Just got done with the Valuation Expo in Vegas in August. The only CE class I took was Bryan Reynolds' Intro to the New UAD class. First off, this is not going to be hard. There are some difficulties and challenges, but no need to freak out. Second, we have time. And The Appraiser Coach will be here to help you through it. In fact, let's start in the Chalkboard section. Change is hard, but with change brings opportunity. We're forward-thinking appraisers who like to be ahead of the curve, so let's not wait to start preparing for what's coming.

The new UAD has been a long time coming, but ready or not, it's here. They're rolling it out starting this month, though it won't be widely used until next year. However, let's not wait to start. We're forward-thinking appraisers who like to be ahead of the curve, and I want to walk you through exactly what this means for your practice.

First, let me address the elephant in the room. You might have seen my blog post where I called the new UAD "DOA"—Dead on Arrival. The title was meant to get attention, but it was also intended to get you to read further. No, I don't believe the new UAD is actually dead on arrival. What I believe, and what the body of that article backs up, is that even on day one, the new UAD is behind the times. It doesn't take into account AI, and I think that's going to change our world more than anything else ever has.

But here's the reality: this change is happening whether we like it or not. And while I think it will roll out more slowly than they want, and while I believe they're already behind the times because of AI, it's time to get on board. Change is hard, but with change brings opportunity.

So what exactly is the new UAD? It's not just a form update—it's a complete shift in how we report property data. This is a report, not a form, and there's a significant difference. The new UAD is designed to capture more standardized data points, create better consistency across the industry, and ultimately provide more reliable information for automated valuation models and risk assessment tools.

The visual interface is going to look different from what you're used to. Instead of the traditional form layout we've been working with for years, you'll see a more dynamic, field-driven interface that adapts based on the type of appraisal you're completing and the specific requirements of your assignment. The system uses conditional logic to show and hide fields based on your inputs, which means you won't be staring at irrelevant fields or having to enter "N/A" in sections that don't apply to your assignment.

Let me walk you through how to fill it out effectively. The key is understanding that this system is designed to be more intuitive than our current forms, but it requires a different mindset. Instead of thinking about filling out a static form, think about having a conversation with the system. Each field you complete informs what the system shows you next.

For example, when you indicate that you're doing a refinance appraisal, the contract section disappears entirely. Again, no more entering zeros or "N/A" in contract fields that don't apply. When you're working on a purchase transaction, those fields appear automatically. This conditional logic extends throughout the entire report, making the process more efficient once you understand the flow.

One of the things I really appreciate about the new system is these hidden fields when they're not needed. It's a small change, but it eliminates a lot of the busy work that made the old forms feel tedious. You're only seeing and completing fields that are relevant to your specific assignment.

Now, let me talk about some of the weird things you're going to encounter. One field that's raised a lot of eyebrows is the height of the front door. Nobody's given us a definitive explanation for why this is required, but my best guess is that it's related to flood insurance purposes. It seems like an odd data point to collect, but there's probably some risk assessment algorithm that uses this information in ways we don't fully understand yet.

Another area that's causing confusion is how ADUs—Accessory Dwelling Units—are addressed in the system. Pay close attention to what goes in that field. It's not just for traditional ADUs like in-law suites or garage apartments. The system also wants you to account for barns, sheds, and other outbuildings. The key is understanding the distinction between structures that add value to the property and those that are purely functional or decorative.

This brings me to an important point: if you're not using mobile technology in your appraisal practice, it really is not optional anymore. The new UAD is designed with mobile data collection in mind. The conditional logic, the photo requirements, the GPS coordinates—all of this works much more smoothly when you're collecting data in the field with mobile tools rather than trying to recreate everything back at the office.

I know some of you are resistant to mobile technology, but this is where the industry is heading. The new UAD assumes you're collecting data digitally, in real-time, at the property. Fighting this trend is like trying to swim upstream. You can do it for a while, but eventually, the current is going to be too strong.

The photo requirements in the new UAD are also more extensive and specific than what we're used to. The system wants photos tagged with specific metadata, GPS coordinates, and timestamps. It's looking for consistency in how we document properties, which means your photo workflow needs to be more systematic than ever before.

Here's what I recommend for adapting to these changes: start experimenting with the new system now, even if you're not required to use it yet. Get familiar with the interface, understand the conditional logic, and develop new workflows that take advantage of the system's capabilities rather than fighting against them.

Practice with different property types so you understand how the system adapts. Do a few practice reports on single-family homes, condos, and multi-family properties. See how the fields change based on your inputs. Get comfortable with the photo requirements and metadata collection.

Most importantly, start thinking about how AI tools can help you work more efficiently within this new framework. The new UAD is designed to feed data into automated systems, which means the quality and consistency of your data entry is more important than ever. AI can help you maintain that consistency, catch errors before you submit, and even suggest improvements to your reporting.

As stated, I've been quoted saying the new UAD is DOA, and while the title was a bit misleading,again my underlying point remains valid. This system is already behind the times because it doesn't fully account for how AI is going to transform our industry. But that doesn't mean we should ignore it or resist the change.

Instead, we should view this as an opportunity to position ourselves ahead of the curve. The appraisers who master the new UAD quickly, who integrate it seamlessly with mobile technology and AI tools, are going to have a significant competitive advantage. They're going to be more efficient, more accurate, and better positioned for whatever comes next.

The transition period is always challenging, but it's also when opportunities emerge. While your competitors are struggling to adapt, you can be mastering the new system and using it to improve your practice. That's the difference between being reactive and being proactive.

Change is hard, but it's also inevitable. The new UAD is here, and it's going to become the standard whether we like it or not. The question isn't whether you're going to adapt—it's how quickly you're going to adapt and how effectively you're going to use this change to improve your business.

My advice? Embrace the change, get ahead of the curve, and use this transition as an opportunity to modernize your entire practice. The appraisers who do this successfully are going to thrive in the new environment.

Point #1: Whispr Flow for Voice To Text If you're not using voice-to-text technology in your appraisal practice, you're missing out on a massive efficiency gain. Whispr Flow is a game-changing tool that converts your spoken words into accurate text with remarkable precision.

Point #2: AI Daily Debrief YouTube Channel There's a YouTube channel called "AI Daily Debrief" that every appraiser should be following. They break down the latest developments in artificial intelligence in a way that's accessible and relevant to business professionals. Each episode, they cover new AI tools, updates to existing platforms, and practical applications that you can implement immediately.

I want to talk to you about something that's been a game-changer for my appraisal business, and frankly, I think it could revolutionize how you manage your practice too. It's called TruHome Tracker, and after using it extensively, I can honestly say it's the most comprehensive appraisal office management system I've ever encountered.

Let me start with what TruHome actually is, because it's not just another order tracking system. We've all used those basic trackers that help you keep tabs on where your appraisals are in the pipeline. TruHome is something entirely different—it's a complete appraisal office management system that handles everything from order workflow and client management to scheduling, accounting, analytics, and team collaboration.

The system is built on Monday.com's platform, which means it has the reliability and user interface of a proven business management tool, but it's been customized specifically for appraisal businesses. This isn't some generic project management software that you have to force-fit to your needs. It was built by an appraiser who understood the unique challenges we face in managing complex, multi-step workflows with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.

What impresses me most about TruHome is how it adapts to the way you work instead of forcing you to change your processes. When you first set it up, you can customize views for different aspects of your business—front office, back office, field work, quality control—whatever makes sense for your operation. The system uses conditional logic to show you exactly what you need to see when you need to see it.

The time tracking capabilities are incredibly detailed. You can monitor how long each task takes by order, by task type, and by individual assignee. This isn't just useful for billing purposes—it gives you real insights into where your bottlenecks are and how you can improve efficiency. 

The analytics dashboard is where TruHome really shines. You get real-time insights into orders, revenue, and performance without any manual tracking. I can see at a glance which clients are most profitable, which types of appraisals take the longest, and where my team is spending their time. The revenue tracking is highly customizable—you can view it weekly, monthly, by client, or by any other parameter that matters to your business.

For team management, TruHome is exceptional. You can assign unlimited role types and users—inspectors, data entry staff, appraisers, analysts, whatever your business needs. Each team member gets a customized view that shows only what's relevant to their role, but managers can see the big picture across all orders and all team members. The system automatically tracks task assignments and progress, so you always know who's working on what and whether they're on schedule.

The automation features are what really set TruHome apart from basic order trackers. Repetitive tasks are fully automated to keep your team in sync and your workflow uninterrupted. The system integrates seamlessly with Slack, Google Calendar, Gmail, and other third-party tools you're probably already using. When an order reaches a certain stage, the system can automatically send notifications, update calendars, and trigger the next steps in your workflow.

One feature I particularly appreciate is how TruHome handles client-specific requirements. Different lenders have different processes, different timelines, and different reporting requirements. Instead of trying to remember all these variations, you can build them directly into your workflow. When an order comes in from a specific client, the system automatically adjusts the process to match their requirements.

The pricing structure is straightforward and transparent. There are three tiers: Silver for small operations (and those who do not want or need lots of functionality), Gold for growing businesses (by far, the most popular level), and Platinum for larger or unique firms that need custom configurations. The pricing is a one-time payment for the customized templates and automations, plus you need an active Monday.com subscription to run the system. It's not a monthly software fee that keeps draining your budget—you pay once and own the system (though the Monday.com subscription is ongoing).

It should also be mentioned that your subscription to Monday gives you access to all of its powerful features and boards.  You can create and use boards for non-appraisal related tasks or businesses as well as expansion within your valuation profession.  I am personally in the process of building a board for my farm in Montana.

What may really sell you on TruHome are the testimonials from other appraisers who are using it. Tommy Nabholz says it brings all the moving parts of their workflow into one place, with no more missed steps and no more juggling multiple systems. Abel Villarreal mentions that since switching to TruHome, they haven't had a single late order and they're able to handle more volume while staying organized. Rob Bodkin, who used ANOW and Trello for years, says TruHome finally gave him a true all-in-one solution.

The system includes time for customization and training, which is crucial because every appraisal business is different. The team will work with you to configure the system to match your specific workflow, train your staff, and make sure you're getting maximum value from day one.

Is TruHome perfect? No system is, but the learning curve isn't steep.  Yes, it does take some time to fully understand all the capabilities, however the reward is long-lasting.

If you're serious about growing your business, improving efficiency, and having real visibility into your operations, TruHome is worth serious consideration. It's the difference between running a business and being run by your business. The time savings alone—from automation, better organization, and elimination of manual tracking—will pay for the system quickly.

My recommendation? If you're still managing your appraisal business with spreadsheets, basic order trackers, or multiple disconnected tools, take a serious look at TruHome. It's not just about organization—it's about having the systems in place to scale your business and reclaim your time.