Appraisal Modernization

Traditional Appraisal Forms vs. the New UAD 3.6

UAD 3.6 is more than a refreshed appraisal form. It changes how residential appraisal information is collected, structured, displayed, reviewed, and submitted.

One dynamic URAR • Structured data • Modern submission package
Traditional approach The appraiser selects a fixed form based on the property or assignment type.
UAD 3.6 approach The appraisal software builds a dynamic report from the assignment and property data.

The Core Difference

Legacy appraisal reporting is form-centered. UAD 3.6 is data-centered. Instead of fitting every assignment into a predetermined form, the new Uniform Residential Appraisal Report displays the sections that are relevant to the property and scope of work.

Legacy Appraisal Forms

  • Separate forms such as the 1004, 1073, 1025, 1004C, 2055, and 1007.
  • Fixed pages, fields, and layouts.
  • The form number identifies the assignment type.
  • More dependence on abbreviations, checkboxes, and addendum commentary.
  • Typically submitted using the older UAD 2.6 XML structure.

UAD 3.6 and the URAR

  • One redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report framework.
  • Dynamic sections based on property and assignment characteristics.
  • Expanded standardized fields and defined response choices.
  • More detailed property, site, condition, quality, and market data.
  • Submission through a UAD 3.6 package containing structured data and report files.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Category Traditional Forms UAD 3.6
Report structure Static, preformatted appraisal forms. Dynamic URAR generated from the information entered.
Form selection The appraiser chooses a form number. The software determines applicable report sections from assignment data.
Data collection Fewer structured fields and more free-form commentary. Expanded standardized data fields, enumerations, and conditional questions.
Property types Different forms for single-family, condo, manufactured, and 2–4 unit properties. One reporting framework adapts to the relevant property characteristics.
Review process Reviewers focus heavily on form completion and narrative consistency. Reviewers also evaluate structured-data completeness, logic, and validation results.
Submission Legacy UAD XML with the appraisal report. UAD 3.6 submission package, including structured data and associated report content.

How the Workflow Changes

1

Define the assignment

Property type, inspection type, intended use, and assignment conditions drive the report.

2

Complete structured data

The appraiser answers detailed, standardized questions rather than simply completing fixed boxes.

3

Generate the URAR

The software creates a readable report that reflects the data and sections applicable to the assignment.

What “No More Form Numbers” Really Means

The familiar legacy form numbers may still be used conversationally during the transition, but under the redesigned process they no longer control the report layout. The assignment characteristics and property data determine what appears in the URAR.

What It Means for the Industry

Appraisers

More detailed data entry, updated inspection expectations, fewer broad assumptions, and a new software workflow.

QC and AMCs

Greater focus on data integrity, consistency, required fields, supporting commentary, images, and submission validation.

Lenders

More standardized collateral data that can support eligibility review, risk analysis, and automated quality checks.