PAL Act reaches the Senate, FHA opens UAD 3.6
In this issue:
- PAL Act introduced in the Senate with bipartisan support
- FHA opens optional UAD 3.6 submissions
- New seminar on the cost approach in the new URAR premieres November 10
PAL Act Gains Momentum with Senate Introduction
The Appraisal Institute’s push to streamline appraiser licensing took an important step forward with Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) recently introducing S. 5639, the Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act (PAL Act). Already introduced in the House, this key AI legislative priority now has bipartisan support in both chambers. The bill would simplify licensing across state lines and reduce unnecessary red tape for appraisers.
Introduction took longer than anticipated as AI staff worked with the Senate offices to resolve questions about the Appraisal Subcommittee’s role in implementing the bill. We’re now focused on growing co-sponsor support and building momentum for early re-introduction next Congress. We ask for your help in advancing this effort by contacting your senators and encouraging them to co-sponsor the PAL Act.
Appraisal Institute Engages IRS on Conservation Easement Case Backlog
The Appraisal Institute is working with the IRS’s newly established Office of Conservation Easements to explore ways to address the backlog of syndicated conservation easement cases pending in U.S. Tax Court. Discussions include a possible pilot program that would draw on experienced appraisers to help resolve valuation disputes. While still in the early stages, this dialogue is a positive step toward practical solutions that recognize the value of qualified appraisal professionals.
FHA Opens Optional UAD 3.6 Submissions
FHA has announced that FHA-approved lenders may now submit appraisals in the 3.6 format for Title II forward mortgages and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), while continuing to use legacy UAD 2.6 for some or all submissions.
Once an appraisal is submitted for a case, all subsequent appraisal submissions for that case must use the same UAD format. FHA has not yet established its own mandatory adoption date and will assess lender readiness before doing so.
Lenders and appraisers can review FHA’s UAD 3.6 Implementation Preparedness Toolbox for technical specifications and transition guidance.
AI Blog
Understanding the market is essential to developing a credible opinion of value. But market analysis goes beyond reviewing closed sales—it means recognizing shifts in supply and demand, buyer behavior, and land use that can influence a property's value and highest and best use.
A new AI blog explores how the Residential Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use course helps aspiring appraisers interpret market evidence, evaluate a property's competitive position, and apply their findings to real-world appraisal assignments.
The course is available online, on demand, so you can learn at your convenience.
Sponsored Content by LightBox
A More Connected, Intelligent Appraisal Workflow
Discover how the latest enhancements to LightBox Report Writer are helping appraisers work more efficiently from property research and comparable selection through analysis and reporting.
Join Jessica Alford, Senior Product Manager, Valuation at LightBox, for a demonstration of new capabilities, including integration with LightBox Live. See how appraisers can streamline comparable discovery, access richer property data, and simplify the path from research to a completed appraisal, all within a more connected workflow.
Event Type: Webinar
Date: November 5, 2026
Location: Online
New Seminar Premiering November 10
Cost Approach and Site Valuation in the New URAR
The new URAR makes the cost approach more robust and demanding than ever. Our newest companion seminar walks residential appraisers and reviewers through the full workflow on a residential case study, from replacement cost new and depreciation to site valuation and reconciliation. It’s taught for the first time anywhere by Jason A. Tillema, SRA, AI-RRS, and presented with the Hoosier State Chapter.
Join live online or in person in Indianapolis on Tuesday, November 10. Four hours of state CE, open to members and non-members.
Sign Up for Our Next Free Webinar
Beyond the Brand Premium: Valuing Branded Residences
Thursday, October 22, 2026 11:00 AM CDT
Branded residences are among the fastest-growing segments of hospitality real estate—but a recognized name alone does not establish value or ensure a project’s success. This session will explore the distinctive valuation and consulting issues surrounding hotel-affiliated, stand-alone, and lifestyle-branded residential developments.
The discussion will examine how appraisers and consultants assess the factors that drive performance beyond an assumed brand premium, including buyer demand, competitive positioning, absorption, pricing, amenity packages, homeowner carrying costs, rental-program structures, future supply, and the relationship between the residential component and underlying land value. Attendees will gain practical insight into conducting independent, market-based analyses that help developers, lenders, investors, and other stakeholders test assumptions and make better-informed decisions throughout the development cycle.
Real Estate Horizons
Stay updated and check out links to the latest major real estate industry stories!
More Opportunities to Learn
Search the latest educational offerings! Find National and Chapter-sponsored classroom, synchronous, and online opportunities.
Your Community
Nominations Are Open for the 2027 Appraisal Institute Awards
Know a colleague whose leadership and service move the profession forward? Nominate them for a 2027 Appraisal Institute Award. This year’s awards include the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award, the Outstanding Service Award, the William S. Harps DEI Award, and the Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award. Honorees will be recognized at the 2027 Annual Conference, April 26–28 in New Orleans. Nominations are due by 12:00 PM CT on Tuesday, December 1.
Meet Our Q3 2026 Volunteers of Distinction
This quarter we’re recognizing five members selected for their service to their chapters and communities, the Appraisal Institute, and the appraisal profession. Please join us in congratulating them!
- Beth L. Graham | Great Lakes Chapter
- Brian Crowder, MAI, SRA | North Carolina Chapter
- Jenn Simmonson, MAI | San Diego Chapter
- Jeff Miller, MAI, AI-GRS | Atlanta Area Chapter
- Brad Hevenor, MAI | Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine Chapter
Know a volunteer who deserves recognition? Q4 nominations are open through December 12.
Until next time,
Appraisal Institute