3 Strategies For Appraiser Success in 2025

It’s a new year, and it’s one that’s filled with fresh opportunities to grow your appraisal business.

Whether you’re a new appraiser learning the ropes of the industry or a seasoned appraiser navigating the waves of a changing landscape, 2025 is a pivotal year to position yourself for success. With new appraisal technology on the horizon, an ever-expanding scope of appraisal services you can offer, and a recovering real estate market, it’s an exciting time to be in appraisal! Here are three ways to adapt within your appraisal business for a successful 2025.

#1 – Learn the New Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) Requirements

If you regularly handle residential mortgage appraisals, 2025 is the year to learn and adapt to the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) requirements. The UAD is the standardized set of residential property data points, definitions, and requirements established by Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) for submitted appraisals. The UAD ensures consistency, accuracy, and clarity in all GSE residential appraisal reports. It’s also in the middle of a major overhaul that’s been in motion since 2018.

The new UAD (UAD 3.6) consists of:

• A single, flexible, digital Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) that replaces multiple legacy residential appraisal forms

• Streamlined property data fields

• Improved technology integration for better workflow efficiency

Here’s a peek at what this change means for appraisers and lenders, and their clients:

When the new UAD is mandated for appraisers in November 2026, residential appraisal reports will be submitted to the GSEs digitally using the new UAD framework. This means appraisers need to adapt to the technology and processes necessary to meet the new submission standards. This includes choosing UAD 3.6-compliant appraisal software, growing comfortable with mobile appraisal technology for data collection, upgrading data security, understanding the new form fields, undergoing training on the new interface, and more.

You can learn all about UAD 3.6, see the timeline for implementation, and find training resources on the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac websites.

#2 – Diversify Your Appraisal Services

Another way to adapt your appraisal business for a successful 2025: expand your services beyond traditional mortgage appraisals.

Residential mortgage appraisals are often where new appraisers cut their teeth. But these days, mortgage appraisals are just one type of a broader family of valuation services you can offer clients. Diversifying your appraisal offerings helps you:

• Differentiate your business in a competitive market

• Attract your target client

• Build specialized expertise in your locale

In 2025, consider specializing in a niche that’s in-demand in your area. Learn about top niches in real estate appraisal and how you can develop yours to stay competitive in your business.

#3 – Collaborate to Elevate Your Business

Working as an independent appraiser is mostly a solo endeavor. But finding ways to collaborate with fellow appraisers can help everyone meet their goals in a shifting landscape. What might collaboration look like as a real property appraiser? Here are two ideas.

Become a Mentor (or Mentee)

If you’re a seasoned appraiser, consider mentoring a new appraiser who is learning the ropes of the industry. If you’re a newly licensed independent appraiser (or a trainee appraiser), find a mentor who can help you grow in the appraisal practice.

Teaming up to grow a business, sharing your knowledge, and providing guidance helps you both:

• Expand your mutual network to generate new appraisal business

• Gain fresh perspectives on running an appraisal business in today’s landscape

• Strengthen each of your skillsets in appraisal processes, compliance, data collection, new technology, marketing approaches, and referral generation

• Build a supportive environment where each of you can lean on one another, share and seek advice, adjust to industry trends, and build a successful business together

Get Involved in Industry Associations

Becoming involved in appraisal industry associations — like the Appraisal Institute and the National Association of Appraisers — helps you stay current on valuation trends, market insights, market conditions, technology advancements, and regulatory changes. You'll also find pathways to network with peers, take advantage of professional development opportunities, find mentorship, and serve on committees that help shape the future of the appraisal industry.