FAQ - Inputting Data
Inputting Data
Q: I have used a previous version of Estate Master and some features have seemed to have disappeared?
A: In previous versions of Estate Master DF and DM, input preferences were selected via various ’drop-down’ boxes on the ’Input’ sheet and functions were run via macro buttons placed on the report sheets. With the latest version of Estate Master, all input assumptions are set in the ’Preferences’ dialog box (press F10 to execute it) and the software functions can now all be operated via the ’Estate Master’ menu. Contact Estate Master if you require assistance on any other new features.
Q: Can I open an older version of Estate Master DF and DM after installing the latest version?
A: Yes. Although we do recommend that you transfer all current data into the latest version if you intend to continue working with that specific project. For Estate Master DF and DM, there is a function called 'Import from Previous Version' available to assist users with this.
Q: I have a 'circular reference' in the model. What does that mean?
A: When a formula refers back to its own cell, either directly or indirectly, it is called a ’circular reference’. Excel cannot automatically calculate all open workbooks when one of them contains a circular reference. For example, a formula which calculates mortgage stamp duty as a % of the maximum loan amount would create a circular reference as the mortgage stamp duty would be funded by the loan and thus increasing the maximum loan amount and the mortgage stamp duty. If you have created a circular reference, it is recommended that you undo your last actions until the reference error is removed.
Q: How do I change the assumptions/preferences used in the Input sheet?
A: The program allows flexibility by the way of user preferences. These are operated by clicking on ’Preferences’ on the Estate Master Menu, ’Set Input Preferences’ on the ’Input’ or 'Setup' sheet, or by pressing F10.
Q: Can I insert or hide cost or revenue input rows?
A: Yes. By using the ’Resize Model’ feature in the ’Estate Master’ menu, the user can expand or contract the size of the model by setting the number of Time Periods or the number of input rows for various cost and revenue sections.
Q: It says I have exceeded my maximum time periods - how do I know what my maximum time periods are and can I increase the number of time periods in the model?
A: The total number of time periods is displayed at the bottom of the ’Input’ or 'Setup' Sheet. You can increase the number of time periods by using the ’Resize Model’ feature.
Q: Can I insert blank worksheets in the model?
A: Yes. Blank worksheets can be inserted, named and deleted by using the ’User Worksheet’ function in the ’Estate Master’ Menu.
Q: Can I insert more Option/Stage sheets in DF?
A: No. Only eight (8) Option/Stage sheets are available in the standard Estate Master DF 3.xx/4.xx software . If you are using this feature to look at different development options, then you can create another set of options in another file. If you are using this feature to consolidate development stages, then it is recommended that you group stages together if you can not fit them separately across the 8 Stages (i.e Stage 1-3, Stages 4-6, etc). Alternatively, you can use the Estate Master CC software to consolidate or compare an almost unlimited number of cash flows.
Q: How do I change an Option/Stage after I have stored it in DF?
A: Once an Input sheet has been stored, you will have to ’Recall’ it back into the Input sheet to change the data and then re-store it to make sure the Comparison/Consolidate sheets are updated. The Recall feature is found in the Estate Master menu. Do not change data in the actual Option sheets.
Q: Does 'Storing' an Option/Stage in DF save the file?
A: No. Storing the input data does not save the file on your hard disk, it only stores the inputs into a hidden sheet within the same workbook. If you do not save your working file before you exit (or the computer system crashes) then you will lose your data.
Q: Can I link external information from another Excel workbook into Estate Master?
A: Yes. However, you will have to ensure that the links are updated when prompted to ensure the software is reading the current data. Having external links is not recommended, as it is more efficient to copy and paste the data into a blank worksheet within the Estate Master file itself to avoid any possible linking problems.
Q: Can I rename the heading of the Input sections?
A: Any heading that is coloured blue can be renamed.
Q: Do the Land Tax and Stamp Duty tables get updated?
A: These rates are only updated when a new version of the software is released. Between releases, it is the users responsibility to check and update these rates on a frequent basis.
Q: I get a REF# error all through the Summary and Cash Flow sheets?
A: This may have been caused if the user cut/pasted or drag/dropped an input cell. When cutting/pasting or dragging/dropping an input cell, the cell which was removed has a blue background. If you do this by accident it is recommended that you UNDO immediately. If you can not undo the problem it is recommended that you print out all sheets and begin to enter the information into a fresh model.
Q: The numbers are not updating in the total columns, the Summary or Cash Flow sheets after I change an assumption in the Input Sheet?
A: When assumptions in the Input sheet are changed, make sure you hit F9 to update the calculations if prompted. Warnings will appear in the input and report sheets if the data needs to be calculated.
