This article explains what the 3.6 appraisal report is, why it’s being launched, who is behind it, when it’s rolling out, and what it means for both Texas lenders and borrowers.
For decades, residential appraisals relied on standardized forms—most notably the traditional Uniform Residential Appraisal Report—that were originally designed for a paper-based lending system. While technology advanced, appraisal reporting formats largely stayed the same.
Today’s mortgage environment demands:
Greater data consistency
Clearer support for adjustments and conclusions
Faster appraisal review cycles
Stronger risk management and compliance
In Texas, where markets range from dense urban neighborhoods to rural acreage and Hill Country properties, inconsistent appraisal data has often led to delays, underwriting questions, and review issues. The 3.6 appraisal report is intended to address these challenges by modernizing how appraisal information is structured and delivered.
The 3.6 appraisal report is part of the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) modernization initiative, led by the government-sponsored enterprises that purchase the majority of conventional residential mortgages:
Fannie Mae
Freddie Mac
These organizations are working with lenders, appraisal software providers, and industry groups to create a more consistent and data-driven appraisal framework—without removing the appraiser’s professional judgment.
Despite the name, the 3.6 appraisal report is not simply a new form. It represents a new set of standardized data specifications that govern how appraisal information is reported and reviewed.
Key characteristics include:
Structured data fields for property characteristics and adjustments
Clear alignment between narrative explanations and numerical data
Improved consistency across appraisals and markets
Enhanced compatibility with automated underwriting and review systems
Narrative commentary remains essential, but it must clearly support and explain the data being reported.
Understanding when changes are happening is just as important as understanding what is changing.
UAD modernization planning and development
Collaboration with lenders, appraisers, and software providers
Early testing of structured appraisal data formats
Appraisal software updates to support 3.6 specifications
Lender system integration and testing
Training and guidance for appraisers and reviewers
3.6 standards become the dominant appraisal reporting framework
Reduced use of legacy forms
Fully integrated appraisal data workflows across lending platforms
This phased approach is designed to minimize disruption while improving long-term clarity and consistency.
For Texas lenders, the 3.6 appraisal report offers several practical benefits:
Standardized data helps identify inconsistencies earlier in the underwriting process.
Cleaner appraisal submissions reduce conditions and revision requests.
Clear documentation and standardized logic support regulatory and secondary-market requirements.
In competitive Texas lending markets, efficiency and reliability are critical advantages.
For Texas borrowers, the new reporting framework brings important benefits:
Appraisers must clearly explain how value conclusions and adjustments are derived.
Improved consistency reduces last-minute underwriting issues.
Texas real estate markets vary widely—and professional judgment remains central to the appraisal process.
The appraisal is still a human analysis grounded in local market data, not an automated valuation.
It’s important to understand what the 3.6 appraisal report does not do:
It does not eliminate licensed appraisers
It does not replace property inspections
It does not automate value conclusions
It does not remove market-based judgment
The appraisal remains an independent, professional opinion of value.
At Sifford Appraisal, we actively adapt to evolving appraisal standards while maintaining a strong focus on local Texas markets. Our reports emphasize:
Clear, defensible adjustment logic
Strong market support
Transparent explanations for lenders and borrowers
Full compliance with modern reporting requirements
Whether the property is located in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, the Texas Hill Country, or surrounding Central Texas markets, our commitment remains the same: credible valuations you can trust.
The 3.6 appraisal report represents a modernization of how appraisal information is delivered—not the role of the appraiser. For Texas lenders, it means improved efficiency and risk clarity. For Texas homeowners, it means greater transparency and fewer surprises.
If you have questions about appraisal reporting changes or need a Texas residential appraisal, contact Sifford Appraisal today.
Lower Down Payment: FHA loans typically require a lower down payment compared to conventional loans, making homeownership more accessible for individuals who may not have substantial savings.Credit Flexibility: FHA loans may be available to borrowers with lower credit scores or less extensive credit histories compared to conventional loans. This can be beneficial for first-time homebuyers or those who have had financial setbacks in the past.
Fixed Rates: FHA loans offer fixed interest rates, providing stability and predictability in monthly mortgage payments over the life of the loan.
Assumable Loans: FHA loans are assumable, meaning that if you sell your home, the buyer may be able to take over your FHA loan, potentially making your property more attractive to buyers.
Streamlined Refinancing: FHA offers a streamline refinance option, which can make it easier and more affordable for borrowers to refinance their existing FHA loans, potentially lowering monthly payments or interest rates.
Flexible Qualification Criteria: FHA loans have more lenient qualification criteria regarding income and debt-to-income ratios compared to conventional loans, making them accessible to a wider range of borrowers.
Several reasons may disqualify individuals from obtaining FHA loans:
Credit Score: While FHA loans generally accept lower credit scores compared to conventional loans, there is still a minimum credit score requirement. If an applicant's credit score falls below this threshold, they may not qualify for an FHA loan.
Income Requirements: Borrowers must have a steady income and demonstrate their ability to repay the loan. If an applicant's income is insufficient or unstable, they may not meet FHA loan requirements.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: FHA loans have specific debt-to-income ratio (DTI) requirements, which determine the percentage of a borrower's monthly income that goes toward paying debts. If an applicant's DTI exceeds the allowable limit, they may not qualify for an FHA loan.
Property Requirements: FHA loans have property standards that must be met, including minimum property condition requirements. If the property does not meet these standards, the loan may not be approved.
Previous Foreclosure or Bankruptcy: FHA loan guidelines include waiting periods for borrowers who have experienced foreclosure or bankruptcy. If an applicant has not completed the waiting period, they may not qualify for an FHA loan.
Outstanding Federal Debt: Borrowers with outstanding federal debts, such as delinquent taxes or student loans, may be ineligible for FHA loans until these debts are resolved.
Mortgage Insurance Issues: FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), which can affect a borrower's eligibility based on their ability to afford these additional costs.
Loan Limits: FHA loan limits vary by location and property type. If the loan amount exceeds the FHA's maximum limits for the area, the borrower may not qualify for an FHA loan.
Illegal Activities: FHA loan applicants with a history of illegal activities, such as mortgage fraud or identity theft, may be disqualified from obtaining FHA financing.
It's crucial for prospective borrowers to review FHA loan requirements thoroughly and work with a knowledgeable lender to assess their eligibility and explore alternative financing options if needed.
So, you bought a Condo. You outright own the air space between the walls but just a stake in everything else, including the land, along with your neighbors. What could go wrong?
Condos have many benefits, but they have more complex ownership situations than a traditional detached house. Anytime you add more humans to your ownership mix, there is a greater possibility for conflict. The good news is that while condo ownership has fallen off the Humpty Dumpty wall in the past, there are protections in place. In fact, something called the UCA is the law that keeps things in balance.
The Uniform Condominium Act (UCA) was developed by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) in response to several issues and challenges that arose in the realm of condominium developments across different states.
These situations and challenges were key factors that influenced the development and eventual passing of the Uniform Condominium Act, and the UCA is formidable security we have to feel good about condo ownership -- to keeping Humpty on the wall, where the community wants him.