Your Appraisal-Readiness Checklist Before November 2 | October 15, 2026

October 15, 2026 · Paul Singh, Senior Mortgage Advisor

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Before the appraisal is ordered, assemble the facts that help the lender and appraiser understand the property. That preparation is especially useful as the industry approaches the November appraisal-report transition.

Beginning November 2, 2026, new appraisal reports submitted to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac delivery are scheduled to use UAD 3.6. The submission package includes the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report, its data file and associated images. A lender/Seller that cannot meet the mandate may request a temporary exception from the applicable GSE. Confirm the lender’s actual instructions rather than assuming an exception applies.

This follows our October 14 appraisal-transition overview. Today’s focus is the practical preparation you can do before an appraisal order.

Build an appraisal-readiness packet

1. Contract and concessions. Provide the complete agreement, amendments, seller credits and builder incentives through the lender’s requested channel.

2. Improvements and repairs. List the work completed, approximate dates, permits and available supporting records. State facts; the amount spent does not establish how much value an improvement adds.

3. Property details. Identify known accessory dwelling units, additions, solar equipment and other relevant features. Avoid assuming that an improvement is permitted or that all space is eligible living area.

4. Access and timing. Confirm who provides access, the anticipated inspection date and the time needed for delivery, review and legitimate revisions.

5. Construction status. For a new home, keep plans, specifications, change orders, permits, completion expectations and occupancy documentation current.

Three questions Realtors should ask early

• Is this lender and its appraisal provider ready for the required reporting format?

• Which property facts or documents would help complete the assignment accurately?

• How should a borrower raise an objective factual concern through the lender’s reconsideration-of-value process?

Provide relevant information without pressuring the appraiser to reach a target value. Appraiser independence remains essential. If material facts appear incorrect or missing, organize the evidence and follow the lender’s process.

What builders should coordinate

Make sure the lender has the current contract, incentive details, plans and construction timeline. Communicate changes to options, upgrades, completion dates or purchase terms promptly. Ask what completion evidence or final inspection the chosen program requires before promising a closing date.

What buyers should know

The new report format does not guarantee a higher value, easier qualification or faster approval. An appraised value and an agreed purchase price answer different questions. Ask your loan team how the appraisal fits your financing plan and your attorney or agent how any appraisal contingency works in your agreement.

Does the transition extend my contract deadline?

No automatic extension should be assumed. The reporting transition and any lender policy exception do not themselves amend your purchase agreement. Confirm the appraisal timeline with the loan team and address contract questions with the appropriate professional.

Paul’s practical tip

Do: Gather the property packet before the appraisal order.
Avoid: Waiting until the report arrives to explain an addition, an ADU, missing permits, a concession or a construction change.

Use the free open-house checklists and home-comparison tools to keep your observations and follow-up questions organized. For a financing conversation, book a 15-minute call with Paul.

Sources checked October 15, 2026

• Fannie Mae Lender Letter LL-2026-08 — announced September 30, 2026; temporary exception for lenders unable to meet the November 2 mandate.

• Fannie Mae UCDP FAQs — reporting formats, applicable submissions and the exception process.

• Fannie Mae Appraiser Independence Requirements.

• Fannie Mae Selling Guide: Appraisal Quality Matters — borrower-initiated reconsideration of value.

• Fannie Mae Selling Guide: Improvements Section of the Appraisal Report.

This is a planning checklist for a previously announced transition, not a newly announced rule or a universal requirement for every mortgage program.

Paul Singh
Senior Mortgage Advisor · Individual NMLS #406332
Petra Cephas Inc. · Company NMLS #1222300 · Mortgage Broker
856-503-9396 · [email protected]
paulsinghmortgages.com

Educational information only. Not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of value, approval, timing, rate or program availability. All loans are subject to credit, property and underwriting review and applicable lender and state availability. Petra Cephas Inc. is a mortgage broker; loans are arranged through third-party lenders. Equal Housing Opportunity.