UAD 3.6: No need to drive comp photos

[NC Appraising]

I don't believe it says one does not have to drive the comps, I believe it only says you can use 3rd party photos. It is kinda gray wording.

Incorrect.

Appraiser Update | Fannie Mae

Welcome to the Q4 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update.

singlefamily.fanniemae.com

Comp driveby not required for UAD 3.6​

The Scope of Work for the legacy version of the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) states “The appraiser must … (3) inspect each of the comparable sales from at least the street …”. The legacy URAR instructions repeat the requirement for the appraiser to drive to and personally view the exterior of the comps with the additional stipulation that photographs of the front of each comparable sale are required exhibits. We have often been asked, in view of the abundance of remote viewing technology available today, why do we still require appraisers to physically visit each comparable? The short (but not very satisfying) answer has been that it is difficult to change the URAR.

The creation of UAD 3.6 has allowed us to revisit this requirement. While we will still require “Clear, descriptive color photographs … of the … front of each comparable” [see Exhibits for the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report section in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide Supplement: Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 Policy], for appraisal reports in UAD 3.6 we have retired the requirement to inspect the comparable sales from the street.

Here is what the new Scope of Work for UAD 3.6 says: “The appraiser must, at a minimum: … (2) research, verify, and analyze adequate and reliable data … for each comparable property reported …”. This means appraisers will be at liberty to source the required comparable photos at their own discretion.

 

[alebrewer]

I think you have a small mind. But then, so does about everyone else in the field.

And the old Bert is back. Nature wins over the desire to sell MARS to appraisers.

 

[RCA]

Incorrect.

Appraiser Update | Fannie Mae

Welcome to the Q4 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update.

singlefamily.fanniemae.com

Comp driveby not required for UAD 3.6​

The Scope of Work for the legacy version of the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) states “The appraiser must … (3) inspect each of the comparable sales from at least the street …”. The legacy URAR instructions repeat the requirement for the appraiser to drive to and personally view the exterior of the comps with the additional stipulation that photographs of the front of each comparable sale are required exhibits. We have often been asked, in view of the abundance of remote viewing technology available today, why do we still require appraisers to physically visit each comparable? The short (but not very satisfying) answer has been that it is difficult to change the URAR.

The creation of UAD 3.6 has allowed us to revisit this requirement. While we will still require “Clear, descriptive color photographs … of the … front of each comparable” [see Exhibits for the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report section in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide Supplement: Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 Policy], for appraisal reports in UAD 3.6 we have retired the requirement to inspect the comparable sales from the street.

Here is what the new Scope of Work for UAD 3.6 says: “The appraiser must, at a minimum: … (2) research, verify, and analyze adequate and reliable data … for each comparable property reported …”. This means appraisers will be at liberty to source the required comparable photos at their own discretion.

Keep in the back of your mind that to date, the WHOLE appraisal system is missing the central point here (it shouldn't take that much intelligence to understand):

Appraisers must do an optimal job of accurately estimating market value, and the appraisal protocols should be good enough that different appraisers, if acting competently, will arrive at approximately the same value conclusion.

1. Forget about "opinion" as an excuse for differences. Any difference is rather an excuse for attorneys to charge bias and discrimination. --> This is very serious business.

2. So, understand - if you allow different appraisers to have different third-party inspectors, you are just asking for problems.

3. Inspections need to be performed according to exact protocols --> AND THAT IS NOT HAPPENING!

So, back to the drawing board. And yes, the whole system is a long way from perfect. But that is where we are headed. And I guarantee that IS where we are headed. Accuracy not for the needs of the lenders, but to avoid charges of bias and discrimination. This is a different mindset.

 

[Fernando]

Incorrect.

Appraiser Update | Fannie Mae

Welcome to the Q4 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update.

singlefamily.fanniemae.com

Comp driveby not required for UAD 3.6​

The Scope of Work for the legacy version of the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) states “The appraiser must … (3) inspect each of the comparable sales from at least the street …”. The legacy URAR instructions repeat the requirement for the appraiser to drive to and personally view the exterior of the comps with the additional stipulation that photographs of the front of each comparable sale are required exhibits. We have often been asked, in view of the abundance of remote viewing technology available today, why do we still require appraisers to physically visit each comparable? The short (but not very satisfying) answer has been that it is difficult to change the URAR.

When I looked at Zillow on my house, the photo is at least 2 years old. I know because I don't own that BMW anymore.

The creation of UAD 3.6 has allowed us to revisit this requirement. While we will still require “Clear, descriptive color photographs … of the … front of each comparable” [see Exhibits for the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report section in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide Supplement: Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 Policy], for appraisal reports in UAD 3.6 we have retired the requirement to inspect the comparable sales from the street.

I don't care if the photos are from MLS or from personal camera, appraiser HAS TO INSPECT THE COMPARABLE SALES FROM THE STREET.
If not, they're not real appraisers.

Here is what the new Scope of Work for UAD 3.6 says: “The appraiser must, at a minimum: … (2) research, verify, and analyze adequate and reliable data … for each comparable property reported …”. This means appraisers will be at liberty to source the required comparable photos at their own discretion.

 

[gregb]

I don't care if the photos are from MLS or from personal camera, appraiser HAS TO INSPECT THE COMPARABLE SALES FROM THE STREET.
If not, they're not real appraisers.

What other qualifications exist for "real appraisers"?

 

[Fernando]

What other qualifications exist for "real appraisers"?

Think like a human appraiser.

 

[Dublin ohio]

And the old Bert is back. Nature wins over the desire to sell MARS to appraisers.

But...............We are not worthy

 

[Alsie35]

But...............We are not worthy

 

[Fernando]

View attachment 105493View attachment 105494

Indeed, many not worthy except Fernando.
Should give a free copy for him to review.

 

[alebrewer]

But...............We are not worthy

To quote an old friend (Bert): "It shouldn't take that much intelligence to understand."