Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding UAD 3.6 & What It Means for You
General UAD 3.6 Questions
What is UAD 3.6?
UAD 3.6 is the new version of the Uniform Appraisal Dataset — the standardized way appraisal data is defined and delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It's not just a new form; it's a completely redesigned data standard that replaces the legacy forms (1004, 1073, 2055, and others) with a single dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) that adapts to the property type and assignment characteristics. The report uses structured fields, drop-downs, and conditional sections instead of long free-text narratives, and data is delivered in a modern MISMO 3.6 XML format via ZIP packages.
Why is UAD 3.6 happening?
The current UAD 2.6 standard was introduced around 2011. Since then, lenders have come to rely heavily on automated QC, risk scoring, and analytics — but the old static forms weren't built for that. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac designed UAD 3.6 as part of a broader “valuation modernization” effort to turn appraisal expertise into structured, consistent, machine-readable data. The goal is fewer revision cycles, faster underwriting, and better analytics across the mortgage ecosystem.
Which forms are being replaced?
As of the November 2, 2026 mandate, the following legacy forms will be retired:
- Form 1004 (URAR)
- Form 1004C (Manufactured Home)
- Form 1073 (Condo)
- Form 1075 (Exterior-Only Condo)
- Form 2055 (Exterior-Only)
- Form 1025 (Small Residential Income)
- Forms 70, 465, 442, and all hybrid/exterior-only variations
Does UAD 3.6 apply to FHA and VA appraisals?
The current mandate applies to conventional conforming loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, FHA, VA, and USDA have all signaled plans to adopt UAD 3.6 on their own timelines. Given that the old forms have historically been used across all loan types, it's widely expected that the entire industry will eventually standardize on the new format.
What happens if I submit a UAD 2.6 report after November 2, 2026?
After November 2, 2026, the GSEs will not accept new appraisal reports in UAD 2.6 format through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP). The only exception is for revisions of appraisals that were originally delivered under UAD 2.6. All new assignments must use UAD 3.6. The UAD 2.6 pipeline is scheduled to be fully retired on May 3, 2027.
Impact on Appraisers
How does UAD 3.6 change my day-to-day workflow?
The shift is significant. Instead of selecting a form and filling in static fields, you'll work with a dynamic report that presents sections and fields based on the specific property and assignment. Key changes include:
- More structured data fields — drop-downs and pick lists replace much of the free-text narrative
- New report sections — including Disaster Mitigation (Section 5) and Energy Efficient & Green Features (Section 6)
- Expanded Condition/Quality ratings with more granular definitions tied to six categories of improvements
- More detailed inspections — additional data points on property characteristics, damages, defects, and deficiencies
- Digital-first delivery — ZIP-based packages with MISMO 3.6 XML format
Will UAD 3.6 take me longer to complete?
In the short term, yes — expect a learning curve. The new structured fields and additional data requirements mean more information to collect at each inspection and more fields to populate in the report. However, the GSEs and industry educators believe that once appraisers and software vendors are fully up to speed, the dynamic format should actually reduce revision cycles and streamline the back-and-forth with lenders and AMCs. The structured data also means clearer expectations — less guesswork about what needs to be in an addendum.
Is there a free field inspection sheet I can use?
Yes — ieIMPACT offers free inspection sheets for both current and upcoming report standards, with no signup required:
- UAD 2.6 (use today) — for all current 1004/URAR assignments. Web form (digital) or download PDF. 6 sections, auto-saves, works offline.
- UAD 3.6 (practice now) — covers every new field required under the November 2026 mandate. Web form (digital) or download PDF. 30+ new fields, 6 pages, built from official GSE Inspection Tips.
Do I need to take a course to learn UAD 3.6?
The GSEs partnered with leading education providers to develop a 7-hour continuing education course specifically for UAD 3.6. This is strongly recommended and may be required by your state or by AMCs/lenders you work with. Fannie Mae has also released a non-CE refresher course called “The Industry's Guide to the New URAR” (approximately 4 hours). Additional resources include the Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide and the UAD Inspection and Reporting Tips document.
Will my appraisal fees change under UAD 3.6?
UAD 3.6 standardizes how information is reported, not the amount of work required. Pricing should continue to be driven by scope and complexity. However, the reality during the transition period is that upward fee pressure is expected due to:
- Fewer trained appraisers available initially
- Longer completion times as professionals learn the new system
- Genuinely more data collection required per assignment
- An aging workforce — the median appraiser age is around 60, and some will exit the profession rather than adapt
Impact on AMCs & Lenders
How does UAD 3.6 affect AMC operations?
AMCs face a multi-layered transition:
- Technology updates — entire tech stacks need to support the new data format, ZIP-based delivery, and MISMO 3.6 XML
- Dual-track management — both UAD 2.6 and 3.6 will coexist through November 2026
- Panel readiness gaps — an estimated 5% of the appraiser workforce is currently comfortable with UAD 3.6, creating pipeline risk
- QC workflow changes — the new compliance/validation API allows pre-submission checks, which should reduce defects but requires system integration
- Greater AMC transparency — UAD 3.6 enables clearer identification of AMC involvement in the appraisal process
How will lenders order appraisals differently?
Under the old system, lenders chose a specific form number which served as shorthand for property type, scope of work, and fee schedules. With UAD 3.6, the property and assignment characteristics drive the report layout instead of a form number. Lenders will need to adapt their ordering process to provide relevant property characteristics, and their LOS systems and appraisal management platforms will need integration updates for the new digital format and data-mapping requirements.
Is there a class action lawsuit related to AMC fees?
Yes. A class action lawsuit has been filed in California alleging that a major lender and two AMCs failed to properly disclose AMC service fees to consumers — specifically that fees were bundled into appraisal charges without transparency about how much goes to the appraiser versus the AMC. The Appraisal Institute has advocated for greater fee disclosure. While this is separate from UAD 3.6 itself, the broader push for transparency in appraisal fees is part of the same industry modernization trend.
How ieIMPACT Is Preparing
What is ieIMPACT doing about UAD 3.6?
We're proactively rebuilding our entire platform and workflow engine to natively support UAD 3.6 — and we're doing it with cutting-edge AI tools. This isn't a patch or a workaround; it's a ground-up modernization that includes a new website, new data processing pipelines, and AI-powered automation designed for the dynamic URAR format. Our goal is simple: when the mandate hits, your transition should feel seamless because we've already done the heavy lifting.
How will AI help with my UAD 3.6 appraisals?
Our AI-powered tools are being built to handle the increased complexity of UAD 3.6 so you can focus on professional judgment and analysis:
- Intelligent field population — AI parses and validates UAD 3.6 structured data fields, reducing manual entry errors
- MISMO 3.6 XML processing — our backend natively handles the new data standard for seamless UCDP compatibility
- New section support — full handling of Disaster Mitigation, Energy Efficiency/Green Features, and expanded Condition/Quality structures
- Faster turnaround — AI automation cuts data entry time, helping you maintain turn times despite increased data requirements
- Quality assurance — automated validation catches issues before submission, reducing revision cycles
Will ieIMPACT's pricing change for UAD 3.6 work?
We're investing in AI and automation specifically to absorb the increased complexity without simply passing higher costs to our customers. While we'll share updated pricing details as the rollout progresses, our strategy is to use technology to keep our services competitive and cost-effective even as the data requirements grow. We believe this is a better approach than relying solely on manual labor to handle the expanded UAD 3.6 fields.
When will ieIMPACT be fully UAD 3.6 ready?
We're already building. Our platform migration and AI workflow development are underway now, with a phased rollout planned well ahead of the November 2, 2026 mandate. We'll be communicating specific feature availability dates to customers as we hit milestones. Our goal is to be operational with UAD 3.6 support during the broad production period so our customers have time to test and get comfortable before the mandate deadline.
Do I need to do anything differently to work with ieIMPACT?
For now, continue using our services as you normally do. As we roll out UAD 3.6 capabilities, we'll provide updated guides, walkthroughs, and dedicated support. We'll communicate any changes to your workflow clearly and in advance. The short answer: we're handling the technology transition so you don't have to.
The ieIMPACT Advantage
Why Choose ieIMPACT for the UAD 3.6 Transition
AI-Powered Workflows
Our AI tools handle the increased data complexity of UAD 3.6, reducing errors and accelerating turnaround.
Modern Platform
Ground-up rebuild on modern tech with native MISMO 3.6 XML support and seamless UCDP compatibility.
Proactive Readiness
We're building now — not scrambling at the deadline. Your transition will be seamless because we've done the work early.
Cost-Effective
AI automation absorbs the increased complexity so we can keep pricing competitive despite expanded data requirements.