How to Begin Using RealBenefits Software

How to Begin Using the Software

Please print this document so you can refer back to it as needed. Print in color if possible because it's color coded for meaning.

How to Begin (part one)

Open Microsoft Excel.

Left-mouse-click "File", then "New".

If you have Excel XP (aka Excel 2002), see the right side of your screen where it says "New from template", then left-mouse-click "General Templates".

If you have Excel 2003, see the right side of your screen where it says "Templates", then left-mouse-click "On my computer".

In all versions of Excel, you will now see the templates dialog box. See the tabs at the top of the templates dialog box. Each tab denotes a different category of Excel template.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click the "All Types of Real Estate" tab to view that category of RealBenefits software.

Then double-click the "New Amortization Workbook" template to open it.

Enable Macros (aka VBA) if Excel asks if you want to enable them.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click the "Income Property" tab to view that category of RealBenefits software.

Then double-click the "New APOD Workbook" template to open it.

Enable Macros (aka VBA) if Excel asks if you want to enable them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After you open a template, type your input data in the grey cells. Use your left mouse button to enter data in the dropdown boxes.

Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the template.

When you are finished, remember to save your work!

When you save, you are creating a new workbook that you can reopen from Excel any time.

To reopen workbooks you previously created: Open Excel, single-left-mouse-click File, single-left-mouse-click Open, double-left-mouse-click the workbook you want to open.

How to Begin (part two)

It is recommended that you learn to use the Amortization workbook first, then APOD, then Appreciation, then Benefits, then the SCF workbook. If you learn to use the workbooks in this order, it will be easier for you.

The order of learning indicated above is for beginners.

Experienced users may change the order in which they make the workbooks.

Most people will not need to learn the SCF workbook. The SCF workbook is only for commercial real estate developers and their lenders.

Trouble-Shooting

If you were able to follow the instructions above successfully, then you will not need the troubleshooting section.

If you are having problems, please read the information below before contacting support.

Common Problems and Typical solutions

If your software will not function, the most likely cause is that you did not enable macros (VBA). You must enable macros (VBA) for RealBenefits Software to function.

In later versions of Excel, you may need to reduce macro security from High to Medium. Medium still offers good virus protection, but lets you have manual control to Enable Macros. In Excel menu, see Tools, Macro, Security, then change Security Level to Medium. Click OK. Close Excel. Wait at least 7 seconds. Now try using RealBenefits Software again.

The software should install from either a user or administrator login. However, if you tried installing from a user login and this failed, try installing from an administrator login.

Most computers do not need to be rebooted after installing RealBenefits Software, but some do. If you have problems after installing the software, try rebooting, then try the software again.

If you have Norton anti-virus (Symantec) and are having problems, try disabling Norton (Symantec) before installing RealBenefits Software. You should reenable Norton (Symantec) after installing RealBenefits Software. Norton (Symantec) will not interfere with running RealBenefits Software after it is installed.

Note: on most computers it is not necessary to disable Norton (Symantec), but sometimes it is necessary to disable Norton before (and during) installation of RealBenefits Software. You should reenable Norton after installation of RealBenefits Software is completed.

Occasionally it is necessary to UNinstall Norton, then reboot, then install your RealBenefits Software, then reboot, then reinstall Norton.

Support Policies

Telephone support is free the first time. Additional telephone support is $65 per hour billed in 15 minute increments. Email support is free for 30 days. Email support requests are responded to within 2 BUSINESS days. Additional email support is available for $45 per hour billed in 15 minute increments.

Limited free support is available for the free trial version of RealBenefits Software.

There is never a support charge for assistance installing software. Installation assistance will NOT use up your free call.

There is never a technical support charge if you are calling to report a bug, get help with a bug, or to request a new feature or new software (some software companies charge for these things). Support is only charged for calls regarding how to use the software, or regarding real estate and/or accounting principles.

Support Contact Information

Email Support using RealBenefits website's support email form.

Email Sales or Management using RealBenefits website's sales and management email form.

You can call 360-225-4646 from 10AM - 4PM Pacific time.

Help by telephone is free the first time. Help by email is free for 30 days after you purchase RB software.

Email support is less expensive than telephone support. Email support requests are responded to within 2 business days (usually sooner).

Licensing Agreement (abbreviated version) (full version in software)

Note: Free Version software may be installed on an unlimited number of computers. It does not matter who owns the computer(s). The only restriction is no hacking, reverse engineering, or copyright infringement.

Note: Registered Version software: The registered software's owner is allowed to install their software on 1 stationary computer located at their office, 1 stationary computer located at their home, and one portable computer, which may be used anywhere. The registered software owner must own each of these 3 computers to legally install on them.