Frequently Asked Questions - Property Agency Software

Is the software web-based / browser based?
Yes.  This provides many benefits over desktop based software, including centralisation of information, access from almost anywhere, no software to install, maintain or upgrade, monthly payment with no up front costs, instant remote support, integrated help desk.  The wonderful thing about it is it is our job to make sure it works, leaving you more time to get on with what you do best.

With more and more apps being available on my mobile phone, can I access Caldes from my Blackberry or IPhone?
Yes.  We have developed a specfic Caldes Mobile App for use on mobile phones. The screens are very light providing instant access to information whereever you have a signal.

Do Caldes provide and SaaS / ASP solutions?
Yes.  Our software is SaaS (Software as a Service.)  We provide both SaaS and ASP (Application Service Provider) technology to Surveyors, Estate Agents and Commercial Agents.

Can I have my own property brochure templates?
Yes, most formats can be accommodated or you can use one of our basic built in templates.   These are automatically converted to PDF format upon completion.  Please see the 'Brochures and Word Docs' link on the left for some examples.

Who else uses Caldes?
Please see our client list for more information.

Can I trial the Caldes Express software?
Yes there is a free 7 day trial of the Caldes Express software.  Simply contact us with your name and email address and we will send you a link, username and password.  If you then go on to buy the software, the trial will simply be converted into the live software and any data already added can still be used. 

Can I trial the Caldes Enterprise software?
The Enterprise software needs to be implemented by us to your requirements.  It is much more configurable then the Express software.  Therefore you cannot trial the Enterprise software, but we can come to your offices and demonstrate it to you and show you the various options, or you can come to us.

What is the difference between the Caldes Express and the Caldes Enterprise software?
Please see the features list from the menu on the left, or contact us for more information.

Can I start with Express and upgrade to Enterprise later?
Yes, but they are totally different systems.  Also we cannot currently convert the data automatically and so this would add a significant cost.  It is better to start with the right software from the start.

How much does the software cost?
Caldes Express costs £30 for the first license and then £15 per month for all additional licenses, minimum 1 license, with a minimum term of just one month.
Caldes Enterprise costs from £50 per month for the core system per license, minimum 5 licenses.  This price reduces by volume.  Minimum term 12 months.

How do I pay for the software?
If you want to pay monthly then you can pay by standing order.  If you want to pay by cheque then it is annually for all payments under £1,000.  For payments over this we accept quarterly cheques or BACS.  All payments are in advance and non refundable.

Are there any set-up costs?
If you just want the core system then no.  If you require additional modules or bespoke website development then there will be additional costs, priced on application.

Are there any additional costs for support and upgrades?
No.  Support and upgrades are included in the monthly cost.

Can I buy the software outright?
Yes.  This is possible for the Enterprise Software, but requires a much bigger initial outlay.  Support and upgrades will then be additional if required.

Do Caldes offer training?
Yes, although the Express system does not require training and manuals are included for both systems.  This costs £475 per session, which will typically be up to 6 users for 2-3 hours.  Travel and accommodation charges may also be applied.  Free telephone and email support is included with the software.

Can the software be used for mixed property use?
Yes.  The software can be configured for residential, commercial and agricultural agency.  Please contact us for more details.

Can the software be used for Overseas Agency?
Yes.  The software includes an overseas mode with currency triangulation.  It can even match applicants to properties across different currencies.

Can the software be customised to meet my specific needs?
Yes.  There is a very comprehensive administration suite that allows our support staff to quickly make changes to meet your needs.  Generally if these changes are minor then there is no charge.  Alternatively we also offer a fully bespoke programming service, including specification, testing, implementation, fixed timescales and fixed budgets.

Do Caldes undertake fully bespoke software / website development projects?
Yes.  In addition to our own products, we will undertake bespoke projects so long as they are related to property, are over £25K in value and do not conflict with our existing products.  However you will be surprised at how flexible our existing product range is.  The chances are we can already accommodate your needs within our existing software.

What is the database software behind the system?
Microsoft SQL Server (V2005)

Who hosts the software?
Caldes will normally host the software and this is the case for 95% of our customers.  For companies with the Caldes Enterprise software it is possible to host the software internally, although this will not reduce license costs and there will also be an installation charge.  We are very flexible in meeting your hosting requirements.

Is there a minimum term contract?
The Express software has a rolling contract of one month.  The Enterprise software is 12 months and then converts to a quarterly rolling contrac.  We offer flexible payment options depending upon the nature of the project, however no money can be refunded once it has been paid.


FEEDS TO PROPERTY PORTALS:

Can Caldes automatically send my propeties to portal sites to save me re-entering the same information?
Yes, Caldes can automatically send your properties to all of the major portals including:

  • Rightmove
  • Prime Location
  • Find A Property
  • Property Finder
  • Property Live
  • Globrix
  • Think Property
  • EG Property Link
  • Property Index
  • The London Office
  • Zoomf
  • Homes24
  • Mayfair Office
  • The Property Bank
  • UK Business Property
  • Assetz

If your preferred portal is not on the above list, please contact us and we can look into adding them to our list of partners.

Please note that some of these portals may charge you a fee to use them, which must be paid directly to the portal by you.

When properties are sent to portals, can I hide the full property address E.g. '26 Gladstone Street' becomes 'Gladstone Street'?
Yes.  This is an option that we can set for you.