Big Changes Are Coming to the Appraisal Process: What North Carolina Real Estate Brokers Need to Know

The 2026 appraisal changes are bringing significant updates to the residential appraisal process. North Carolina real estate brokers need to be prepared.

Beginning November 2, 2026, the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset, known as UAD 3.6, will be required for all new appraisal reports submitted to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal. Some lenders are already using the new system as the industry transitions toward the mandatory deadline.

While many of the changes directly affect appraisers and lenders, brokers will feel the impact, too. More detailed property information will be required, and appraisers may reach out to listing brokers more frequently. MLS data will also become increasingly important, and the transition could affect appraisal timelines.

Accordingly, these 2026 appraisal changes are an important topic in the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s 2026–2027 GENUP and BICUP courses. Brokers have an opportunity to learn what is changing and how it may affect their day-to-day brokerage practice before the new requirements become mandatory.

Here’s what North Carolina brokers should know before November arrives.

A Major Change Is Coming to the Appraisal Process

For decades, residential appraisers have used the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report, known as the URAR or Fannie Mae Form 1004.

That system is being replaced by UAD 3.6, a modern, data-driven system from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Rather than using static forms, UAD 3.6 adjusts based on the property and information being reported.

As a result, appraisal data will be more standardized, consistent and detailed.

The transition is already underway. Beginning November 2, 2026, all new appraisal reports submitted to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through UCDP must use UAD 3.6.

The older system will ultimately be retired in May 2027.

For brokers, however, November 2 is the date to remember.

More Property Details, More Data

One of the biggest differences brokers may notice is the amount of property information involved in the new appraisal process.

UAD 3.6 is much more granular than the previous reporting system. Rather than relying heavily on general descriptions and free-form narratives, appraisers will collect more standardized and detailed information about the property.
Depending on the property, that can include information such as:

• Individual room dimensions
• Flooring and countertop materials
• Interior and exterior condition and quality
• Energy-efficient features and ratings
• Green building certifications
• Solar panel information
• Accessory dwelling units and other property characteristics

Increased level of detail means accurate property information becomes even more important.
MLS systems are also adapting to the new requirements, and brokers may see new or expanded data fields designed to capture information needed for the appraisal process.

Furthermore, for listing brokers, these 2026 appraisal changes is another reason to gather detailed information about a property from the beginning rather than waiting until an appraiser requests it later in the transaction.

What the New Appraisal Process Means for Brokers

Perhaps the most noticeable change for brokers will be increased interaction with appraisers. Under the new requirements, appraisers may need property details not readily available through public records or MLS data. For example, they may ask about countertop materials, flooring, energy-efficient improvements or recent updates.

North Carolina brokers have a duty to provide accurate information and cooperate with third-party settlement service providers. Therefore, promptly responding to reasonable requests from appraisers will be increasingly important.

However, cooperation does not mean influencing an appraisal. In fact, North Carolina Real Estate Commission rules prohibit brokers from improperly influencing an appraiser or other service provider’s findings or decisions.

Furthermore, the transition may affect transaction timelines as appraisers adjust to the new system and additional data requirements. Brokers should communicate about anticipated turnaround times and consider them when discussing Due Diligence and Settlement dates with clients.

Why North Carolina Brokers Should Prepare Now

November may sound like plenty of time, but the transition is already happening. Some lenders are already requiring UAD 3.6 appraisal reports, which means brokers could encounter the new process well before the November 2 deadline.

Now is the time for brokers to become familiar with the changes, pay attention to new MLS fields, gather thorough property information when taking listings, respond promptly when appraisers request information and help buyers and sellers understand that the appraisal process may look different during the transition.

Get Ahead of the Changes with This Year's GENUP or BICUP

The changes are significant enough that the North Carolina Real Estate Commission has made appraisals an important topic in the 2026–2027 Mandatory Update Course and in June, 2026 published the article Do You Know that Real Estate Appraisals Are Changing?, encouraging brokers to get their mandatory CE finished early.

Rather than waiting until the June 10th 2027 Continuing Education deadline, taking GENUP or BICUP early gives North Carolina brokers an opportunity to learn about these changes before they begin affecting your transactions and before UAD 3.6 becomes mandatory on November 2nd, 2026.

Ignite School of Real Estate offers monthly CE classes, as well as private CE classes to brokerages, builders and associations.