Class Valuation’s Chris Flynn on UAD 3.6 and What Appraisers, Lenders and Industry Leaders Need to K

Why It Matters

UAD 3.6 standardizes and digitizes appraisal data, accelerating loan processing and reducing risk, while forcing lenders and appraisers to modernize technology before the November mandate.

Key Takeaways

• UAD 3.6 shifts appraisal reports from static forms to data‑driven outputs.
• Appraisers must collect richer property data using new technology platforms.
• Lenders will receive configurable, standardized data packages instead of lengthy PDFs.
• Hybrid appraisal models allow separate data collectors and appraisers for efficiency.
• Industry must prep technology and training before mandatory November rollout.

Summary

The conversation centers on UAD 3.6, the next‑generation appraisal data standard that will replace the legacy 1004/1073 forms with a fully data‑driven, configurable reporting model. Chris Flynn, COO of Class Valuation, explains that the rollout entered broad production in January after a limited pilot, and the industry faces a mandatory adoption deadline in November.

UAD 3.6 demands far more granular data collection on residents, condition, and quality, pushing appraisers toward sophisticated software and away from manual clipboards. The standard also supports hybrid workflows, where a trained data collector gathers field information and a licensed appraiser synthesizes it into an opinion of value. Lenders, meanwhile, will receive structured data packages—ZIP files containing the report and images—rather than the traditional multi‑page PDFs, requiring adjustments to loan‑origination and underwriting systems.

Flynn stresses that the appraiser’s analytical role remains unchanged despite the technological overhaul, noting, “The appraiser is still the analyst…providing a sound opinion of value.” He also highlights the benefit of uniform data outputs that reduce appendices and make it easier for underwriters to locate key metrics. The discussion underscores a learning curve for both appraisers and lenders as they adapt to new tools and reporting formats.

The shift has broad implications: lenders must upgrade their appraisal integration platforms and train underwriters on configurable reports, while appraisers need to practice the new data‑capture processes. Early adoption and open communication with technology partners are critical to avoid bottlenecks when the November mandate takes effect, positioning the industry for a more efficient, data‑centric mortgage workflow.

Original Description

UAD 3.6 is transforming appraisals, and in this Ten Minute Talks episode, Class Valuation COO Chris Flynn joins Allison LaForgia to explain how the new, data-first standard replaces legacy forms with structured property-level data and what it really means for appraisers, lenders, and the broader mortgage ecosystem, from static reports to dynamic, data-driven outputs.

Flynn explains how UAD 3.6 will fundamentally change how data is collected, structured and delivered, while reinforcing why the appraiser’s role remains critical. He also discusses what lenders need to do now to prepare for new workflows, configurable reports, and evolving technology requirements ahead of the November mandate.