UAD 3.6 Appraisal Rules Clash With MLS Listing Photo Removals

What happened

Starting Nov. 2, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require appraisals to follow the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 and the redesigned forms. Under the new format, appraisers pick specific data points from dropdown menus for every feature of a property instead of writing text descriptions, HousingWire reports.

The deadline is not moving. The GSEs are offering a one-time policy exception that lets approved sellers who need more time keep submitting new UAD 2.6 reports through May 19, 2027. Starting March 1, 2027, those reports get reduced functionality and won't qualify for collateral rep and warranty relief on value. UAD 2.6 retires completely on June 28, 2027. Separately, FHA has opened an optional period for UAD 3.6 submissions and hasn't set its own mandatory date.

Why it matters for agents

Appraisers told HousingWire that the new data demands are arriving just as comp data gets harder to find. Some buyers ask to have photos of their new home removed, and some sellers list privately.

"If a listing agent wipes out the interior photos and floor plans the second a house sells, we're left flying blind," said Virginia appraiser Desiree Mehbod. She added that UAD 3.6 "requires us to collect and report a staggering amount of high resolution interior data, structural metrics and photographs."

Florida appraiser Frank Gregoire said that when he has to chase down information, such as by calling the agents on comparable sales, "I am going to charge more money." Sacramento appraiser Ryan Lundquist said photos can show whether a "remodeled" home was updated in 1973 or 2023.

MLSs are responding. HousingWire reports that CRMLS, Canopy MLS and Flexmls have added media privacy controls for sold listings. The Council of MLSs says MLSs can limit public display of interior photos after a sale while keeping them in historical records for appraisals, and it is working on best-practices guidance. Under Canopy MLS's edit policy, a seller or new homeowner must request in writing to remove media from an off-market listing.

What it means for your listing marketing

Your listing photos now do two jobs. They market the home, and they become the record future appraisers use to judge condition and quality. Before you delete photos after closing, check whether your MLS can hide them from portals but keep them for appraisers.

Accuracy matters too. If you use a tool like The Magic Hand to fix lighting and color or remove clutter, the photos should still show the home's real condition, because appraisers may rely on them later.