Real estate professionals often get lots of data in the form of PDF files. The only problem is, you can’t exactly extract these data directly from said files. However, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to acquire any needed information. And no, you don’t need to spend a lot of money just to buy software that could do this.
Nowadays, there are cheaper and even free ways of getting that information from your PDF files. Here are some of the most popular ones and how they work.
Why are we sent PDF files?
If you’re going to send some tabular data, graphs, and the like for appraisals and mortgages, sending them via PDF is the best choice as they do not change the format. This often happens in various types of files. In the end, this could lead to inaccuracy and more work.
In addition, there is a certain level of difficulty when it comes to acquiring data from PDF files. In that way, your data is more protected in the event it gets lost on the internet or you accidentally sent it to the wrong person.
Nonetheless, that same benefit is the same disadvantage of using PDF files to share data.
How to extract data from PDF files
Not everyone is a tech-savvy person. Although real estate agents and companies use the computer more these days, they are only well-versed in the basic tools and commands. Extracting data from these PDF files aren’t always the easiest when you aren’t the best in using the computer.
There are several ways to do it, but scraping tools are often for the more experienced. If you do have some knowledge of computers but not to the extent that you know how to code, converting your PDF file is better.
Basically, you use software to convert your file and then you select the data you need to extract. It’s simple, especially when you use the right type of software for the work.
There are several tools available on the internet for the sole purpose of converting and extracting PDF files. Here are some of the best that real estate agents could use:
Tabula - An easy and straightforward tool software that you only need to download on your device. This works by uploading the PDF file and then highlighting the area you need. You can either copy or download the file directly to your device.
Gathering data from PDF files is indeed hard, but you don’t need to break the bank to hire a new person for the task or buy advanced software. With a little ingenuity and know-how, you’ll find dealing with such matters to be simpler than you thought.
