[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":192},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-best-appraisal-software-uad-3-6-2026":3},{"post":4,"related":83,"pillar":84},{"slug":5,"title":6,"seoTitle":7,"description":8,"date":9,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":12,"howto":12,"keywords":13,"tags":22,"related":26,"faq":30,"words":46,"minutes":47,"parts":48,"toc":51,"steps":82},"best-appraisal-software-uad-3-6-2026","Best Appraisal Software for UAD 3.6 in 2026: An Honest Buyer's Guide","Best Appraisal Software for UAD 3.6 (2026) | Carat","Choosing the best appraisal software for UAD 3.6 in 2026? Use these criteria and a printable checklist to compare any program on output, data and cost.","2026-10-16","2026-10-25","switching",false,[14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21],"best appraisal software","best appraisal software uad 3.6","uad 3.6 appraisal software","appraisal software 2026","appraisal software comparison","residential appraisal software","appraisal report software","choose appraisal software",[23,24,25],"Switching","UAD 3.6","Buyer's Guide",[27,28,29],"switch-appraisal-software-without-losing-comps","appraisal-software-pricing-2026","desktop-vs-cloud-appraisal-software",[31,34,37,40,43],{"q":32,"a":33},"What is the best appraisal software for UAD 3.6?","The best program is the one that produces valid MISMO 3.6 XML and a URAR PDF for the property types you appraise, checks your report against the GSE rules before delivery, imports your past work, lets you export your data any time, and fits your budget. Test it on your own assignments.",{"q":35,"a":36},"Is there a list of UAD 3.6 approved appraisal software?","Fannie Mae publishes an Integrated Vendor List that tags UAD 3.6 software providers, and Freddie Mac publishes a software providers list. These show vendor verification of the technology, not an approval of any appraiser or report.",{"q":38,"a":39},"Does my appraisal software submit reports to UCDP?","Lenders and AMCs submit to UCDP, and FHA reports go to EAD. Appraisal software produces the delivery package. The appraiser delivers it to the client, who submits it.",{"q":41,"a":42},"Can I try appraisal software on a real assignment before I commit?","Ask each vendor about trials or month-to-month terms. Re-enter a recent report you already delivered, so you can compare the output against something you know is right without client risk.",{"q":44,"a":45},"Should I switch appraisal software right before the UAD 3.6 mandate?","It can work if you export your archive first, practice on a few reports, and keep your old program for UAD 2.6 revisions. If you can't do that before November 2, stay put and plan the switch for a slower month.",1594,7,[49,50],"\u003Cp>Searching for the best appraisal software for UAD 3.6 mostly turns up vendor pages, each explaining why it's the answer. This guide is different on purpose. It gives you the criteria a working appraiser should use, the questions to ask, and a checklist table you can fill in for any program, including the one you already have. We make Carat, so we'll say where it fits. But the criteria come first, and you should hold us to them as hard as anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Key takeaways\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Start with output: valid MISMO 3.6 XML, a URAR PDF, and a UCDP-ready package for the property types you actually do.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Compliance checking before delivery is now a core feature, not a nice extra.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Your archive matters. Ask what a program does with your old MISMO 2.6 reports.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Portability matters too. Make sure you can export your data any time.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Price the whole year, with every add-on you'd really use.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-changed-why-best-means-something-different-this-year\">What changed: why "best" means something different this year\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>For years, appraisal software competed on familiar forms. The 1004 was the 1004 everywhere. UAD 3.6 resets that. The redesigned URAR is one dynamic report that replaces the separate forms, delivered as MISMO 3.6 XML, with many fields that appear only when an indicator calls for them. The GSE Appendix H-1 compliance rules define 728 checks, 592 of them Fatal and 136 Warning. It's mandatory for new UCDP submissions on November 2, 2026 (Freddie Mac's \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsf.freddiemac.com\u002Ffaqs\u002Fuad-and-forms-redesign\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UAD and Forms Redesign FAQ\u003C\u002Fa> has the policy details).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So every program is, in a sense, new software this year. Habits and old screen layouts count for less. What counts is how well a program handles the new report, and how well it lets you carry forward what you already know. For background, see the \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fuad-3-6-complete-guide\">UAD 3.6 complete guide\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"criterion-1-uad-3-6-output-you-can-trust\">Criterion 1: UAD 3.6 output you can trust\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>This is the floor. A program must produce:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>MISMO 3.6 XML\u003C\u002Fstrong> that validates against the GSE schema. Ask how often it's validated. Every build is the right answer.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>The URAR PDF\u003C\u002Fstrong>, rendered from the same data, following the GSE style guide (Appendix E).\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>The delivery package\u003C\u002Fstrong>: one zip per appraisal with the XML, the PDF and an Images folder, per the GSE implementation guide (Appendix B-1).\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Ask which property types are fully supported today: 1–4 unit, condo, PUD, co-op, manufactured. Support can vary from program to program while everyone builds out the new report, and "coming soon" isn't the same as "supported". If you do manufactured homes every week, that answer decides everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also check the GSE listings. Fannie Mae's \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsinglefamily.fanniemae.com\u002Fintegrated-vendor-list\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Integrated Vendor List\u003C\u002Fa> tags vendors as UAD 3.6 software providers, and Freddie Mac keeps its own software providers list. A listing reflects vendor verification of the technology. It isn't an approval of you or your report, and it doesn't replace testing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"criterion-2-checks-before-the-amc-finds-it\">Criterion 2: Checks before the AMC finds it\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The cost of a Fatal finding isn't the fix. It's the revision request at 9pm, the delay on the loan, and the AMC scorecard. A good UAD 3.6 program tells you what's wrong while you're still in the report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Questions to ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Does it run the Appendix H-1 compliance rules locally while I work, or only at the end?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>How many of the rules does it evaluate? (Be wary of "all of them" without detail.)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Does each finding take me straight to the field?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Does it separate Fatal from Warning clearly?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fuad-3-6-compliance-rules-fatal-warning\">728 UAD 3.6 compliance rules\u003C\u002Fa> post explains which ones bite most often.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"criterion-3-what-it-does-with-your-past-reports\">Criterion 3: What it does with your past reports\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Ten years of your own reports is the best local data set you have. Programs vary widely here, and most demos skip it. Ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Can it import my archive in bulk? What formats? (MISMO 2.6 GSE XML is the portable one most desktop programs can export.)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>What does the import become: stored PDFs, a searchable comps history, or adjustment statistics?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>What happens to data it can't read cleanly? It should be flagged, not guessed.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Our pillar on \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fswitch-appraisal-software-without-losing-comps\">switching appraisal software without losing your comps\u003C\u002Fa> walks through the export and import end to end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","\u003Ch2 id=\"criterion-4-your-data-stays-portable\">Criterion 4: Your data stays portable\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The flip side of import is export. Before you put five years of work into any program, find out how you get it out. Ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Can I export every report as XML and PDF at any time, including after I cancel?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Is there a fee for export or for keeping access to old reports?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Where is my data stored, and can I keep my own backup?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>USPAP's Record Keeping Rule requires you to retain each workfile at least five years after preparation, or at least two years after final disposition of a judicial proceeding in which you testified, whichever is later (\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.appraisalfoundation.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Appraisal Foundation\u003C\u002Fa> publishes USPAP). Your software choice should make that easier, not tie it to a subscription. See \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fdesktop-vs-cloud-appraisal-software\">desktop vs. cloud appraisal software\u003C\u002Fa> for the trade-offs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"criterion-5-the-daily-workflow\">Criterion 5: The daily workflow\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Output and compliance are pass\u002Ffail. Workflow decides whether you're done at 6pm or 10pm. Test these on a real assignment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Comps grid:\u003C\u002Fstrong> keyboard entry, fill-right, running adjustment totals, rental and GRM grids for small income properties.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Auto-fill:\u003C\u002Fstrong> what fills from public records, and what you still type.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Sketch:\u003C\u002Fstrong> ANSI Z765 area calculation, GLA flowing into the report, multiple floors, outbuildings. See \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fansi-z765-gla-uad-3-6\">ANSI Z765 and GLA under UAD 3.6\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Photos and maps:\u003C\u002Fstrong> photo placement by UAD category; location, flood, aerial and plat maps.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Exhibits:\u003C\u002Fstrong> license and E&O exhibits attached without retyping; FHA, VA and USDA language.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Revisions:\u003C\u002Fstrong> how fast can you reopen, change, re-check and rebuild?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Firms:\u003C\u002Fstrong> roles, assignment, trainee and supervisor workflow.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"criterion-6-true-yearly-cost\">Criterion 6: True yearly cost\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>List prices aren't comparable until you add the extras you'd actually buy. Tiered desktop appraisal software often runs $1,500 to $3,500 a year once the pieces are added up. Write down the base plan, add-ons (sketch, mobile, maps, comps, compliance checks), per-report fees, extra user seats and contract terms. \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fappraisal-software-pricing-2026\">Appraisal software pricing in 2026\u003C\u002Fa> has a worksheet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"the-checklist-table\">The checklist table\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Print this, or copy it into a spreadsheet, and fill in one column per program you're considering. Use Yes, No or Partial, plus a note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"bl-table\">\u003Ctable>\u003Cthead>\u003Ctr>\u003Cth>Criterion\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>What to verify\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Program A\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Program B\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Program C\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Fthead>\u003Ctbody>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>MISMO 3.6 XML\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Validated against the GSE schema on every build\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>URAR PDF\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Rendered to the GSE style guide\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Delivery package\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>XML + PDF + Images zip, ready for the client to upload\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Property types\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>1–4 unit, condo, PUD, co-op, manufactured: which are fully supported now\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>GSE vendor listing\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Checked on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lists\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Compliance checks\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Appendix H-1 rules while you work; findings link to fields\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Archive import\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Bulk MISMO 2.6 XML; becomes searchable comps and adjustment data\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Unclear data\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Flagged for review, never guessed\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Export any time\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>XML and PDF, no fee, after cancelling\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Comps grid\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Keyboard-first, fill-right, rental and GRM\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Sketch\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>ANSI Z765; GLA flows into the report\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Auto-fill\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Parcel and tax-roll facts where available\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Maps and photos\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Location, flood, aerial, plat; photos by UAD category\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Exhibits\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>License, E&O, FHA\u002FVA\u002FUSDA language\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Firm features\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Roles, assignment, trainee transfer\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Yearly cost\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Base + add-ons + per-report fees + seats\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Contract\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Month to month or annual; cancellation terms\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"bl-callout tip\">\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Tip:\u003C\u002Fstrong> test every program on the same recent report you already delivered. You know the right answer, so differences in the output stand out fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-run-a-fair-trial\">How to run a fair trial\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Pick three past assignments:\u003C\u002Fstrong> a simple SFR, a condo, and your hardest typical file (rural, 2–4 unit, or an ADU).\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Re-enter each one\u003C\u002Fstrong> in the program you're testing. Time yourself.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Run the compliance checks\u003C\u002Fstrong> and read what comes back. Did it catch the things your reviewer usually catches?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Build the package\u003C\u002Fstrong> and open the XML and PDF. Does the PDF look like something you'd sign?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Import a year of your archive\u003C\u002Fstrong> if the program supports it, and look at what you get.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Ask support a hard question\u003C\u002Fstrong> and see how fast and how clearly they answer.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>Don't cut over a live assignment until you've done this. Keep your current program available for UAD 2.6 revisions either way. The \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fuad-3-6-deadline-timeline\">UAD 3.6 deadline timeline\u003C\u002Fa> covers how long that tail lasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"where-carat-fits\">Where Carat fits\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Here's how Carat lines up against the criteria, plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Output:\u003C\u002Fstrong> builds the redesigned URAR for 1–4 unit, condo and PUD properties. Co-op and manufactured home support is partial, so if those are a big share of your work, weigh that. MISMO 3.6 XML is validated against the GSE schema on every build, the URAR PDF follows the Appendix E style guide, and it packages the UCDP-ready zip. You or your lender upload it; Carat never submits or signs for you.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Checks:\u003C\u002Fstrong> AI-powered readiness checks run hundreds of the Appendix H-1 rules while you work, and each finding links straight to the field.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Archive:\u003C\u002Fstrong> bulk import of ClickFORMS or any MISMO 2.6 GSE XML export into a searchable comps history and median adjustment rates by town and price tier from your own reports. Unclear data goes to a review queue.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Workflow:\u003C\u002Fstrong> smart auto-fill from parcel and tax-roll data where available, a keyboard-first comps grid with sales, rental and GRM comps, ANSI Z765 sketch with GLA into the report, maps, photos by UAD category, license and E&O exhibits, and firm roles and transfers.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Cost:\u003C\u002Fstrong> $99 a month per appraiser and $29 per trainee, unlimited reports, no tiers, no per-report fees, month to month, export any time.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Coming soon:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the Appraisal Update and Completion report and a general-purpose (non-lender) report aren't available yet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If that fits your checklist, see \u003Ca href=\"\u002F#pricing\">pricing\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fsign-in?mode=create\">create an account\u003C\u002Fa> and run your own trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",[52,55,58,61,64,67,70,73,76,79],{"id":53,"t":54},"what-changed-why-best-means-something-different-this-year","What changed: why \"best\" means something different this year",{"id":56,"t":57},"criterion-1-uad-3-6-output-you-can-trust","Criterion 1: UAD 3.6 output you can trust",{"id":59,"t":60},"criterion-2-checks-before-the-amc-finds-it","Criterion 2: Checks before the AMC finds it",{"id":62,"t":63},"criterion-3-what-it-does-with-your-past-reports","Criterion 3: What it does with your past reports",{"id":65,"t":66},"criterion-4-your-data-stays-portable","Criterion 4: Your data stays portable",{"id":68,"t":69},"criterion-5-the-daily-workflow","Criterion 5: The daily workflow",{"id":71,"t":72},"criterion-6-true-yearly-cost","Criterion 6: True yearly cost",{"id":74,"t":75},"the-checklist-table","The checklist table",{"id":77,"t":78},"how-to-run-a-fair-trial","How to run a fair trial",{"id":80,"t":81},"where-carat-fits","Where Carat fits",[],[84,123,158],{"slug":27,"title":85,"seoTitle":86,"description":87,"date":88,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":89,"howto":89,"keywords":90,"tags":99,"related":102,"faq":105,"words":121,"minutes":122},"How to Switch Appraisal Software Without Losing a Decade of Comps","Switch Appraisal Software, Keep Your Comps | Carat","How to switch appraisal software without losing your comps: export your MISMO 2.6 archive, protect USPAP workfiles and run both programs during UAD 3.6.","2026-10-06",true,[91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98],"switch appraisal software","change appraisal software","appraisal software migration","export appraisal reports mismo 2.6","keep comps when switching appraisal software","uad 3.6 appraisal software switch","appraisal workfile retention","import old appraisal reports",[23,24,100,101],"MISMO 2.6","Workfiles",[103,104,5],"migrate-from-clickforms-uad-3-6","leaving-aci-total-desktop-appraisal-software",[106,109,112,115,118],{"q":107,"a":108},"Will I lose my old reports if I switch appraisal software?","Not if you export them first. Most desktop appraisal programs can export finished reports as MISMO 2.6 GSE XML and PDF. Keep those exports, plus your original program's data folder, for as long as USPAP and your state require.",{"q":110,"a":111},"Can old UAD 2.6 reports be converted into UAD 3.6 reports?","Not in any way you should rely on for delivery. The redesigned URAR asks for data the old forms never collected. What you can do is import the old reports as a comps and adjustment history and start new UAD 3.6 reports fresh.",{"q":113,"a":114},"How long do I have to keep appraisal workfiles after switching software?","USPAP's Record Keeping Rule requires keeping the workfile at least five years after preparation, or at least two years after final disposition of a judicial proceeding in which you testified, whichever is later. Your state may add its own rules.",{"q":116,"a":117},"Should I cancel my old appraisal software right away?","Usually not. Keep it until your exports are verified, open revision requests on UAD 2.6 reports are done, and you know you can still open the old files. Revisions to reports first submitted in UAD 2.6 stay in UAD 2.6.",{"q":119,"a":120},"What is MISMO 2.6 GSE XML?","It is the data file format used to deliver UAD 2.6 appraisals to the GSE portals. Because it is a shared standard, it is the most portable way to move your report data out of one program and into another.",2967,13,{"slug":28,"title":124,"seoTitle":125,"description":126,"date":127,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":12,"howto":12,"keywords":128,"tags":135,"related":138,"faq":140,"words":156,"minutes":157},"Appraisal Software Pricing in 2026: What Tiered Plans Really Cost","Appraisal Software Pricing 2026: True Cost | Carat","Appraisal software pricing in 2026, explained: how tiered plans, add-ons and per-report fees add up, plus a worksheet to find your real cost per report.","2026-10-20",[129,130,131,132,133,134,17],"appraisal software pricing","appraisal software cost","how much does appraisal software cost","appraisal software subscription","appraisal software per report fee","cheap appraisal software",[23,136,137],"Pricing","Business",[27,5,139],"appraisal-firm-business-math-2026",[141,144,147,150,153],{"q":142,"a":143},"How much does appraisal software cost per year?","Tiered desktop appraisal software often runs $1,500 to $3,500 a year once the add-ons a working appraiser uses are included. Your real number depends on the plan, add-ons, seats and any per-report fees.",{"q":145,"a":146},"What add-ons do appraisers usually pay extra for?","Common line items to ask about include sketching, mobile inspection apps, mapping, comps or data tools, compliance or review checks, extra user seats and delivery fees. Ask each vendor which of these are included in the plan you're quoted.",{"q":148,"a":149},"Is a per-report fee or a flat subscription cheaper?","It depends on volume. Per-report pricing can suit very low volume, while a flat subscription usually wins as volume rises. Work out your cost per report at your real monthly volume, including slow months.",{"q":151,"a":152},"Does UAD 3.6 change what appraisal software costs?","UAD 3.6 doesn't set software prices, but it is a natural point to re-check what you pay, since every program is delivering a new report format and many appraisers are comparing options.",{"q":154,"a":155},"How much does Carat cost?","Carat is $99 a month per appraiser with unlimited reports, no tiers and no per-report fees. It is month to month, you can cancel any time, and you can export your data any time.",1413,6,{"slug":29,"title":159,"seoTitle":160,"description":161,"date":162,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":12,"howto":12,"keywords":163,"tags":171,"related":174,"faq":175,"words":191,"minutes":157},"Desktop vs. Cloud Appraisal Software: Workfiles, Security and USPAP Record Keeping","Desktop vs. Cloud Appraisal Software | Carat","Desktop vs. cloud appraisal software: how each handles workfiles, backups, security and the USPAP Record Keeping Rule, and how to stay compliant.","2026-10-23",[164,165,166,97,167,168,169,170],"desktop vs cloud appraisal software","cloud appraisal software","web based appraisal software","uspap record keeping rule","appraisal software security","appraisal workfile backup","online appraisal software",[23,172,101,173],"USPAP","Security",[27,104,5],[176,179,182,185,188],{"q":177,"a":178},"Is cloud appraisal software compliant with USPAP?","USPAP doesn't approve software. It requires the appraiser to keep the workfile for the required period and to keep custody of it or have appropriate arrangements for retention, access and retrieval. Desktop or cloud, compliance depends on how you set it up.",{"q":180,"a":181},"How long do appraisers have to keep workfiles?","USPAP's Record Keeping Rule requires at least five years after preparation, or at least two years after final disposition of a judicial proceeding in which the appraiser testified, whichever is later. States can add their own requirements.",{"q":183,"a":184},"What happens to my reports if I cancel cloud appraisal software?","It depends on the vendor's terms. Before you sign up, ask whether you can export every report as XML and PDF at any time, including after cancelling, and keep your own copy regardless.",{"q":186,"a":187},"Is desktop appraisal software more secure than cloud?","Neither is automatically more secure. Desktop data is only as safe as the computer, its encryption and its backups. Cloud data depends on the vendor's security and your account practices, such as strong passwords and two-factor sign-in.",{"q":189,"a":190},"Can I store appraisal workfiles in Google Drive or Dropbox?","Many appraisers keep backups in a cloud storage account they own. USPAP doesn't name storage products. Make sure the files stay retrievable for the full retention period and that you protect confidential client information.",1376,1793081717766]