UAD 3.6: What Realtors Need to Know About the New Appraisal Process

The appraisal process is under going one of its biggest updates in years.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are transitioning the mortgage industry to Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6, a redesigned approach to collecting and reporting appraisal information.

For Realtors, you don’t need to become an appraisal expert, but understanding what’s changing can help you better prepare listings, sellers and buyers for the process. Appraisal delays during this transition are expected across the industry.

What Is UAD 3.6?

UAD is the standardized framework used to report property information for appraisals delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

UAD 3.6 modernizes that framework by moving away from multiple legacy appraisal forms and introducing one standardized, flexible and dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR).

Instead of selecting a different appraisal form based on the property or assignment, the new report adapts to the property being evaluated and the information required.

Why Is the Appraisal Report Changing?

Homes—and the data available about them—have changed significantly since the legacy appraisal forms were developed.

The redesigned appraisal report creates a more data-driven structure for capturing property characteristics and market information while improving consistency across appraisal reports.

The goal is better standardized data and a reporting structure capable of adapting to different residential property and inspection types.

What Does This Mean for Realtors?

For most Realtors, the fundamentals of preparing a property for an appraisal aren’t changing. But the new reporting structure puts an even greater emphasis on having clear, accurate information available about the property.

Details such as renovations, accessory dwelling units, finished areas, property features and other characteristics can help an appraiser understand the property they’re evaluating.

This makes good listing documentation and communication valuable throughout the process.

When Does UAD 3.6 Take Effect?

The transition is already underway.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac entered broad production for UAD3.6 in January 2026, allowing lenders that are ready to begin using the new reporting format.

Beginning November 2, 2026, UAD 3.6 will be required for all new appraisal reports submitted to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal for loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Other government loan programs have indicated plans to adopt UAD 3.6 and will establish their own implementation requirements and timelines.

In other words, this isn’t simply a new appraisal form. It’s part of a broader modernization of appraisal reporting across the mortgage industry.

LeaderOne Is Ready for What’s Next

Major industry changes are easier when your lending partneris prepared before they’re required to be.

LeaderOne has been preparing our technology, processes and appraisal workflows for UAD 3.6 so our teams and partners are ready as the industry transitions.

For our Realtor partners, that means you don’t have to navigate these changes alone.

We’ll continue monitoring the rollout, educating our teams and sharing practical information that can help you prepare your listings and clients.

Because being a great lending partner isn’t just about keeping up with the industry.

It’s about staying One Step Ahead.

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Have Questions About UAD 3.6?

Connect with a LeaderOne Loan Officer to learn more about what these appraisal changes could mean for your upcoming listings and transactions.

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