Boardpackager

If all they're doing is file-sharing then not sure it's worth it, at least not to applicants. If they're also offering guidance on preparing a solid board package then that could be valuable.

I have seen other automatic services and they been detrimental to the buyers -- they don't leave a margin to present a specific case (Hypothetically: "I was recently widowed and sold my family home, which is in contract -- one that sale closes in September my liquidity will improve drastically") but I have never used Board Packager specifically.

While I fear it is simply a way to shift work from buyer's broker to seller's broker (I work both sides so I have no particular dog in this fight) I will withhold further comment until after I see it in action.

ali r.
{downtown broker}

I have never used it, but from what I have heard about it, it is a tool which is geared towards moving those who are totally incompetent at the task to the "semi-competent" level rather than a tool which replaces the already "totally competent" level. OTOH, I'm told it does a good job on "very simple, straightforward" applicant's packages.

I have someone on my team who is an absolute expert at board package preparation, essentially it's 80% of what he does for me. We get rave reviews not only from our clients, also listing agents. Board package preparation certainly is a pain in the neck, but it's not rocket science.

I just feel the entire process is extremely antiquated. And the current online applications that are used are at best 90s technology, so to speak.

I just sincerely believe there's got to be a better way. I was hoping to hear some positive feedback about this software/company.

Keith

Hi,
I just finished reviewing the final version of a board package via Boardpackager (I'm on the sell side) - and it's actually a pretty okay system. I still think that the buyer should get all of his/her/their info to their agent and the agent should take the lead on completing the online application to avoid many rounds of back and forth. We prepare board packages way more often than buyers do and typically agents know that all statements and numbers must match up - something that's just not practical to put in the hands of the buyer most of the time.

So, while the system is decent, I firmly believe that the buyers' broker needs to be leading the process of compiling the information.

Hope that helps.

Kathryn

Probably more useful for condos. I was excited about it initially because any change in the antiquated process of board package preparation would be welcomed (in my opinion). Christian, who works with me had a pretty good look at it and wasn't very impressed.

I used it recently for a buyer client. It's not just file sharing, but it's not a game changer either (perhaps in time it could be). At this stage it felt more like a file sharing system combined with a requiredTo-do list combined with a few other tools like digital signatures. We still needed to do things manually in many ways- though since my buyer's package wasn't as straight forward as the buyer thought it was going to be- it was a positive that we were still able to make our situation fit to our needs.

I using BoardPackager as a buyer. It's better than filing out documents in hard copy, but it's still very repetitive. I must have entered my name at least two dozen times. Rather than using an online form to obtain all information (only once), it's basically a file sharing online PDF completion system and the various forms still have to be filled out one by one. And I don't love the 5% credit card processing fee - an obvious profit center at the expense of the buyer who's stuck paying whatever fees the condo board imposes. In sum: pretty good ... but could easily be a lot better.

It's quite redundant a lot of times, but I guess that's up to the board. If their packages are redundant then you are stuck filling out a lot of the same information. There really should be a more streamlined method to fill something once and have it populate the rest. Also the 5% credit card fee that you can't avoid is lame - especially since they decide to do away with cheques. The UI could also be revamped it's quite clunky at times and hard to read and figure out where you are in the document. This is my experience on the renter side.

Awful process just wait until some buyer gets hacked with all that personal information on the internet.Why should you be forced to use a credit card if you want to use a check, and pay extra fees?I’m so disappointed at this off putting process.

This process is beyond awful
I made an offer on an apartment I was very interested in. I am eminently qualified financially and personally but I am not that good on the computer. My buyer's broker completely flaked out on me because he'd never done one and it was too complicated for him. I ended up withdrawing my offer and staying where I am.