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.

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.

Supporting Adjustments and Reporting the Sales Comparison Approach in the New URAR

The new Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) challenges appraisers to deliver a report in a confident manner to clients with a credible analysis that meets the minimum reporting requirements of the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs). The new URAR requires that support for adjustments be included directly in the appraisal report, so residential practitioners need to understand the expectations of the GSEs and underwriters around these topics.

Supporting Adjustments and Reporting the Sales Comparison Approach in the New URAR is a three-hour program that focuses on an effective manner of developing and supporting the sales comparison approach section of the new URAR. Case studies will represent real-world residential appraisal valuation problems and the multiple qualitative and quantitative ways that each of the major adjustments in a residential sales grid can be supported. Since the applicable and appropriate techniques for any specific adjustment usually produce some variation in the indicated contributory value, the art and science of reconciliation will also be emphasized through repeated application. The program will be valuable for residential appraisers to strengthen their proficiency in both the sales comparison approach and in supporting the adjustments used in the sales grid. The program will also be valuable for reviewers of residential reports.

Format: Classroom

Instructor(s):

Lisa Meinczinger-Gulden, SRA, AI-RRS

Sponsor: Tennessee Chapter

Dates: October 27, 2026

Start Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CDT



Click Here for More Information & to Register

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR

The new Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) includes an income approach section that may present specific “problem” areas in the reporting of 2-to-4-unit properties. Specifically, the practitioner may be confused given the different manner in which property characteristics and market area characteristics are defined, described, and analyzed.

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR is a four-hour program. Using practical case studies, this program will allow residential appraisers to enhance their proficiency with the income approach as reported in the new URAR, whether they have plentiful market data, very little market data, or confusing market data. Appraisers who are not well versed in completing a thorough and credible income approach will find this program to be most helpful. The program will also be a good refresher for the experienced appraiser and the reviewer of residential reports.

Format: Classroom

Instructor(s):

Lisa Meinczinger-Gulden, SRA, AI-RRS

Sponsor: Tennessee Chapter

Dates: October 28, 2026

Start Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT



Click Here for More Information & to Register