Big Changes Coming to Forms in 2026: What You Need to Know
The 2026 form changes are here, and there are some great updates—along with a few significant ones that agents need to be ready for. Overall, these changes aim to improve clarity, compliance, and transparency for both clients and agents. Here are a few of the highlights you’ll want to pay close attention to.
📣 Listing Distribution Choices Are Now Explicit
One of the biggest changes is that sellers will now clearly choose their level of internet and marketing distribution at the time of listing. Options range from full distribution to limited or private office exclusives. While sellers have flexibility, the forms clearly spell out the potential downsides of limited exposure—including longer days on market and possible impact on price.
👉 As always, we strongly recommend Full Distribution for maximum exposure.
✍️ More Initials Required for Lead-Based Paint
The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Addendum has expanded, requiring additional initials and acknowledgments depending on whether records or reports were provided. There are also new required statements confirming that licensees have informed sellers and landlords of their federal obligations. This means more careful review—and no skipping signature lines.
❄️ Cold Weather Addendum Is Gone
Goodbye to the standalone Cold Weather Inspection Waiver. Instead, those questions and disclosures have been fully incorporated into the Seller’s Disclosure Addendum (including condos). This streamlines paperwork but makes it even more important that sellers complete disclosures accurately, especially when systems can’t be tested due to temperature.
🏠 New Emphasis on Property Insurability
Multiple forms—including buyer agency agreements and the residential sale contract—now clearly state that buyers are responsible for determining property insurability, costs, and exclusions during the inspection period. With insurance becoming more complex, this added clarity is a smart and timely update.
📝 Disclosure Forms Got a Major Refresh
Seller’s disclosures now include:
- Expanded HVAC usage questions
- More detailed sprinkler, pool, and spa information
- New items like video doorbells and range exhaust hoods
- Additional tax-related questions (credits, freezes, abatements)
These updates reduce gray areas but require sellers to slow down and be more thorough.
Bottom Line
These form changes bring better transparency and clearer expectations, but they also mean agents must be more intentional when reviewing paperwork with clients. Take time to walk sellers through distribution choices, double-check disclosures, and watch for those extra initials—especially on lead-based paint forms.
If you’d like help navigating these updates or want to walk through them together, make sure to attend our first lunch-n-learn of the year!
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