Appraisal methodology and analysis have changed over the years, and we’re about to undergo another major alteration with UAD 3.6. Some investors are ahead of the 11/2/26 curve. For example, Newrez is now accepting loans from clients who have adopted the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 Appraisal and Forms Redesign and submitted via the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) “for all conforming loans and non-QM loans (Smart Series). Government (FHA, VA, and USDA), JUMBO AUS and Closed-end seconds loans must continue using the UAD 2.6 appraisals.” This write up by AXIS AMC’s Mike Simmons is a good primer: all appraisals, to be eligible for sale to Fannie and Freddie, must be submitted in UAD (Uniform Appraisal Dataset) 3.6 format.
Class Valuation’s Mark Walser told me that lenders need to have begun setting up the process and planning in the first quarter of 2026, and spend the 2nd and 3rd quarters testing and transitioning their appraisal volume to it. I am sure that it will be a topic on tomorrow’s interview with Deephaven’s Tom Davis, sponsored by L1. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s ‘casts are sponsored by RelCu. RelCu is the all-in-one agentic platform driving conversion, retention, and cross-sell across mortgage and deposits. Today’s features an interview after 6AM PT with Guild Mortgage’s Terry Schmidt on understanding borrower behavior, adoption of AI-driven and digital capabilities, affordability, and access, and both cultural and structural shifts toward data-driven proactive lending.)
