A home appraisal is one of the most important steps in a real estate transaction, but did you know that significant changes are coming to the appraisal process? These changes could affect everything from how your home's square footage is reported to how long it takes to close on a property. In this episode, I'm joined by John Copulos, a licensed real estate appraiser with over 40 years of experience, to discuss what buyers, sellers, and agents need to know about the future of home appraisals.
John explains the upcoming changes to residential appraisal reporting, including new requirements for documenting home improvements, how finished basements will be classified, and why appraisals may take longer as lenders and appraisers adjust to the new system. We also discuss the differences between an appraisal and a real estate agent's market analysis, how appraisers determine the value of features like swimming pools, and why accurate property information is more important than ever.
John explains the upcoming changes to residential appraisal reporting, including new requirements for documenting home improvements, how finished basements will be classified, and why appraisals may take longer as lenders and appraisers adjust to the new system. We also discuss the differences between an appraisal and a real estate agent's market analysis, how appraisers determine the value of features like swimming pools, and why accurate property information is more important than ever.
What You’ll Learn from this Episode:
- What’s changing in the home appraisal process and how the new reporting requirements will affect buyers, sellers, and agents.
- How updated square footage measurements and the classification of finished basements could impact a home's appraised value.
- Why documenting renovations and home improvements is becoming increasingly important when preparing for an appraisal.
- The difference between a professional appraisal and a real estate agent’s market analysis, including how features like swimming pools are valued.
- Why the new appraisal process could lead to longer turnaround times and how buyers, sellers, and agents can prepare for potential delays.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Featured on the Show:
- Have a question or comment, want to discuss a topic, or just want to know more about my work? Contact me: [email protected]
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- John Copulos
- Ask the Appraiser Facebook Group
Resources Related to Home Appraisals & What Buyers, Sellers and Agents Need to Know:
- Blog Post: What Armonk Home Prices in 2026 Really Reveal
- Ep #66: What’s New in Real Estate for 2026 & Current Outlook with Elizabeth Nunan, CEO of Houlihan Lawrence
- Ep #67: Think Like a Buyer, Sell Your Home Like a Pro in 2026
Full Episode Transcript:
