Preparing for UAD 3.6: What the New Appraisal Forms Mean for Your Closings
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are rolling out a major redesign to residential appraisal reporting. The new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD 3.6) replaces old appraisal forms with a single, dynamic digital report.
Here is what you need to know to prevent closing delays and keep your transactions on track.
Key Dates & Requirements
- Mandatory Date: November 2, 2026
- The Trigger: The deadline applies to the initial appraisal submission date to the portal—not the purchase contract or inspection date.
- Expect Longer Turn Times Initially: Because the new dynamic form requires significantly more structured property data, appraisers and lenders will take longer to complete reports during the initial rollout.
3 Steps to Avoid Appraisal Delays
Accurate MLS data and thorough seller documentation are the best ways to keep your deals moving forward under UAD 3.6.
- Clean Up Your MLS Listings
Verify living area measurements (separating above-grade from below-grade per ANSI standards), lot sizes, room counts, and concession details before going live. - Gather System Ages & Improvement Dates
Work with your sellers early to document approximate dates for roof replacements, HVAC units, major remodels, solar agreements, and permits for additions or conversions. - Build a Clean Appraisal Packet
Provide the appraiser with the fully executed contract, concession breakdown, completed seller worksheet, and relevant comparable sales with a brief note on why they compete with your listing.
What You Can (and Can’t) Give the Appraiser
Federal guidelines allow agents to share factual property information and market evidence. However, how you communicate matters:
- DO: Provide factual updates, permit history, HOA details, and sales of directly competing properties.
- DON’T: Demand a target value, hand over only the highest-priced sales in the area without context, or present construction costs as automatic dollar-for-dollar market value.
Review Your UAD 3.6 Resources
Streamline your listings and prepare your sellers before appraisal day:
REALTOR® Pre-Appraisal Checklist
Seller Property Information Worksheet
Louisiana REALTORS Appraisal Packet
Ask the Appraiser Top 20 Questions Answered
