Why the Xactimate Blog

The reason for the creation of this blog was to have an outlet to pass on information regarding Xactimate whether it be news about Xactimate, changes to the software, information regarding my classes, the occasional helpful tips and anything else I could think of. It is a place where people can go to see what is happening within that world. As a Certified Trainer, Xactimate is a large part of my world and takes up a large percentage of my thoughts. I spend a lot of time thinking about how students of Xactimate can increase their retention of the program, especially in the beginning when it is all so new. Everyone learns at a different rate. When you are in a class, the person on either side of you will be retaining more or less than you. It is just the way it is. Young kids make everyone look bad because they were born with a computer in their baby hands. I constantly look for ways and teaching methods to try to bring everyone’s retention to a higher level. I have seen way too many teachers with massive egos going all the way back to college days that concentrate on how great they think they are; always looking inward. My belief is you have to look outward to what the students need to get more out of the material to be a good teacher. That is my constant goal.

The great news is that Xactimate doesn’t require a certain level of intelligence or God given talent. The worst person in Xactimate can be just as good as the best person, they just need more practice. There is no need to ever get discouraged in Xactimate, because any deficiency can be overcome with knowledge of the program & practice.  

Someone once gave me a very long technical explanation on a subject and ended the explanation by saying “You didn’t get a thing I said did you?”. I asked “how did you know?” He said “I could tell by that glazed over look on your face.” I explained that I was sorry and that I learn things by doing them and then they stick. That is Xactimate in a nut shell. You learn & get better by doing and the more you do, the better and faster you get.

Remember the goal is not to get an introduction or dip your toe in the water. Nor is it to just get your certification. The certification may get you the job, but being good and fast is directly proportional to how much money you can make. That is the goal!

I truly hope this blog helps you in your Xactimate experience.  

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