What’s New in September?
September always feels like the beginning of a new season in Houston, even if the temperatures haven't quite gotten the memo. This month, I'm sharing a few exciting new arrivals coming to Houston, some September events worth adding to your calendar, a look at what's happening in our local real estate market, and a personal update I've been excited to share.
Real Estate News: Appraisals Changing
Credit: TALCB.texas.gov
Appraisal Reports are getting an update for the first time in more than 20 years with the standard residential appraisal report getting a major overhaul. Appraisers have begun transitioning to a new system called UAD 3.6, designed to provide a clearer, more detailed picture of a home and how its value is determined.
As you probably know, when you are in the process of selling or purchasing a home, Buyer's lenders often hire appraisers to come out to the property and assess the value using neighborhood comparables and other factors that go in to valuing the property and can make or break the entire transaction if a property does not appraise for the sales price or better.
The new report allows appraisers to document considerably more about a property, including renovations and condition, accessory structures, solar panels, broadband access, waterfront features, and even nonstandard or separately finished living areas. Comparable properties will also be displayed side by side, making it easier to understand how a home stacks up against others in the market.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers? Documentation may become more important than ever. Sellers may be asked to provide details such as a list of improvements, previous surveys, blueprints, or other property information. Buyers and sellers may also notice more communication with the appraiser and, at least during the transition, potentially longer appraisal timelines. As part of the process of listing a property, I always ask my Sellers to provide a list of as much information about the home and any updates/upgrades they have made while stewarding the property and hand this information off to appraisers which really helps them. This includes brand names, years completed, and any other information that helps show the value in the property.
The good news is that the finished appraisal should be much easier for consumers to read and understand, with clearer language, better organization, and more context behind the appraiser's conclusions. Appraisers can currently use either the old or new system, but UAD 3.6 becomes required for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac appraisal submissions beginning November 2, 2026.
Source: Texas REALTORS®, "Appraisal Reporting is Changing," July 2026
Adding Value to your Home
As mentioned in my last newsletter, the summer months tend to experience an abundance of inventory with significantly fewer potential buyers out on the town searching for their next home. When temperatures are in the high 90s with significant humidity every day, spending an afternoon in and out of the car touring properties sounds much less appealing than staying indoors enjoying the air conditioning or taking a dip in the pool not to mention heading up north for some relief from the heat. There is usually a slight uptick in Buyer activity after Labor Day but that activity tapers off again after Halloween, when everyone is gearing up for Thanksgiving and the Winter holidays.
Now is the time to start thinking about and preparing for listing your home in the late Winter/early Spring of 2027. Here are some effective updates you may want to consider if you are thinking about selling or simply want to add some value to your home. As always, please contact me if you are interested in buying, selling or would like a complimentary evaluation of your home's value.
- Freshen up your curb appeal with new mulch, updated house numbers, fresh plants and exterior paint touch-ups.
- Update dated light fixtures to instantly give rooms a more current feel.
- Swap out cabinet hardware in kitchens and bathrooms for an easy, inexpensive refresh.
- Replace an outdated kitchen faucet, which can help modernize the look of the kitchen without taking on a full renovation.
- Touch up interior paint and neutralize especially bold colors to create a clean, cohesive backdrop.
- Pay attention to the little things, like worn switch plates, scuffed trim and dated outlets.
- Refresh your flooring by refinishing hardwoods, replacing tired carpet or simply investing in a professional deep clean.
The takeaway? Buyers notice the details. A home that feels fresh, clean and well-maintained can make a stronger first impression without requiring a huge investment.
Speaking of the Details...
If you know me or have worked with me already, you know my love of homes has never stopped at real estate. I've always loved design, sourcing, rearranging, finding the right fabric, discovering a great piece of furniture, and figuring out the little changes that can completely transform a space. Over the years, that part of what I do has naturally become more and more intertwined with my real estate business.
So, I'm excited to officially introduce AG Homes + Interiors, an extension of my real estate business offering personalized design consulting for projects both big and small.
This isn't full-service interior design. Instead, think of me as your design resource and second set of eyes when you know you want to make a change but aren't quite sure where to start, what to choose, or where to find it. A FEW WAYS I CAN HELP:
- ROOM REFRESHES & REDESIGNS: Reworking a room using what you already own, while incorporating new pieces where they'll make the biggest impact.
- FURNITURE, LIGHTING & DÉCOR SOURCING: Finding the right pieces for your space, style, and budget.
- FABRIC, WALLPAPER & RUG SELECTION: Sourcing options, gathering samples, and helping pull everything together.
- SHOWROOM & VENDOR SOURCING: Doing the legwork with showroom visits, product research, samples, and sourcing.
- PAINT, FINISH & MATERIAL SELECTIONS: Guidance on paint colors, hardware, tile, countertops, flooring, and other finishes.
- STYLING & FINISHING TOUCHES: Art, accessories, pillows, tabletop pieces, and the final layers that make a room feel complete.
- PRE-SALE DESIGN CONSULTATIONS: Helping sellers determine which updates are worth making before listing and where their money will have the greatest impact.
- NEW HOME CONSULTATIONS: Helping buyers make a new home their own, from furniture placement and sourcing to paint colors and finishing touches.
Whether it's one room, one decision, or a running list of things you've been meaning to tackle, my goal is to make the process easier, more efficient, and a lot more fun!
Welcome to AG Homes + Interiors.
Credit: Katie Park Smiles
New to Houston!
Hill House Home is opening its first permanent Houston boutique in Rice Village this fall! If you have not heard of this brand, it was first launched in 2016 as a luxury linen and bedding line that transitioned into apparel. Think Nap Dresses, bedding, wallpaper, robes, home accessories, and plenty of pretty things I probably don't need but will obviously want! The construction filing shows work scheduled to wrap up around September 18, although an official opening date hasn't been announced yet, but I am hopeful it will be sooner rather than later! I recently visited the Dallas store and it was gorgeous, so I cannot wait to see what they do with the Houston Rice Village space.
COMING THIS FALL | RICE VILLAGE | hillhousehome.com
Credit: Lesley Unruh
Rice Village is getting another great addition. Bobbi Brown's Jones Road Beauty is opening its first Houston boutique at 2411 Times Blvd., taking over the former MAC space. The "no makeup makeup" brand has construction is set to begin this month, with hopes that the store will be ready in time for holiday shopping in December (fingers crossed)! This brand was created by Makeup Master Bobbi Brown, who describes it as, "clean, strategic, high-grade formulations that work on every skin type and tone, and that are as simple to use as they are to master," I have a feeling Rice Village is going to be getting even more of my attention very soon! COMING SOON | RICE VILLAGE | Jones Road Beauty
Credit: Jones Road Instagram
Final Note:
As we just passed the ninth anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, I know I'm not the only Houstonian who still feels a little PTSD when storms start popping up in the forecast. It's a good reminder that hurricane season lasts through November 30, so now is a great time to make sure you're prepared. A Few Storm Prep Reminders both Inside and Outside your Home:
- Clear gutters and drains to help heavy rain move away from your home.
- Trim trees and loose branches, particularly around your roof and driveway.
- Secure outdoor items by bringing in patio furniture, umbrellas, planters and anything that could become airborne.
- Check your roof and windows for loose shingles, damaged seals or areas where water could get in.
- Know your shutoffs for water, gas and electricity, and test your generator or backup power source ahead of time.
- Stock up on essentials: Bottled water, non-perishable foods, pet supplies and a manual can opener.
- Prepare for power outages: Charge portable chargers and keep batteries, flashlights and battery-operated fans handy.
- Fill up your vehicle: Keep your gas tank full or your EV charged when severe weather is approaching.
- Check medications: Make sure you have enough prescription and over-the-counter medications for both people and pets.
- Have an emergency kit: a first aid kit, cash, important documents, rain gear, mosquito repellent, hand sanitizer and basic supplies.
- Protect important documents in a waterproof container or easily accessible digital folder.
- Think about the little things: Paper plates and utensils, hand sanitizer, menstrual products, pet supplies and a portable solar or crank-powered phone charger can all be incredibly helpful during an extended outage.
Most importantly, don't wait until a storm is headed our way to start preparing. Houston weather can change quickly, and having the basics ready ahead of time means one less thing to worry about when the forecast gets a little too interesting! Here's hoping the rest of hurricane season is wonderfully uneventful. Stay safe, Houston! Have a great September. Until next month...