Table of Contents

I.	Introduction

II.	Starting OpenHome

III.	Tool Bar

IV.	Menu Bar

A.	File Menu

B.	Edit Menu

1.	Property & Realtor

2.	Loan Programs

3.	Special Ad

C.	Include Menu

D.	Fonts Menu

E.	View Menu

F.	Window Menu

G.	Help Menu

V.	How to Order OpenHome


Introduction

OpenHome is an easy to use Windows™ 3.1 program which generates a simple comparison of different loan programs for a specific property.  The comparison is based on prevailing loan rates and other factors.  These are input through simple dialog panels, allowing you to generate up-to-the-minute, reliable estimates of the consumer's costs for the chosen loans for your area.

Up to three different loan programs can be included in the comparison:  1) conventional fixed rate, 2) conventional adjustable rate and 3) FHA.  The conventional loans can include up to three different user adjustable down payment scenarios, while the FHA loan is based on a minimum down scenario.  The report which is generated summarizes three important consumer quantities:

1.	Cash to Close -- This is an estimate based on typical closing costs in your area.  It is a sum of the down payment and an estimate of the other closing costs calculated as a percentage of the loan amount.  You specify the rates based on your current loan portfolios.

2.	Monthly Payment -- This includes not only the loan principal and interest, but also an estimate of the property taxes and mortgage and home owners insurance.  Again,  these are based on rates from your area.

3.	Suggested Monthly Income -- This is an optional, simple calculation of the front end ratio, based on values which represent your current loan product requirements.

OpenHome is capable of editing several documents at the same time.  Thanks to Windows™ and TrueType® technology, OpenHome also allows you to easily stylize the comparison report according to your own tastes.  You have the option to choose your own typography (font and styles), including color.  Changes in formatting and numeric input are in view immediately on screen in a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) fashion.  The OpenHome report is a powerful tool to help generate a positive interaction with Realtors as well as prospective home buyers.


Starting OpenHome

OpenHome may be started in a number of ways.  First, it can be run from the program manager by opening the group to which it belongs and double clicking on the OpenHome icon.  It can also be started from either the program manager's or the file manager's File>Run menu item.  Finally, it can be run by double clicking on any *.OHT file in the file manager(see Files).


File>New Menu Command
File>New

This menu item will clear all inputs and reinitialize to internal standards.  If the OpenHome internal defaults are inappropriate for your area, it may be better to Open a previously saved file to reinitialize items (see Files).

File>Open

Used to open a pre-existing OpenHome data file, this menu item will bring up a open file dialog box.  Items within this dialog represent all the file system and can be traversed in order to find the wanted file.  If data items currently in OpenHome have changed since it was started or since the last file was opened, the user will have the chance to save it before the new file is opened.  You can also drop files directly from the file manager onto the OpenHome main window and they will be automatically opened.

File>Close

This menu item will close the active document.  If the file has been modified, you will be prompted for permission to close it.

File>Save

If File>New was the most recent file activity, or if no file has yet been opened, this will actually execute as if a File>SaveAs menu command had been given.  Otherwise, this will update the currently read file to disk.  Once performed, previously saved values of formats and items will be lost.  If the current file has not been altered, this menu command will inform you of that fact and not resave the file.

File>SaveAs

This menu item will bring up a familiar save file dialog box and allow you to save the current OpenHome data in a new file.  If you wish to change the current directory or drive, you may do so by double clicking on the appropriate drive or directory in the "Directories:" list box.  Unless you are in the root directory, double clicking on the [..] entry will move you closer to the root directory. In this way, you can move to any directory on and drive in you system.

Once you have positioned yourself in your chosen directory, type the name of the new file in the "Filename:" edit box.  Filenames may be up to eight characters in length.  You can also specify a three character extension (separated by a period).  If you do not supply an extension, the default, .oht, will be used.  Please note that if you specify an extension other than .oht, that new extension will not be associated with OpenHome.  This will cause some inconvenience to the inexperienced Windows user and therefore is not recommended.

If the filename you used already exists, you will be prompted for permission to over-write that file.

File>Save Ini File

This menu command will save an optional initialization file based on the current active file.  This initialization file, openhome.ini, will be stored in the directory from which OpenHome was run.  Then, whenever OpenHome is run, new files will be created with identical parameters, including all font attributes, include directives, as well as all property, loan and special ad information.  This initialization file can be edited with any text editor (such as notepad.exe), but this is not recommended.  It is safer to simply create a new file, make any changes you wish to make with the usual menu commands and edit dialogs, then save the initialization file with this menu command.  If any problems are encountered with the initialization file, you can simple delete it and OpenHome will use internal default values for all parameters.

File>Print Setup

This menu item will show a dialog box allowing the user to configure the current printer, or choose another printer.

File>Print

This menu item is used to print your OpenHome sheet.  Multiple copies can be printed.  The Setup push-button is used to specify the printer to be used (if more than one exists on your system).  Printing should always be in portrait (not landscape) mode.  If you are using the evaluation (Shareware) version, you will be prompted for your name and company to be included with the output each time you initiate a print.  If you are using a registered version, your name and company is already part of the output.

File>Exit

This menu item is used to terminate OpenHome.  If any file has changed from its original state, the user will be given the chance to save it before exiting.


Edit>Properties & Realtor Menu Command
Edit>Property & Realtor

This dialog box contains the only input items usually necessary to change when designing a new OpenHome sheet for a new property.  Five items are input:

1.	Address -- This is a single line specifying the property being sold.  It should contain at least the street address and possibly the city or town.  It may also contain the development name, if appropriate.  Be aware however, this will be printed as a single line.  The maximum number of characters, including spaces is 127.

2.	Price -- Dollar signs and commas are not necessary in this or any numeric input.  Only digits (0-9) will be read from this box to generate a property price.  Thus "1xtdd45m000" would translate to a price of ($)145,000.  If no digits are found, the price will be ($)0 and no calculations will be performed.

3.	Yearly Property Tax Rate(%) -- Used to estimate the property taxes, this item is specified as a percentage of the Price.  Thus the calculated Monthly Payment includes one-twelfth of this yearly amount.

4.	Yearly Home Owners Insurance Rate(%) -- Used to estimate home owners insurance, this item is specified as a percentage of the loan amount.  Thus the calculated Monthly Payment includes one-twelfth of this yearly amount.

5.	Realtor -- Used for the Realtor and Realty which is offering the property.  This item is optional and if included, will be centered in the sheet, below the property and price and above the comparison table.  Multiple lines can by input by holding down the <control> key when pressing enter.  The maximum number of characters, including all <control-enter> characters is 255.


Edit>Loan Programs Menu Command
Edit>Loan Programs

This dialog box is the numerical description of the three possible loan programs:  1) conventional fixed interest rate, 2) conventional adjustable interest rate and 3) FHA loans.  Check boxes on the dialog control determine which loan programs will be included in the OpenHome comparison sheet.  As loan programs are disabled or enabled, the associated numerical input necessary to describe those programs is also disabled or enabled.  Please note that the price of some properties is sufficiently high so that FHA is not an appropriate loan program to include in the comparison.  It is up to the OpenHome user to decide if the FHA program is to be included in any particular comparison sheet.

For each loan program a loan interest rate should be specified.  This is the yearly rate, specified in percent.  As in all numerical input items, only digits (0-9) will be scanned.  The principal and interest portion of the Monthly Payment will be based on the loan amount and this specified interest rate assuming a 30 year repayment schedule.  If no interest is specified, or if it is zero, a Monthly Payment will not be calculated.

For all loan programs, a closing cost is specified.  This should be estimated as a percentage of the loan amount.  This item specifies the closing cost the buyer will incur from the lending institution.  In the case of conventional loans, this amount, summed with the down payment, make up the Cash to Close item in the comparison sheet.  For the FHA loan, this is the non-financible portion of the closing costs, and is based on the amount financed.  This part of the closing costs will be added to the Cash to Close item.  (Please note:  There is a financible closing cost based on the selling price specified by the FHA and is computed automatically and contributes to the amount to be financed.)

For the adjustable interest rate conventional loan, a qualifying interest rate is also specified.  This item is used to determine the qualifying monthly payment in order to calculate the Monthly Income item in the OpenHome comparison sheet.  If this interest rate is unspecified, or zero, the Monthly Income item for the ARM program will not be displayed.

Mortgage insurance is specified for each of the loan programs (up to three different conventional programs with different down payment scenarios and FHA).  One twelfth of the yearly amount calculated from this percentage will be included in the Monthly Payment.

The front end ratio is specified for each of the loan types as a percentage.  This percentage will be used to calculate the Monthly Income from the Monthly Payment:

Monthly Income = Monthly Payment  100 / front end ratio.

If the front end ratio is set to zero, no Monthly Income will be calculated.  If all the selected programs have a zero front end ratio, the Monthly Income line will not be displayed in the output.

Finally, if FHA is enabled, an Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) is also specified in percent.  This premium and the FHA-specified closing costs (calculated internally by OpenHome) along with the selling price make up the amount to be financed.


Edit>Special Ad Menu Command
Edit>Special Ad

This dialog box is used to specify optional text which will appear below your name and company.  Multiple lines are entered with <control+enter>.  A maximum of 255 characters can be entered.


Format>Include/Exclude Menu Command
Include Menu

This topic contains menu items that are used to specify the sections to be included in the OpenHome comparison sheet:  Title, Realtor, Disclaimer, Special and Footnotes.  The disclaimer is "fine print" at the bottom of the comparison table saying that the figures of the table are estimates only.  The footnotes section are "generic" footnotes to the row headings, Cash to Close, Monthly Payment and Monthly Income, indicating what moneys they contain.  Items which are always included are: Property Address and Price, the comparison table (unless you have specified a price of $0) and the information about you.  If you are using an evaluation (Shareware) version of OpenHome, you will be prompted for your name and company when you initiate a print.


Format>Fonts Menu Command
Fonts Menu

This menu topic brings up, through a sub-menu, a dialog box to specify the typography for each of the sections of an OpenHome comparison sheet.  Any TrueType® font may be used for any selection.  The point size may be specified for each section as well as style, effects and color (for color, Windows-supported printers) of the typography.

You can also edit the font for any of the different sections by simply clicking on the high-lighted section with the left mouse button.


View>Page Width Menu Command
View>Page Width

This menu command will adjust the mapping to the screen, so that the width of the page will fit in the width of the window.  The scroll bar can be used to adjust the view of the current OpenHome sheet to the desired place.

View>Whole Page

This menu command will adjust the mapping to the screen so that the whole page will fit in the area of the window.


Windows Arrange Icons Command
Window>Arrange Icons

The Window>Arrange Icons command arranges all iconized windows into rows along the bottom of the OpenHome's main window.

Window>Cascade

The Window>Cascade command arranges all document windows from the top-left position of the OpenHome's main window so that the title bar of each is visible.

Window>Close All

The Window>Close All command closes all document windows open in the OpenHome, Prompting the user if any have not been saved after the last change.

Window>Tile Horizontal

The Window>Tile Horizontal command arranges all document windows side-by-side in a non-overlapping pattern.

Window>Tile Vertical

The Window>Tile Vertical command arranges all document windows side-by-side in a non-overlapping pattern.


Help Menu
Help>Contents

This menu command will show the Table of Contents of this help file.

Help>Search for Help on

This menu command will initialize this help file, showing the search dialog box.

Help>How to use Help

This menu command will initialize and show the help file concerned with the generic operation of the help system.

Help>About

This menu command shows a dialog box containing information about the version number of OpenHome and information about its manufacturer, Temprano Software.


Toolbar
The OpenHome Toolbar

The Toolbar is a row of buttons at the top of the main window which represent application commands. Clicking one of the buttons is a quick alternative to choosing a command from the menu.  Buttons on the toolbar activate and deactivate according to the state of the application.

Button	Action	Menu Equivalent

Create a new document	File>New

Locate and open a file	File>Open

Save the file in the active window	File>Save

Print the active window	File>Print

Edit the property and Realtor	Edit>Property

Edit the loan information	Edit>Loan

Edit the Special Ad	Edit>Special Ad

View at full width	View>Page Width

View whole Page	View>Whole Page

Display help file contents	Help>Contents


Definition of Shareware
Menu Command Help>What is Shareware?

DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.

Temprano Software is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products.  Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.


Disclaimer and Agreement
Menu Command Help>License Agreement

DISCLAIMER and AGREEMENT

Users of OpenHome must accept this disclaimer of warranty:  "OpenHome is supplied as is.  The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose.  The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of OpenHome."

OpenHome is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system.  The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.  If you find this program useful and find that you are using OpenHome and continue to use OpenHome after a 30 day trial period, you must make a registration payment of $47.00 (plus $3.00 for shipping and handling) to Temprano Software.  The $47.00 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like a book.  An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another.  Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time.

All users of OpenHome must register and pay for their copies of OpenHome within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.  Multiple-license arrangements for other users may be made by contacting Temprano Software.

Anyone distributing OpenHome for any kind of remuneration must first refer to the encoded data record in the vendinfo.diz file.  This file contains all information regarding the distribution requirements for OpenHome. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering OpenHome immediately (However Temprano Software must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of OpenHome.).

You are encouraged to pass the shareware version of OpenHome along to your friends for evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it.  All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the OpenHome system.  (See the registration form.)


Order Form
OpenHome Order Form

Order OpenHome to receive the latest version, custom configured for you! To order OpenHome, you can print this help file topic as an order form, fill it out and mail it to:

Temprano Software

32 Leonardo Drive

Clifton Park, NY 12065-2038

NAME	__________________________________________________

COMPANY	__________________________________________________

Address	__________________________________________________

City	____________________ State_____Zip__________________

Please note that NAME and COMPANY will be coded into the version of software you receive and will appear on each OpenHome sheet in the form:

For further information, contact NAME at

COMPANY.

This information must be included; your order will NOT be processed without it.  COMPANY can include your work phone, your home phone, your car phone, your pager, etc. if you so choose.

Please specify disk size:   ______ 3.5" or _____5.25".

Include $47 for each order (add $3 for S&H).  ($25 if this is a reorder due to a company change).