Top Excel Help Posts in 2013 and 2014 Goals

2013 is coming to a close so it’s that time of year to sit back and reflect about what transpired this past year and what is to come. I’m going to share my most popular Excel tips from the past year, my most popular Excel templates, and finally share what my goals and vision for next year is.

Top 5 Excel Tips from 2013

 

Listed below are the five most popular Excel tips I published on the Excel Help blog throughout 2013:

 

1. How to combine Excel files with a VBA macro
2. How to filter Data in Excel
3. How to create collapsible rows in Excel
4. How to embed Excel in a website
5. Excel pranks and practical jokes

 

Top 5 Excel Templates from 2013

 

Listed below are the top 5 most popular free Excel templates and spreadsheets I created and made available to download in 2013:

 

1. Printable Super Bowl Squares
2. Website Creation Checklist
3. Newborn Checklist for New Parents
4. Apartment Comparison Spreadsheet LITE version
5. NFL Helmet Schedule

 

Goals for 2014

I recently took a poll of my loyal followers by asking them what they would rather see more of on the blog: spreadsheet templates or tips/tricks/macros to improve spreadsheet creation efficiency? My most recent posts have primarily been spreadsheet templates I’ve made available to download for free, such as my newborn feeding schedule, college bowl prediction pool, etc. Something I’ve gotten away from lately is posting tips and macros to improve your Excel efficiency, like my earlier posts on how to create folders automatically, how to create hatching in Excel, etc.

The majority of my reader’s responses asked for more tips, tricks, and macros to improve Excel efficiency. I will still be creating and posting templates as I have been because I think a lot of people find them to be quite useful and you may pick up a few tips just by looking at them and examining the formulas I use. However, I promise to make a strong effort to post more tips and macros, especially for my email subscribers. In fact, I already have several rough drafts already written and am working on some new video tutorials. What would you like to see more of in 2014? Anything specific?

Have a great holiday season, thanks for your continued support, and see you in 2014!!!

Apartment Comparison Spreadsheet Update

I’ve revamped my Apartment Comparison Spreadsheet website and the big news is you can now download the Apartment Search Spreadsheet for free! Signup for the Apartment Search Tips newsletter and you’ll immediately receive the link to download my apartment hunting tool. You can unsubscribe from the email list at anytime but if you’re looking for an apartment I recommend you don’t unsubscribe so you can get my valuable tips, like how to potentially earn $100 for signing a new lease!

The Apartment Search Spreadsheet can  also be used as an apartment search checklist as I listed almost every criteria you could think of for what you would like in a new apartment. Enter the data for every apartment you are looking at. Next, you’ll set an importance factor for several categories. What’s more important to you - size of the rooms or distance to work? The spreadsheet uses your inputs to give each apartment a score and you can easily see which apartment has the highest score and is thus the best choice for you.

Please note, the free preview version of the spresdsheet for apartment comparison only allows you to compare two apartments. You'll have to purchase the PRO version to compare more than two apartments, but it also comes with a lot of extra resources you might enjoy. Check it out here. And please do let me know if you find this tool at all useful or if you think it would be great if there were something like this for another item, like to compare houses or cars.

Download the Apartment Comparison Android App

To the fans of my wildly popular Apartment Search Spreadsheet, I just wanted to quickly let you know I’ve just released a brand new Android application called Apartment Comparison. It’s very similar to the spreadsheet but now in an easy to use format for mobile phones and tablets.The application is easy to use and comes with instructions.

The intended use of the app is to compare apartments by giving an apartment score to each. The score is computed when the user sets the importance of several key categories, such as location, community, utilities, etc. A bubble chart is then displayed for you to compare apartment score to monthly cost. The apartment with the highest cost might also cost twice as much as any other apartment, so maybe it is better to choose the second highest score because the cost is much less.

This apartment app can also be used as a simple apartments search checklist. There are 65 input fields divided up into seven different categories. To compare apartments you must first enter information for each apartment using the input screen. Data is entered in one of three forms: numerical keypad (for monthly expenses, move-in fees, etc.), Yes/No buttons (for things like if a microwave if present or not), or a rating from 1 to 10 (for things like your evaluation of the local school district).  I strongly believe we have literally thought of anything and everything you could wish to know about an apartment! 

Download Apartment Comparison from the Google Play store for FREE right now!

I aim to make Apartment Comparison the best apartment hunting app available so if you do download it I would appreciate it if you rated the application and gave me any feedback or suggestions for improvements.

Best Apartment Search Spreadsheet

Looking for spreadsheets for apartments? Introducing the best apartment hunt spreadsheet!

I’ve created a new and improved version of my Apartment Search Spreadsheet template. I spent countless hours maximizing the design until I was certain I had created the ultimate apartment comparison worksheet tool. Like any other product, apartments also have certain attributes (rents, utilities, community/neighborhood, etc.) that need to be identified and prioritized/rated based on their relevance or importance. The importance of these attributes varies from one person to another. The number of parameters involved (easily in excess of 20 parameters) creates a need for a framework that measures and normalizes the results to arrive at a numerical “score” to simplify the decision making process. An excel-based product was created to organize apartment data, assign weights and finally compute scores automatically for the user to evaluate in order to easily figure out which apartment best fits his needs. So, how does it work?

Understanding Bubble chart and Slider:

I use the Apartment Search Spreadsheet to compare features of different apartments using a bubble chart in Excel. A bubble chart is a variation of a scatter plot where each of the data point in the series is represented by a bubble that can vary in size or color depending on the area of the apartment being considered. Larger bubbles represent larger apartment scores.

The bubble chart in the scoring model uses three values per data point:

• X- Axis value : X axis represents the total scores
• Y-Axis value : Y axis represents the total monthly cost
• Bubble Size : Bubble size is proportional to the total area (in square feet)

The apartment search bubble chart is created by an embedded macro which runs through the score data and adds the bubble series, adjusts the colors and fills effects. The chart needs to be updated every time data is modified in the apartment sheet. Once updated, adjustments to the slider updates the chart automatically. The bubbles can also be replaced with apartment pictures, if available and desired. It is advisable to update the chart manually using the command button provided on top right corner of the chart.

To create Bubble charts in Microsoft Excel:

1.      Select data series

2.      Click Insert, Select the Charts

3.      Select the chart type as Bubble

The sliders are added as:

1.      Select Developer

2.      Click Insert

3.      Select the combo box in the form control box

4.      Use Format Control to Cell Link

Excel Sheet with Weighted Rankings

Weights are assigned for each of these categories based on relative importance/relevance. The slider assigns a number ranging from 1 to 100 for each category. The weight for that category is then calculated as “the assigned number divided by the sum of all the assigned numbers for all the categories”. With this weighting logic, an adjustment to the weight of a category automatically changes the weights of the other categories while keeping the total percentage at 100. The horizontal bars, next to the slider, graphically represent the values set by the slider.

Watch the video embedded below to learn how to use the slider and bubble chart features for apartment rent comparison: 

I have invested a significant amount of time and effort into perfecting the comparison spreadsheet as well as researching the best methods to find an apartment. Included in the download is a free pdf copy of my Apartment Search Guide which contains many tips on searching for a new apartment as well as how to use the new spreadsheet and an apartment hunting checklist.

Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions or comments

.

P.S. YOU can earn 75% commission for every friend you refer. Visit our affiliate page for details.

Apartment Search Spreadsheet and Shared Expenses Template Download

Update 6/11/12: Check out our new ULTIMATE Apartment Search Spreadsheet and Guide.

I'd like to apologize as I was having a little dispute with the site which hosts all of my Excel spreadsheet template downloads. The issue has been peacefully resolved but in the process it looks like all of the files I uploaded have been deleted. This means all the download links are probably broken. I have started the long process of re-uploading all of the files today but please be patient as it is going to take some time to get them all back up.

I decided to upload my two most requested files first, the Apartment Search Template and the Shared Living Expenses Spreadsheet. Let me know what other files you would like right away.

Apartment Finding Spreadsheet.xls download


Shared Apartment Expenses for 5 Roommates Template.xls download

Split the Rent Complement Spreadsheets

I stumbled across a really great website yesterday - Split The Rent. Splitting rent with your friends shouldn't be stressful. If your rooms are different sizes or different levels of niceness, my calculator will give you a neutral and objective opinion on how to share the rent. I really like the SplitTheRent calculator. I wish I would've found it a few years ago because it really would've been very useful when I was in college.

I think the Split the Rent calculator is a great complement to my apartment related Excel spreadsheets. Before you begin splitting the rent you have to find a place to live. You can use my apartment search spreadsheet while you and your friends are apartment hunting and looking for a place to live. Next, use the Split the Rent calculator to figure out exactly how you are going to split the rent between roommates. After that decision is made you need a way to keep track of which friend you owe money to. My shared apartment expenses spreadsheet (now modified for 5 roommates) does just that- keeps track of what each roommate owes the other roommates. I think these three items are great complements to each other and hopefully make life easier for some of you!

Update 6/11/12: Check out new and improved apartment search spreadsheet.

Download the Apartment Search Spreadsheet

I have uploaded the latest version of my apartment search spreadsheet and made it available to download. Are you looking for a new place to live? This apartment search spreadsheet is the perfect guide and tool to use for your search. Trust me, it will make your life much easier and you won't have to put much thought into which apartment is the best one for you. The spreadsheet does all of the work for you. Download the apartment hunting guide today.

This Excel document could also work for scenarios where you need a rating formula system to decide which option is best. You may also want to download this template and use it as an example to create your own unique rating comparison spreadsheet. Or I can do it for you. Simply comment below what your needs are and I will gladly tailor the spreadsheet for your specific situation.

That's not all! Are you moving into a new apartment with friends? It's a pain in the butt to keep track of who owes who what and which bills have been paid. I was in that same situation many times which is why, out of necessity, I created the Shared Living Expenses Spreadsheet! Download it here. Know exactly which roommate owes the other roommates at any moment simply by using my apartment roommates expenses spreadsheet. Again, I appreciate any suggestions.

Update: 6/11/12 Check out the latest apartment comparison spreadsheet.

Shared Apartment Expenses for 5 Roommates Spreadsheet

I recently updated my shared apartment expenses worksheet to account for up to five roommates. The purpose of this spreadsheet is to easily track who you owe money to. It's an easy way to divide up rent, cable, electricity, groceries and random other oddities. The instructions are included with the spreadsheet. You can download the shared expenses workbook here.


Shared Apartment Expenses for 5 Roommates Spreadsheet.xls

Where can I download the roommate's shared apartment expenses spreadsheet?

My shared apartment expenses spreadsheet has become very popular and I have received a lot of positive feedback. Many people have emailed me or commented on this blog and I've sent each request a copy of the spreadsheet. Still, I get the feeling that a lot of readers are a bit apprehensive about posting their email addresses here. I would never give that information away but anyone reading the comments could. Therefore, I have finally decided to find a site where I can post my Excel files for easy download. Here is the link for the latest version of my shared apartment expenses spreadsheet for those of you with roommates. In the coming days I will be posting more of my templates. Any requests?

Shared Apartment Expenses Spreadsheet.xls

Where can I download an Apartment Search Spreadsheet ?

My apartment search spreadsheet has become very popular and I have received a lot of positive feedback. Many people have emailed me or commented on this blog and I've sent each request a copy of the spreadsheet. Still, I get the feeling that a lot of readers are a bit apprehensive about posting their email addresses here. I would never give that information away but anyone reading the comments could. Therefore, I have finally decided to find a site where I can post my Excel files for easy download. Here is the link for the latest version of my apartment search spreadsheet. In the coming days I will be posting more of my templates. Any requests?

Apartment Search.xls

Updated Apartment Search Spreadsheet

Based on recent users suggests and feedback I have made a few additions to my Apartment Search Spreadsheet. Many of these suggestions I had never heard of before, mainly due to the fact the reader lives in a different geographic region than I do. The following is the complete list of additions:


-Added "Gym / Fitness Center" to the Yes or No options. Duh. Can't believe I forgot that obvious one.

-In the input info, added rows for "Square Feet (Bedroom 1)", "Square Feet (Bedroom 2)", "Square Feet (Bedroom 3)", "Square Feet (Living Room / Dining Room)". The reason for this is that if you are sharing an apartment with roommates they may have a different requirement for bedroom space.
 

-In move-in fees, I added "Credit Check Fee". In the states, it is very common for landlords to charge a nominal fee to check a prospective tenant's creditworthiness (cool word bro, creditworthiness).
 

-In some major metropolitan areas, such as New York City, it is very common to install a pressurized wall in a bedroom or living room so you can squeeze one more person into the apartment and decrease living costs. Usually these walls are leased, as they are temporary and must be removed before the lease is up. Sometimes they aren't even allowed. Thus, I added a "Pressurized Wall Lease / Month" in Monthly Expenses, "Pressurized Wall Installation Fee" in move-in fees, and "Pressurized Wall Allowed" in the Yes or No Options.
 

-I also added a "Rent Controlled" in Yes or No Options. Some apartments are rent-controlled to protect tenants from massive rent increases when their lease is up and they wish to renew. Of course, these apartments are extremely coveted. There are other places which have rent-controlled apartments, but apparently New York City is the most well known for it.


Hopefully now the apartment search spreadsheet can accommodate an even larger percentage of the population and address each individual's needs. Do you have any other suggestions? As usual, email me or comment below for your copy of this latest version of the Apartment Rating/Search Spreadsheet.xls.

New Apartment Search Rating Spreadsheet

I recently completed a new and improved version of my Apartment Search Spreadsheet. Please leave a comment or email me if you would like a copy. The instructions are included within the spreadsheet. I would appreciate any feedback you have: is it easy to use, is there any information missing, anything suggestions you have to make it better.

This rating spreadsheet utilizes a simple house of quality to give each potential apartment an overall score based on several factors in which you give an importance rating. This way, items that are important to you contribute more to the overall score if they meet your requirements. I've tried to make the process as simple as possible through the use of drop down lists.

Also, I am putting together a job search spreadsheet. I need your help. What are some items you would like to see on this spreadsheet template? I have listed a few already such as: distance to home, salary expectations, relocation paid for, etc. What other information are you most interested in when searching for a new job and to help keep it organized?