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Appraisal Reports Are Changing November 2: What Agents Should Know

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A change to residential appraisal reporting is approaching. Beginning November 2, 2026, new appraisal reports submitted for loans involving Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must use UAD 3.6, a format that calls for more detailed property information. Some lenders are already ordering reports in the new format, so you may encounter it before the deadline.

CCAR is planning a training seminar on October 20 to help agents understand the new appraisal reporting format and the practical steps they can take now. Registration details will be announced very soon.

Helpful Information:

Changes to Appraisal Report

One flexible report replaces the familiar fixed forms. The report adapts to the property type and its features, so it may look different from appraisals clients have seen before.

More detailed property information is recorded. Appraisers document features such as individual levels, rooms, improvements, amenities and site characteristics in greater detail.

Photos and supporting information have more defined reporting requirements. The redesigned report specifies which images are required, required with certain circumstances, or optional

Impact on REALTORS®

Explain the new appearance without treating it as a sign of a problem.

Provide clear facts about improvements, including what was done and when. “Updated kitchen” is less useful than a dated description of work.

Help clients know what to expect at the appointment and respond promptly if an appraiser requests factual information about a property or past sale.

Impact on Homeowners

Buyers and sellers may receive a less familiar-looking report, but the appraiser’s responsibility to determine value remains the same.

Sellers should be ready to share records of renovations and allow for a potentially longer property visit. More detail does not automatically mean a higher appraisal value.

A visit may involve more documentation than they expect; the homeowner should ask the lender/appraiser about any access or preparation needs for their specific assignment.

For more practical guidance, read NAR’s article: “Appraisal Ready: What Agents and Brokers Can Do Now for UAD 3.6.”

From Listing Presentation to Post-Closing: Let the Code Be Your Guide

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For listing agents, the transaction begins long before the sign goes in the yard.

There is the first conversation with the seller, the listing presentation, the agreement, marketing decisions, negotiations, inspections, closing—and the responsibilities that continue after the transaction is complete.

NAR’s “The Code of Ethics is Good Business” resource organizes the relevant Standards of Practice around each of these stages, making the Code easier to apply to the work listing agents are actually doing every day.

Start Before You Have a Listing

The listing-agent checklist begins with Pre-Listing.

That’s an important reminder: ethical practice doesn’t begin when you have a signed listing agreement. The professional relationship and the decisions surrounding it can raise ethical considerations from the very beginning.

The checklist then moves into Listing Presentation/Agreement, where the agent continues building the relationship and taking the listing.

Then Comes the Public-Facing Work

Marketing your listing brings another set of ethical considerations into focus.

This is where accuracy, professionalism, representation and other responsibilities intersect with the day-to-day work of promoting a property.

From there, the checklist follows the transaction into Contract Negotiation, Financing/Inspections, Pre-Closing/Closing/Possession, and Post-Closing.

It’s a much more intuitive way to use the Code.

Instead of thinking: “Which Article is this?”

you can begin with: “Where am I in the transaction?”

Then find the relevant section.

Make it Part of Your Process

Here’s a simple challenge:

Pick one upcoming transaction and use the NAR checklist as a companion to your transaction file.

At each major milestone, pause and review the applicable section.

You’re not trying to turn every transaction into a compliance exercise. You’re building the habit of connecting ethical principles with everyday professional decisions.

And that’s really the value of this resource.

The Code of Ethics isn’t just a document to study every few years. It’s a professional standard that can help guide how we communicate, represent clients, market properties, negotiate, cooperate and complete transactions.

NAR’s chronological approach makes that connection easier to see—and easier to use.

Keep the resource handy. Your next transaction may give you a reason to use it.

Explore NAR’s “The Code of Ethics is Good Business” resource here.

PT 2   |   First Conversation to Closing: An Ethical Roadmap for Buyer Agents

PT 1   |   When You’re in a Transaction, Which Parts of the Code of Ethics Apply?

NAR CODE OF ETHICS

NAR Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests & Related Information

C.A.R. ETHICS & ARBITRATION MANUAL

MLS RULES & REGULATIONS

CCAR BYLAWS

CODE OF ETHICS DEMYSTIFIED

ETHICS COMPLAINT
INSTRUCTIONS & INFO
FILE AN
ETHICS COMPLAINT
ARBITRATION REQUEST
INSTRUCTIONS & INFO
FILE AN
ARBITRATION REQUEST

Gail Hargis
Professional Standards
925.295.9220
[email protected]

Weekly Jolt – 092926

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CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER    |    SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
Facebook Instagram Youtube
Top News

•  Tomorrow Intro to Paragon Live at CCAR
•  Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire Next Wed
•  Appraisal Reports Are Changing Nov. 2
•  West County Marketing Meeting – This Thu.
•  Elected Official Reception – Oct. 15
•  The BIG Event – Oct. 28
•  WCR Upcoming Events
•  Register to Vote

ETHICS CORNER

•  From Listing Presentation to Post Closing: Let the Code be Your Guide

MLS Updates

•  Make Homeownership Part of the Election Conversation
•  REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale


All laptops purchased through CCAR include a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and Real Estate setup.

    Online Continuing Education

+ Upcoming Education
+ REALTOR® ACTION FUND (RAF)
+ CCAR CALENDAR

West County Marketing Meeting – This Thu.

Join us for the West County Marketing Meeting this Thu, Oct. 1, from 8:45–10:00am, at 500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 265, Hercules.

Guest speaker Chris Stafford, a San Francisco real estate broker with more than 30 years of experience and founder of The Listing Collective, will share practical strategies designed to help agents consistently generate more listings and grow their business.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast bagels, fruit, and beverages, while connecting with fellow REALTORS®, sharing upcoming listings, and learning something new.

Elected Officials Reception – Oct.15

REGISTER HERE >>

The Big Event Membership Meeting – Oct. 28

REGISTER HERE >>

WCR Upcoming Events

 

READ MORE & REGISTER >>           READ MORE & REGISTER >>

Tomorrow: Get Hands-On with Paragon MLS
Live & In-Person at CCAR 

A live, in-person CCAR training with Chris Dickson, CCAR Education & Training Coordinator

Class Details
Date: Wednesday, September 30
Time: 10:00am – Noon
Location: CCAR Boardroom, Walnut Creek

What You’ll Learn
Build confidence using Paragon MLS with guided, step-by-step instruction covering:

  • Navigating the Paragon MLS platform
  • Customizing your preferences and settings
  • Running more effective searches
  • Managing contacts
  • Using Collaboration Center
  • Exploring integrations
  • Accessing MLS tools on the go with Paragon Connect

Who Should Attend
This class is ideal for members who are new to Paragon MLS, as well as anyone who wants a practical refresher on the platform’s core tools and features.

Space is limited and snacks are provided — Register on the CCAR Calendar >>

Food, Raffles, and Beer! Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire Next Wed! – Oct. 7

Dust off your lederhosen and join us next Wed, Oct 7, from 5pm–7pm at St. Stephen Church for a FREE evening of Oktoberfest fun!

Raise a stein and unwind with beer, wine, and delicious appetizers, plus raffles and opportunities to win great prizes.

Mix and mingle with local industry partners and fellow CCAR members while enjoying good conversation, great company, and plenty of Oktoberfest spirit.

Best of all, your participation supports CCAR Helping Hands and the CCAR Scholarship Foundation — two great causes making a difference in our community.

O’zapft is! The keg is tapped — come raise a stein with us!

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS >>

Read More >>

Appraisal Reports Are Changing November 2: What Agents Should Know

A change to residential appraisal reporting is approaching. Beginning November 2, 2026, new appraisal reports submitted for loans involving Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must use UAD 3.6, a format that calls for more detailed property information. Some lenders are already ordering reports in the new format, so you may encounter it before the deadline.

CCAR is planning a training seminar on October 20 to help agents understand the new appraisal reporting format and the practical steps they can take now. Registration details will be announced very soon.

Read more for a helpful graph on the changes and their impact on REALTORS® and homeowners.

Read More >>

ETHICS CORNER:

From Listing Presentation to Post-Closing: Let the Code Be Your Guide

Last week we looked at the buyer’s agent’s perspective and how the Code of Ethics can become a practical checklist from first conversation to closing. Let’s do the same now for Listing Agents.

For listing agents, the transaction begins long before the sign goes in the yard.

There is the first conversation with the seller, the listing presentation, the agreement, marketing decisions, negotiations, inspections, closing—and the responsibilities that continue after the transaction is complete.

NAR’s “The Code of Ethics is Good Business” resource organizes the relevant Standards of Practice around each of these stages, making the Code easier to apply to the work listing agents are actually doing every day.

The listing-agent checklist begins with Pre-Listing. That’s an important reminder: ethical practice doesn’t begin when you have a signed listing agreement. The professional relationship and the decisions surrounding it can raise ethical considerations from the…
READ MORE >>

Are You and Your Clients Registered to Vote?

Residents must be registered by Oct. 19th to vote in Nov.
REGISTER TO VOTE >>

Make Homeownership Part of the
Election Conversation

The opportunity to own a home remains central to California’s future. It helps families build stability, supports local economies, and gives communities a stronger foundation for long-term success. Through C.A.R.’s Vote Homeownership campaign, Californians are being encouraged to have conversations with candidates about where they stand on policies that can make homeownership more attainable.

Sharing “Vote Homeownership” information gives your clients useful context about the policies and decisions that affect their ability to buy, sell, or remain in a home. It helps them better understand issues such as housing supply, affordability, first-time buyer support, and community stability, while giving them practical questions to ask candidates during election season. By connecting these issues to their own housing goals, REALTORS® can help clients feel more informed, engaged, and prepared to advocate for solutions that expand homeownership opportunities.

READ MORE AT car.org >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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Oct 2026 Education Calendar

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AI / DATA / SOCIAL MEDIA

Tue - Sep 29 | RPR Mobile AI CMA

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Learn how RPR Mobile AI CMA helps you create professional, client-ready CMAs from your phone in minutes. Use AI-scored comps, apply your own market expertise, develop pricing strategies, and send branded reports—all without opening a laptop. | MORE + REGISTER >

Wed - Sep 30 | Building A Digital-First Real Estate Business

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | Learn how to modernize your real estate business with digital-first workflows that improve efficiency and the client experience. Explore scalable processes for lead management, communications, paperless transactions, marketing, and smarter technology adoption. | MORE + REGISTER >

BROKERS & OFFICE MANAGERS

Wed - Sep 23 | NAR Broker Power Hour

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Learn how to protect clients and transactions from increasingly sophisticated real estate fraud. This session covers emerging fraud threats, best practices for reducing risk, tools to help agents prevent scams, and ways your brokerage can support disaster recovery through the REALTORS® Relief Foundation. | MORE + REGISTER >

FORMS / REPORTS

Thu - Sep 24 | Transact: Creating A Transaction

Virtual | 9:00 – 9:40 am | FREE | Learn the fundamentals of Lone Wolf Transact, including how to create and navigate a transaction, add parties and paperwork, manage tasks and timelines, and work with property phases. This class is also available OnDemand. | MORE + REGISTER >

LEGAL & RISK MANAGEMENT

Wed - Sep 23 | CCAR Risk Management with Shannon B. Jones

Live Virtual | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | FREE to Members | Attorney Shannon B. Jones joins us once again to bring us all up to speed on current legal issues that impact REALTORS® every day—from new liabilities to the kinds of actions and cases her office is seeing the most in recent months. You’ll also get quick updates from CCAR staff and leadership. | MORE + REGISTER >

Wed - Sep 30 | CA Real Estate Disclosures Required by Law

Virtual | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | FREE | Strengthen your understanding of California disclosure requirements for 1–4 unit residential property sales. Review the C.A.R. Sales Disclosure Chart, current forms and resources, Residential Purchase Agreement requirements, and the differences between residential and commercial disclosures while learning how to use C.A.R.’s Forms Advisor and Forms Tutor. | MORE + REGISTER >

MARKETING

Mon - Sep 28 | Realtor.com Profile Mastery

Virtual | 8:00 – 9:00 am | FREE |  Learn how to optimize your free Realtor.com profile to boost visibility, showcase your brand and reviews, connect social media, and turn agent searches into new business opportunities. | MORE + REGISTER >

MLS

Thu - Sep 24 | Set It and Forget It with Paragon's Collaboration Center

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE |  Learn how to use Paragon’s Collaboration Center to enhance client communication and automate listing alerts. This course covers setting up client portals, managing buyer searches, tracking client feedback, receiving real-time notifications, and collaborating with buyers online from any device to deliver a more responsive, personalized experience. | MORE + REGISTER >

Wed - Sep 30 | LIVE Intro to Paragon

Live | CCAR, Walnut Creek | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE |  Build a strong foundation in Paragon MLS with this introductory, hands-on course. Learn how to customize your profile and settings, navigate the platform, search and manage results, organize contacts, use Collaboration Center, explore integrations and member benefits, and access Paragon Connect for mobile MLS. | MORE + REGISTER >

REALTOR SAFETY

Wed - Sep 23 | Your Best Asset Is Your Life: REALTOR® Safety Webinar

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Led by Maurice Taylor, retired Army Master Sergeant and real estate industry leader, Tactical Awareness for Real Estate Professionals goes beyond basic safety tips to help you recognize warning signs of predatory behavior, stay alert during showings, and develop safety protocols to protect yourself and your clients. The focus is on recognizing risks early and helping prevent dangerous situations before they escalate. | MORE + REGISTER >

Fri - Sep 25 | C.A.R. REALTOR Safety

Virtual | Anytime | $49 | Learn simple, practical safety strategies to reduce risk when working with buyers and sellers, hosting open houses, and marketing online—helping protect both you and your clients. | MORE + REGISTER >

WOMEN+

Wed - Sep 23 | WomanUp! Live - Your Monthly Dose of Inspiration and Connection

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | Connect with fellow professionals, gain practical insights from industry leaders, and find inspiration through shared experiences at this engaging WomanUP!® community event. | MORE + REGISTER >

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  • Check Your Status  |  Learn More >
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  • License Renewal Options >
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  • Request 1:1 Training >
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RPR
  • CCAR RPR Headquarters >
Share University
Post and Present like a Pro: Video calls. Phone calls. Or no calls at all. No matter how you stay connected with your clients, these tools make it simple and fun to communicate when you’re not in-person. Visit Share University >
C.A.R. Courses
  • C.A.R. Course Catalog >
NAR Courses
  • NAR Education Calendar >
CCAR Calendar
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CONTACT

Chris Dickson
Education Coordinator
(925) 295-9210
[email protected]

weekly MARKETING MEETINGS

Rossmoor Marketing Meeting ad + link to email contact
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CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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