Change is a lot like welcoming a new kitten into your life or embracing the new URAR. At first, it’s thrilling—right until the kitten starts climbing your curtains and repeatedly knocking over your glass of water. Kittens bring unpredictability and a touch of chaos to your life, much like any significant change. There’s plenty of joy—right up until the moment when your dog discovers the kitten and the chase ensues. But soon enough, the chaos of curtain climbing and water glasses being toppled ends and a new, rewarding routine begins.
The kitten, like change, brings new perspectives, and some challenges as you adjust your routine and practices, ultimately enriching your life in ways you couldn’t have predicted.
Adjusting to the new URAR is like welcoming a new kitten into your home. Initially, there’s a learning curve—getting used to new requirements and routines. Amidst the chaos, there are also moments of increased efficiency. Just as a kitten brings fresh energy, the new URAR will drive us all to enhance our appraisal reports and create efficiencies, ultimately enriching our professional lives in unexpected ways.
You might think, “I don’t like cats, so I’d never accept a kitten,” and feel the same resistance toward the new URAR. But just as a kitten can unexpectedly enrich your life, you might find that the new URAR brings improvements and efficiencies you didn’t anticipate.
What’s New with the New URAR?
Think of the new URAR like upgrading from a basic flip phone to a modern smartphone. The old flip phone did its job—making calls and sending texts—but the new smartphone offers so much more. It’s customizable, adaptable to various apps and functions, and streamlines your daily tasks.
Similarly, the new URAR goes beyond a static, one-size-fits-all approach. It’s dynamic and data-driven, tailored to different property types and appraisal assignments, ultimately allowing us as appraisers to provide clearer and more comprehensive reports.
Why the Change?
The existing URAR has been dependable, much like an old-school flip phone. But as technology advances and standards evolve, the mortgage industry requires a more versatile tool. This redesign addresses current inefficiencies, meeting the rising demand for improved reports, as well as enhancing the experience for both appraisers and report readers.
Key Benefits for Appraisers
To illustrate how the new URAR will directly benefit you as an appraiser, let’s break down its key benefits.
Adaptable Design: The report’s flexibility means less time wrestling with a one-size-fits-all template. You can now focus on the unique aspects of each property and assignment, improving the quality and accuracy of your reports.
Streamlined Efficiency: By eliminating redundant sections, you can work more efficiently. This isn’t about gathering more data; it’s about making the appraisal process faster and more focused, freeing up time for you to handle more assignments or dig deeper into complex appraisal assignments.
User-Friendly Software: Appraisal software providers are dedicated to giving you the best technology, making it easier to complete your reports. The new software is being designed to make your workflow smoother and more productive, ultimately enhancing your professional efficiency.
Reducing Errors and Omissions: The new URAR’s auto-populated fields and streamlined process reduce the likelihood of errors and omissions. By minimizing manual entry and ensuring consistent data across your report, you can avoid common mistakes—like forgetting to update a field from a previous template.
This not only enhances the accuracy of your appraisal reports, but also helps maintain your professional reputation and client satisfaction.
Seamless Integration: One of the key benefits of the new URAR is the improved flow and clarity of the report. With photos and content integrated directly into the applicable sections, the need for an addendum is eliminated. This makes the report easier to read and understand, ensuring that all relevant information is right where it should be.
This streamlined approach enhances the overall quality of the appraisal report, providing a cleaner, more professional presentation by yours truly.
What Should You Do to Prepare?
Although the new URAR won’t be fully rolled out until 2026, it’s wise to start preparing now.
Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and McKissock. McKissock is committed to keeping you informed about the new URAR with continuous updates, webinars, and training sessions. We’ll offer a range of resources designed to help you adapt seamlessly to the changes.
Just like a pet store can provide you with everything you need to help manage your new kitten, we’ll provide everything you need to confidently handle the new URAR—from expert advice to detailed courses, ensuring you stay ahead and are well-prepared for what’s to come.
Enroll in Training: Look out for our courses on the new URAR from McKissock starting in 2025. You’ll be able to learn about the new report and earn continuing education at the same time! Getting trained early will ensure you’re up to speed before the updates become mandatory.
Evaluate Software Needs: Now’s the perfect time to assess your current software—it might be the right moment for a switch. New report, new software! Check if your existing software meets your needs or if it’s worth considering a new provider. Opt for software that integrates seamlessly with the new URAR and offers features and technology to enhance your workflow and efficiency.
Conclusion
As you adapt to the new URAR, think of it like bringing home a new kitten. At first, it’s all about adjusting and learning the ropes. But over time, just as a kitten becomes part of the family, the new URAR will become part of your work routine bringing improvements and efficiencies, making your work better. With the right resources and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to handle the change smoothly.
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