REMA™ FAQ - Recent Threads

How do I put REMA & my data file on my laptop to take on a trip

GarthChapman — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:19:27 GMT

1) Download REMA to the laptop, insert your License key.

2) Then on your PC to go into REMA and click on Toolkit, View Database Location. Go to that folder and find the file called REMA.mdb on your PC.

3) Copy that file to a network drive folder location or to a portable storage device (ie a memory stick).

4) Now go back to the laptop and locate your data file just as you did on the PC in step 2.

5) Then paste the REMA.mdb file you made a copy of from your PC into the folder you located in step 4 on your laptop (it will over-write the mdb file in the laptop).

And voila, your data will be now on the laptop.

Simply repeat steps 2 to 5 to move the data file back to your other computer.

Remember that you cannot synchronize the files, so you will have to manually transfer the data file back to the PC later on. If you make changes to both data files (on each computer) you will have to choose which one to retain and lose the changes you made on the other.

How do I set up my multi-user version of REMA

GarthChapman — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:21:32 GMT

Once you have installed REMA on all the computers in your network you will need to locate the data file on a shared folder within that network so all your users will be able to access the same data file.

Normally one of your computers is the one you started on REMA with, and it therefore has the data file you want to use. If not then you can use any of the computers in your network to locate your data file on the network folder of your choice (a shared folder on your computer or on your server). Then on each of the other computers you will 'point' REMA to that same data file location. This way all your computers using REMA will be accessing the same data file.

To locate your data file:
1) Click on Toolkit
2) Click on View Database Location

If you want to move your data file from its current location as shown to the right of "Current Path to Portfolio Database, then from step 2 above do the following:
3) Click on Move Databases
4) Select the data file to move by clicking on the button containing the 3 dots
5) Choose the file location
6) Repeat steps 3 to 5 above for the Sample User database if you wish to move it also
7) Click on 'Move' and the system will move each data file to its new location.

To point REMA on your other computers on your network to the new data file location:
1) Click on Toolkit
2) Click on View Database Location
3) Select the data file by clicking on the button containing the 3 dots
4) Browse to the folder the data file is now located in (the folder you moved the data file to)
5) Once in the correct folder then double-click on the data file (or highlight the file and then click on 'Open'). The Explorer window will automatically close and leave you back at the REMA Database Locator.

And you're done!

Can I install REMA on my laptop and on my desktop computer also?

GarthChapman — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:37:21 GMT

SINGLE-USER VERSION:
You can install REMA on both of your computers. Be very careful about moving the data file between them. There is lots of potential for error inherent in that as it is a manual process. If you forget once and have made changes to the data file on both computers there is no way to synchronize the files – you will have to choose which to retain and then re-make the changes lost.

MULTI-USER VERSION:

LAPTOP AND DESKTOP:
Place the data file on your laptop and point REMA's data file location on the desktop to that laptop location. Do this by clicking on Toolkit, then View Database Location and follow the on screen instructions. This will mean that you always have access to the data file from either computer as long as your laptop is logged in to your home network. This means you are always working in the same file from wither computer.

The reason to place the data file on the laptop is that when you are out and about and working on REMA you will have the data file with you, and then when you return to your home or office you can also again access the data from the desktop computer.

MULTIPLE DESKTOPS WITHIN A NETWORK:

Place the data file on the PC that is normally always running - ie the one that acts as close to a server as you have on your network. Then point REMA on the other PC's to that network location. Do this by clicking on Toolkit, then View Database Location and follow the on screen instructions. This will mean that you always have access to the data file from either computer as long as your laptop is logged in to your home network. This means you are always working in the same file from all the PC's.

Migrating REMA onto a new computer

GarthChapman — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:49:04 GMT

1) Download and install the REMA (the Full Program) on your new computer, then start REMA and insert your License Key (the same License Key as used on your old computer).

2) On your old computer open REMA and click on Toolkit, View Database Location. Then go to the folder specified on your old computer and find the file called REMA.mdb.

3) Copy that file to a network drive folder location or to a portable storage device (ie a memory stick).

4) Now go back to the new computer and locate your data file just as you did on the old computer in step 2.

5) Then paste the REMA.mdb file you made a copy of from your old computer into the folder you located in step #4 on your new computer. That process will over-write the existing empty data file in the new computer with your data file.

How to Subscribe, Download & Install REMA

GarthChapman — Fri, 23 May 2008 05:18:44 GMT

You can Subscribe to REMA online at this REIN webpage link. Once you have received your License Key from us (within 1-2 business days of your application being received by REIN) you will be able to use REMA.

To download REMA go to www.remacanada.ca and click on the Downloads link at the right-most 'tab' of our home page.

If you are already registered on our REMA website then just enter your Username and Password and then go to the Downloads page.

If it is your first time downloading REMA, click on 'Register'. Complete the form and our automated system will immediately email you a confirmation link and a temporary password. Click on that link and then go to the Downloads page at www.remacanada.ca where you will login and download REMA.

While you are waiting for your License Key you can get a head start on things by downloading and installing REMA. Even if you already have a version of REMA from a current or previous trial period installation you should still do this to ensure you will have the current version of REMA on your PC.

1) Go to www.remacanada.ca
2) Find on the right side of the home page the 'Member Login' area User Name and password
3) If you have not previously registered do the following, if you have registered then skip to step #4:

a) Click on 'Register' underneath the password box
b) Complete the information and click on 'Submit'
c) You will be sent an email to the email address you put in the registration details. This email has a temporary password for you to use.
d) Go back to the login page and enter the username you chose and your temporary password and then click 'Submit'

4) If you have previously registered then just login
5) Click on 'Downloads' and you will be taken to the download page
6) Download the REMA program file. When asked to choose 'Run' or 'Save', you can choose 'Run' to download and install right away, or choose 'Save' to save the downloaded file anywhere you prefer so that you can perform the installation later on if you like.
7) Rema will download and install on your computer in a couple of minutes, requiring you to make a few easy selections and to answer 'yes' or 'OK' a few times.
8) You can have the installer create a desktop icon when prompted. You can also have it place a shortcut in the Taskbar (our preferred location).
9) Once your License Key arrives you will be able to enter it and begin to use REMA. It will arrive with instructions on entering it into REMA.

You can restore the Sample User data file to its current original state if you have made changes to it (it is a fully functioning database) by downloading it.

Every time you launch REMA the Auto-Update feature will automatically check your version against the one on our site, and if yours is older it will automatically update you to the current version (you will need to click on 'yes' to allow it when the pop-up appears- and of course you need to be online for this to work).

If you have any questions on this just send us an email to helpdesk@remacanada.ca

REMA Program Summary

GarthChapman — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:44:58 GMT

In the spirit of

'the knee-bone is connected to the leg-bone'

let's take a look at

how REMA^tm is designed

License Info

· First REMA^tm must know a little about you (see Licence Info in the Toolkit menu button). So, on your first time opening REMA^tm the program will require you to provide some basic information here. Once you've completed this you're in.
Sample User
· After having read this section (and those above and below) we suggest that you then proceed by touring through the Sample User portfolio. You will be able to see a fictitious User's data and make sense of how it all comes together.
· Select the Sample User database and from there you can roam around REMA^tm within our fictitious Investor's Portfolio of Properties. · You can do that while still in this Help file so you can have a look at what we describe as you read on.
Reminders
· If any of the Reminders are selected to be active in Preferences of the database chosen those will be the first screens you will see every time you open REMA^tm. We have turned them all on in the Sample User (and you can turn them off if you like, by category, by clicking on the ‘Preferences’ button once you are in the Program.
· The Sample User is a fully functioning database. Feel free to change or add or delete anything you like to see the impact on the Reports. You can always later go to our website and re-download the original Sample User database and re-install it.

All these items below are covered in more detail in other sections of this User Guide & Help file, but this summary should give you enough information to find your way around REMA^tm.

Choosing the Window to work from
· You can choose to work within REMA^tmeither from the Main Program Window or the Quik-Link Manager Window. [/font]· You can set REMA^tm to open in either Window via a setting in My Preferences.[font="Symbol"]· Switch from Main Screen to Quik-Link Window via the Toolkit button.
· Main REMA Window· If the REMA^tm main screen is wider than your computer's screen displays and you cannot see the final on or two buttons on the far right of the Toolbar you may have to re-set your icon size to ‘normal’. · To check this right-click on the desktop and go to Properties, then to the Settings tab, then to the Advanced button on the bottom-right of the Screen, then change your dpi Setting to ‘Normal Size (96 dpi)’ and then click ‘OK’.· You can also increase the screen resolution on your monitor to resolve this viewing issue

· Commonly used buttons are in the toolbar at the top of this main screen

· The Main Program Window permits you to navigate to any Module and to be in more than one Module simultaneously, ie. be in a Property and also in a Table at the same time.
· You can navigate your way around REMA's Modules by selecting File and then choosing from the drop-down menu

· You can go to those same items via the shortcut buttons on the main screen toolbar.· Click on the button itself when no down-arrow is present on the left side of the button.· Click on the down-arrow on the right side of the button when present.
· Quik-Link Manager Window
· This is a simple Window providing a button to each of the major Modules· When you exit a Module from Quik-Link Manager you will be returned to it
Getting Around in REMA
· Window sizing & positioning- Many Windows will open the first time to a size and/or position not of your preference or perhaps not suited to your monitor's size. · You should re-size and position the Windows to suit your monitor and your personal preference.· They will from then on 'remember' their new size and location next time, even in future sessions of REMA^tm.
· Exiting REMA^tmYou can exit your current session of REMA^tm by clicking the top- right red 'X' of the REMA^tm main Screen, or by selecting File, then Exit.
· Entering the REMA^tm Windows with Tabs at the top- Use the mouse to place the curser on the Tab at the top of the Screen you want to enter.
· Each Window will have unique & common buttons such as Previous, Cancel, Next, Exit, Save, Save & Exit, Add, New, Edit, etc. These are each uniquely coloured and consistently positioned to make it easy to navigate REMA^tm.
· Using keyboard shortcuts-

· Simultaneously press the Alt key and the underlined letter of the name of the command button you want to execute, or use the mouse to place the curser on the Button and left click it once.

· ie. most of the Buttons in REMA^tm have a letter underlined in their description, and that's the one to press along with the Alt key.

· Once you get used to the keyboard shortcuts method you will find things take much less time.

· Use the Tab key to move from field to field (instead of using the mouse).

o Pressing the Tab key and the Shift key simultaneously will reverse direction

· Use the Space Bar to select a Checkbox (you can check or or-check the checkbox with the Space Bar).

· Use the arrow key to navigate between Radio Buttons when presented a choice of more than one Radio Button to select.

·When in a drop-down menu press the first letter of the word you are seeking and the first word beginning with that letter will appear. Then just scroll down to the one you want.

· Tooltips- A Tooltip is an explanation of the field and/or what it is used for. You can see them by hovering your cursor over a data field.
· Screentips- These are tips you will find visible on many Screens explaining the Screen you are in and/or the operation you are doing.
· Sophisticated Investor Tips- Are tips from Investors like you, to be found soon in the Checklists of:· Tenant Move-ins· Tenant Move-outs· Property Purchases· Property Sales· We intend these to be more along the line of advice for Investors, much as we often give to one another based on our own experiences or those of others, and much as REIN brings to us as members.
· Tab Key navigation- · REMA^tm is designed for you to navigate through the ‘fields’ in the screens & Screens via the tab key on your keyboard. · This ensures that the calculated amounts and dates in fields are updated as you tab from field to field· Many fields are auto-populated with dates or amounts from calculations running in the background, based on preferences you set up earlier or on choices you made in the current or previous Windows.
· Date fields- · The date fields in REMA^tm will automatically adapt to the format you have set in Screens on your computer (ie. mm/dd/yy or dd/mm/yy etc).2. Move from day, to month, to year via the right or left Arrow Key on your keyboard. To set the year just enter 8 for 2008 and then tab out of the field. This very fast once you get the hang of it.· We have deliberately used the year 1901 as the default date for data fields requiring manual date entry because you can't but notice that it is a date not automatically set from Preferences or driven by other dates you have entered.
· Mapped Keys-· F1- opens Help & User Guide· F6- centers the Current Window on your monitor
File Menu - contains access to all the features of REMA^tm. These are also found via the icons on the toolbar
HelpIn the Help menu you will find:

· Feedback - allows you to send us information, suggestions, problems etc

· About - describes the version etc, and includes a button to 'System Info' and one to the User License (EULA)

· Help File & User Guide - the document you are in right now

· Links to Helpful Websites - loads of great information at your finger-tips

· Readme Update file - Check what has been added, by version number

Toolkit
In the Toolkit menu you will find several tools you will use within REMA^tm
· License Info- information REMA^tm needs to set you up as a User
· Calculator - a basic math calculator
· Mortgage Calculator - complete with Amortization Schedule
· Units Conversion Utility - Convert Imperial to Metric and vice versa
· Non-Property Documents - Create links to your Files & Photos
· Backup your database fie
· Compact your database file
· Switch between the Sample User and your own database 'My Portfolio'
· Switch between Quik-Link Manager and the main program screen- let's you work within REMA^tm from a simple Screen with Buttons to the major REMA^tm Modules
· Links to Helpful Websites - check these out, and please send us your suggestions for more of these and about any broken links
· Zip My Portfolio & email to RemaSoft - Send us your data file if you need help with something

Data entry-

· Red labelled Data Fields are required fields.

· Blue labelled Data Fields contain information used in Reports.

· Black labelled fields are used for information only.

· Purple Data Fields are for Income and Expense items that will be auto-loaded into the appropriate Income or Expense grid.

You can be as detailed as you like in terms of what you decide to record in REMA^tm.

Preferences
System Preferences· In this Window you will find default settings for things like your fiscal year, your assumed annual property appreciation percentage, etc.
· These settings will become your defaults used by REMA^tm each time you create a new property.
· REMA^tm comes with these all pre-set so you can use the program as it is, but you will want to make changes for you own unique preferences before you enter your first property.
Key Reminder Dates· In this Tab you will see some advance warning periods (days, weeks, months).
· These are how far in advance you want to be reminded about something that is upcoming - for items like mortgage renewals, lease renewals, insurance renewals, and the various unique reminders that you set in REMA^tm, etc.
Data TablesAre located in the Maintain Tables menu button
· This is how REMA^tm records various User and System entered data
· These Tables are item descriptions that you will select from when entering a new property in REMA^tm- things like lists of Cities & Provinces or States that you may buy properties in, or descriptions of Property Types, Maintenance Operations, your Vendors (Suppliers), Revenue and Expense item descriptions, etc, etc.
· This means you don't have to type this information in every time it is required. You will simply choose which one to use from a drop-down menu within the data field you are in at the time.
· We have pre-loaded for you a comprehensive set of Tables to get you started.
· You can delete, change or add new items to all of these Tables as you use REMA^tm. It is probably best to first review our Sample User database first so you are familiar with how things work together before you customize your Tables.
· Nearly all Table entries can be made from 'New' buttons located in the various screens through REMA, so you don't have to exit the screen you are in to edit or make new Table entries.
Table Listings
Are lists of the above Tables. Click on this button to view any of them
· Table Listings can be output to Screen, printer or pdf (you can then choose to email this Report from within the pdf application).
Portfolio Reports
· You can create from a growing list of Reports on your Properties, by selecting from the following categories1. Partners/Investors2. Income Type (a User defined category)3. Property Group (a User defined category)4. City5. Property Type6. Building Style7. Lender8. Date or Date Range.
· You can run Reports by individual Property or by Properties grouped via the category choices as described above.
· Portfolio Reports can be output to Screen, printer or pdf (you can then choose to email this Report from within the pdf application).
Reminder ReportsThese are the reminders that will make sure you don't forget a thing.
· They are grouped into Reminder Categories
· In Preferences you can set whether you want to have each Category of Reminders appear whenever you launch REMA^tm.
· You will first open the Reminder Maintenance Screen. From here you can Edit the Reminder or mark it as Complete.
· Reminder Reports can be output to screen, printer or pdf (you can then choose to email this Report from within the pdf application). You will do this from the Reminder Maintenance Screen when you open it manually and when they appear automatically when you launch REMA^tm.
Other Reports
· Yearly Purchase Report- A listing of Properties, Titles & Suites purchased, by year and total.
· G & A Report- Your G & A Report
· REIN 17-3 Report- Won't it be nice to have this Report generated automatically, and emailed with a couple of clicks of your mouse!
· All these Reports can be output to Screen, printer or pdf (you can then choose to email this Report from within the pdf application).
G & AThis stands for General & Administrative (aka 'Overhead')
· If you want to you can record all your non-property income and expenses. This will allow you to integrate your Portfolio Cash Flow Reports with your G&A so that you have a complete picture of your overall projected cashflow.
· You can also enter your Bank Balances for the bank accounts that you track in REMA^tm, which will make your monthly cash flow projections even more accurate.· You can do this from the 'Bank Balance data entry' Table.
Analyzer
· Here you will find the complete REIN Property Analyzer^tm, including the Goldmine Scorecard^tm, and more.
· The analyzed properties are stored in categories - choose the category and click 'Search'. Or click on New Property and create an analysis of a new Property.· Current· Bought· Both Current & Bought· Archived
· Most of your entries are made from drop-down menu choices. It should take less than 30 minutes to complete a property analysis (perhaps longer for multi-family properties).
· You can check on how the potential purchase will impact your Cashflow.
· Analyzer Reports are complete, and ready to show to potential JV Partners. Reports include the latest 5 year projections, both with static appreciation assumptions as well as variable appreciation assumptions!
· You can Archive properties for later review, as sometimes the same property comes up for sale again.
· If you make an offer and it is accepted, just click on the 'My Offer to Purchase has been Accepted' button, and the Analyzed Property will automatically be transferred to your Portfolio!

Select a Property
This is where you will both enter a new Property or view existing Properties.
· Choose any existing Property · This will open the Property Data Screen, containing direct access via Buttons to the various individual Property Reports. · These are the same Reports you can access via the Portfolio Reports Button.
· You will also see a selection of Tabs that will each open a Screen containing a category of data about that Property. When you enter a new Property you will start at the left-most Tab and then work your way across to the right.· Above each Tab you will see either an 'X' or a check-mark. The check-mark indicates that the all the information that the User wants to enter in it has already been entered. The X indicates there is still some information to enter in that Tab.· Each Tab starts out marked with an X until the User checks a box to indicate the Tab's info is complete and the X then becomes a check-mark.
· A detailed review of each of these Screens is contained in the Modules Section of this User Guide. In summary, the Tabs are:· Property Details· Financing · Acquisition · Ownership · Insurance · Revenue · Tenancy · Expenses · Future Value · Property Reminders · General Info · Goods On Site · Maintenance· Related Documents

Now you should have a basic understanding of how REMA^tm is constructed, and should be ready to now take an in-depth tour of the Sample User's database.
And then you will be ready to set up your own Preferences and enter your Properties into your own database 'My Portfolio'.

Entering your own data in My Portfolio

· We suggest that you enter your own data in the following sequence:

a. Preferences

i. Most of what you will need comes pre-loaded

b. Tables

i. Most of what you will need comes pre-loaded, but you will need to set up your Vendors, Bank Accounts, G & A items, Revenue and Expense codes and other unique Records. So go through them all to ensure you get what you want.

ii. Remember that if you miss one and discover that when you are in the middle of doing something else you can almost always create the new Record from wherever you are in REMA^tm.

c. Enter your existing Properties

i. Remember you can enter historical financial data to create a completely accurate database for referencing in your Reports.

d. Enter any Properties you wish to Analyze in the Property Analyzer and run the Reports so you can make your purchasing decisions.

e. Transfer an Analyzed Property to your Portfolio and then enter the remaining data to the level of information you prefer to record.
f. Run some Reports as you like to see what REMA^tm tells you about your Portfolio.

Preparing to enter your properties into REMA

GarthChapman — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:29:55 GMT

1) It will likely be helpful to have both this User Guide and the REMA^tmprogram open so you can easily refer to the Guide as you cruise around REMA^tm getting used to it.

2) Expect to spend 1-2 hours reviewing the Sample User data and REMA's Reports and Modules. (a) We strongly suggest that you first review the Reports available in REMA^tm so you know how REMA^tm digests and regurgitates the information to you. That will help you immensely in deciding what types of data to enter into REMA^tm
3) Expect to spend 10-30 minutes creating your personal settings in My Preferences for your Portfolio. Here is a general list of what you'll need:a) Future assumptions of appreciation, inflation, rent increases, operating cost increases, vacancy, Realtor commissions on sale of your propertiesb) Your fiscal year datesc) Advance notification periods for your REMA^tm Reminders.

4) Expect to spend 15-30 minutes reviewing the Tables to decide whether you want to add, delete or modify any of those Tables to conform to your style of tracking information.a) In general terms most Investors can use the Tables we have set up 'right out of the box', and maybe make a few changes down the road.

5) Expect to spend from as little as 20 to 40 minutes to enter each of your Properties, depending on how much detail you want to record.

6) Collecting your information on your Properties in advance will speed things up considerably. Once you have been through the Sample User database you will have a very good idea of what you will need to collect. Here is a general list of what you'll need. Remember that much of this is optional and not required in order to enter a Property into REMA^tm
(a) Address of the property
(b) Purchase Price and Possession Date
© Legal Description or Condo Plan
(d) Tax Assessment from the municipality
(e) The basic information your Insurer requires to place coverage
(f) Closing costs (or estimates)
(g) Estimated costs of immediate renovations and/or repairs
(h) Mortgage information
(i) JV Partner information- name, cash investment, % ownership
(j) Rent amounts- by property or by suite
(k) Tenants' information
(l) Projected expenses- by item, by month
(m)Goods on Site- what you bought along with the property

The information required to Analyse a Property for potential purchase is substantially the same as the above list, but with some items not needed or not yet applicable.

7) Working in pairs can be very helpful, with one party finding and reading out the information to the other who is entering the data into REMA^tm
8) You may want to print some sections of the Help File & User Guide for easy referral when first using REMA^tm

Prime Interest Rate setting

GarthChapman — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:38:39 GMT

REMA uses the Prime Rate as set in the program to calculate variable rate mortgages.

To change the Prime Rate in REMA go to 'My Preferences' in REMA and make the entry for the new Prime Rate. Just click on the Prime Rate button on the first screen in Preferences (titled System Preferences) then select the date the rate changed and enter the new rate, then click 'Save Entry' and click 'next' until you are in the last Preferences screen. Click 'Save' on that last screen and you're done.

How to Back-up and Restore your REMA data file

GarthChapman — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:46:23 GMT

It is VERY IMPORTANT to always have a current backup of your data file. The best place to locate that backup file is anywhere BUT on your computer that you run REMA on. This is because if that computer has a catastrophic failure your backup is also likely gone! Backup location suggestions are, another PC on your network, a CD, a portable USB drive (aka 'thumb' drive or memory stick), or an external hard drive.

To create the backup simply go to Toolkit and click on Back Up My Database. A window will open allowing you to select the location of the backup, and also to name it. The default name is RemaBackup.mdb. I like to include the date of the backup in mine. That allows me to have 'restore points' within my REMA data that I can revert to down the road. In other words I could go back to a backup data file I had a month ago if I wanted to revert to that for any reason. NOTE- all REMA data files use the filename extension .mdb - so if you rename your backup data file make sure that extension remains at the end of your new file name.

To revert your backup data file to become your live data file you will need to manually over-write your data file, which is named Rema.mdb. You can see where your Rema.mdb file is located via Help/About. It is referred to as the 'Open Database Name'. You can also find it via Toolkit/View Database Location.

Just re-name the backup file to rema.mdb and then drag it to that location and you're done!

I like to include the date of the backup in mine. That allows me to have 'restore points' within my REMA data that I can revert to down the road. In other words I could go back to a backup data file I had a month ago if I wanted to revert to that for any reason.

NOTE- all REMA data files use the filename extension .mdb - so if you rename your backup data file make sure that extension remains at the end of your new file name.

You don't have to remember to manually back-up your file, as Windows has a feature to automate & schedule this for you, called 'Scheduled Tasks'. Go to Start / All Programs / Accessories / System Tools / Scheduled Tasks. Then add a new Scheduled Task and a Windows Wizard will start and take you through the process. You can choose which files and folders to back-up via this feature, and on what repeating schedule you want it to happen.

Using Restore Points

This was provided to us by a quick-thinking REMA User. "Last week I made several entries in REMA and later realized that they were all wrong! I couldn't remember them all, and even if I could have, there were many entries that I would have to re-do. Fortunately, I recognized my mistake quickly and so I used the Windows 'system restore feature'. I restored my computer back to the nearest time in the past that was available to me.

I'm glad to report that my REMA is doing fine and resting comfortably and I was able to restore everything as it previously was.

I thought that this could prove useful to anyone else who makes an error like this. The key is to do the system restore as soon as you realize your error and you must make sure that system restore won't screw up any other changes in other programs that you made since the last system restore save date."

Windows creates a new restore point every time you shut down your computer.

Having trouble logging in to www.remacanada.ca?

GarthChapman — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:10:23 GMT

Here are a couple of common issues we have received a few inquiries on:

Question: “I am trying to login to www.remacanada.ca but my Username/Password/Email address is not recognized by your website.”

Answer: I checked our database and there is no record there containing your first name, last name, or your email address. I think you may be confusing your myreinspace registration/login with the separate one required on our REMA website. So I suggest you now go to www.remacanada.ca, click on the ‘Downloads’ link and register. You will receive an automated confirmation email right away, and you must click on the link contained in that email in order to activate your account. Then go on back in to www.remacanada.ca and download away!

Question: “I registered on your website but cannot login".

Answer: When you register you will immediately receive an automated activation/confirmation email. You must click on the link in that email to activate your registration. This is done to ensure it was actually you who registered and that the email address you provided is correct. Sometimes this avtivation email can get 'trapped' in your spam folder, so check there first.

If these do not resolve a login problem for you just email us at helpdesk@remacanada.ca and we'll get you up and running right away.

Revenue Data Entry

seanverret — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 08:54:01 GMT

Hi,

For some reason when I go to enter the revenue for my property (this is the first one I've entered), the months list from October to September instead of from January to December.

Thanks
Sean

How do I find my Analyzed Properties in REMA?

GeorgeGlumac — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:01:37 GMT

Hi Garth,

I'm trying to get a handle on the software. I'm sure the most valuable part of REMA is the anaylzer window but the address function is not working. All entries come out, "No Properties match etc."

Thanks,

George Glumac Grieving in Guelph

FAQ - Multi User capabilities

GarthChapman — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 04:48:26 GMT

Question- My Partner and I would like to share and have access to the same files, so that any of us can update the files with whatever information we come across. We already have a network and a share folder.

Answer- We have created a multi-user version, with the data file residing in a location of your choosing on one of the computers in your network. You can have more than one User in the database simultaneously, even in the same Property, but not in the same field.

You can choose this option when subscribing to REMA.

FAQ - Getting Started

GarthChapman — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 03:59:31 GMT

1. I went to install the software and it asked for a license key. I didn't have one so I left it blank and subsequently it told me that my version would be an evaluation only version. How do I get a fully functional copy of the software?
Answer- Your version is fully functional. The message is only to tell you that is not a paid for product. Fill in your name and email address to make the Feedback module function properly.

2. Downloading & Installing when REMA tells me that my system has files that are out of date
Question- I have downloaded the Rema Canada File and the update into my Program Files as noted, but when I try to go through the setup it keeps telling me that there are files out of date on my system. Do you know is this a problem with my computer or the Rema file? I am using XP and the message I get is 'system files out of date on your system' and then it asks if I want them to be updated and I say yes, but after I reboot it just goes to the same spot and does the same thing.

Answer- If you have done the reboot after the "system files out of date" message and you are still having the same issue, check to see what service pack for Windows XP you have by doing the following. Click on Start, Control Panel – then double-click on System. It will say under the General Tab which service pack you are running. You should be on Service Pack 2.

If you find that you are not on Service Pack 2 you can get it by doing the following: Click on Start then Help and Support. When the Help screen opens up, click on "Keep your computer up-to-date with Windows Update". Allow Windows to update your computer. It may take a number of reboots to finish. One of the updates it should try to install is Service Pack 2 as well as many security updates.

FAQ - Property data entry

GarthChapman — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:39:01 GMT

1. Do we bother filling out the "Ownership" field if our company has 100% ownership?
Yes, the Ownership information for each Property is needed for various Reports and calculations regarding cashflow etc.

2. How do you change the rental value under "Property Revenue" without re-setting the previous months?Double-click the entry to bring it up into the fields above the grid. Delete any figures from the 'Amount' field and leave it blank. Choose 'Manual Entry' and make your entries in the months you want them in. Then click 'Save Entry'. We are going to re-vamp this area very soon to make it more intuitive and to reduce the possibility for User errors.

3. Program mentions changing the auto set date from 1901, but we can't find anything anywhere that explains how to do this.
We built the system deliberately so you cannot change that date. For dates that REMA cannot calculate for you it will force you to enter the date in the specific field. We chose the date in 1901 as it appears clearly to you as a date that needs to be changed by you.

4. What is the "Improvement Value" used for, under Property Details, Misc Tab?
This is designed for things like basement development, detached garage and other similar development that was not originally on the property. This is not for flooring replacement or painting, but for new development on the property. This can be used to help confirm that you have appropriate insurance coverage, which can be helpful during times of rapidly increasing construction and materials costs. But you must have a pretty good idea of the building's replacement cost per sq ft for this to be relatively accurate.

IMPORTANT NOTE- It is your Insurers obligation to ensure adequate coverage on your property. It is your responsibility to completely describe the property to your Insurer by answering fully all their questions/forms. It is not advisable for you to tell your insurer what the insured amount should be, as if there was a claim and the coverage was insufficient the Insurer would not be obligated to make up the difference.

You can ignore this area if you prefer to.

5. Under Mortgage Data, there is an area for "Calculate Principal as a % of Purchase Price", how do we make use of this? What numbers do we use?
If you are getting a mortgage for 75% of the Purchase Price you would enter '75' and REMA will then calculate the amount of the mortgage.

6. Under Mortgage Data, Banking & Key Dates Tab, how does the anniversary date and the maturity date of the mortgage differ?
The Anniversary Date is one year from the Funding Date. The Maturity Date is the date the term of the mortgage ends (not the same as the amortization length, that being the number of years the payments are amortized over).

7. In Ownership Data, what is the "Initial Cash Payment" check box for?
The amount is calculated in the previous Tab "Acquisition Costs'. That is to be done first. So the amount is the cash required to close the deal, fund the initial Capital expenses and the Staying Power Fund. So in each Owner you can decide how much they will paoy of that toal required, either by using your own pre-calculated amount or by letting REMA calculate as a % of the total required amount.

8. Under Expenses, we don't like the "FICSAL YEAR" drop down box, you should be able to select all and see all expenses for all years relating to that property.
We worked with that quite a bit. If it is all merged together it is too hard to make sense of the entries or to check them, so we built it like this so Users can see the expenses for each of the 5 years forward and also for two years in the past.

9. How should we go about utilizing "Future Value Costs"? We aren't clear about what should be entered there as it does the math on its own.
Whatever you think will be costs when you sell. Legal fees, advertising, maybe even repairs or renovations you would do to spruce the property up before selling.

10. When entering the info regarding the first mortgage payment date, do we use the interest adjustment date or just the date the first payment is withdrawn? Do we adjust for a lower interest rate?
If for a new Property rather than a refinance the system will calculate the dates from the possession date. Once you receive your mortgage docs from your lawyer after closing you may need to adjust those dates as the banks often choose a first payment date that is not what you predicted or arranged in advance. All you do is enter the Date Mortgage Funded entry and the rest is calculated for you. If you over-ride the other entries the system will correct them again based on the Funded Date (so you can use that date to get the other dates to be what you want if the bank sets your payment date at a time other than 30 days from the Funding Date). We may allow a User over-ride of the payment date if required by User feedback.

11. How do we track Condo Fees? Separately under expenses?
Yes, that is where I would do it.

12. How is the Future Value calculated in each Property?
The Future Value calculated in each Property is determined from:
1)Your recorded Current Market Value (in the Property Details/Misc window)
2)Your recorded Appreciation in the Property (in the Property Details/Location, Legal & Appreciation window)
3)The Estimated Sale date (which then calculates the Estimated Sale Price from the these three above factors)
The calculations then run further and determine the mortgage amount owing as of the Estimated Sale Date, mortgage payout penalty (if checked in Banking & Key Dates screen of the Mortgage), Realtor commissions and any other Future Sale costs that you have entered in the grid in this window.

13. Security Deposits / Last Month's Rent
Question: I entered a tenant file, but did not put in a bank record as Ontario does not have 'Security Deposit' but we do have 'Last Month Rent' - and got the following error message "2147217887 (80040E21)"
"Cannot add/change because a related record is required in table 'bankaccts'"
-I did this twice to validate and had a 'terminal' exit from the application.
Answer: You need to assign a bank account to track the Security Deposit or Last Month's rent.
-The current version now reads "Security Deposit/Last Month's Rent" on the Tenant screen and will not let you out of the Tenant form without entering the required data (so that error message won't appear again).

14. How do I enter Properties that I already own?

Question- I have entered a Property where ownership (and mortgage) starts in 2006, but the current market value is entered as of now (using a reasonable estimate). Is this okay?

Answer- You have made the Current Value entry correctly. It is something you should update periodically as values change, as that figure drives numbers and calculations in other areas of the program and in Reports also.

Also- We recommend that you make these entries via the Analyzer, then you will have a record of your expected performance of this Property for future reference.

15. Interest-only Mortgages and Lines of Credit entry
Question- What should I enter for the term for an interest only LOC? Does it matter what I enter?

Answer- While lines of credit may or may not have a term, Interest-only mortgages do, so that field can be used as it will drive a Reminder when the term is coming up for renewal.

16. When entering data into the financial areas
Question- When adding new entries unless you tab or click into the next field the calculations will not be completed.
Answer- When you enter any data into a field you should always tab out of the field - that way any calculations that are based on the fields content will happen.

17. Adding new Vendors
Question- I added a new Property Manager Vendor from the New button and then could not retrieve theat new Vendor from the pull-down menu. Where did it go?
Answer- When you add a new Vendor, you have to select the Vendor Type. In your example, you entered it with a Vendor Type of 'Other Vendor' which won't show up when you are looking for Property Managers. You can now go back to the new Vendor you created and change the Vendor Type to 'Property Manager' and then try to use it again.

18. Refinancing an existing Property
Question- I purchased the property in 2004 and I just refinanced it. I seem to be getting tangled up there because the property details show I have a negative downpayment.
Answer- Now that you have re-financed the property you probably actually do have a negative cash investment (cumulatively). I mean by this that you have a mortgage now that is larger then your total Acquisition cost of the Property. If the current cash flow and Equity position fit your objectives, then congratulations! This means you have extracted enough equity to further your goals, perhaps by buying another Property(s). When you complete the entries if you are not sure of the resulting info you are getting in the reports just email them to me along with screenshots of the related entry screens and I will be happy to analyze it for you. You could go to the trouble of recording the original mortgage and then 'Discharging' it if you want a complete history in the Property of its Financing but I don't think you really need to.

19. Ownership data entries
In the ownership tab, I put in my downpayment and it's percentage then the program fills in what is called the Cash Call. When I try to save I get a message that says the cash % must equal 100%. I'm not sure what it wants here. I've tried a variety of things but can't figure it out.
Answer- I think what you are completing here is the Ownership (not cash call - that can be used later on if there is a cash call). That is the only place where you should get a 'Requires 100% message.

20. Cash Calls
Question- What do you mean by cash call? I always thought a cash call was like a demand payment and can't figure out it's meaning in this context unless it refers to the mortgage amount.
Answer- Your definition of a Cash Call is pretty accurate. After you have closed on the property if you ever require more funds from one or more Owners (JV Partners included – whether on title or not, they should be listed as Owners) you make the entries for the amounts required as a Cash Call. You will do this by clicking on the Ownership tab and then on the Cash Calls button.

21. How do I enter a new City and Zoning code?
Answer- It is easiest to do this from the menus in Maintain Tables, but you can also do it from the Analyzer. Here are the steps:
1- Click on the New button beside the City field

2- Create the new City and attach it to the correct Province

3- Go back out and into the Analyzed Property

4- Select the Correct Province

5- Select the newly created City

6- Click the New button beside the Zoning Code field

7- Select the new City from the City Name drop-down menu

8- Create the new Zoning code

9- Go back into the Analyzed Property

10- Select the Zoning Code for the new City

22. Why does Vacancy not appear as an expense on the Cashflow Report
In Analyzer Vacancy is handled 'below the line' from the vacancy % allowance you entered in My Preferences, or as over-written in the analyzed property. In your Portfolio you can handle Vacancy in a couple of ways.

1) You can create a new 'Vacancy' item in your Income & Expense Codes in 'Maintain Tables' and then make projected vacancy expense entries in your properties.

2) You can choose to not make any vacancy entry but update your Income & Expenses at the end of each month so you have an actual record of what you cashflows were. This can also be achieved through an analysis of your book-keeping records, although you will have to adjust for items like the principle pay-down of mortgages and depreciation, as those entries are handled differently in your books than on a Cashflow report.

23. I’m trying to enter information about my suites in my first property in REMA. For some reason it’s not allowing me to add a second suite in the suite info tab, and as such I’m not able to attach revenue to that second suite.

Answer- In the Property Details tab make sure you select ‘Multi-family’ and also enter the number of Suites the Property has. Then choose to either track revenue by Suite or by Property. You can make these changes at any time, even after having already entered all the property data. You can choose treat houses with Secondary Suites as ‘Multi-Family’, or even a house where you rent the garage separately.

24. Can you tell me the easy way to email a copy of an analysis/ proforma to someone?Answer- Save the report as a PDF and then email it. We recommend you save it in a new folder for that property, so you can retrieve the file anytime later – and if you change something in the property you can over-write the pdf with the updated one.

Remember you can now use the new JV Presentation report feature, with your title page and any of a number of available REMA reports included.

Operating Tips

GarthChapman — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:24:09 GMT

When entering a new Property
1) Work in the Tabs from left to right so that REMA will create the required calculations and information in the Tabs to the right.
2) We recommend you use the Analyzer to get the property into your Portfolio, as in that way you will find it easy as Analyzer will transfer all the Income and Expense items along with all the other data, and you will become more familiar with the Analyzer module. And you can refer back to the analysis later to see how you are doing compared to your projections!

Reports for JV Partners
1) If your Partner's share is 50% then the report works the same for you both. If not for the meantime, you can check your JV Partner's record in the Vendors Table as 'This is Me', then un-check 'This is Me' in your record in the Vendors Table and then run the Snapshot Report.

Analyzer
1) You can transfer the same property multiple times to test different property scenarios, or to try out different scenarios within Analyzer.

Tooltips
1) Use Tooltips (hover your curser over the field for a description) & Screentips (tips located on the screens with important information about what you are doing) to help you when working in REMA.

How to best provide Fedback on errors or bugs
The best way to support REMA and the REIN community using REMA it is to provide feedback regarding operating questions or problems. A great way to do this is the following:
1) Area of program (what screen were you in?)
2) What you were doing / clicking on / keystroking / etc.
3) Result (describe error message or whatever happened that causes your question)
4) Desired result (what would you referred to have seen hapen)
5) Potential solutions (if you have one please pass it on to us)

Screen / Window size and positioning
Question: Windows don't always seem to open fully so I can see the complete window, and sometimes are not where I want them on the monitor
Answer: The first time you open a grid type screen, you might need to resize it to fit your preference and monitor.
1) Pressing Function key 6 on the keyboard (usually labeled F6 or PF6) will center the form on the screen.
2) Drag the edges of the window to a size that shows the entire form.
3) When you exit the form, the system will remember its size and position.

FAQ - Analyzer

GarthChapman — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:04:14 GMT

1. Handling entries for Single-family vs Multi-family Properties
Question- In the Income section of the Analyzer it asks for the number of bedrooms and once entered it shows up as the number of suites - this is confusing.
Answer- The # Suites and # bedrooms can be a bit confusing at first. We had to build this to handle both single family homes and multi-family properties.
In the Income screen you first will describe either the Building if multi-family (as in 'House') or describe the Suite if single family (as in a '2-bedroom' suite). Then you will describe the # of bedrooms for single-family, or the # of Suites in multi-family.

2. One-time versus repeating Expenses data entry
Question- When in the Analyzer Property Expense Input screen, when I want to add a one time only expense, it shows up as a monthly expense. Will it be one-time or monthly?
Answer- If you select the 'One-time' box the expense will be record once only. The field reads 'Monthly' but the expense item will only appear in the month you date it for. We'll look at changing the label to read 'One-Time' when in that mode.

3. More than one JV Partner?
Question- In Analyzer, is there an opportunity to include more than 1 JV partner on the Property Data tab?
Answer- Sure, you can just enter 2 or more names and the total aggregate percentage of their combined ownership as you envision it. At this stage Investors are often not sure what the final ownership may be. Then, if/when you purchase the Property you will then be required to enter the actual Ownership details within the transferred Property in your Portfolio.

4. When entering data into the financial areas unless you tab or click into the notes area, calculations will not be completed.
Answer- When you enter any data into a field you should always tab out of the field - that way any calculations that are based on the fields content will happen.

5. In Analyzer on the Financial tab under Expenses the boxes for Monthly Expense, Annual Expense and Projected Monthly are all greyed out... so on the Summary tab the Current and Projected expenses are always the same
Answer- They all should be inaccessible to you as you are defining the calculation leading to the figures or are defining the figure directly above. These greyed out ones are the resulting numbers for you to view only.

6. When setting up a new Expense item If you check off % of Income and complete the Enter % field, then immediately click Save it does not update anything .. it will only update if you click on another field before clicking Save.
Answer- You have to 'leave' the field you were in for the change to take effect. You will find REMA is designed this way throughout.

8. How do I enter a new City and Zoning code?
Answer- It is easiest to do this from the menus in Maintain Tables, but you can also do it from the Analyzer. Here are the steps:
1- Click on the New button beside the City field

2- Create the new City and attach it to the correct Province

3- Go back into the Property

4- Select the correct Province

5- Select the newly created City

6- Click the New button beside the Zoning Code field

7- Select the new City from the City Name drop-down menu

8- Create the new Zoning code

9- Go back into the Property

10- Select the Zoning Code for the new City

FAQ - General

GarthChapman — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:39:19 GMT

Here are the answers to some typical REMA software Frequently Asked Questions. Trust they'll help get you going!

1. Screen/Window sizing
-With so many different sizes and size formats in use today you may find a window opens on your screen partially off-screen. Press F6 to centre any screen at any time.

2. When I try to add a Reminder in Property Revenue nothing happens.
-Double-click on a revenue item in the grid at the bottom or highlight the entry in the grid and click Edit so it appears in the top part of the screen - then click on Create Reminder.

3. I am having some difficulty with some of the Vendor pull-down menus when entering in new people or institutions, etc. Once I enter the new Vendor and then when we go back to the pull-down menu to select the new entry, it isn't there.
-It will be there if you exit the screen you are in and then immediately go back into it again (the system has to load the new Table info).
-We can automate that if you tell us what screen you were in when it happened. We have to fix each one separately so we need to know the screens not immediately loading the new Vendor entries.

4. In the maintenance tab when it asks if I would like to set up a maintenance record and I say no, when I exit it takes me to the screen anyway. Is this a glitch or are you strongly suggesting I input a maintenance record??
-If you check the checkbox in the Property Details screen then the Maintenance Tab will not be loaded with the Maintenance Operations in the Grid. But the Maintenance Tab itself will always be there in every Property.
-If you later change your mind and want to track Maintenance for the Property you will be able to do so.

5. Deposit on Purchase- In the expense category where it lists "Deposit on Purchase", should that include the 25% down payment or just the initial deposit?
-It was meant just for the deposit.
-Remember that the program is fully customizable. You can add, change and delete any of the Tables to suit your preferences.

6. Whenever I input all of my info on the Sample User database, even though it tells me everything is backed up I cannot find it again after I log off. My Preferences also need to be reset every time I log on. What am I doing wrong?
-You must exit the program via File/Exit to save your entered data.
-In the My Preferences section you must go to the next screen via the 'Next' button to save your entered data, and then choose 'Save and Exit' on the last screen (Key Reminder Dates) in order for everything to be saved. This is true whenever you are in a multiple screen section.

7. Whenever I try to open the My Portfolio database it immediately goes to Property Reminder Schedule and then does not let me go any further.
-Press exit to exit the the Reminder screen and REMA will take you to the main program screen.
-If you want to work with the Reiminder Maintenance you are in you can click on 'View' to view a PDF of the Report and then from there you can print or email the Report.

8. Once a report is entered how do I print it?-Go to Portfolio Reports, choose your Report and the Filters and choose Run Report. That will open a PDF of the report, from where you can print or email it (from the PDF Reader commands in the toolbar at the top).

9. On cash flow and various reports you use the term "expenses" but include mortgage payments which are a blend of interest expense and principle repayment. I personally prefer the two components to be shown separately, interest expense, subtotal, and principle repayment to make it easier to reconcile to tax filings.-This was deliberate, as the financial aspect of REMA is a forward looking tool that predicts Cashflow and not one that records the past income and expense items. It is not intended to replace your Accounting program or records (check out the Disclaimer subject in the Help file on that subject).
-We may look at creating some export features later on that would permit you to export the predicted cashflow as your 'budget' in Quickbooks or other accounting software, and maybe to export Purchase Reporting financial data.
Remember that you can always use the mortgage amortization schedule to help you regarding the split of interest and principle. We use this for our year-end mortgage balance calculations required by our Tax Accountants.

10. I have successfully installed the software. There is a lot to see and learn. Is there a course guide or manual that will make it easier for beginners to set up? I'd like to use the tool but will require backup support.
-You will find lots of good information in the Help File/User Guide within REMA, and also on the REMA forum discussion board on the new www.myreinspace.com website hosted by REIN. And of course you can always email us with your questions at helpdesk@remacanada.ca

11. Please advise what to use for licence key when registering to use your program?
-You won't need one until after January 15, 2008. Currently when you leave that blank you will get a pop-up reading "Evaluation License only" .

12. Adding a Reminder to a Revenue item in a Property
Question: In Quick Revenue data entry screen I click on 'Add a Reminder'. Nothing happens. I tried clicking on a revenue line first but still clicking on add a reminder does not bring up any new screen.
Answer: You have to double-click on the Revenue item so it's data is brought up into the fields above the grid. Then you can create your Reminder.

13. Setting a new Zoning Code
Question: I've just downloaded REMA and am trying to input information. Unfortunately, I can't do anything because I am unable to create and/or select a zoning code and it is a mandatory field. Please help.
Answer: There are 2 ways you can set a new Zoning Code-
A) In the Property Details 'Key Property Data' window you are in when entering a new Property:
-Click the New button beside the Zoning field
-The City Zoning Codes Table will open
-Select the City you want to create a Zoning Code for.
-If the City does not already exist in the drop down menu, you will first have to go to the City Names Table and set up the new City.
-Enter the Zoning description and you're done. Now go back to the Property and your new selection will be there.

B) You can also do the when you are not in the Property as follows:
-Go to the Maintain Tables button on the main toolbar, and select City Zoning Codes
-Select the City you want to create a Zoning Code for.
-If the City does not already exist in the drop down menu, you will first have to go to the City Names Table and set up the new City.
-Enter the Zoning description and you're done. Now go back to the Property and your new selection will be there.

14. How are Acquisition Costs treated in Reports?
Acquisition Costs are treated as Capital Invested in Reports.
If any such items are in your Revenue/Expense Codes that you do not want to treat as Acquisition/Capital items, just go to Maintain Tables, select Revenue/Expense Codes, then choose the item, double-click on it and change it from an Acquisition item to an Expense item and click on Save Entry.

15. Can I use REMA for Book-keeping purposes?
REMA is NOT designed to do your book-keeping" (refer to the Disclaimer in the Help File/User Guide)
REMA is not designed for book-keeping purposes, but is designed to predict your monthly cashflow and cash position. You should enter your Properties in My Portfolio and then enter your income and expenses there, as I did in the demonstration.

16. What is G & A?
G&A is short for General & Administrative (aka Overhead). This is where you can enter any non-Property related income and also your Overhead expenses. These will then be included below your Portfolio Cashflow in the Cashflow Summary Report, located in Portfolio Reports.

17. Why do we have to enter Bank and Bank Account information?
REMA requires a bank and an account # wherever those fields are shown (Property data, Mortgage info and Tenant data). This information is used so that you can actually predict you bank balances by Bank and Account. This can be very important for Investors who have multiple JV's with different bank accounts for each. REMA will know by your entries to which Bank Account each of your Income and Expense items are to be recorded.

18. Fiscal Year vs Calendar Year - What is my Current Year to set in Preferences?
Question- I operate with a Fiscal Year that is not the Calendar Year, and I find that it is a little confusing to enter the next year instead of the calendar year that we are in. Is that standard reporting practice that if the fiscal year is different than the calendar year that you refer to the fiscal year by the end month's year rather than the first month's year?
Answer- Standard Accounting practice is to describe the 'fiscal year' as the year in which it ends, in part because CRA (aka Revenue Canada) defines that as the tax year.

19. French language keyboard setting compatibility
If you have set your keyboard to the French language you will not be able to make Mortgage entries, as the keyboard uses commas in place of periods. You must have your keyboard set to English for this to work. We will look into French language compatibility later on.

FAQ - Download & Install

GarthChapman — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:34:57 GMT

1. I've tried to install the set-up but a message comes up that it won't support my present system. It asks if it can update these but then nothing happens. I have Windows 2000. Will it work on this? Is there some other upgrade I need to do?

Another version of the same question: I have tried unsuccessfully to install the software and have a dialogue box that tells me my software is out of date and asks me to reboot my system after it installed these new files.

-During the REMA install when asked to update your system files, say yes. The system then may want to re-boot. Say yes again. Then go back and again run the setup.exe that you unzipped from the REMA program download.
-To find out what service pack for Windows 2000 you are running click Start, then Control Panel, then System. It will display in the General tab what version you are running.
-Then go to the Window Update site and download the latest updates and Service Pack.

2. Do I need a license Key to run REMA?
-You do not need a license key during the free trial period through January 15, 2008. When you go into My Portfolio and are taken to the License screen, enter your name in 'Licensed to', your email address, select your Country, Province, and City and then click Save at the bottom of the screen.
-You should not see the license screen again unless you open it deliberately.

3. Downloading REMA program Updates - Go to the 'Download Centre' page on the REMA website
-If you want to save your already entered data:
Go to 'Download the Update to the Trial Version of REMA Software here', and then copy all the files contained in the zipped folder into your REMA folder in Program Files/REMA.

-If you do not want to save your data:
Go to 'Download the Trial Full Program Version of REMA Software here'.