Chicago has been part of Veros’ story for nearly 25 years.
In October 2002, a small Veros team attended the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Annual Convention, demonstrating its regional automated valuation model (AVM) from a repurposed exhibit booth.
Years later, Veros returned to the Windy City for MBA Annual26, held October 11–14 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Much has changed since that first Chicago convention, but the drive to improve how lenders assess property values and manage risk remains.
For Lora Helt, Senior Vice President of Sales at Veros, three themes stood out from this year’s event
1. Lenders Want Measurable Efficiency
Across the industry, lenders are looking for ways to reduce costs and improve the borrower experience while preparing opportunities to grow originations.
Lora observed that these priorities are changing how lenders evaluate their technology partners. Features and capabilities remain important, but mortgage leaders are increasingly focused on the measurable value those capabilities deliver.
“The companies that can demonstrate real efficiency, without sacrificing quality or risk management, are going to be the ones that stand out,” Lora shared.
For valuation providers, that puts greater emphasis on reducing manual work, limiting unnecessary steps, and helping lenders maintain reliable processes.
2. The AI Conversation Is Getting More Specific
AI generated plenty of discussion at the busy conference, but Lora observed a shift toward practical business applications.
“Can AI eliminate manual processes? Improve decision-making? Help lenders handle greater volume without significantly increasing expenses?” These were among the questions Lora highlighted.
In mortgage valuation, she emphasized that efficiency cannot come at the expense of accuracy, transparency, or compliance. The opportunity is to apply AI where it can solve a specific problem while supporting reliable valuations and sound collateral risk management.
3. UAD 3.6 Readiness Requires More Than Additional Time
The recent UAD 3.6 policy exceptions add another consideration for lenders and their technology partners. The November 2, 2026 requirement for new appraisal submissions to UCDP remains in place unless an applicable temporary policy exception allows continued use of UAD 2.6.
Lora noted that organizations are entering the transition with varying levels of readiness. Some are well into implementation, while others are still working through technology integrations, training, testing, and changes to their workflows. Lenders operating under an exception may need to support both legacy and redesigned appraisal reporting processes for several months.
Managing that overlap requires coordination among lenders, appraisal management companies (AMCs), appraisers, and technology providers.
For those with additional time, the priority is to keep moving: test integrations, refine workflows and address operational gaps. A successful transition depends on how well those processes work together, not simply meeting a deadline.
Conversations Worth Continuing
Lora’s biggest takeaway from MBA Annual26 was the growing emphasis on technology that delivers measurable results.
For lenders evaluating their technology partners, that means looking closely at where a solution reduces manual work, improves decisions and helps teams manage volume without compromising quality.
For Veros, the conversations in Chicago reinforced our focus on providing reliable valuation technology, data, and analytics that support lenders’ operational and collateral risk management needs.
Thank you to everyone who connected with our team at MBA Annual26.
