Doubling fees sounds optimistic, but raising fees is up to us appraisers. IDK why appraisers working for AMC;'s accept such horrible low fees. I realize there is often little choice in clients but appraisers do have a choice of what fees to accept or charge or bid - painful as it is to actually do it and get no work soon as one dars raise a fee with the vultures. Maybe it is time for appraisers to contact the media and let the truth out in public - the one thing lenders fear is bad publicity. The lenders who use AMC's are part of it, but they are the face the public sees.
Unfortunately, the attorneys see it as a consumer issue (overcharged by the AMC ) but it really is an appraiser issue - a consumer paying $300 more than an AMC charged is out $300 once every 5 years ( example ) but the appraiser loses $40,000 a year in lost AMC fee splits going to an AMC ( as an example ). The consumer is paying regular C and R, they are not "overpaying "- something the media needs to get right if an article is ever published. The problem is not what the consumer is charged; the problem is that a big chunk of it goes to an AMC instead of reaching the appraiser.
The challenge of UAD 3.6 may see some appraisers drop out or retire sooner, which might give a bit more leverage wrt fees. The system still needs appraisals to function, so we might as well be paid adequately.
The base fees are so low now compared to the cost of living and expenses increase over the past 4 years that even with a full C and R from the lender, we are underpaid -o any raise in fees via UUAD3.6 is way overdue. Imo, if it takes 20% longer to do a UAD 3.6 appraisal then a 20% fee raise might be appropriate.
Veteran Appraiser Plans Protest Over UAD 3.6 Mandate
Coraopolis, Pa. — A 76-year-old real estate appraiser from Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, is organizing what he describes as a nationwide protest at Fannie Mae offices to oppose the newly adopted Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 form, arguing that the changes place unreasonable burdens on an already strained profession.
The appraiser, who has worked in residential valuation for more than five decades, says the revised form represents a breaking point for many practitioners. He is now calling on colleagues across the country to rally in opposition, with demonstrations planned at multiple Fannie Mae locations.
“This isn’t just about a form,” he said in an interview. “I’m trying to dissuade appraisers from metaphorically destroying their careers—or worse—by complying with a system that is unworkable. The UAD 3.6 form is pushing people to the edge, and that’s not something we should accept quietly.”
He emphasized that his language was meant to underscore the severity of the professional stress involved, not to sensationalize it. According to the appraiser, increased data-entry requirements, rigid categorizations, and heightened liability risks have made the new form especially difficult for older, independent appraisers to manage.
A large-scale protest is being planned for November 2, 2026, the date when UAD 3.6 is scheduled to become mandatory. Organizers say the demonstration will proceed unless the implementation is rescinded or delayed by President Donald Trump, who they hope will intervene.
The effort has reportedly drawn attention from prominent figures. Former HUD Secretary Ben Carson is said to be fully supportive of the protest. In a statement attributed to him, Carson praised the appraiser’s advocacy, saying, “Policies that undermine experienced professionals and reduce access to fair housing finance deserve serious reconsideration. Listening to those on the ground is essential.”
Industry groups remain divided. Some appraisal organizations argue that UAD 3.6 will improve data consistency and transparency, while critics counter that the form prioritizes automation over professional judgment.
For the Coraopolis appraiser, the issue is personal as well as professional. “I’m 76 years old,” he said. “I’ve seen this industry evolve many times. But this change, as it stands, risks driving good appraisers out of the field. Protesting is the only responsible thing left to do.”
Whether the planned November protest will lead to policy changes remains uncertain, but it has already sparked renewed debate about the future of appraisal work in an increasingly standardized mortgage system.
