Buying or Selling?
The Appraisal Process Is About to Change
Chris’s Take
The Appraisal Is Becoming a Bigger Part of the Conversation
For years, most buyers and sellers didn’t think much about the appraisal until after the purchase agreement was signed.
That’s about to change.
Beginning November 2, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will require a new appraisal reporting standard known as UAD 3.6 for applicable loans.
The new format collects and reports significantly more information about the property, its condition, and the comparable sales used to support value.
For buyers and sellers, the biggest takeaway isn’t the form itself.
It’s that accurate information and preparation may matter more than ever.
Appraisers will be documenting properties in greater detail, and as the industry adjusts to the new reporting system, there may also be some growing pains along the way.
My advice is simple: don’t fear the change. Understand it.
The better prepared everyone is — buyer, seller, agent, lender, and appraiser — the smoother the transaction is likely to be.
From the BLOG:
New Appraisal Requirements: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
The residential appraisal process is getting a major update.
Beginning November 2, 2026, appraisers completing applicable Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac assignments will transition to the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset, or UAD 3.6.
The redesigned appraisal report is intended to provide more detailed and structured information about a property, including its condition, characteristics, improvements, and the comparable sales used in determining value.
What could this mean for you?
For Home Buyers:
You may see a more detailed appraisal report and greater documentation of the property you’re purchasing.
For Home Sellers:
Information about improvements, renovations, and the overall condition of your property may become even more important.
For Real Estate Professionals:
Accurate MLS information, strong comparable-sale research, and providing factual property information to the appraiser will continue to be critical.
There is much more to this change than a new appraisal form.
The Essentials
Buyer and Seller Tips
Buyer Strategy of the Week
Buyer Strategy of the Week
An Appraisal Is Not a Home Inspection
The new appraisal report may include more information about a home’s condition, but buyers should remember one very important distinction:
An appraisal and a home inspection are not the same thing.
An appraisal helps the lender evaluate the property and provides an opinion of market value.
A home inspection is designed to help you better understand the physical condition of the home before you buy it.
More appraisal information is helpful, but it should never be considered a replacement for doing your own due diligence.
Buying a home?
Understanding what happens between an accepted offer and closing can prevent a lot of surprises.
Seller Strategy of the Week
Seller Strategy of the Week
Help the Appraiser Understand Your Home
You may know every improvement you’ve made to your home.
The appraiser doesn’t.
Before an appraisal, consider preparing a simple one-page list of significant improvements and updates.
For example:
Roof replaced — 2021
Central air installed — 2022
Kitchen renovated — 2023
Electrical service upgraded — 2024
Include permits, receipts, contractor information, or other documentation when appropriate.
This isn’t about trying to convince an appraiser what your home is worth.
It’s about making sure the appraiser has accurate information about the property being evaluated.
Thinking about selling?
Preparation often starts long before the For Sale sign goes in the yard.
💡 Service for Life Tip
Start a Home Improvement Record
Here’s something every homeowner can do — even if you have absolutely no plans to move.
Keep a simple record of the improvements you make to your home.
Track things such as:
What was improved
When the work was completed
Who completed it
Approximate cost
Permits or warranties
Receipts and photographs
Five or ten years from now, remembering exactly when you replaced the roof, upgraded the electrical system, or remodeled the kitchen may not be as easy as you think.
A simple home improvement record can make refinancing, insurance questions, future repairs, and eventually selling your home much easier.
Service for Life means helping you take care of your home long after the closing.
💡 Chris’s Insight
Preparation Matters More Than Ever
Real estate continues to become more complicated behind the scenes.
Appraisal standards change. Lending requirements change. Contracts change. Technology changes.
But buying or selling a home shouldn’t require you to become an expert in all of it.
That’s part of my job.
My role is to understand what is changing, explain what actually matters to you, and help you prepare for the decisions ahead.
The new appraisal system isn’t something buyers and sellers need to fear.
It’s another reason why good information, accurate property details, realistic expectations, and experienced guidance matter.
When the time is right, let’s do business. In between, let’s do life.
A Final Note
Have a Real Estate Question?
Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, downsizing, relocating, or simply wondering what these appraisal changes could mean for your home, I’m always happy to be a resource.
Until next time,
Christopher Terry
Broker/Owner, Realtor
E Z Home Search Real Estate
📞 774-930-4595
🌐 www.ezhomesearch.net
📧 [email protected]
