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First Time Setup

Welcome to Canyon Valuation! This guide will help you get started with the platform and set up your account for the first time.

Getting Started Checklist​

Before You Begin​

What You'll Need:

  • A valid email address
  • Your organization information (if joining an existing organization)
  • Basic information about your role and responsibilities
  • Access to a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)

What You'll Set Up:

  • Your user account and profile
  • Organization membership (if applicable)
  • Initial preferences and settings
  • First project or property (optional)

Creating Your Account​

Step 1: Account Creation​

Sign Up Process:

  1. Visit the Platform: Go to the Canyon Valuation website
  2. Click "Sign Up": Look for the sign-up or create account button
  3. Enter Your Information:
    • Your full name
    • Your email address
    • Create a strong password
    • Confirm your password
  4. Verify Your Email: Check your email for a verification link
  5. Complete Registration: Click the verification link to activate your account

Password Requirements:

  • At least 8 characters long
  • Include uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Include at least one number
  • Include at least one special character

Step 2: Email Verification​

Verification Process:

  1. Check Your Email: Look for a verification email from Canyon Valuation
  2. Click the Link: Click the verification link in the email
  3. Return to Platform: You'll be redirected back to the platform
  4. Account Activated: Your account is now ready to use

If You Don't Receive the Email:

  • Check your spam or junk folder
  • Wait a few minutes and try again
  • Contact support if the issue persists

Setting Up Your Profile​

Step 3: Complete Your Profile​

Profile Information:

  1. Personal Details:

    • Full name (as you want it to appear)
    • Job title or role
    • Phone number (optional)
    • Profile picture (optional)

  2. Professional Information:

    • Your area of expertise
    • Years of experience
    • Professional certifications (if applicable)
    • Specializations

  3. Contact Preferences:

    • Preferred contact method
    • Notification preferences
    • Time zone settings

Step 4: Organization Setup​

Joining an Organization:

  1. Existing Organization: If you're joining an existing organization:

    • Contact your organization admin
    • Provide your email address
    • Wait for an invitation
    • Accept the invitation when received

  2. New Organization: If you're creating a new organization:

    • Enter organization details
    • Set up organization settings
    • Invite team members (if applicable)

Organization Information:

  • Organization name
  • Industry or sector
  • Primary location
  • Organization size
  • Contact information

Initial Configuration​

Step 5: Platform Preferences​

User Preferences:

  1. Interface Settings:

    • Choose your preferred theme (light or dark)
    • Set your language preference
    • Configure date and time formats

  2. Notification Settings:

    • Email notifications
    • In-app notifications
    • Project updates
    • System announcements

  3. Privacy Settings:

    • Profile visibility
    • Data sharing preferences
    • Communication preferences

Step 6: Workspace Setup​

Dashboard Configuration:

  1. Customize Your Dashboard:

    • Add widgets you use frequently
    • Arrange dashboard layout
    • Set up quick access shortcuts

  2. Set Up Favorites:

    • Bookmark frequently used features
    • Create custom shortcuts
    • Organize your workspace

Your First Project​

Step 7: Create Your First Project (Optional)​

Getting Started with Projects:

  1. Navigate to Projects: Go to the Projects section
  2. Create New Project: Click "Create Project" or "New Project"
  3. Enter Project Details:
    • Project name
    • Project type
    • Description
    • Timeline
    • Team members (if applicable)

Project Templates:

  • Use pre-built templates for common project types
  • Customize templates to match your workflow
  • Save custom templates for future use

Step 8: Add Your First Property​

Property Setup:

  1. Navigate to Properties: Go to the Properties section
  2. Add New Property: Click "Add Property" or "New Property"
  3. Enter Property Information:
    • Property address
    • Property type
    • Basic details
    • Initial photos or documents

Property Details:

  • Physical address
  • Property type and classification
  • Square footage and dimensions
  • Current use and zoning
  • Ownership information

Training and Resources​

Step 9: Learn the Platform​

Available Training:

  1. Video Tutorials: Watch introductory videos
  2. Interactive Guides: Follow step-by-step tutorials
  3. Documentation: Read detailed guides and manuals
  4. Webinars: Attend live training sessions

Key Areas to Learn:

  • Navigation and interface
  • Creating and managing projects
  • Adding and editing properties
  • Generating reports
  • Collaboration features

Step 10: Connect with Your Team​

Team Collaboration:

  1. Meet Your Team: Get to know other team members
  2. Understand Roles: Learn about different user roles
  3. Communication: Set up team communication channels
  4. Workflow: Understand your team's workflow

Next Steps​

After Initial Setup​

What to Do Next:

  1. Explore Features: Take time to explore different platform features
  2. Practice: Create test projects to practice using the platform
  3. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed
  4. Provide Feedback: Share your experience and suggestions

Getting Help:

  • In-App Help: Use the help system within the platform
  • Support Team: Contact support for technical issues
  • Community: Join user forums and discussions
  • Training: Request additional training if needed

Troubleshooting Setup Issues​

Common Setup Problems​

Account Issues:

  • Can't Verify Email: Check spam folder, request new verification
  • Forgot Password: Use password reset function
  • Account Locked: Contact support for assistance

Organization Issues:

  • No Organization Access: Contact your admin for invitation
  • Wrong Organization: Contact support to correct assignment
  • Missing Features: Check your role and permissions

Technical Issues:

  • Browser Problems: Try a different browser or clear cache
  • Slow Loading: Check internet connection
  • Error Messages: Note the error and contact support

Getting Support​

When to Contact Support:

  • Technical problems during setup
  • Account access issues
  • Organization setup problems
  • Feature access questions

What to Provide:

  • Your email address
  • Description of the problem
  • Steps you've already tried
  • Any error messages received

Best Practices for New Users​

Getting the Most from the Platform​

Start Small:

  • Begin with basic features
  • Gradually explore advanced functionality
  • Don't try to learn everything at once

Stay Organized:

  • Use consistent naming conventions
  • Keep projects and properties organized
  • Regular cleanup and maintenance

Collaborate Effectively:

  • Communicate with team members
  • Share information appropriately
  • Follow team workflows and procedures

Continuous Learning:

  • Stay updated with new features
  • Attend training sessions
  • Read platform updates and announcements

Congratulations on completing your first-time setup! You're now ready to start using Canyon Valuation for your commercial real estate appraisal work. Remember, the platform is designed to grow with you, so take your time learning the features and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.