Poll - How Likely Are You To Retire Before Implementation Of The Uad 3.6 Abomination?

[Alsie35]

So IT BEGINS.

I had the pleasure today of "Opting Out" of "UAD 3.6 Abomination" orders on our largest appraiser platform. Yes. It felt GOOD.

 

[Elliott]

AI: "Likely means that something has a high chance of happening or being true; in everyday terms, it is probable rather than certain. It can describe both events (“rain is likely today”) and expectations (“the most likely explanation”), and is also used as an adverb meaning “probably.”"

 

[Highlander416]

I don't know how 3.6 will turn out for us. I am giving it 2026 to see for myself. But, whenever a big change like this is proposed in any field, or almost anything in general, a few old sayings come to mind for me. That said, sometimes fear of change is the real problem. Only time will tell. One year from now, it will be interesting to see what is being talked about here.

#1 - Murphy’s Law - Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

#2 - The law of unintended consequences - Actions, especially by authorities, often create effects no one anticipated.

#3 - For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

#4 - Every solution creates new problems

 

[djd09]

URAR: Expect The Unexpected​

NMP: Are there any unexpected changes that may surprise originators?
Figurski: One change in the redesigned URAR that might catch originators by surprise is how clearly property issues will be highlighted in the new reports.

In the past, if there was a concern with a property — say a safety hazard, a structural problem, or evidence of water damage — you’d have to really dig through the report to find it. On the new reports, those issues will be front and center at the beginning of the report. Originators will know very quickly whether there are problems that could influence the transaction or collateral risk.

NMP: What are the repercussions for those who are unprepared for implementation?
Figurski:

NMP: What other positive features have you learned about?
Figurski: Something I thought was interesting was that the new report allows appraisers to confirm whether a property has broadband internet access. Considering how heavily our society relies on the internet — whether for streaming movies, working from home, running home security systems, or even supporting smart appliances — a strong internet connection is almost as important as having electricity or running water. By formally including it in the appraisal, the redesigned URAR acknowledges how central connectivity has become to both property value and livability.

https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/URAR-expect-unexpected

i cant stop laughing...

 

[cashcatz]

What if we could make UAD 3.6 a bit less painful?:

Thread 'UAD 3.6 Report Writing Concept'

Jan 14, 2026

I've been playing around with some ideas regarding UAD 3.6. The UX/UI never quite felt right to me with existing report writing solutions even with the old forms. It seems like these things should be "inspection-first" where the inspection data is assisted with some optional AI classification and flows directly into the report (pre-fill some fields automatically).

The idea here is you use a mobile app for the inspection where the photos are automatically classified, tagged and grouped, voice notes with transcription (optional for those who like to dictate), LiDar for interior scans...

• cashcatz
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Technical - Hardware/Software

 

[gregb]

What if we could make UAD 3.6 a bit less painful?:

On FB

 

[Highlander416]

In every major systems overhaul—whether software, data standards, operating systems, or appraisal forms—unanticipated consequences are inevitable. That is not a failure of intelligence or effort, but rather a reflection of how complex systems interact with real-world variability. Factors such as non-linear human workflows, edge cases that only emerge at scale, and differences in downstream interpretation are always part of large transitions. In that respect, UAD 3.6 is no exception.

From my own standpoint, I intend to give UAD 3.6 a fair and open-minded evaluation throughout 2026. I am not forming conclusions based on early reactions or commentary, and I am not making judgments about its long-term role in the industry or its overall objectives.

My focus is limited to my personal practice and workflow. Over time, I will assess how the transition affects my efficiency, stress level, and professional balance. If, after a reasonable adjustment period, I determine that my individual practice is better aligned with other types of work, that would simply be a personal career decision—not a statement about the system itself.

At this stage, most of what any of us “know” comes from forums, social media, and secondhand experience. I believe the most realistic approach is to work through the transition directly, observe how it functions in practice, and adapt accordingly. Each appraiser will ultimately reach their own conclusions based on firsthand experience over time.

 

[Alsie35]

In every major systems overhaul—whether software, data standards, operating systems, or appraisal forms—unanticipated consequences are inevitable. That is not a failure of intelligence or effort, but rather a reflection of how complex systems interact with real-world variability. Factors such as non-linear human workflows, edge cases that only emerge at scale, and differences in downstream interpretation are always part of large transitions. In that respect, UAD 3.6 is no exception.

From my own standpoint, I intend to give UAD 3.6 a fair and open-minded evaluation throughout 2026. I am not forming conclusions based on early reactions or commentary, and I am not making judgments about its long-term role in the industry or its overall objectives.

My focus is limited to my personal practice and workflow. Over time, I will assess how the transition affects my efficiency, stress level, and professional balance. If, after a reasonable adjustment period, I determine that my individual practice is better aligned with other types of work, that would simply be a personal career decision—not a statement about the system itself.

At this stage, most of what any of us “know” comes from forums, social media, and secondhand experience. I believe the most realistic approach is to work through the transition directly, observe how it functions in practice, and adapt accordingly. Each appraiser will ultimately reach their own conclusions based on firsthand experience over time.

A measured and intelligent response to the new challenge. I wish you luck.

For me, it was about time to retire and do more meaningful projects with my time. Seriously, I am - in a way - grateful that Fannie's "UAD 3.6 Abomination" managed to convince my wife (aka financial manager and business admin) that it was time to retire.

And if it turns out to be less "Abominable" than feared, then it will be none-the-less have been my "fake because"* to punch out.

(Spoiler: I've been to an all-day "class" on the "Abomination" so you shouldn't get your hopes up).

Good luck and much success in your endeavor.

*Scott Adams coined the term "Fake Because" to illustrate the concept of using a "straw man" justification in order to do what we've wanted to do all along.

 

[Highlander416]

A measured and intelligent response to the new challenge. I wish you luck.

For me, it was about time to retire and do more meaningful projects with my time. Seriously, I am - in a way - grateful that Fannie's "UAD 3.6 Abomination" managed to convince my wife (aka financial manager and business admin) that it was time to retire.

And if it turns out to be less "Abominable" than feared, then it will be none-the-less have been my "fake because"* to punch out.

(Spoiler: I've been to an all-day "class" on the "Abomination" so you shouldn't get your hopes up).

Good luck and much success in your endeavor.

*Scott Adams coined the term "Fake Because" to illustrate the concept of using a "straw man" justification in order to do what we've wanted to do all along.

Much respect to you as well. I’m not approaching this with blinders on. I diversified my practice several years ago, both into private appraisal work and into other non-related areas, and that decision has given me flexibility and stability. While mortgage appraisal has always been the part of the profession I’ve enjoyed most, I’ve adapted better than I expected in other areas of practice.

As a result, I’m now in a position where I can comfortably navigate the next 10–15 years until retirement with or without lender work. From a purely financial standpoint, my retirement outlook would certainly be stronger if I can maintain some portion of lending assignments. That said, my plans do not include a business model where I am disproportionately handling only the most complex or highest-risk cases. That kind of work concentration carries added stress in daily practice and extended liability exposure long after the assignment is complete, and it’s not a structure I’m willing to accept.

I do believe the next 12 months will provide the information I need to make a fully informed decision, based not on speculation but on day-to-day experience and the practical realities of what UAD 3.6 means for my workflow, stress level, and professional balance — whether the impact proves positive or negative. Even if I were strongly inclined one way or the other, I think a meaningful trial period is justified simply to confirm those conclusions through firsthand experience.

If I were at a point of immediate retirement, I might evaluate that calculus differently and question whether the juice is worth the squeeze at all — especially when the fishing pole in the garage is making a compelling case of its own. But given where I am today, taking the time to see how this transition plays out feels like the most reasonable and responsible approach.

 

[Bobby Bucks]

The silence from industry notables who used to be frequent participants in this forum is deafening. Could it be they’re bored with the topic or more likely hunkered down in a UAD test lab whispering to one another “How did they fvck up this new form this much?…..and is there any way to quietly reduce the size by 80% and save face”?