The shift from UAD 2.6 to UAD 3.6 is one of the most important changes to appraisal reporting in years. It impacts how appraisers collect data, how reports are structured, and how lenders review valuation decisions.
Instead of traditional static forms, UAD 3.6 introduces a more flexible, data-driven format designed to improve consistency, reduce ambiguity, and support faster, more automated review processes.
We know there are a lot of changes. To help you understand what is changing and what to expect, Will Salus, VP of Product Management & Technology Innovation, and Stacy Caprioli, Chief Appraiser, Head of Quality & Governance at Opteon, created this nine-part video series, Navigating UAD 3.6 and What Is Changing in the Reports.
We invite you to watch the full series. Each video is just 3 to 4 minutes long, making it easy to learn and refresh your knowledge on the go. Below are key highlights from each video to help you get started.
The Summary Page is now a central component of the report. It brings key information into one standardized view for faster review.
What’s new:
This new Summary Page makes it easier for lenders to quickly assess risk and move forward with confidence. Watch the Summary Page video >>
The Assignment Page includes more detailed information about how the appraisal was completed.
What's New:
These changes improve transparency and help lenders better understand how the valuation was developed. Watch a quick walkthrough of this change >>
Property details are now captured in a more structured way on the new UAD 3.6 Subject Property Page.
What's New:
Watch a 3-minute video on this change >>
The Site Section includes new elements to better capture details about the property.
What's New:
These updates provide more structured data around site characteristics. Learn more about this change in the video >>
The Site and View Influence section captures data about the property’s surroundings and site characteristics.
What's New:
Watch the video on Site & View Influence >>
The new UAD 3.6 Project Information section includes updates for certain property types, particularly when project-level data is relevant.
What's New:
Watch a quick walkthrough of this change >>
The Dwelling Exterior section goes into more detail on exterior characteristics while maintaining consistent, standardized inputs.
What's New:
This makes exterior data more organized and easier to review. Learn more in the video >>
The Energy Efficient and Green Features section of the UAD 3.6 form standardizes reporting of energy efficient homes including LEED certification and Energy Star features.
What's New:
This makes it easier to consistently capture and evaluate environmentally relevant property features. Watch the 3-minute video >>
The Reconciliation section is now more clearly tied to the Sales Comparison approach.
What's New:
Learn more about this section in the video >>
UAD 3.6 is a major shift in how appraisal data is created, shared, and reviewed. Opteon technology is verified by the GSEs to support UAD 3.6 specifications, including the changes outlined above.
The move toward structured data and dynamic reporting is designed to:
Understanding these changes now will help you stay ahead as adoption continues.