[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":226},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-cat-switching":3},[4,49,86,122,156,191],{"slug":5,"title":6,"seoTitle":7,"description":8,"date":9,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":12,"howto":12,"keywords":13,"tags":22,"related":27,"faq":31,"words":47,"minutes":48},"switch-appraisal-software-without-losing-comps","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","2026-10-25","switching",true,[14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21],"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",[23,24,25,26],"Switching","UAD 3.6","MISMO 2.6","Workfiles",[28,29,30],"migrate-from-clickforms-uad-3-6","leaving-aci-total-desktop-appraisal-software","best-appraisal-software-uad-3-6-2026",[32,35,38,41,44],{"q":33,"a":34},"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":36,"a":37},"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":39,"a":40},"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":42,"a":43},"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":45,"a":46},"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":50,"title":51,"seoTitle":52,"description":53,"date":54,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":55,"howto":55,"keywords":56,"tags":64,"related":67,"faq":68,"words":84,"minutes":85},"desktop-vs-cloud-appraisal-software","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",false,[57,58,59,20,60,61,62,63],"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",[23,65,26,66],"USPAP","Security",[5,29,30],[69,72,75,78,81],{"q":70,"a":71},"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":73,"a":74},"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":76,"a":77},"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":79,"a":80},"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":82,"a":83},"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.",1376,6,{"slug":87,"title":88,"seoTitle":89,"description":90,"date":91,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":55,"howto":55,"keywords":92,"tags":100,"related":103,"faq":105,"words":121,"minutes":85},"appraisal-software-pricing-2026","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",[93,94,95,96,97,98,99],"appraisal software pricing","appraisal software cost","how much does appraisal software cost","appraisal software subscription","appraisal software per report fee","cheap appraisal software","appraisal software 2026",[23,101,102],"Pricing","Business",[5,30,104],"appraisal-firm-business-math-2026",[106,109,112,115,118],{"q":107,"a":108},"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":110,"a":111},"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":113,"a":114},"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":116,"a":117},"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":119,"a":120},"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,{"slug":30,"title":123,"seoTitle":124,"description":125,"date":126,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":55,"howto":55,"keywords":127,"tags":135,"related":137,"faq":138,"words":154,"minutes":155},"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",[128,129,130,99,131,132,133,134],"best appraisal software","best appraisal software uad 3.6","uad 3.6 appraisal software","appraisal software comparison","residential appraisal software","appraisal report software","choose appraisal software",[23,24,136],"Buyer's Guide",[5,87,50],[139,142,145,148,151],{"q":140,"a":141},"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":143,"a":144},"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":146,"a":147},"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":149,"a":150},"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":152,"a":153},"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,{"slug":29,"title":157,"seoTitle":158,"description":159,"date":160,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":55,"howto":12,"keywords":161,"tags":170,"related":173,"faq":174,"words":190,"minutes":155},"Leaving ACI, TOTAL or Other Desktop Appraisal Software: The Export Playbook","Export Reports from ACI, TOTAL & Desktop Apps | Carat","Leaving ACI, TOTAL or other desktop appraisal software? This export playbook covers MISMO 2.6 XML, PDFs, workfiles, firms and UAD 2.6 revisions.","2026-10-13",[162,163,164,165,166,167,168,169],"leaving aci appraisal software","export reports from total appraisal software","desktop appraisal software export","aci alternative uad 3.6","a la mode total alternative","export mismo 2.6 xml","appraisal software data export","switch from desktop appraisal software",[23,171,172,25],"ACI","TOTAL",[5,28,50],[175,178,181,184,187],{"q":176,"a":177},"Can ACI and TOTAL export reports as MISMO 2.6 XML?","Most desktop appraisal programs, including ACI and TOTAL, can export MISMO 2.6 GSE XML, since that was the delivery format for UAD 2.6. The exact steps depend on your version, so check the export options or ask the vendor's support.",{"q":179,"a":180},"What is the best format to export old appraisal reports in?","Export both MISMO 2.6 GSE XML and PDF. The XML holds the data another program can read, such as comps and adjustments. The PDF is your record of what the client received.",{"q":182,"a":183},"Do I need to keep my old desktop software after switching?","Keep it until your exports are verified and any UAD 2.6 revisions are finished. Revisions to reports first submitted in UAD 2.6 stay in UAD 2.6, and UAD 2.6 is retired on June 28, 2027.",{"q":185,"a":186},"How do I move a whole firm off desktop appraisal software?","Inventory every workstation, export and back up each one, then move one appraiser first. Fix the setup problems they find before moving everyone else, and keep the old program available for revisions.",{"q":188,"a":189},"Will my comps database come with me?","The comps inside your finished reports can, through the MISMO 2.6 XML export. A separate comps database inside your old program may use its own format, so ask the vendor whether and how it can be exported.",1612,{"slug":28,"title":192,"seoTitle":193,"description":194,"date":195,"updated":10,"category":11,"pillar":55,"howto":12,"keywords":196,"tags":204,"related":206,"faq":208,"words":224,"minutes":225},"Migrating from ClickFORMS: Bringing Your MISMO 2.6 Archive into UAD 3.6","Migrate from ClickFORMS to UAD 3.6 | Carat","Migrating from ClickFORMS for UAD 3.6? Export your reports as MISMO 2.6 XML, back up your workfiles and turn years of comps into a searchable history.","2026-10-09",[197,198,199,200,201,202,203],"migrate from clickforms","clickforms export","clickforms uad 3.6","clickforms alternative","clickforms mismo 2.6 xml","switch from clickforms","import clickforms reports",[23,205,25],"ClickFORMS",[5,29,207],"data-driven-adjustments-from-past-reports",[209,212,215,218,221],{"q":210,"a":211},"Can I export my ClickFORMS reports to another program?","In general, yes. Reports that were delivered to a GSE portal under UAD 2.6 were built to produce MISMO 2.6 XML, which is the most portable format. Look for an export to MISMO 2.6 or GSE XML in your version, or ask ClickFORMS support how to export in bulk.",{"q":213,"a":214},"Will my ClickFORMS reports open as UAD 3.6 reports?","No program should promise that. The redesigned URAR collects data the old forms never asked for. Your old reports carry forward as comps and adjustment history, and new assignments start as fresh UAD 3.6 reports.",{"q":216,"a":217},"Should I keep ClickFORMS installed after switching?","Keep it until your exports are verified and your last UAD 2.6 revisions are finished. Revisions to reports first submitted in UAD 2.6 stay in UAD 2.6, and UAD 2.6 is not retired until June 28, 2027.",{"q":219,"a":220},"Does Carat import ClickFORMS files?","Yes. Carat imports ClickFORMS reports or any MISMO 2.6 GSE XML export, in bulk, and builds a searchable comps history and median adjustment rates by town and price tier from them. Anything unclear goes to a review queue.",{"q":222,"a":223},"What should I copy out of ClickFORMS besides the reports?","Your comment boilerplate, firm and license details, E&O information, signature image and client list. These don't travel inside the report XML, so copy them out before you cancel anything.",1744,8,1793082914350]