Category: Software

  • Collecting UAD 3.6 Data in the Field

    Collecting UAD 3.6 Data in the Field

    The shift to UAD 3.6 and the new dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) marks a pivotal moment in residential appraising. With its focus on structured data and granular detail, UAD 3.6 demands a heightened level of precision and detail when conducting the property inspection.

    We think our new mobile inspection apps, Apex Portal and InstaPlan, will be essential tools for capturing geo-tagged photos, notes, and sketches in the field. We also understand a mobile app running on a phone or tablet may not be for everyone. And some may have the desire for a reliable, paper-based alternative.

    SFREP has been listening to feedback from our users and the greater residential appraising community and we have plans to offer a number of solutions for the property inspection phase of the report writing process.

    The Case for Mobile Apps

    Mobile apps like Apex Portal and InstaPlan will be your best line of defense against the complexities of UAD 3.6 inspections. Here’s why you may not be able to rely on paper notes alone:

    Structured Data Capture: The new URAR replaces many long narrative comments with specific, structured data fields utilizing check boxes and pull-down menus. Mobile apps are designed to collect data in this format, ensuring you don’t miss a critical element required for the final XML submission.

    Real-Time Data Integrity: When you capture data on-site using your mobile phone or tablet, it’s immediately linked to the assignment, reducing the risk of data entry errors, illegible handwriting, or lost information when you return to the office.

    Enhanced Media: Our apps will streamline the process of taking and organizing geo-tagged photos and your sketch, instantly associating them with the correct property. UAD 3.6 requires more detailed exhibits, and a mobile tool makes this painless.

    Taking the Power of Appraise-It Pro into the Field

    Your fancy new laptop is light, portable and has eleven hours of battery life. Why not use it to take the full power of Appraise-It Pro into the field with you?

    A new “mobile dynamic report” in Appraise-It Pro will guide you through collecting data in the field using quick and easy to use check boxes, pull-down menus and note fields. Features will include:

    Guided Data Collection: When you open the Dynamic URAR in Mobile Mode on your laptop, you’ll be presented with a clean, streamlined interface optimized for field use. It leverages quick and easy checkboxes, intuitive pull-down menus, and focused note fields to capture the granular, structured data UAD 3.6 demands.

    Precision and Compliance: UAD 3.6 requires detailed inputs on everything from component conditions to ADU specifics. Mobile Mode guides you through these fields sequentially, acting as a smart, digital checklist that guarantees compliance and minimizes the risk of missing critical information.

    Seamless Transfer, Zero Duplication: The data you collect is stored directly within an Appraise-It Pro file on your laptop. When you get back to the office, there’s no need for transcription or data re-entry. With the simple click of a button, all your inspection inputs are instantly mapped and transferred into the proper dynamic fields of a new UAD 3.6 report, ready for analysis and finalization.

    Bridging the Digital Divide: Introducing Our Printable Checklists

    For some, there’s comfort and utility in a physical checklist you can hold while walking a property. To ensure every SFREP appraiser is fully prepared for the demanding data requirements of UAD 3.6 and the various new property types it covers, we are excited to announce a new tool: Printable Inspection Checklists.

    We are building a library of report-type-specific checklists that you can print and attach directly to your clipboard for every inspection.

    What’s Included: These aren’t generic reminders. Our checklists are designed to align directly with the expanded data fields and new reporting requirements introduced by UAD 3.6 for different property types, such as:

    • Single-Family Detached
    • Individual Condominium Unit
    • Manufactured Homes
    • Properties with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

    A “Must-Have” List: They will guide you through all the necessary new details, such as the distinction between Interior Condition/Quality and Exterior Condition/Quality ratings, specific treatment of ADUs, and detailed required notes on kitchen and bath updates.

    If you prefer the quick, tangible action of a checkmark or handwritten note, these physical, printed lists act as a comprehensive data gathering roadmap. It’s the assurance that you’ll have everything you need before you leave the property, minimizing the dreaded need for a second trip.

    A Seamless UAD 3.6 Transition

    This new reporting environment doesn’t have to be a headache. By leveraging the speed and efficiency of a mobile app or the security and structure of a purpose-built printed checklist, you can be confident that you’re collecting all the necessary information for a compliant, data-rich UAD 3.6 report.

    Keep an eye on this SFREP Spotlight Blog or your email inbox for the release announcement of these new printable checklists, which will be available soon to help you prepare for the UAD 3.6 Broad Production phase!

  • SFREP’s UAD 3.6 release is almost here!

    SFREP’s UAD 3.6 release is almost here!

    SFREP is proud and excited to announce that we have officially completed the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 verification process with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for compliance with the new data standards.

    Watch for an update to Appraise-It Pro in the coming days that will allow you to deliver dynamic UAD 3.6 reports to your clients.

    Our public beta release will include all three dynamic UAD 3.6 report types – the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR), the Restricted Appraisal Update Report, and the Completion Report – and support all possible scenarios in the URAR, all in the same software you’re already using to write your reports: Appraise-It Pro.

    It will also include integration support for:

    • Appraise-It Street Maps
    • Sketch-It
    • Sketch32
    • Apex Sketch
    • UAD Compliance APIs

    And, most importantly, it will let you generate valid MISMO 3.6 so you can complete UAD 3.6 assignments.

    Appraise-It Pro’s integration API has also been updated to support the new dynamic reports, and we’re working with our third-party integration partners to enable support in their tools for UAD 3.6 reports.

    We’ve worked hard to get to this point, but there’s still lots of work to be done. You can take a look at our planned UAD 3.6 development roadmap here, and watch for updates on our social media, blog, YouTube channel, and in your inbox as we release new features.

    We want to do everything we can to help you feel comfortable with the new report types. If you’d like a one-on-one training session showing you how the dynamic URAR works in Appraise-It Pro, so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you receive your first order, click here to request a training session or email training@sfrep.com to get one scheduled. You can also join us for one of our upcoming live webinars on our training calendar or reach out to our Sales team at 800-523-0872 with any questions.

    Not an Appraise-It Pro user? You can still check out UAD 3.6 in Appraise-It Pro on your own time by installing Appraise-It Pro completely free for six months. Just visit sfrep.com and click the orange Free Demo – Appraise-It Pro button at the top of the page. You’re welcome to sign up for a one-on-one training session or attend any of our live webinars too!

  • Everyone wants to know: Is non-lending work the answer?

    Everyone wants to know: Is non-lending work the answer?

    While things seem to be slowing down for appraisers early into 2023, many are hungry to learn alternative ways to expand their workload. It’s also no secret that the real estate appraisal industry has seen some big changes in recent years. Lenders and Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) have become increasingly demanding, often requiring appraisers to complete more assignments for less compensation. As a result, many appraisers are looking for ways to supplement their income and diversify their workload.

    One avenue that appraisers can explore is non-lender work. This can include appraising for private individuals, estate planning, divorce settlements, property tax appeals, and more. While the compensation for these types of assignments is often less than what you would earn from a lender, it can be a great way to add some diversity to your workload. Plus, it can be a great way to build relationships with other real estate professionals in your community.

    If you’re interested in pursuing non-lender work, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to check with your state’s licensing board to see if there are any restrictions on the type of work you can do as an appraiser. Second, be sure to brush up on your USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) standards, as they may be different for non-lender work. Next, be sure to market yourself to potential clients so they are aware of your services. Finally, subscribe to https://appraisaltoday.com a monthly newsletter with loads of insight on the non-lending subject and others relevant to the industry.

    While the real estate appraisal industry is constantly changing, appraisers who are willing to adapt and diversify their workloads will be in the best position to succeed. So, if you’re looking for ways to supplement your income or expand your workload, consider non-lender work.

  • Appraisers Depend on Online Services

    Appraisers Depend on Online Services

    Yes, more and more everyone depends on online services. And why not, they provide information that is fast, accurate and easily accessible.

    These days it doesn’t happen often, but occasionally downtime is needed for maintenance and updates. SFREP’s Status Services page is a quick and easy way to check the status of your web services.

    To receive instant notifications via email or SMS (text), click “Subscribe” at the top of the Services Status webpage. Another option: while in Appraise-It, simply go to Help> Check Services Status. With the click of one button on the word “Subscribe” you are signed up.