TOTAL - Appraisers Blogs

UAD 3.6: The Appraisal Industry’s Shiny New Straightjacket

AppraisersBlogs — Fri, 30 May 2025 12:30:22 +0000

UAD 3.6, the appraisal industry’s shiny new straitjacket, promises efficiency but threatens to bury appraisers under a mountain of data demands and tech troubles, risking the integrity of valuations in a quest for modernization. The appraisal industry is bracing for the rollout of the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6, a supposed game-changer slated for an optional beta in September 2025 and a mandatory debut by November 2026. Promising to drag appraisal reporting into the modern age with a sleeker, property-specific framework, UAD 3.6 has appraisers across the country muttering a mix of cautious hope and outright skepticism. But let’s be...

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Appraisers Ditch a la mode

AppraisersBlogs — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 12:30:32 +0000

In 2015, Dave Biggers of a la mode stated: I’ll wrap up by wishing you a happy new year, in spite of all the recent fear mongering, and by thanking you for supporting us with your business. I’m confident that in 2015 you’ll see even more reasons for that loyalty, especially in terms of us continuing in our long-standing role as the independent appraiser’s staunchest advocate, and in being the most innovative, reliable, and accessible technology provider. We look forward to working with — and for — all of you this year. Time and time again, we were assured that...

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Mobile Sketch Guide

Dave Towne — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 13:30:49 +0000

Just getting my big toe in the mobile ocean… Appraisers, For those of you interested to learn how to ‘sketch’ using a la mode’s Total for Mobile Sketch (T4M) on a tablet or phone, the attached PDF might be of interest to you. I’m a greenhorn, just getting my big toe in the mobile ocean and could not find a user guide for T4M Sketch, except as ‘single pages’ on the a la mode web site. I turned in a Support Request asking if such a guide was available. Turns out they don’t have a self-contained guide. So the support tech got...

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Software Provider Conflict of Interest(s)?

Michael Ford — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 13:30:35 +0000

ACI software & “restricted appraisals” that suffer from schizophrenia… It’s been awhile since I reviewed or researched influences affecting products offered by appraisal software providers. It’s hardly been a number one priority lately. However, I just noticed something I’ve missed for I can’t even begin to guess at how long. Like many appraisers, I use a variety of software providers. Some do some things better than others, or easier. It’s usually been a matter of preference. I started out back in the 1980’s with Formfil PC+, back on my old DOS based system. It was a decent appraisal software. Pretty...

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National Data Collective Launches “Shift”

Danny Stewart — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:30:09 +0000

National Data Collective Launches “Shift” an Exclusive a la mode TOTAL Integration Tool February 2, 2015 San Diego, CA — Today, NDC (National Data Collective), a leading national provider of property data for real estate professionals, has released a new and improved export tool for a la mode customers only called Shift. Shift allows NDC users to export NDC’s highly-rated collective property data directly into a la mode’s industry leading form filling software with just a push of a button. The tool is compatible with the legacy WinTOTAL system, TOTAL 2013, and the upcoming release of the next-generation TOTAL Titan....

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New Data Courier with XML File Upload via SmartBrowser

AppraisersBlogs — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:28 +0000

DataCourier is built into WinTOTAL and TOTAL to help appraisers securely deliver MISMO XML report files to their clients. The new DataCourier equipped with SmartBrowser now allows appraisers to securely transmit XML and PDF files to any client via secure e-mail or their web portal. It also lets save XML and PDF files directly to PC for delivery via portable storage or archive purposes. 3 ways to send XML and PDF report files: Send XML and PDF via secure e-mail Upload XML and PDF to a website Save XML and PDF to computer Watch this 3 minute video with step...

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UAD Tutorial for WinTOTAL or TOTAL

AppraisersBlogs — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:40:29 +0000

Step by Step UAD Tutorial for WinTOTAL or TOTAL With the UAD deadline coming up on Thursday, a la mode recently released a 40 minute video tutorial showing step by step instructions for each UAD fields. In an effort to enhance appraisal data quality and consistency and to promote the collection of electronic appraisal data, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Government Sponsored Enterprises or GSEs) have developed the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD). The UAD modifies 4 of the industry standard appraisal reporting forms: the URAR, the Individual Condominium Unit Report, the Exterior Only Residential Inspection Report and the Exterior Only...

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a la mode Releases UAD Recorded Webinar

AppraisersBlogs — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:01:12 +0000

a la mode recently released a recorded video of the live “Intro to UAD” webinar. This hour long video includes: Part 1: Intro to UAD Part 2: What is the UMDP? Part 3: UAD Overview Part 4: UAD FAQ’s Part 5: Examples of Common Inconsistencies Part 6: UAD Rules Part 7: Using UAD in the software Part 8: E&O in UAD Forms Part 9: Delivering UAD Part 10: Appendix D and FNMA’s FAQ The following is covered: The purpose of the Uniform Appraisal Dataset The prescribed format for numbers, currency and dates Standardized abbreviations The standardized ratings and definitions for...

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How to Create a UAD Format Report & UAD Sample URAR

AppraisersBlogs — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:07:25 +0000

Where is the new UAD format report? Lately, we have been receiving a lot of emails from appraisers confused about WinTOTAL and TOTAL 2011’s Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD). Many think that they need to download a specific file, even though their software is up to date. “Where is the new UAD?”, we’ve been asked! So we prepared a short video tutorial explaining how to create URAR report in UAD format in WinTOTAL. You just need to make sure your software is up to date. Watch the video below: T.J. McCarthy has made his “Sample URAR in UAD Format” available...

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TOTAL 2011 vs. WinTOTAL Aurora

AppraisersBlogs — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:25:08 +0000

How is TOTAL 2011 different from WinTOTAL Aurora? In this webinar you will find the differences between these two versions. Each serve different purposes. TOTAL 2011 was designed with ease of use in mind while WinTOTAL was designed with a lot more features. When deciding which software to go with, make your choice based on the features you need. For example only WinTOTAL Aurora has comparables and photos databases, auto-adjuster, billings/accounts receivable and custom financial reports among other features. Rentals and listings in side-by-side view, undo, redo, find and replace feature, as well as text overflow options are among some...

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