Mortgage lenders urged to prepare for UAD 3.6 appraisal data standard deadline

UAD 3.6 represents more than just a form redesign. It moves away from multiple property-specific forms and free-form commentary towards a single, dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report. This new structure utilizes more discrete, standardized data fields, aligning appraisal reporting with the MISMO Reference Model 3.6 and supporting various property types and appraisal methods. The goal is to provide more consistent information, facilitate clearer reviews, and yield more useful data downstream.

However, the adoption of structured data necessitates a coordinated effort across all participants. Ordering systems, appraisal software, appraisal management companies, appraisers, quality-control processes, review teams, and downstream systems must all be prepared to handle the new format. Operational readiness is as crucial as technical capability.

A key detail for lenders to note is that the mandate is tied to the appraisal report's initial UCDP submission date, not the loan application or order date. This means loans already in process may cross the November 2 deadline. A UAD 2.6 appraisal not submitted to UCDP before the mandate cannot be entered afterward as a new submission. Lenders must plan for managing orders and reports near the cutover, ensuring remaining UAD 2.6 work is submitted before the deadline. Revisions to existing UAD 2.6 appraisals, tied to an existing DocFile ID, can continue through the legacy format until May 3, 2027, requiring lenders to manage both new UAD 3.6 work and revisions to older reports for a period.