The Export approved estimates to hold funds setting allows Property Meld to automatically export approved estimates to AppFolio so funds can be reserved from the owner before a maintenance expense is billed.
This feature is only available for customers using the AppFolio integration.
1. Overview
When this setting is enabled, Property Meld attempts to create an approved estimate in AppFolio when an estimate is approved in Meld by a manager or owner.
The exported estimate amount includes the Meld amount plus any applicable markup. AppFolio then uses the approved estimate to hold funds from the owner for the expected maintenance expense.
Once the Meld is completed and the bill is created, the fund hold is released and the bill becomes the actual transaction in AppFolio.
2. Before you begin
Before using this feature, confirm the following:
- The AppFolio integration is enabled.
- The Enable hold on funds when estimate is sent for approval setting is enabled.
- The Meld is associated with a property linked to AppFolio.
- An estimate has been created and sent for approval.
- The estimate has been approved by the manager or owner.
To help prevent export issues, make sure the Meld and property are properly linked before the estimate is approved.
3. Enable the fund hold setting
To enable approved estimate fund holds:
- Go to your AppFolio integration settings in Property Meld.
- Locate the Enable hold on funds when estimate is sent for approval setting.
- Select the checkbox.
- Save your integration settings.
Once this setting is enabled, Property Meld will attempt to export approved estimates to AppFolio when estimates are approved in Meld.
4. How the workflow works
When this setting is enabled, the expected workflow is:
- An estimate is created in Property Meld.
- The estimate is sent to the owner or manager for approval.
- The owner or manager approves the estimate.
- Property Meld attempts to create an approved estimate in AppFolio.
- AppFolio creates the related fund hold.
- The approved estimate in Meld is updated with the fund hold status.
- When the Meld is completed and the bill is created, the fund hold is released.
- The bill becomes the final transaction in AppFolio.
5. Fund hold status
After an approved estimate is successfully exported to AppFolio, the approved estimate in Meld may display a fund hold status.
For example:
Fund Hold Status: Funds Held
This indicates that the approved estimate was exported and the related funds were held in AppFolio.
6. Estimate amount sent to AppFolio
The amount sent to AppFolio is based on the Meld amount, including any applicable markup.
This helps ensure the amount held in AppFolio reflects the expected maintenance expense before the final bill is created.
7. When the Meld is billed
When the Meld is completed and the bill is created, the fund hold is released in AppFolio.
The bill then becomes the actual transaction for the maintenance expense.
This allows the estimate to reserve funds ahead of time, while the final bill reflects the completed work and actual billing details.
8. If the estimate does not export
If an approved estimate does not export to AppFolio, Property Meld logs the export error.
If you believe an estimate should have exported but do not see the fund hold in AppFolio, check the following:
- The AppFolio integration is enabled.
- The Export approved estimates to hold funds setting is enabled.
- The Meld is linked to the correct AppFolio property.
- The estimate was approved after the setting was enabled.
- The approved estimate includes a valid amount.
If the estimate still does not export, contact Property Meld Support so we can review the export error.
Frequently asked questions
Is this available for all integrations?
No. This feature is only available for customers using the AppFolio integration.
When are funds held?
Funds are held when an estimate is approved in Property Meld and successfully exported to AppFolio.
Does the exported estimate include markup?
Yes. The amount exported to AppFolio includes the Meld amount plus any applicable markup.
When are funds released?
Funds are released when the Meld is completed and the bill is created.
Can more than one approved estimate be exported for the same Meld?
Only one approved estimate should be exported per Meld.
What should I do if the fund hold does not appear in AppFolio?
Confirm that the AppFolio integration and Export approved estimates to hold funds setting are enabled, and that the Meld is linked to the correct AppFolio property. If everything appears correct, contact Property Meld Support so we can review the export error.