AGENT WEBINAR · OCTOBER 29, 2026
UAD 3.6
Appraisal Updates
What Agents Need to Know!
What changes in your next escrow, what to prepare, and the questions worth asking.
With guest appraiser Pete Hanson
Better expectations.
WHAT CHANGES
Four differences you will notice
Report
One flexible report replaces multiple familiar appraisal forms.
Condition
More specific descriptions of the home.
Area
Clearer reporting of finished space above and below grade.
Evidence
Photos and exhibits sit with the features they support.
More structured detail. The appraiser still supports the value.
CONDITION & QUALITY
A new kitchen is not a whole-house remodel
The rating
Condition and construction quality still use 1-6 scales, with clearer definitions.
The whole picture
Exterior, unit interior and overall ratings may tell different parts of the story.
Your records
Give dates and scope: what changed, when, and what still needs work.
Example: updated kitchen in 2024. Roof replaced in 2018. Two original bathrooms.
AREA & ADUS
Market the space. Be clear about what it is.
Describe it
The main home, an ADU and converted space need accurate descriptions.
Separate the space
An ADU gets its own interior section and separate area reporting.
Support the facts
Share plans, permit records and the source of your square footage.
Example: 1,800 sq. ft. main home + 400 sq. ft. detached guest space. Describe each accurately.
A PROPERTY EXAMPLE
A partial view needs a fuller description
What can you see?
What is the view, and where can you actually see it?
How much is visible?
Is the range full, partial or seasonal? Is it the primary view?
What does it mean?
Provide accurate photos. The appraiser evaluates the market impact.
Example: visible from the upstairs bedroom, but not from the living room or yard.
PROPERTY DETAILS
Solar and upgrades: have the details ready
Solar
Solar: owned, financed or leased? Gather the agreement.
Remodels
Kitchen and bath updates: what was done, and when?
Other features
Provide records for energy or disaster-mitigation features you describe.
An improvement’s cost does not establish its contributory value.
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT
Give the appraiser a useful packet
Property
MLS sheet, improvement dates, permits and area sources.
Transaction
Complete contract and applicable addenda through the lender's process.
Market
Relevant closed sales, with a factual reason each is comparable.
Access
Contact, entry instructions, pets and access to all relevant spaces.
Give the facts and supporting records. The appraiser determines the market impact.
THE TRANSITION
Plan for extra back-and-forth
The appointment
The appointment may involve more data collection.
The report
Software learning and review questions can affect delivery.
The review
Confirm the fee and turn time for this property. Leave time for lender review.
A delivered report may still need lender review or clarification.
AFTER THE REPORT
If something looks wrong, bring the evidence
Be specific
Identify the specific fact or comparable sale that needs another look.
Bring support
Support it with records, photos or relevant market data.
Use the right process
For a value reconsideration, follow the lender's process.
A factual correction and a disagreement with value are different requests.
YOUR NEXT LISTING
Three things to do on your next listing
Gather
Gather property facts before the appraisal is ordered.
Ask
Ask the lender about format, fees and realistic timing.
Prepare
Help your seller understand the visit and stay available for follow-up.
A little preparation before the visit can help us respond faster afterward.
THE APPRAISER’S PERSPECTIVE
Pete, what are you seeing
in the field?
Pete Hanson | Appraiser
Add your questions to the Zoom chat.
LET’S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Want a copy of
the presentation?
Text me with your name and email address.
951.490.1861Have a property with a question? Let’s look at it early.
OUR NEXT AGENT WEBINAR
Thursday, November 19
4:00 p.m. Pacific · Zoom
Sources
Reviewed October 29, 2026. Forum comments are individual experiences, not rules or marketwide statistics. Property scenarios are illustrations.
- S1 · Freddie Mac | UAD 3.6 FAQ
Updated mandate enforcement guidance, September 30, 2026.
Open source ↗ - S4 · Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac | Inspection and Reporting Tips
October 21, 2025, v1.0; feature, area, ADU and update details.
Open source ↗ - S5 · Fannie Mae | Appraiser Update, December 2025
Condition and quality definitions; exterior, interior and overall ratings.
Open source ↗ - S6 · Fannie Mae | Appraiser Update, March 2026
View range, type and impact; software transition considerations.
Open source ↗ - S7 · NAR | Appraisal Ready: What Agents and Brokers Can Do Now
September 22, 2026; agent questions and transaction preparation. Use the current GSE FAQ for transition dates.
Open source ↗ - S8 · NAR | Effective Communication for Accurate Appraisals
Factual agent-appraiser communication and independence.
Open source ↗ - S9 · AppraisersForum | UAD 3,6 discussion
Thread begun August 21, 2026. Self-reported fees and workload; anecdotal.
Open source ↗ - S10 · Reddit r/appraisal | Software rollout discussion
September 11, 2026 thread. Self-reported software friction; anecdotal and may change with software updates.
Open source ↗ - S11 · NAR | Consumer Guide: The Appraisal Process
Agent communication and borrower reconsideration-of-value process.
Open source ↗