UAD 3.6: What Homeowners Should Know Before an Appraisal
If you’ve started hearing about UAD 3.6 and wondering whether the new appraisal system is going to make your house worth less, that’s probably not the most useful question.
UAD 3.6 is changing how appraisal information is collected and reported.
It is not a rule that automatically lowers the value of your home.
The better question is:
How should a homeowner prepare?
What is UAD 3.6?
UAD stands for Uniform Appraisal Dataset.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are replacing the older appraisal reporting structure with a more detailed, data-driven and flexible Uniform Residential Appraisal Report.
The transition is already underway.
Lenders have been allowed to submit UAD 3.6 appraisal reports since January 26, 2026.
Beginning November 2, 2026, all new appraisal reports submitted through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac must use UAD 3.6.
For homeowners, that means you may start seeing a more detailed appraisal process and report.
Does UAD 3.6 automatically lower your home’s value?
No.
The new reporting system does not create an automatic reduction in property values.
It also does not mean a computer simply decides what your home is worth.
The appraiser remains the independent professional responsible for inspecting the property, analyzing the relevant information and developing the appraisal opinion.
The reporting system is changing.
That is different from saying the rules automatically change your property’s value.
Why property information matters
One useful part of the change is that more detailed property information can be captured and reported.
That makes accurate information about your house worth organizing.
For example:
When was the roof replaced?
When was the heating or cooling system updated?
Was the kitchen renovated?
Was electrical or plumbing work completed?
Was an addition built?
Do you have permits, receipts or warranties?
You do not need perfect records.
And having a receipt does not guarantee that an improvement adds the same dollar amount to the appraisal.
Documentation does not determine value.
It simply helps make accurate property information available to the appraiser.
What should homeowners keep?
If you’re thinking about selling or refinancing, start keeping a simple property record.
Useful information may include:
Major improvements and renovations.
Approximate dates the work was completed.
Roof, HVAC, electrical or plumbing updates.
Permits when they were required and are available.
Receipts you still have.
Transferable warranties.
Information about additions or significant changes to the property.
Again, the goal is not to prove what the house is worth.
The goal is to help make sure the appraiser has useful facts about the property.
What might homeowners notice during the appraisal?
UAD 3.6 allows for more structured and detailed property reporting than the older appraisal forms.
That does not mean every cosmetic issue becomes a required repair.
It does not mean every condition noted by an appraiser changes the value.
And it does not mean the homeowner controls the appraisal by providing documents.
The appraiser still performs the appraisal independently.
My role as a Realtor® is different.
I can help a homeowner understand the real estate process, think through what property information may be useful to organize and prepare for the appraisal visit.
I do not determine the appraised value.
A simple way to prepare
I created a Home Appraisal Preparation Guide to make this easier.
It gives you one place to record:
Your improvements.
Approximate dates.
Receipts or permits you may have.
Warranties.
Other useful property information.
You can download the free fillable and printable guide here.
The practical takeaway
UAD 3.6 does not need to become something homeowners fear.
Appraisal reporting is becoming more detailed.
Your practical job is simply to know your house and have accurate information available when you have it.
The appraiser does the appraisal.
You provide useful facts about the property.
And understanding the process before appraisal day makes it easier to prepare.
I’m Jess Carpenter, REALTOR® with Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, serving Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County and parts of Delaware County.
Understand your options before making your decision.
If you have a real estate question, Just Ask Jess.
Official UAD 3.6 information:
Freddie Mac:
https://sf.freddiemac.com/tools-learning/uniform-mortgage-data-program/uad