Your Home Improvement Log

Starting November 2, appraisals for most conventional loans use a new, more detailed report. Your home's value isn't changing, but the appraiser will document more about your home, including which rooms and systems have been updated, roughly when, and what was done.

This free log makes it easy to keep track as you go, so you're ready whenever you sell or refinance.

Inside:

• A quick-reference list of the items the new form asks about, from kitchens and bathrooms to the roof, HVAC, windows, and water heater

• A running log for every improvement, with dates, costs, who did the work, and receipts

• Simple tips for filling it in, even if you have to estimate

Not moving anytime soon? This is still the best time to start.