National Appraisal Estimator (NAE) is an online service that create cost approach reports for residential structures — single-family, multi-family, and manufactured homes. It produces a more detailed report and does several things the software can't.
National Building Cost Estimator (NBCE) is Windows-based software that covers a wider range of building types but with less residential detail.
Feature | NAE | NBCE |
Buildings covered | Residential only | Broader range |
Data updates | Every 6 months | None |
Location modifiers | 40,000 by zip code  | 800 by city |
Pools and spas | Yes  | No |
Garage costs | Segmented in the report  | Not segmented |
Land value | Included | No |
Quality and condition | Both, for all categories  | Quality only |
Additional items | Fire sprinklers, sloping site premiums, pile foundations  | No |