Topic: Yardi Voyager vs. RealPage's OneSite

My company owns and manage about 5,000 units throughout Texas. We have been with Yardi for the past four-plus years, but have heard great things about the massive integration available through OneSite. Does anybody have any opinions or recommendations?

Ian-

We own and manage about 3,000 units in Indiana & Ohio. We have used OneSite now for about 4 years, and also use a number of their integrated products including screening, online payments, online leasing, online service requests, Yieldstar Revenue Management, and the CrossFire Contact Center. OK, that's pretty much all of their products, but I can say that we have been very happy with them. Is there something in particular you have a question about?

We have serious concerns about the low level of customer support for small fry like us, billing errors, and getting locked into a system where we have no access to our database. Unlike Yardi, OneSite uses a proprietary database and does not give customers access to this data. Also, since all add-on services are subsidiaries, rather that independant companies like with Yardi, if we have a problem we have very little recourse, and no viable threat to leave. We are also worried about price increases after the inital contract expiration. Finally, we have concerns about the back end accounting and limited tools to research payment, credits and debits vs. Yardi.

Have you made a decision?

There are many differences between the two that should be considered. You should consider doing a formal software selection process to insure you select the best one for you.

We use Onesite at UDR. As the Assistant Manager, I do all the billing and accounting. It's fairly easy to use.I've previously used Skyline and AMSI at other companies, and Onesite is incredibly easy to use. The company is also rolling out online payments through a link between Onesite and the company website. I've never used Yardi, but love Onesite.

Ian-

There are a number of other products that integrate with OneSite, so you don't have to feel tied to their product line. From a customer support standpoint it really depends on what your needs are. If you need them to hold your hand, don't count on it. We have not seen price increases in on the products we have signed on with for 4 years. They do increase prices on products, but it applies to new users. I want to say we typically sign 5 year agreements with the products and until renewal don't see increases. Can't speak on the accounting piece as we don't use that product.

Good luck with the choice.

Hi Ian! I agree with some of the other comments regarding accessibility with RealPage verses YARDI who also offers either YARDI hosting or self-hosting. Part of the appeal of realpage is the interfacing with other products but more and more this is available other ways. Actually, On-Site.com was the very first company to merge Resident Screening with Automated Documents, either your own or Blue Moon's and On-Site.com (not to be confused with realpage's onesite)is able to integrate with YARDI, MRI, E-Site, etc. and RentBureau which is really gaining momentum in Atlanta.

Let me know if I can help.

Tarla McCann

There are pros and cons to both systems. If trying to decide between the two be sure to read my blog entry on software selection. I strongly advise hiring an independent consultant to help you select the right solution.

We are in the processing of switching our software right now (currently using an old old version of Yardi). So far OneSite is looking really good to us, but we are still exploring our options. I need to get a bunch of user testimonials for whatever we pick so please let me know about your experiences with whichever product you are using (positive or negative). Especially if you have switched over from Yardi to something else--how did that process go?

Does anybody know what the cheapest option out of the bigger ones (Yardi, MRI, ASMI, OneSite) is? Yardi Voyager appears to be cheaper, but representatives at other companies have warned me that Yardi customers often complain that they were underquoted and end up paying much more in the end once everything is implemented.

Thanks for the imput! :)

What are you doing about accounting? Will you use OneSite Accounting?

Have you completed the decision or still in the process? If still in the process check out my blog about software selections:

www.multifamilyinsiders.com/home/multifa...ware-Selections.html

You might also find this one of use:

www.multifamilyinsiders.com/home/multifa...s.-Self-Hosting.html

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

We've been with One Site for several years now. We use the accounting piece as well. Over the past year I've really begin to think about looking at Yardi. At the time we made the switch, it was the best option for us.

Overall, the software has been good. The customer service however has not. That, along with the pricing is what makes me want to look at our options. We also got hit with a price increase that I was not expecting. Being a small company, as was mentioned above, we don't have much leverage.

I would definitly have an expert outside of your organization consult with you on this decision because of it's importance. However, make sure that person isn't tied to one particular product. Those people are out there and will send you in the wrong direction just to make a commission.

I could not agree more with Mr. Wallace. This is a huge decision that should not be done on the cheap or in isolation. Getting an independent consultant will help you make the right decision.

Not to try to blatantly sell myself here, but when you look at consultants ask bout their methodology. For example:

dbrw.com/services-1.htm

The Goodman Group implemented RealPage's OneSite 3 years ago. The integration capability has allowed us to grow into ancillary modules. OneSite's menu of modules does help in controlling initial costs of conversion as you don't "buy" the whole package knowing you are not going to utilize all the capability right away. First we converted and trained on the core product the prospect and lease management system. Since we have grown into utility billing, call center, online leasing, screening and renters insurance. Next we are working on ACH and credit card payments through RealPage.

We looked at Yardi, but made the business decision that we wanted a strong end user product not an accounting and back office product. I believe OneSite has more prospect management and marketing capability. From the users I've trained who have used both Yardi and OneSite I always get the feedback that OneSite is easier to use from a site management perspective.

We have RealPage onesite and I want to say that you can not do any better with their customer support. When you call they will walk you step by step on whatever you need help with. I have also had Yardi, in my world no one can touch RealPage in products and product support.

Thank you.

For those of you who are on OneSite, what are you doing for your payroll product? This is one of the biggest drawbacks for us since our current payroll program is linked with our accounting software (with Yardi). It seems like it would be a hassle to do all the journal entries every month since the systems wouldn't be linked?

We actually use a 3rd party payroll processor who cuts the checks and tracks all of our vacation accruals, so we email them an excel spreadsheet recap from each site and then we reimburse them like any other vendor payable in Yardi. It's simple, and makes the accounting a snap.

I believe Onesite's accounting product (Intacct) has an integration with a payroll system.

We just upgraded to Yardi Voyager from Yardi Enterprise and have been using it for few months. I must say that i am not really happy. Don't get me wrong, i like the software and its headed into right direction, but lot of work needs to be done. As i get more and more into Yardi, i find more problems with it.

Also it may seem cheaper at first, but it can get really costly as you start adding different modules/options.

Software is as good as your implementation and knowledge/user. As pointed out by others, please get help from independent consultant.

One other persn mentioned this company, but I feel that it deserves mention again: On-site.com

From what I have heard, it merges the best of both worlds. I also happen to know the vendor reps in the Seattle area who are amazing and take great care of their clients. I would conclude that if personal care of clients is a value for a region, it is also a value for the company.

No kick-backs being received, I promise.

Hi! How do I learn how to do Yardi and RealPageonesite?My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at 719-357-2444 Just want to learn both- thanks!

I am getting into property managemnt, in Colorado. Help me!! Which program do I need to learn? Can you help me and tell me where I would learn about Yardi or Realpage, I am very new at this! I would appreciate any information you can give me! 719-357-2444 Thankyou, Jody email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Thankyou again!! B)

Hi Jody!

There are a number of property management software programs out there in addition to Yardi and Real Page, so you may want to wait before you dive into major training. You can get an overview of these two programs at their websites:

www.yardi.com/US/VoyagerResidential.asp

www.realpage.com/onesite/training/

I hope this helps - Good Luck on your job search! Doug

Doug Chasick wrote:

Hi Jody!

There are a number of property management software programs out there in addition to Yardi and Real Page, so you may want to wait before you dive into major training. You can get an overview of these two programs at their websites:

www.yardi.com/US/VoyagerResidential.asp

www.realpage.com/onesite/training/

I hope this helps - Good Luck on your job search! Doug

I have worked both in a sales environment for consulting services for Yardi and with the RealPage team. If you have questions about either, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to assist any way I can.

Scott Holcomb

I have worked on both systems, and the key in making your decision it to research your products, KNOW what you need, and purchase the product that best fits YOUR needs - not only now, but long term. You are right to look at these systems, as I believe they are the two best in the industry.

There are significant differences between the two systems. Anyone who infers, suggests or blatantly states that there aren't core differences obviously hasn't used both systems. As everyone as stated earlier, I highly recommend that you identify key processing areas, organized by high-level functional areas that you wish to evaluate. For example, a high-level category of Accounts Payable should have an evaluation of batch-check writing. Provide a weight to that evaluation criteria (1-Optional, 2-Important, 3-Mandatory) and then score that event (1-Does Not Meet Criteria, 2-Partially Meets/Plan to Meet, 3-Meets Criteria,4-Exceeds Criteria). Each system will be provided a score that is then multiplied by the weight to derive a weighted score (WS = S x W). Add these up for each system, compare this to your ideal system (yes one that doesn't exist but would if you could create it). Then examine and tally the results.

Now back to Yardi vs. RealPage. In essence, there are several major differences, I will only reference three as it relates to my Price: Price Structure, Documentation, Training category/events. Yardi pricing is user derived (one flat fee for all modules) while Realpage is unit/component based (a fee per module per unit with endless users). Documentation, complete integration of user information is extremely outdated with RealPage - there is an endless supply of hints/tips documentation from support. Training, I really only want to talk about one aspect - Yardi provides a test site that mirrors your production(live) site. This enables you to test new functionality without having to worry about making a mistake - critical functionality. My last and final areas are Client Functionality - User Interface, Data Access. The underlying data for your property isn't accessible in Realpage while in Yardi it is. While this may not seem to be a significant issue it becomes more important in the event that the reports provided don't suit your needs or aren't understandable (most of the reports are simple and useless because the developers really didn't work with the end users to create meaningful smart reports). The majority of all reports in Yardi provide drill down capability - meaning if you can't understand the information on the report, you can click it to drill further down in the information. Realpage on the other hand, simply leaves you guessing or have you go through a myriad of other reports to get to your answer (which hopefully ties to theirs). In my humble opinion, RealPage is second to Yardi in all areas. That is not to say that it doesn't have its drawbacks but those are far fewer than RealPage. Last but not least, I strongly encourage you to ensure that your critical reports and letters can be reproduced (because what good is using a system, if you can't get the information out of the system).

Just to clarify what you say about RealPage is not entirely accurate. You can access your RealPage data directly if you need to. They provide you a complete backup nightly of your database. In addition, there are many reports that you can customize on the fly if you don't find a report you need. All of the Accounting reports allow drill back capabilities all the way back to the ledgers.

RealPage offers a complete solution without the added burdon of managing multiple interfaces. However, they also work with many different vendors and can interface if needed. Their property management system was developed to be easy to use, which translates into fewer mistakes at the site and therefore gives you more accurate financials. In addition, it frees up your site staff to focus on revenue generating activities.

I'm not sure if you've used Yardi Onesite. As someone who uses both, has implemented many accounting systems, I assure you that RealPage takes a backseat to Yardi.

User Interface
A decent User Interface should have certain qualities. While not going into all of them let me just say some critical ones are Clear, Concise, Familiar, Responsive, Consistent, Attractive, Efficient and Forgiving. The Realpage interface opens up one main unresizable window (this is an internet, web browser no-no, clearly wasting my monitor real estate). The Realpage interface doesn't have hotkeys for each user function. The realpage functions are not categorized in any well organized structure across ALL components nor are they even sorted alphabetically). For example, under the Setup "tab", General Property components, the options are neither in functional nor alphabetical order. Essential you have to search for the option you are looking to refine. While these are just a few, Yardi has this functionality.

Data Access
Perhaps I wasn't clear. Both Yardi and Realpage allow certain customizations, (e.g. period range, cash/accrual, etc.). Both systems provide proper backup. The accounting modules more or less provide drill down capability. Yardi is superior in that ALL items in ALL modules provide drill down capability. There is not one report in Facilities, Waitlist Management, OneSite Affordable, Purchasing...(you get the point) that provides drill down capability into the actual work order, applicant, resident or vendor. Also, Yardi allows you to create a report from scratch via Crystal Reports. It provides you with the database structure to allow you to create any type of report you so choose at any time you desire. Realpage does not allow this whatsoever.

This doesn't mean that RealPage cannot meet your needs. Both work with many vendors and offer multiple interfaces. However, there is still no comparison between the two when you really assess the two in a diligent manner.

I'm not sure if you've used Yardi Voyager. As someone who uses both, has implemented many accounting systems, I assure you that RealPage takes a backseat to Yardi.

User Interface
A decent User Interface should have certain qualities. While not going into all of them let me just say some critical ones are Clear, Concise, Familiar, Responsive, Consistent, Attractive, Efficient and Forgiving. The Realpage interface opens up one main unresizable window (this is an internet, web browser no-no, clearly wasting my monitor real estate). The Realpage interface doesn't have hotkeys for each user function. The realpage functions are not categorized in any well organized structure across ALL components nor are they even sorted alphabetically). For example, under the Setup "tab", General Property components, the options are neither in functional nor alphabetical order. Essential you have to search for the option you are looking to refine. While these are just a few, Yardi has this functionality.

Data Access
Perhaps I wasn't clear. Both Yardi and Realpage allow certain customizations, (e.g. period range, cash/accrual, etc.). Both systems provide proper backup. The accounting modules more or less provide drill down capability. Yardi is superior in that ALL items in ALL modules provide drill down capability. There is not one report in Facilities, Waitlist Management, OneSite Affordable, Purchasing...(you get the point) that provides drill down capability into the actual work order, applicant, resident or vendor. Also, Yardi allows you to create a report from scratch via Crystal Reports. It provides you with the database structure to allow you to create any type of report you so choose at any time you desire. Realpage does not allow this whatsoever.

This doesn't mean that RealPage cannot meet your needs. Both work with many vendors and offer multiple interfaces. However, there is still no comparison between the two when you really assess the two in a diligent manner.

RealPage's Onesite is BY FAR the better program to work with, but it is also MUCH MUCH more expensive. See Realpage only does Residential Property Management software. Not Commercial Property or anything else.... Residential Prop Management Only. Onesite takes pains to consult with professionals in the industry, and writes their software accordingly. Little things that you would never think of that make you job SO much easier. Yardi is a product of a large software company, INTUIT I think... or is that HBO? Either way... they both suck from an on site perspective. Who's ever seen corporate to run their own reports anyway? How would they know?

All that said, Yardi would probably be better for you to learn. It's one HELL of a lot cheaper, and anybody in property management will tell you that corporate is only looking at the bottom line. You'll have a lot more job oportunities if you learn Yardi.

I think of lot of this decision is based on my personal capacity at the company I work for. I work on site. Yardi is very, to use your phrase, "unforgiving". At least at the on site level. Just a couple of examples...

In Yardi, the primary resident has four or five spaces for phone numbers... work home mobile fax other... something like that... but there is no place at all to put a phone number for a roommate or other resident on the lease. On reports... ONLY the work phone number can be displayed. If it's left blank, and a lot of times these days, it is, you don't get a phone number in your report, or work order.

In Onesite... there's an order to which numbers are listed if others are not available. You can also pick which resident is making a particular payment or calling for service and have THAT persons information displayed. In onesite... if you need to correct a persons phone number while writing up a work order or entering a payment, you can make the change on the screen you're in.... that persons phone number will be updated through out the system... Not YARDI... you either have to go back into the resident screen and enter it there too, or, as is all too often the case, just forget about it and whoever takes their next work order can get itfrom the resident again.

Onesite has lots of little things like that... it just makes life easier... If there's something missing in the system, it'll remind you. If you're pulling up that person to make a comment on their account (which you can do in both NOW) it'll remind you of info you need to get.

In my company we also use check scanners to initiat ACH transactions for rent payments.... Yardi suck at this too.

In Onesite... you just sit there and scan checks all day. Even as they come in, you just scan them. No closing batches, no printing little reports that nobody want. At the end of the day they go to the bank... that easy. IN Yardi... you have to create a batch, and then go to a completely separate part of the program and print an unposted batch report (which it insist on) and then Post the batch. If you don't your payments are not submitted to the bank for payment...

If anybody out there has ever used Onesites call center.. OMG... they were amazing... they answered all out leads from website, and forwarded e-mail to us with the information on the people who were actually looking for an apartment in a reasonable amount of time. They were already in Onesite when we got the e-mail. We just had to read their e-mail and give the people a call.

Our calls were forwarded to them during the day as well... you know.. after a few rings... never an answering machine... always a live person. Residents appreciate that.

But again.. for 15 properties... the cost of onesite was... if I remember correctly... about $75,000 more per year. But that was with the call center, and accepting credit cards, online applications, a really great website.

If you're gonna' be on site... push for One Site... I promise. 10 years in the business and nobody's better than Realpage... NOBODY.

I have been managing on site for a few years, and used a couple different systems. I worked fora company that started out with the outdated yardi 3.2 and switched over to Yardi Voyager. In terms of finding detailed occupant demographics, YARDI has been the best system I have worked with. I currently work with AMSI, which asks for very little in terms of occupant demographic, and allows you to fully process and move in the applicant without entering any at all. Yardi offers a variety of ways to set up, including requiring all the fields needed for processing an application. This allows your corporate office to rent credit checks from home office without harrassing you for information, but you also have the option to run the credit check from on site, if your corporate office assigns full access. Really and truly you never know what a system will do for your company because they are so easily modified to do only what the business owner requested. My suggestion would be to submit a list of must haves to your corporate office so you can be sure whatever program is chosen, it will facilitate your needs on site

Hello My perspective :lol:

I also currently use AMSI and your statment towards the end that

Really and truly you never know what a system will do for your company because they are so easily modified to do only what the business owner requested.

Is also true for AMSI. You can customize add and remove occupant and/or prospect demographics in AMSI. Also, it is a security setting to not allow a move in to be processed without an application or demographics. Our AMSI never allows a move in without an application and never allows an application without a guest card with our company required demographics. I would be happy to help you with those settings.

We also run our applications straght through eSite based on the information from the application process in eSite.

Mark Curry wrote:

RealPage's Onesite is BY FAR the better program to work with, but it is also MUCH MUCH more expensive. See Realpage only does Residential Property Management software. Not Commercial Property or anything else.... Residential Prop Management Only. Onesite takes pains to consult with professionals in the industry, and writes their software accordingly. Little things that you would never think of that make you job SO much easier. Yardi is a product of a large software company, INTUIT I think... or is that HBO? Either way... they both suck from an on site perspective. Who's ever seen corporate to run their own reports anyway? How would they know?

All that said, Yardi would probably be better for you to learn. It's one HELL of a lot cheaper, and anybody in property management will tell you that corporate is only looking at the bottom line. You'll have a lot more job oportunities if you learn Yardi.

I think of lot of this decision is based on my personal capacity at the company I work for. I work on site. Yardi is very, to use your phrase, "unforgiving". At least at the on site level. Just a couple of examples...

In Yardi, the primary resident has four or five spaces for phone numbers... work home mobile fax other... something like that... but there is no place at all to put a phone number for a roommate or other resident on the lease. On reports... ONLY the work phone number can be displayed. If it's left blank, and a lot of times these days, it is, you don't get a phone number in your report, or work order.

In Onesite... there's an order to which numbers are listed if others are not available. You can also pick which resident is making a particular payment or calling for service and have THAT persons information displayed. In onesite... if you need to correct a persons phone number while writing up a work order or entering a payment, you can make the change on the screen you're in.... that persons phone number will be updated through out the system... Not YARDI... you either have to go back into the resident screen and enter it there too, or, as is all too often the case, just forget about it and whoever takes their next work order can get itfrom the resident again.

Onesite has lots of little things like that... it just makes life easier... If there's something missing in the system, it'll remind you. If you're pulling up that person to make a comment on their account (which you can do in both NOW) it'll remind you of info you need to get.

In my company we also use check scanners to initiat ACH transactions for rent payments.... Yardi suck at this too.

In Onesite... you just sit there and scan checks all day. Even as they come in, you just scan them. No closing batches, no printing little reports that nobody want. At the end of the day they go to the bank... that easy. IN Yardi... you have to create a batch, and then go to a completely separate part of the program and print an unposted batch report (which it insist on) and then Post the batch. If you don't your payments are not submitted to the bank for payment...

If anybody out there has ever used Onesites call center.. OMG... they were amazing... they answered all out leads from website, and forwarded e-mail to us with the information on the people who were actually looking for an apartment in a reasonable amount of time. They were already in Onesite when we got the e-mail. We just had to read their e-mail and give the people a call.

Our calls were forwarded to them during the day as well... you know.. after a few rings... never an answering machine... always a live person. Residents appreciate that.

But again.. for 15 properties... the cost of onesite was... if I remember correctly... about $75,000 more per year. But that was with the call center, and accepting credit cards, online applications, a really great website.

If you're gonna' be on site... push for One Site... I promise. 10 years in the business and nobody's better than Realpage... NOBODY.

Mark, Thanks for pointing out that for the higher cost included "the call center, and accepting credit cards, online applications, a really great website".

I feel obligated to point out that the statements made about Yardi by the poster are, while likely true in the implementation of Yardi that he has, are not true of Yardi in general.

Also, Yardi is a privately held company, Anant Yardi is still at the helm of the company he started over 25 years ago.

None of what he said is a fair representation of Yardi Voyager's capabilities (though it should be noted that the poster didn't point out which version of Yardi he was using, there are companies still using Yardi's DOS program from the 80s).

The fact of the matter is, Yardi and Onesite are both great programs with unique capabilities. The best thing a company can do, when contemplating migrating to a new software system, is have a list in place of their needs (by department ideally, ie: accounting, site mgrs, leasing agents), and rate the different SW packages against their needs as they review them.

We use ADP total source for payroll, and we download a file for each payroll and import it into OneSite accounting. The import features in OneSite are excellent.

We currently manage over 22,000 units in several different states, and we use Yardi on all of our sites. Yardi might not be the most user friendly software in the industry, but their complex reports and infrastructure is untouchable. I have used many of the different software in the industry such as AMSI, PM2000, MRI, Onesite, Boston Post Property Manager, and not one compares to Yardi. While Onesite is extremely user friendly, and can interface with many other programs, their accounting software is inferior to Yardi, and their ability to complete conversions in non-existing. I would highly recommend staying with Yardi.

FWIW we manage/own about 1000 units and as a company we are pursuing more acquisitions.

We have been spending a great of deal of time deciding between Real Page and Yardi. Our research has pointed us towards Yardi Voyager due to the way we can interact with our data. From an owner standpoint we feel like Yardi was a better resource in terms of helping us make investment decisions than Real Page. We also like the singular database structure as well as their pricing scheme which is much better imho then Real Page's.

I have used both... as a "superuser" Real Page's Onesite for 8+ years and Yardi the past 3. I have also used Real Page's Yieldstar. From a manager's standpoint, I like Onesite more as the reports are more accurate and different reports that show the same items match. With Yardi, that is not the case. Example, each month on my Unit Stats report and the Box Score report, my move outs, move ins, evictions etc will not match when I do my owners report. OneSite can be more tailor made to a company also as if you want certain details on a report they can create it...I am not sure if Yardi will do that. OneSite is not as "easy" to learn as Yardi but as a manager, accuracy counts. We do bills in Yardi and that is very simple. For the accounting side, I think either software will work. Hope this helps some.

I have used both and without the shadow of a doubt, Onesite. As Peggy mentioned, the reports are one of the main factors. Onesite will generate any report we may possible need without us having to go through several steps to obtain one piece of information. I also believe the transition for your users to be much smoother with Onesite as the program is extremely user friendly. Yardi users need to be a lot more computer/software savvy. Onesite, definitely.

Yardi allows you to create a report from scratch via Crystal Reports. It provides you with the database structure to allow you to create any type of report you so choose at any time you desire. Realpage does not allow this whatsoever

Realpage actually does offer the ability to create custom reports using their Central Reporting product, you can create any type of report you like and you even have the capability to create you're own formulas to produce any custom calculation you desire, you can also add custom trending indicators over prior periods and color coded performance alerts based on your preferrences.

I would say that Realpage's Central Reporting does have a steep learning curve as you will need to spend a lot of time experimenting with their pre made data fields in order to get a good understanding of what the numbers mean and what they produce in order to build reports that you can easily understand and use. However, it is a very powerful product that allows you to build reports that provide invaluable insights into any area of interest for Realpage product centers that you use such as leasing & Rents, Facilities, Accounting, etc....

Interesting that this topic picked up again after a year! Having used both, I can say there are advantages to each. One thing I've learned in this business is that people say, "This program can't do this..." when the truth is, their current employer imposed that limitation. I was told not long ago (by my former employer's IT department) Yardi does not have an email function. Once I joined a new company as district manager, I found they did and implemented it.

With most things being equal (except that there seems to be a consensus that MRI is much less user-friendly), there's another consideration. Having worked in 3 cities for a variety of companies, I can tell you Yardi Voyager is the most common. I have had more people ask me in job interviews about my level of ability with it, and as I've interviewed people, I've found more people that know it.

Something to consider: knowing Yardi Voyager makes you more marketable to more companies and makes it easier to find employees who use the software you use. I know it's a little like McDonald's--the "it's everywhere" effect--but since I find OneSite and Yardi Voyager not all THAT different, it's a bigger consideration.

I definitely prefer OneSite over Yardi Voyager (although I really like the client-based MRI systems because of how much you can truly customize through coding).

Yardi is very similar to OneSite and after using both I've concluded that they pretty much just copied everything about OneSite to make Yardi Voyager. Everything (including the intuitive thought process for menus) mirrors OneSite.

As other have stated, OneSite was designed exclusively for multifamily property management. Yardi and MRI were both accounting systems that were adapted for use in our industry. There's quite a difference, although if cost is a big factor Yardi Voyager is the best choice because it's just like OneSite, just cheaper.

I prefer Yardi over onesite. We do use Yieldstar at our property as well. We have Yardi integrated with Bluemoon, so it is real easy to enter traffic and run credits, etc. Onesite is a good software, but my preference has always been Yardi. I can enter any source for marketing, upload pictures of move outs (for management to view), print quote sheets, add and remove amenities, etc.

I love Real Page! For leasing, Real Page is so easy to set up follow ups and activities in the system. It is also really easy to search for residents and prospects, and pulling different reports. Yardi is hard to use for follow ups and guest cards.

RealPage

Unless all users are very computer literate, RealPage is your answer. Yardi is a difficult software to learn, and even more difficult to work with on a daily basis. RealPage was developed by people who work or have worked in the industry, and is written with that in mind. Absolutlely RealPage is the way to go

I have had the spectrum of leasing consultants and assistants... I love Real Page's OneSite using it for many years and being a superuser...but Yardi to me is a no brainer software...easy to learn. Regardless either way...your team will be using a very good software. Reports though Real Page wins!

How would Rent Manager compare to Real Page?

Collin, this is a great question. In my professional opinion Yardi is the more comprehensive software. I enjoyed using RealPage for the front office side and it is somewhat more user friendly for the site staff. However, Yardi has all the same functions and may take a few minutes longer to master the front end but Yardi's accounting side is phenomenal. Most anyone would say RealPage and Yardi compare exactly like this. My recommendation after 8 years of RealPage and 3 with Yardi is Yardi. I used to think ReaPage had superior reporting until I became versed in the many customized reports each different company does. So, either will get you the info you need.

We reciently went with Real Page after a long time Esite user. My understandaing is Real Page is a better option on the front end with on site personnel. However, I understand the accounting end does not meet everyones needs. We will see.

Can you tell me how much the Onesite solution costs on a per unit basis? How much do they add on for the different modules?

I am also looking for a direct price comparison between Yardi and OneSite. Would really appreciate if anyone could throw some light on that aspect or give me some pointers. Yardi is one fixed cost for the whole module whereas OneSite charges on per unit basis. So at how many units will Yardi breakeven against OneSite?

This discussion has been dead for quite some time, but looking for similar advice for my company. We currently use Yardi Enterprise and are considering an upgrade to Voyager or move altogether to Real Page or Rent Manager. There isn't much information out there on Rent Manager, and was hoping to find someone with user experience.

Real Page is by far the superior product. I never had an issue with using it for accounting/reporting. User friendly and excellent training!

few years ago had same question - Y vs RP. tried Yardi and had much difficulty with product and support, cancelled. tried using Real Page and have used and enjoyed it ever since.

I personally have always been a fan of Real Page over Yardi. I have converted many properties from Real Page to other programs but I still believe Real Page or another I have heard of that I personally have not used yet is E-Site.

Real Page !! Much easier to navigate and the reports are great! I worked at a large REIT for 12 years. We started on Rent Roll in the 90's and went to Onesite. No complaints. Loved Yieldstar

As an auditor we look more at the accounting side of it. It's been my experience that Yardi is better on the accounting side. I do hear that Real Page is better on the management side. But I'm not the one using the software on a daily basis. I would have to say that the majority of our larger clients use Yardi. But, then again, I still have one client who still does her project accounting by hand. We draw straws every year to see who in the office is going to get stuck with the hand written ledgers. I've lost the past two years. I should just delegate it to one of our younger staff but I think I'm the only one in the office old enough to deal with something that is not computerized.

We have been on OneSite for a couple of years now and we are still in the process of adding various portals. We were previously on Esite.

My understanding is that OneSite is very good on the front end. That is for site staff. However, the accounting (backend) does not meet all requirements for some functions of accounting as well as Esite or Yardi.

I don't have experience with Yardi but RealPage is very easy to use. It doesn't look that nice but is very functional.

I have worked with both and would choose Onesite every time! While both programs have its issues. Onesite is more user friendly, better reporting and you can utilize all ares.
Good luck in your search

I would very concerned about your goal of implementation in 30 days. Of course, much depends upon the size and complexity of your portfolio, and the available budget to handle your set-up and data migration. However, 30 days is a very, very aggressive figure if you have not even decided what product to use at this point.

I have used both and would highly recommend Real Page.

REAL PAGE!! USED BOTH. NO CONTEST.... RP THUMBS UP!

I have used YARDI for several years. I started with a new company in October and I am now using Rent Manager and finding I like it a lot better than Yardi.

Angie,

If you've chosen, I'm curious what you ended up with. Just got onto this particular topic.

I've worked with them all, it seems - Yardi, MRI, AMSI and RealPage (and a bit with Timberline). I think Yardi gets a lot of bad rap but is actually the best of them all, unless you have a fairly small company and don't want to pay for Yardi. The problem a lot of companies have with Yardi is they don't have someone at corporate who can modify it, train, and provide customer support. If your company has even one experienced Yardi staff person (or even a consultant) you will be satisfied with it. Everyone knows that accounting is superior with Yardi, but the "user-friendly" aspect is something that can be modified by a Yardi-knowledgeable staff member.

Hi, We were going through this decision process about 18 months ago and chose Yardi. Overall we like the system, but of course there are a few things we would like to modify. We changed our interal workflow and procedures when we went to Yardi and after a year we are still finding some interal workflow challenges. I would sincerely appreciate talking to another Yardi user to discuss how they have organized their internal workflow using Yardi. Our company manages about 900 units and 800k sq/ft commercial.

Please contact me if you are willing to help me better understand how other companies structure their workflow.

Thanks,
Rich
530-893-8228
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Has anyone compared Boston Post to Onesite?

I have used Yardi in the past. My current company uses One Site. We, too, use a plethora of their other products (i.e. payments, Yieldstar, etc.) I really like One Site. I feel that it's easy to use and very easy to train on. There are a couple of drawbacks, though.

With regard to a current Resident who is TRANSFERRING to a new unit, it is extremely difficult to track. It's often IMPOSSIBLE to find that they ever lived in the previous unit. You will have to have an excellent memory and hire only persons with excellent memories to keep up! There have been times where my staff and I actually have to search ledgers- and go back months and months- to find what unit they were billed rent on. Then, maybe you'll have a match. Just know that One Site is a bit tricky with transfers. Since my property has tons of transfers, this IS an issue:/

Also, with regard to renewals, it can be a bit confusing... There are times when the renewal offer is no longer valid (i.e. maybe it's been over 30 days). You'll have to clear out all offers, re-select the 'month to month' rate and select a new date range that the offer will be good through. Then, you'll have to re-create offers. If they're higher, but you'll still honor them, you may need permission (from a Regional, V.P., etc) to override.

Those are my notes on One Site. We love most everything else with regard to all things 'One Site' at my property. Transfers and renewals are the only hiccups we've encountered (we've used for 2 1/2 years.

Hope that helps!

From our experience with a large property management company that switched to yardi , I have seen no financial statements for the last five months. Nada. Any rfp for pm should downgrade a company using yardi.

I don't understand why you haven't seen any reports. Yardi is the best financial reporting system out there. It is a total accounting software system - I love it. The reports are really easy to get out since the financial reports can easily be emailed straight from the system.

Currently using Yardi - Just changed management companies and they use OneSite. I find it very "CLICKY". Also the online version doesn't allow you to change the size of pop-up boxes and there's no slide bars to let you move over to be able to see the box if you use ctl-/+ to enlarge so you can read.

Not sure if they way this company has it set up or if default, but can't move on until all tasks for the day completed.

Verdict is still out, but find Yardi somewhat faster to use as you don't have to click so much to get through the process and all the pop-up windows. Also find that if it logs you out for inactivity, you get no warning, just loops you around 'till you figure it out!

I note that OneSite requires use of Internet Explorer. As IE has now slipped to 3rd place amongst browsers (includes mobile browsers), I am hoping that RealPage has plans to change the product architecture to allow it to be used on multiple browsers. If anyone has news on this change, I would love to know about it. Does Yardi allow for multiple browsers?

Source of Browser Statistic:
www.propertysolutions.com/blog/record-br...ks/P/5738/#more-5738

Architecture For Multi Browser Compatibility is in Place.. I have seen some parts on other browsers as well... I guess it is a work in Progress...

@Junaid
Yesterday I heard a rumor from the RealPage camp that there may be a related announcement at Realworld in July.
Guess we should buy tickets?

Hi Lisa,

I see that you mentioned YARDI and that is actually one of the softwares I am considering of implementing for our business. Do you have any other inputs about YARDI? Such as the accounting, reporting, online use, and the tenants paying online? Is there a bank charge for that?? I could really use the help!

Hi Mindy,
I see that you have used Yardi. I am actually considering using yardi out instead of realpage. This will be the first time we will be using a web-based software for our company. Do you have any other inputs? Also your opinion on transitioning a property management business to a web-bases software? I could really use the help!

I used Yardi for many years and find it an exceptional software system, especially for accounting purposes. As far as transitioning to a web-based platform, I suggest you invest in a detailed training schedule that is implemented step-by-step. It seems that a lot of companies have their go-to person at the software company and then assign someone to be their company's Super User. The Super User in turn receives extensive training and is supposed to set up the training of the key members of the onsite teams. Depending on the size of your company, this can be tricky to ensure each onsite person receives the right training, in my opinion.

Yardi offers a wide range of reports and I prefer its accounting system for accounts payable. It cannot be beat for its compatibility for HUD Tracs or its ability to customize reports and uploading budget information.

Once you decide who your company's Super User(s) will be, begin the implementation in stages. I prefer bringing team members to one area (usually at the corporate office) and setting up a computer lab where team members can work first in a "dummy database" and then in their own property's data once comfortable. I believe training in this manner will quickly progress individuals' skills in the use of the software.

For example, leasing managers can learn the basics of adding prospects, processing applicants, and running the reports associated with leasing stats. Property Managers learn this, plus collecting rents and posting in batches, coding invoices to match the chart of accounts your corporate team has already created, and submitting the invoices in batches for payments. Property Managers, Assistants, leasing teams and Maintenance Supervisors should learn how the maintenance work order system works. The work order template can be customized and should be for your company. Obviously, it takes a lot of time and organization to bring each property on board and up to speed in the use of the software.

I also believe that you should have your own in-house Help Desk people in place who can be the "go to" person for the onsite teams. That way, you won't have to pay Yardi Support all the time since this is very expensive (although you will negotiate the number of hours for support.)

FYI - the FIRST thing I would train each person to do is HOW TO PROPERLY LOG INTO AND OUT OF YArdi. Sounds silly, but there is a right way and a wrong way. :-) Also, be enthusiastic about the change to web-based software and how easy it will make your job! (Downplay the fact that now you can also work at home for those who are workaholics and play it up for those who aren't!) Finally, I have found both RealPage and Yardi to be fairly linear programs, meaning if you follow each step to the next, it always gives you the right result, which really makes both user friendly!

@mindy

Wow seems like I have alot of research to do on implementing a new software and I agree on what your saying about the super user (which will be me). However I only have two employees to train so Iam hopping it will not be as difficulty and they have a number of years with quick books so I'am assuming accounting will not be a problem. I was considering possibly making a presentation to show them the benefits the company and employees will get out of this software. This will probably make them more motivated. Agreed?

Yardi Voyager 7S is browser-agnostic. When you hear from people that it "only works in IE," they have not upgraded to 7S.

Never underestimate the cost of labor when considering the price of a software program. If the program is less expensive but more difficult to use, your savings will be eaten up (and then some) in labor costs.

@ajay We have experience in both systems - OneSite and Yardi. Our primary clients use YARDI for a lot of differing reasons. Mindy's post about what it can do is a great general statement. I myself prefer Yardi for the customization aspect, not just because that is where I make my money, but few companies are cookie cutter and the cost to customize Yardi is less costly then OneSite.
They are both great systems, Yardi being stronger on the accounting side of the equation. But either product would serve you well.

You mentioned payments. There are many options here and not limited to Yardi's RentCafe. You have Property Solutions, Conservice, BillPay just to name a few. I would caution however to use a payment gateway that has a Yardi interface component for ease of use and compatibility guarantees. However your sales rep will go over your options though focus will be on Yardi products. Some providers are cheaper than the Yardi product but not always as smooth or integrated so do your homework.

Yardi also has a library of basic training videos that will show you how to do certain things. You can also get a "demo" of the product from Yardi, schedule this with your agent, which will give you a good overview of the product or module. As Mindy said training is invaluable and if you train well you will reap the benefits. Having a help desk as the go to outside of Yardi will also generally save you money and headache, keeping in mind that any outside help desk will not always be versed on internal procedures if they differ from the standard.

I would also recommend looking into the Payscan option for payable. Budgeting you can go either way Onsite or Yardi's budgeting tools and they will both integrate in to Yardi just fine. We also have clients that use a software called RealBridge for even greater customization. Realbridge doesn't integrate with Yardi directly but allows you to import budgets once completed.

Once you decide to move to either platform give yourself a good 8 months to a year before full implementation, as you are converting from Quickbooks. However that will depend on how much information you want to bring over. There are a few recommendations if you reach that point.

If you do decide to go to Yardi you will be on 7s which, as mentioned earlier, is browser agnostic.

I would be available for any help. I do specialize in custom reporting, implementation, and IT support. Not to make this into a sales pitch, but I am an authorized Yardi consultant, of which Yardi tends to send a lot of things to people like me.

I recently changed jobs. I used Boston Post at my previous location which was fantastic. My current employer just switched to One Site and it is horrible. I takes complicated mutiple steps just to complete the most simple task. I would stay away from one site.

Specifically to Affordable HUD and Tax Credits, what does this forum not like about RealPage and Yardi's offerings?

Hi

Can you email me can you give some basic tips on how to use Yardi we have 130 unit

move in
move out
payments
wrok orders



HELP IS NEED ANYONE !!!!!

Send me your email and I am happy to assist (not an expert, but the basics are not hard to master.)

Hi

Thank you so much !

My boss has using yardi now if you can send anything you think would help I welcome it !



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Ian,

I'd love to visit with you. Please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mr. Wood,

Coming up with this after clicking on your blog link.

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Dear multifamilyinsiders.com admin, Your posts are always well-written and engaging.

Glad to read this. I’ve always used Yardi Voyager but now going to be using Onesite with my new company.