Relevant News

The transition to UAD 3.6 and the redesigned URAR became mandatory for all new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac submissions on the announced date, requiring all appraisals to include rental survey data in the Rental Information section of the new report format.

The November 2nd mandate is almost here. Are you ready for what UAD 3.6 actually looks like out in the field? Glen Calderon has already completed more than 15 UAD 3.6 appraisals, and he’s sharing the real-world lessons, workflow challenges, and software decisions other appraisers need to hear before the deadline hits. Plus, we'll share [...]

Working RE Fall 2026Find these articles in this issue. *OREP Members enjoy guaranteed delivery of the magazine for free. From the Editor Readers Respond UAD 3.6: Inside the Struggle Over Fees, Turn-Time and Software Helping Appraisers Get Paid for What They’ve Built Class Valuation Faces Class-Action Suit Over Appraiser Payments Improving Appraisal Quality […] The post Fall 2026 appeared first on...

Nov. 2 is usually just another day on the calendar — but not this year. That date is when UAD 3.6, the latest reporting "innovation" mandated by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs), becomes the only way to file an appraisal report with those organizations — and its rocky implementation has been enough to give appraisers a bad case of heartburn. The post UAD 3.6: Inside the Struggle Over Fees...

I wish the UAD 3.6 deadline would hurry up and get here. There, I said it. That may not be the prevailing sentiment across the appraisal profession right now, but I mean it. The old forms are, well, old. They have served the industry for a very long time, but much of the technology, data [...]

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:

Breaking news in the UAD 3.6 world! Rachel Robinson, COO of TrueFootage, returns to the Buzzcast alongside Matthew Hyatt, Chief Appraiser and General Manager of Appraisal Services, with a major announcement: TrueFootage has received GSE verification from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Hal sits down with them both to break down what this verification means, [...]

Haunted

Infrared cameras have never been easier to buy or use. They're compact, affordable, and they produce crisp images that might make thermography seem like a simple "point-and-check" exercise. The post The 7 Most Dangerous Infrared Thermography Mistakes (and How Professional Training Prevents Them) appeared first on Working RE Magazine .

Despite software challenges and a slow flow of orders for the new reporting, appraisers have spent years preparing for the industry's biggest reporting change in decades. Editors Note: On Sept. 30, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced an effective delay to the Nov. 2 mandate to require appraisals in the Uniform Appraisal Dataset 3.6 reporting. Lenders who [...]

All new appraisal submissions to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac must use UAD 3.6 and the redesigned URAR effective November 2, 2026, replacing legacy forms including Form 1004.

Oregon's new plumbing code took effect on October 1, 2026; water heater strapping requirements may have changed and practitioners should verify the current edition.

The latest ASC data reveals some concerning numbers: 62,831 active appraisers, 4.2% fewer than last year, with the biggest losses concentrated among residential appraisers. Chase Pursley, founder of JobsInAppraisal.com and Appraisal Inbox, joins Hal Humphreys to break down what these numbers reveal about the shrinking residential workforce, the Licensed Residential designation, geographic shifts...

> Connexions> AMC Guide> OREP E&O★★★★★“They are knowledgeable, professional, and understand urgency.” – Joe Thweatt >>Learn the UAD 3.6 Cheat Code with AppraisalPilot’s webinar next week. Find out how you can say YES to UAD 3.6 orders and ensure your reports come out clean. Click Here to Sign Up! Certification 25: The 20-Year Fight Over Who Gets […] The post Certification 25: The 20-Year Fight...

Hybrid appraisals are positioned as a solution aligned with UAD 3.6 requirements, delivering valuations two to three days faster than traditional appraisals with 90% of loans now eligible under the new standardized data collection.

Last year we published ASC Data Analysis 2025: 66,715 unique active appraisers holding 91,290 licenses. This is the 2026 follow-up. A September 2026 dump of the ASC Federal Registry shows 62,831 unique active appraisers holding 87,424 active licenses. Licenses are down 4.2% from 2025. The unique-person count is down 5.8%, but that is not a clean year-over-year comparison, because we rebuilt how...

FHA announced that lenders may immediately begin submitting appraisals in UAD 3.6 format for Title II forward and HECM loans through its EAD portal during an optional transition period, while continuing to accept legacy UAD 2.6 format.

GSEs announced a one-time policy exception allowing approved sellers unable to meet the November 2, 2026 UAD 3.6 mandate to continue submitting UAD 2.6 appraisals through mid-2027 upon request and approval.

Industry guidance on the newly announced temporary UAD 3.6 policy exception, including that lenders must actively request and meet contractual terms for any extension beyond the November 2 deadline.

Market conditions and physical adjustments, derived from the appraiser's own sales, with the support written as the work is done IDAHO, October 1, 2026. AppraiserBench LLC today launched AppraiserBench, adjustment software for residential appraisers, built by certified residential appraiser Todd Myers. It includes two tools that work from an appraiser's ordinary MLS export: MarketAdjuster derives...

UAD 3.6 reporting now includes a dedicated, dynamic Accessory Dwelling Unit framework that captures casita living area, kitchen facilities, climate control, and entry access separately from the main dwelling.

Emily Braman has spent more than 35 years tackling the kinds of appraisal assignments most appraisers would probably sweat about. A third-generation appraiser, MAI, SRA, and nationally recognized expert in Frank Lloyd Wright homes, Emily joins Hal Humphreys to talk about valuing one-of-a-kind properties, building a defensible opinion when there are no comps, and what [...]

Approved sellers who are unable to fully implement UAD 3.6 before the formal Nov. 2, 2026, deadline will be allowed to continue submitting legacy UAD 2.6 appraisal reports through May 19, 2027, according to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The post GSEs Create Exception for UAD 3.6 Deadline: Runs through May 19, 2027 appeared first on Working RE Magazine .

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released Lender Letter LL-2026-08 announcing a temporary policy exception for sellers needing additional time to complete UAD 3.6 implementation.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a temporary, one-time policy exception allowing approved lenders to continue submitting UAD 2.6 reports through May 19, 2027, rather than the mandatory November 2, 2026 deadline, with reduced functionality beginning March 1, 2027.

New resource center gives lenders and AMCs a single, dependable source for UAD 3.6 timelines, tools, and guidance ahead of the November 2, 2026, compliance deadline. Jacksonville, FL. – Connexions, Appraisal Management Software, today announced the launch of its UAD 3.6 Readiness Hub, a centralized resource built to help lenders and AMCs cut through the [...]

Judgment. This is an important word for appraisers…even a polarizing word. That polarization often circles around a subtle tension between two types of analysis: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative analysis, it is often thought, is the realm of judgment. It lies at one end of the analytical spectrum, and at the other end lies quantitative analysis. [...]

Fannie Mae's UAD 3.6 Policy document indicates that all lenders are required to use UAD 3.6 for all new appraisal reports submitted to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal on or after November 2, 2026.

Glass Half Full

> E&O/GL Insurance for Home Inspectors Competitive Rates, Broad Coverage, Free Risk Management, online inspection support for tough questions, discounts on education and more… Professional Coverage, Competitive Pricing Shop OREP today! Top 20 Home Inspection Photos From 2025 by Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech It’s that time of year again! Please enjoy our favorite home […] The post Top 20 Home...

> The Appraiser Coach> AMC Guide> OREP E&O★★★★★“They are knowledgeable, professional, and understand urgency.” – Joe Thweatt AO-41: TAF’s New Tech Guidance and What It Means by Isaac Peck, Publisher Every appraiser reading this is using technology tools in their assignments. MLS platforms, adjustment software, sketch tools like CubiCasa, data aggregation services, and increasingly, AI-powered...

A UAD 3.6 appraisal starts before you ever open a software program. It starts with the data. Today, we are talking with the person who decided to rethink how this data gets collected, and then put himself in the middle of the biggest software comparison event this profession has ever seen. Certified residential appraiser and [...]

UAD 3.6 appraisal reporting requires that attic, crawlspace, garage, and outbuildings be unlocked and readily reachable before the appraiser arrives, reflecting heightened access requirements under the new standard.

When was the last time a private client told you they actually enjoyed reading your appraisal report? Not "thanks, got it." Enjoyed it. Sat down, read it, understood it, maybe even showed it to somebody. I'm guessing never. And I don't blame the client one bit. Our reports are built for underwriters and algorithms and secondary market compliance. That's fine, that's [...]

Fannie Mae's SEL-2026-08 (published 9/2/26) updates UAD 3.6 highest-and-best-use requirements -- appraisals must now reflect the property's highest and best use as improved or proposed, not present use, effective immediately.

GSEs require all new residential appraisals submitted to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal to use UAD 3.6 format and the redesigned URAR with embedded Rental Information section starting November 2, 2026

Streamlined Review project review type was retired effective August 3, 2026, requiring most established condo projects to undergo Full Review instead, with lenders having fewer simplified review options.

Guidance on current VA MPRs identifies missing handrails among the deficiencies most frequently flagged by VA appraisers, requiring correction before closing.

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced updates to its Minimum Property Requirements and appraisal process, effective in the revised VA Lenders Handbook Pamphlet 26-7 Chapter 12, to reduce delays and help Veterans compete in housing market.

HUD's Mortgagee Letter 2026-10 (effective 6/23/26) eliminates the requirement that FHA lenders obtain appraisal field reviews on at least 10% of quality control loans -- lenders now use risk-based judgment instead, an estimated $3.3M/year industry savings.

Clark County commissioners enacted code changes effective March 5, 2026, removing lot-size limitations for accessory living quarters in compliance with Nevada AB 396.

HUD opened a public comment period on potential updates to FHA Minimum Property Requirements, noting the standards have not undergone comprehensive review in more than two decades.

FHA published FHA INFO 2026-15 announcing transition plans to Uniform Appraisal Dataset 3.6 and launching the UAD 3.6 Implementation Preparedness Toolbox on the EAD Portal to help appraisers and lenders prepare for the new standard.

All new GSE-conforming appraisal reports must be submitted in UAD 3.6 format beginning November 2, 2026, ending the transition period that began in September 2025.

VA Pamphlet 26-7 establishing Minimum Property Requirements for VA home loans became effective May 1, 2026, including standards for functioning kitchens and appliance requirements.

Effective May 1, 2026, the VA modified two MPR standards: peeling paint on post-1978 homes no longer triggers a repair condition, and outbuildings are no longer subject to MPR compliance evaluation, benefiting veteran buyers in rural and older-home purchases.

New maximum per-unit deductible of $50,000 for master policies effective July 1, 2026, and roofs may now be insured on actual cash value basis rather than replacement cost only.

Fannie Mae issued Lender Letter LL-2026-04 establishing a governance framework for seller/servicers using AI/ML in mortgage origination and servicing, effective August 6, 2026, requiring compliance with applicable laws and Lender Contract terms.

Effective May 1, 2026, the VA removed the requirement for appraisers to call for repairs of defective paint on homes built after 1978, treating interior and non-weather-exposed exterior paint as cosmetic issues.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increased required capital reserves from 10% to 15% of annual budget for projects under Full Review, effective January 2027.

Clark County Board of Commissioners passed code updates effective March 5, 2026, removing lot-size limitations for accessory dwelling units and adjusting special use permit requirements for smaller lots.

New UAD 3.6 standard and dynamic URAR form replace legacy 1004, 1073, and 2055 forms with expanded and standardized Site Influence reporting requirements.

The VA published updates to its Minimum Property Requirements rules, effective February 27, 2026. These rules govern what appraisers must verify regarding safety, soundness, and sanitation in properties securing VA-guaranteed loans.

GSEs moved into Broad Production on January 26, 2026, allowing all lenders to submit UAD 3.6 appraisals, with a mandatory industry-wide transition date of November 2, 2026.

On January 14, 2026, HUD issued a proposed rule eliminating HUD regulations governing disparate impact liability under the Fair Housing Act and revoked guidance addressing appraisal bias.

All state-credentialed appraisers must complete the 7-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations (VB-FH) course, effective January 1, 2026.

Beginning in 2026, NAR will accept any AQB-approved course satisfying the Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations learning objectives to also satisfy NAR's Fair Housing Training requirement.

This source discusses that permitted garage conversions typically increase home value by 10-30% with ROI of 60-80%, while unpermitted conversions can decrease value by triggering lender refusals and appraisal exclusions.

Clark County updated its accessory dwelling rules in 2026, loosening lot size limitations and clarifying size and setback requirements for casitas and ADUs in unincorporated areas.

FHA HB 4000.1 (pages 499–500) provides current guidance on treatment of garage conversions in appraisals, with criteria for counting converted space as GLA that do not explicitly require permits—relevant to understanding when to include or exclude unpermitted conversions.

The residential clean energy credit for solar installations that previously allowed homeowners to claim 30% of costs has expired; new installs in 2026 do not qualify federally though some state and local programs remain.

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) of 30% expired on December 31, 2025, requiring 2026 cost estimates to exclude this previously available incentive.

Fannie Mae issued December 2025 guidance clarifying that C2 means the property is new construction or remodeled to the studs within 36 months with no deferred maintenance.

Joint GSE guidance document for appraisers on notable differences between UAD 2.6 and UAD 3.6 reporting requirements, including outbuilding and vehicle storage data collection.

UAD 3.6 entered Limited Production in September 2025 with a small group of approved lenders; Broad Production begins January 26, 2026, when all lenders may submit UAD 3.6 reports without prior GSE approval.

Fannie Mae updated its appraisal quality guidance, including lender requirements for borrower-initiated ROV policies and procedures that must meet agency requirements and applicable law.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac revised ROV requirements effective September 3, 2025, eliminating dual disclosure and streamlining documentation retention for ROV outcomes.

Recent FHA guidance confirms mortgagee responsibility for determining required repairs for FHA-insured financing, establishing that lenders must apply professional judgment to decide which repairs are necessary.

HUD eliminated the requirement for appraisers to take original photographs of comparable properties, previously mandated alongside MLS photos for FHA appraisals. This change took effect June 27, 2025.

Fannie Mae expanded eligibility for hybrid appraisals effective March 22, 2025, with 90%+ of conventional appraisals now hybrid-eligible under the updated guidelines.

Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter added messaging specifying hybrid appraisal eligibility on March 22, 2025; Freddie Mac expanded eligibility for Loan Product Advisor submissions on April 7, 2025, opening 90%+ of conventional appraisals to hybrid-eligible status.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac updated their selling guides to permit hybrid appraisals on home equity loans, effective March 22, 2025 (Fannie Mae) and April 7, 2025 (Freddie Mac).

FHA appraisers are instructed in HUD 4000.1 on how to address peeling or cracked paint depending on property age and lead hazard considerations.

FHFA announced policy updates to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac appraisal waiver programs, increasing maximum LTV ratios to expand borrower eligibility, effective Q1 2025.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued coordinated updates to reconsideration of value policies and terminology, retiring "appraisal waiver" in favor of "value acceptance" for consistent messaging.

Freddie Mac announced policy requirements for Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6, with sellers able to submit UAD 3.6 reports before the mandatory effective date of November 2, 2026.

Nevada Assembly Bill 396 requires Clark County and major cities to adopt ordinances authorizing accessory dwelling units on single-family residential lots, taking effect July 1, 2026.

Effective December 29, 2024, HUD requires all smoke detectors in public housing authorities to be either hard-wired or equipped with 10-year sealed, tamper-resistant, non-replaceable batteries, with life-threatening deficiency status for non-compliance within 24 hours.

Effective December 29, 2024, HUD requires public housing authorities to enforce new smoke detector standards requiring ionization or photoelectric detectors in working order as a life-threatening deficiency under Housing Quality Standards inspections.

Freddie Mac updated its guidelines regarding solar appraisal value effective August 7, 2024, establishing that solar panels can increase a home's value if owned outright, but not if leased or under a PPA arrangement.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD extended new policy requirements for lenders to respond to borrower-initiated ROV requests, with updated implementation dates following industry feedback.

HUD clarified that appraisers must access attics safely, and removed the prior requirement for minimum head and shoulders entry into the attic space.

Fannie Mae in collaboration with Freddie Mac and HUD published requirements on May 1, 2024 related to borrower-initiated reconsideration of value to promote consistency when appraisal issues or deficiencies exist.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD announced updated policies for appraisal reconsiderations of value (ROV) effective May 1, 2024, reflecting changes to how the process operates for lenders and appraisers.

FHA and FHFA announced policies enabling borrowers to request re-appraisal if they believe bias or deficiencies were involved, with lender disclosure and underwriter training requirements.

In April 2024, the EPA finalized changes to the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form to make them clearer and reduce common errors. The revisions change wording and format for easier compliance without altering substantive information requirements.

Government-sponsored enterprises began automatically flagging appraisals containing prohibited, unsupported, or potentially biased language as FATAL through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal, preventing loan submission.

The Appraisal Standards Board implemented clarifications to the Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice to improve appraiser ethical obligations under federal fair housing laws and regulations.

Under Fannie Mae's appraisal guidelines, leased solar panels, those under a power purchase agreement (PPA), or separately financed with a UCC lien may not contribute to appraised property value.

California-specific data shows owned solar panels add 5–10% to home value (about $39,500–$79,000 on median homes), while leased panels generally do not add appraised value.

The new single dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report under UAD 3.6 replaces all 12 legacy form numbers and introduces dedicated sections for accessory dwelling units and casitas, becoming mandatory for all GSE submissions on November 2, 2026.

FHA clarified attic observation requirements by deleting language that required appraisers to achieve minimum head and shoulders entry into attics, instead emphasizing safe access.

California passed the Fair Appraisal Act requiring bias statements in contracts, establishing that appraisers cannot base valuations on protected characteristics, and mandating state data collection on bias-related complaints.

Texas law requires that one- or two-family dwellings with construction commenced after January 1, 2008 must have a working smoke detector, and properties constructed before that date must have one installed before sale or transfer of ownership.