Appraisers – Disclose When You Did Not Do the Inspection 

By on November 7, 2025   /   AMCs, appraisal, Appraisal fees, UAD 3.6   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: 24 Hour Appraisal, Disclose When Some One Else Did the Inspection

November 7, 2025

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)

  • LIA AD: When a Property Owner Wants to Do the Appraiser’s Job
  • The Hazards of Signing a URAR When Another Person Conducts the Inspection
  • Honolulu Diamond Head Estate for $34,000,000
  • The 24-Hour Appraisal Funded by Appraisers
  • How Policy, Data, and Technology Are Reshaping Lending and Valuation: MBA 2025 Recap
  • MBA: Mortgage applications decreased 1.9 percent from one week earlier

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The Hazards of Signing a URAR When Another Person Conducts the Inspection

By Dan Bradley

Excerpts: When using the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) to report the results of an appraisal, the appraiser’s signature on the report is not merely a formality, it is a certification. By affixing his or her signature, the appraiser is certifying to (among other things) having personally made an interior and exterior inspection of the subject property.

Clients, AMCs, and state regulatory agencies are reporting that appraisers are increasingly delegating their inspection responsibilities to others yet are signing the URAR certifying they made a personal inspection.

What are the risks if an appraiser signs a URAR report certifying an interior and exterior inspection that was actually conducted by someone else?

Conclusion

Signing a URAR appraisal report that states the appraiser personally inspected the property, when in fact another party performed the inspection, is a serious liability risk. USPAP permits an appraiser to value a property that they did not make an interior and exterior inspection.

However, USPAP does not allow an appraiser to communicate a misleading report. A report that falsely indicates that an individual made an inspection of a property when in fact they did not is misleading, and could result in disciplinary action, civil liability, or other negative consequences.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Good reminder, especially with the use by the GSEs of alternative valuation methods. Of course, you know nothing about the qualifications of the person doing the inspection. The article did not specifically address UAD 3.6, but I assume it would have the same certification section and requirements.

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Fannie: Inspection and Reporting Tips UAD 3.6

By on October 31, 2025   /   adjustments, appraisal how to, real estate market, UAD 3.6   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Fannie: Inspection and Reporting Tips UAD 3.6, Appraising Haunted Houses

October 31, 2025

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)

  • LIA AD: Legal Request for Old Appraisal
  • Inspection and Reporting Tips for Appraiser Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) Specification Issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
  • Penthouse One – 3 Story in Florida listed for $47,500,000
  • “No Name” Licenses, No Accountability: From Highways to Housing
  • Appraising Haunted Houses
  • Foolish Mortals or Bargain Buyers: 1 in 2 Americans Would Buy a ‘Haunted’ House for the Right Price
  • Mortgage applications increased 7.1 percent from one week earlier

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Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) Specification Issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Document Version 1.0

October 21, 2025

Excerpts: Navigating changes to the appraisal process can be complex – make the transition to the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 easier with the new Inspection and Reporting Tips for Appraisers guide. This resource clarifies key differences between the new Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) and legacy UAD 2.6 forms, providing the information you need when researching or physically inspecting a property.

The purpose of this document is to assist the appraiser by highlighting the notable differences between UAD 3.6 and UAD 2.6, and direct the appraiser to appropriate section(s) in the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) Reference Guide on the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac UAD web pages.

The document offers tips for different sections within the URAR that may be helpful to an individual who is completing various aspects of an appraisal assignment.

• Inspection Tips: When physically inspecting the property, or

• Reporting Tips: When researching and completing the URAR, including new information that may require research from a website, the homeowner, or other source.

Items to Note:

• When there are no material differences between UAD 3.6 and UAD 2.6 with respect to

information collected, those URAR sections are omitted from this document. For example, the

information collected for “Assignment Information” is not included below because it’s very similar between UAD 3.6 and UAD 2.6.

• Review the URAR Reference Guide chapters 22 through 24 to understand the dynamic nature of the grids (Sales Comparison, Rental Comparison, GRM Comparison).

To access the Inspection and Reporting Tips for Appraisers resource, Click Here.

My comments: Worth reading. The only document I have read that compares UAD 2.6 (current form reports) and UAD 3.6 in specific fields. Uses tables that make it easier to understand. Refers to F-1, the document that contains information on fields. Hopefully, when you are doing UAD 3.6 Reports, your software will pull in the relevant sections from F-1.

I have written 6 articles on UAD 3.6 in my paid monthly newsletter, including a list of what has changed on each page of the sample SFR1 (Single Family) report. The November newsletter includes an update on software vendors and where to get demos. None have completed their UAD 3.6 software, including verification by GSEs.

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Appraisal Adjustments Tips

By on October 23, 2025   /   adjustments, new appraisers, trainees, UAD 3.6   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: California College offers Appraiser Training, Appraiser Adjustments

October 24, 2025

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)

  • LIA AD: Can an Attorney Really Force Me to Testify?
  • How to Defend Adjustments in Appraisal Reports By Jo Traut
  • Monumental Hollywood Hills Megamansion That Took 10 Years To Complete Is Listed for $125 Million
  • West Los Angeles Community College Launches More Accessible Home Appraiser Training Program
  • Flooded With Change: Appraisers Tackle a Dynamic URAR and UAD 3.6 by Isaac Peck
  • Mortgage Rates Won’t Fall Below 6% Anytime Soon, Top Economist Says in Grim Forecast
  • Mortgage applications decreased 0.3 percent from one week earlier

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Why AI Can’t Replace Appraisers

By on October 3, 2025   /   AI, appraisal business, UAD 3.6   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Why AI Can’t Replace Appraisers,
Value: Absolute or Relative?

October 3, 2025

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)

  • LIA AD: Weather Impact
  • Five Reasons AI Cannot Replace Real Estate Appraisers, By Timothy Andersen
  • Malibu (CA) Waterfront Home for $110,000,000
  • How Bureaucratic Overreach Turned Real Estate Appraisers into Scapegoats
  • September 2025 Housing Market Updates for Appraisers
  • Value: Relatively Absolute or Absolutely Relative?, By Brent Bowen
  • Mortgage applications decreased 12.7 percent from one week earlier

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Five Reasons AI Cannot Replace Real Estate Appraisers

by Timothy Andersen

Excerpts:

QUESTION: When I got involved in real estate appraisal, nobody ever told me about AI, UAD 3.6, AVMs, and all the changes that would take place. I can’t keep up with these changes and the changes I will have to make to the way I appraise and report those appraisals. Please tell me there is some good news out there about the way I have chosen to make a living! Is there any such news?

RESPONSE: Traditionally, when there were questions of real property value, the party with the questions called a real property appraiser to answer them. Real estate appraisers are professionals who estimate the value of properties like homes or land. They are trained, licensed experts who visit properties, study local markets, and follow ethical rules to make fair valuations. Lately, artificial intelligence (AI) and computer models called Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) are helping estimate property values, thus possibly decreasing the demand for real estate appraisers.

From your question, you are asking if these innovations in AI are going to take your job. In all candor, AI is going to take some appraisal jobs. But the good news is that, with some upgrading on your part, that should not be a worry.

Reason 1

One reason you’ll get all the credit (or blame) is that humans exercise judgment, follow ethics, and accept responsibility. Algorithms cannot execute these since, to some extent, judgment, responsibility, etc. have an emotional component to them, rather than purely logic or reason. Remember, AI is a tool to help you. In so many ways it cannot replace you (nor was that its design).

Reason 2

One reason you’ll get all the credit (or blame) is that humans exercise judgment, follow ethics, and accept responsibility. Algorithms cannot execute these…

Reason 3

One reason it cannot replace you is simply because AI (i.e., AVMs) struggles with unique or complex houses, especially if those are rural properties…

Conclusion

At this point in the response, you rightly ask, “What does any of this have to do with me!?” That answer is essentially up to you….

To read more, Click Here

My comments: What AI means for your appraisals (and many jobs) can be scary. This article is understandable and comprehensive. Worth reading the details.

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Q3 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update

By on September 26, 2025   /   appraisal business, Fannie, UAD 3.6   /   Leave a comment
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Q3 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update, When Sales are not Comps

September 26, 2025

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)

  • LIA AD: When a Property Owner Wants to Do the Appraiser’s Job
  • Q3 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update
  • 14 Mile Island House: $10.8 Million Historical Estate on a Private Island in New York Is Listed for Sale for the First Time in 60 Years
  • It’s the Right Time By Jeff Bradford, Founder and CEO of Bradford Technologies
  • Sales Don’t Always Become Comps By Ryan Lundquist
  • Is Commercial Property Appraisal Right for You?
  • Mortgage applications increased 0.6 percent from one week earlier
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  • Humor for Appraisers

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Q3 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update

Excerpts: In this edition, we share information and resources to help you navigate recently announced changes.

Perhaps the most significant appraisal policy change in recent memory is the launch of the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6. In this edition we continue to unpack UAD 3.6 changes with the Update Report and the Completion Report.

To help with UAD 3.6 implementation, we have created a tool for appraisers to check their reports for UAD 3.6 compliance.

We also review recent Selling Guide changes related to reconsideration of value (ROV). Speaking of the Selling Guide, we provide some tips on how to make the most of this important resource for appraisers and we highlight changes to our ANSI fact sheet.

Topic LIst

  • Restricted Appraisal Update and Completion Reports
  • Comp driveby not required for UAD 3.6
  • UAD 3.6 compliance checker
  • Reconsideration of Value update
  • Stay up to date on Selling Guide changes

My comments: No more driving comps is a big change and is somewhat controversial for appraisers. Will lenders who don’t require UAD 3.6 drop the comp inspection requirement?

To read more, Click Here

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Neighborhood Analysis Matters for Appraisers

By on June 27, 2025   /   appraisal how to, GSEs, liability, New URAR   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Neighborhood Analysis, Death of the Appraisal Clipboard

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)

  • LIA AD: Can’t Certify the Work
  • Why Neighborhood Analysis Matters: Avoiding Costly Appraisal Mistakes By Timothy Andersen, MAI
  • See the Churches That Make Divine and Affordable Homes
  • Pulling comps in a softer market By Ryan Lundquist
  • The Future is Now: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announce UAD 3.6 Implementation Timeline and Policy Changes
  • The Death of the Appraisal Clipboard By Tony Pistilli
  • Mortgage applications increased 1.1 percent from one week earlier
Appraisal Neighborhood Analysis

 

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Why Neighborhood Analysis Matters: Avoiding Costly Appraisal Mistakes

By Timothy Andersen, MAI

Excerpts:

Neighborhood analysis is a critical component of real estate appraisal, providing insights into factors that influence property values, risk analysis, and investment decisions. A comprehensive neighborhood analysis involves delineating precise boundaries, understanding property types and architectural styles within those boundaries, assessing land use changes, and evaluating current and future economic trends.

Topics:

  • Defining Neighborhood Boundaries
  • Assessing Neighborhood Characteristics
  • Monitoring Land Use and Development Trends
  • Evaluating Economic Trends

Implications for Appraisers

Neglecting a detailed neighborhood analysis as part of the appraisal can lead to inadequate appraisal reports, potentially resulting in critiques from reviewers or issues with compliance standards (i.e., a state appraisal authority). Appraisers are advised to conduct meticulous neighborhood analyses, ensuring their reports reflect current market conditions and property characteristics accurately.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Well written and worth reading. Includes references. Defining the neighborhood is critical for all types of appraisals. This article focuses on residential, but the topics apply to commercial and other uses.

The neighborhood is where you first look for comps and do the analyses above. Going to a similar neighborhood for comps may be needed, but can be tricky.

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