BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO APPRAISALS! HERE’S WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing a home, this is something you’ll want on your radar.

Beginning November 2, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are moving to the new UAD 3.6 appraisal format—and one of the biggest takeaways is simple:

DETAILS MATTER.

The days of simply saying “updated kitchen” are moving toward much more detailed reporting.

Appraisers will have more ways to document things like:

What was actually updated
When improvements were completed
Major systems that have been replaced
Significant renovations and upgrades
Energy improvements, solar and other features
Property condition, quality and unique characteristics

So what does this mean for YOU?

SELLERS:
If you’ve invested money into your home, documentation is going to matter. Keep those receipts, permits, contractor invoices, warranties and records of improvements. Your Realtor can help you identify the upgrades that should be highlighted when preparing your home for market.

BUYERS:
A more detailed appraisal can provide additional information about the property you’re purchasing and the improvements that have been made.

INVESTORS:
Accurate documentation of renovations and improvements could become even more important when evaluating a property’s value and preparing for an appraisal.

As your local real estate experts, Brad and I are watching these changes closely so we can help our clients understand what they mean before they become a problem in a transaction.

Have questions about how appraisal changes could affect your next purchase or sale? Give us a call, we’re happy to help you navigate it.

Brad & Jamie Holcomb
Holcomb House Hunters | Bastion Realty
850-490-1104
HolcombHouseHunters@gmail.com