Independent Appraiser Voices: More in Common Than We Think
If you’ve been an independent appraiser for any length of time, you’ve probably asked yourself, more than once, “How much more am I expected to take on without being compensated for it?”
Between rising business expenses, increasingly complex assignments, unrealistic deadlines, and AMC fees that often seem disconnected from the work involved, there’s plenty to be frustrated about.
And now we have UAD 3.6. We can probably all agree that the UAD 2.6 forms were due for an update, but is this really the improvement we needed? Instead, we’re dealing with a more complicated, less personalized reporting format, additional training and technology expenses, and software that’s still being sorted out. All while being expected to absorb the extra time and expense without additional compensation.
Then there’s the everyday double standard. We spend time researching AMC quote requests that often go unanswered, and we’re expected to provide constant updates and meet strict deadlines. Yet when we’re waiting on an AMC or lender for clarification or a decision, days can pass with nothing but silence. Apparently, the same expectations don’t always apply when we’re the ones waiting.
We know these frustrations because we’re dealing with them, too. And they’re exactly what inspired Independent Appraiser Voices (IAV).
IAV is a brand-new, independent grassroots initiative created by working appraisers who believe it’s time to do more than vent about these problems individually. We’re boots-on-the-ground appraisers, just like you, trying to make a living while navigating the same challenges.
There are already people around the country advocating for change in our profession, and we share those goals. We want to bring independent appraisers together, identify the concerns we have in common, and turn our shared experiences into a stronger, more unified voice.
Our first step is the 2026 Independent Appraiser Survey: UAD 3.6, AMC Fees & Industry Concerns.
The survey is anonymous and covers compensation, UAD 3.6, AMC practices, unpaid time, and other industry concerns. There’s no membership, no fee, and nothing being sold. We simply want to hear directly from appraisers across the country.
Our intention is to use the findings to document common concerns, support advocacy for meaningful change, and encourage greater cooperation among independent appraisers. We’ll share the results with the appraisal community and be transparent about what the data does and doesn’t tell us.
We’re new, and we know trust is earned. We’re starting by listening, documenting what appraisers are experiencing, and working toward something bigger than any one of us.
If you’re an independent appraiser, please take a few minutes to participate in the survey and share it with your colleagues.
We may work independently, but that doesn’t mean we have to face these challenges alone.
