Comp data may be added from
- The Dashboard database UI (recommended, faster). See video here (4:16)
- The appraisal spreadsheet (legacy).
This balance of this article covers database functions from the spreadsheet.
Adding Records to the Database
There are three ways to add records:
- Hand entry from Grid or Data Sheet
- Duplicate an existing comp
- Bulk Uploads from a worksheet
Add Records by Hand Entry with the Database Editor
Similar to editing comps, new comps can be added from the grid or from a Data Sheet.
Hand Entry From a Grid
The assumption here is you want to add a comp directly to the grid for analysis. Make sure the StartDeck Tables sidebar is open and the comp column is empty, then from the blue Actions dropdown in cell B7, select Edit Comp #. This will display a form with an option to Enter New Comparable. Select that, enter comp data and save. This will populate the selected comp column and create a new record in the database.
Hand Entry From a Data Sheet #
Records can be added from an existing Data Sheet established from a previous search and data import, or from a new Data Sheet.
From the Navigation sidebar, select a Data Sheet and open the Database Editor. At the bottom of the sidebar, click the blue“New" button. This will clear the form of any existing data so that new data can be entered.
Start by setting the property view for the new data — the form will display only fields that are applicable to the selected property type.
Note: Setting the database view sets the default view for the Data Sheet
The Database Editor is now configured for data entry for the selected property type. Enter data from the top of the form down. Calculated fields can be calculated as you progress down the form, or use Calculate All Fields after the form has been completed.
Best Practice Tip: Calculate each field as you progress down the form*, this will help you catch data entry errors or anomalies for the comp. Then, when the record is completed, run Calculate All Fields and do a final review of calculated fields.
*Note: Some calculated fields require other fields to be entered before the calculation can be run. For example, price per square foot requires the price and square footage fields to be completed for the calculation can be run.
About Images
Rather than saving comp images to the database, the URL for comp images is saved. StartDeck creates a dedicated image folder for each project and uploaded comp images are saved to that folder: My Google Drive > StartDeck > Projects > My/Team Project > Images
About Attachments
Similar to images, attachments are added to comp records by their respective URL to the Attachments fields, located at the bottom of the Database Editor form. At this time, attachments must be added to Google Drive manually, the URL copied and pasted to the attachment field. Multiple attachments can be added as needed. To expand the field, drag the lower left corner down.
Best Practice Tip: Label each attachment
Duplicate an Existing Comp #
- Open the record to duplicate in the Database Editor.
- Click Duplicate at the bottom of the Database Editor.
- Edit and Save.
Direct Entry From a New Data Sheet #
This is almost identical to using an existing data sheet. Simply go to Utilities, then select Add a New Data Sheet. This will open a new, blank Data Sheet. Add data for new records as described above.
Bulk Uploads From a Worksheet #
See Also
Related Articles
Working with the Dashboard Database UI (Video)
Comparables and Appraisal Database
How to Get More Help
- Email support@startdeck.com
- Request a web meeting here