages were in foreclosure in December, up from 0.8 percent in December 2007. The company said 5,766 homes in that area were in foreclosure in the month of December.
CoreLogic collects data on home prices, foreclosure and delinquency activity and other residential real estate activity.
About 3.7 percent of Dallas-area mortgage loans were 90 days or more delinquent in December — unchanged from a year earlier.
Foreclosure rates in Fort Worth-Arlington have remained the same for December 2008 and December 2007 — 0.8 percent, CoreLogic said. It said 3,042 homes in the Fort Worth-Arlington area were in foreclosure in December. The mortgage delinquency rate also was unchanged with 3.8 percent of mortgage loans 90 days or more delinquent.
Foreclosure percentages in North Texas remain below the 1.7 percent of U.S. mortgages in foreclosure at the end of December, according to the report.