Game-Changing Appraisal Update Gives Pace Buyers & Sellers a Smart 2025 Advantage
Florida Homeowners, Big Changes Are Coming to Appraisals — Here’s Why It Matters (and How To Use It To Your Advantage)
Thinking about selling or buying a home in Pace, Florida soon? Here’s something most people haven’t heard about yet — but it could completely change how smooth (or stressful) the process feels…
Starting later this year, lenders across the country will begin using a new appraisal format called UAD 3.6 — and spoiler alert: it’s meant to make appraisals clearer, cleaner, and way easier to understand for everyone involved.
What’s Changing?
Instead of the old-school, bulky, confusing reports appraisers normally send, the new format:
includes more photos,
gives clearer property condition ratings,
is better organized, and
cuts down on long written sections nobody really reads anyway.
In simpler terms: less confusion, fewer delays, fewer surprises once you’re under contract.
When Does This Happen?
September 2025: Soft rollout starts — some lenders use the new format.
January 2026: Most lenders jump on board.
November 2026: Old reports become fully retired.
Why This is Good for Sellers
When selling, every detail matters — and a cleaner appraisal report helps prove your home’s value more clearly to the lender and buyer. That means fewer challenges, fewer last-second price reductions, and a better shot at closing on time.
Why This is Great for Buyers
Here’s where things get really interesting…
A lot of lenders (especially here in Florida) are now offering a “buy now, refinance later for free” type of program.
What that means:
Lock in a home now before prices go up again.
If interest rates drop within the next 1–2 years (as many expect), you can refinance at no cost.
The new appraisal format will already be in place — making that refinance appraisal smoother and less stressful.
So instead of waiting for rates to change and potentially getting priced out, buyers can make their move now and clean things up later.
Bottom Line
Florida continues to be one of the most attractive states to live in — especially right here on the Gulf Coast. With major updates coming to the appraisal process and smarter financing options being offered, both sellers and buyers in Pace are in a prime position heading into 2025.
