Appraiser's Guide: Navigating the UAD Broad Production Period & Post-Mandate Revisions

Hi, I'm Daniel Yoder, a fellow residential appraiser. As we navigate the ongoing updates from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac regarding the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) and Forms Redesign, one period that warrants close attention is the upcoming transition phase where both old and new formats will be in play. Understanding this overlap is key to a smoother workflow.

Specifically, let's look at the Broad Production Period and the subsequent handling of UAD 2.6 revisions.

The Broad Production Period: Working with Two Standards (Jan 26, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026)

According to the latest GSE timeline (updated December 2024), the period from January 26, 2026, through November 1, 2026, is designated as the Broad Production Period. The crucial aspect of this phase is that the GSEs (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) will accept appraisal reports submitted in either the legacy UAD 2.6 format or the new UAD 3.6 format using the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR).

Unlike the earlier Limited Production Period (LPP), which requires specific lender participation and approval, the Broad Production Period opens the door for all lenders to begin submitting UAD 3.6 appraisals to the GSEs' production environment without needing prior GSE approval (as per the Feb 2025 Lender Overview and June 2024 Lender Kit).

What does this mean for us appraisers on the ground?

1. Order Ambiguity: During this ~10-month window, you might receive appraisal orders without a clear specification of whether a UAD 2.6 or UAD 3.6 report is required. Proactive communication with your clients (lenders and AMCs) will be essential. Ask upfront which format they expect for each assignment if it's not clearly stated.
2. Software Readiness: Your appraisal software must be fully capable of handling both UAD 2.6 and UAD 3.6 report generation simultaneously and reliably. Ensure your provider is prepared for this dual environment.
3. Workflow Adjustments: You'll need to be comfortable switching between the data requirements and reporting structures of both formats. This might involve different data entry fields, handling of commentary, and report layouts depending on the assignment.
4. Continued Learning: While you might still be completing UAD 2.6 reports, use this period to solidify your understanding and proficiency with the UAD 3.6 data points and the dynamic URAR structure. The GSEs have indicated training resources will be available starting in late 2024.

After the Mandate: Handling UAD 2.6 Revisions (Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027)

The official mandate date for UAD 3.6 is November 2, 2026. From this date forward, all new appraisal submissions must use the UAD 3.6 format and the redesigned URAR.

However, the transition doesn't abruptly cut off UAD 2.6 entirely. The GSE timeline graphic clearly shows a "UAD 2.6 Pipeline Revisions" period extending from the mandate date until May 3, 2027.

This means that if you originally submitted an appraisal report in the UAD 2.6 format before the November 2, 2026 mandate, you will still be allowed to submit revisions to that specific report using the UAD 2.6 format until May 3, 2027. This provides a necessary window to handle corrections or updates requested on older reports without needing to convert them entirely to the new UAD 3.6 format after the fact. After May 3, 2027, the UAD 2.6 pipeline is considered cleared, and presumably, no further UAD 2.6 submissions of any kind will be accepted.

Preparing for the Transition

The Broad Production Period is designed to allow the industry to adapt more gradually. For appraisers, success during this phase hinges on preparation and communication.

• Confirm Client Expectations: Always clarify which report format (UAD 2.6 or 3.6) is required for assignments received between January and November 2026.
• Master Your Tools: Ensure your software is ready and that you understand how to generate both report types accurately. Tools aiming to streamline data collection, like Valuemate which can help gather property data and auto-generate report sections, might ease the burden of working across different format requirements.
• Stay Informed: Keep referencing the GSE resources (like the Lender Readiness Kit and UAD webpages) for the latest updates and training materials.

While managing two reporting standards simultaneously presents challenges, understanding the timeline and the specific rules governing the Broad Production and UAD 2.6 Revision periods will help you plan your workflow and serve your clients effectively.