Hopefully everyone enjoyed time off with their families and socially distanced friends this weekend, reflecting on those in the military who sacrificed their lives for us. There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel to get somewhat back to normal. Let us pray.

Happy Mothers Day and please stay safe. Business wise, I am continuing to do exterior only appraisals. As one of my peers stated, "I don't want to be the richest person in the graveyard!"

Guidance came out last week from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, and the VA regarding appraisals in this time of pandemic and lock downs. Summarizing here, in most cases an exterior only drive by, or a desktop appraisal can be substituted for the traditional full appraisal. I will be following these guidelines until further notice. To all my family, friends, peers, and clients (past, present, and future) PLEASE adhere to all governmental guidelines and stay safe and at home as much as possible. Peace, JB

To all current and potential new clients: Following CDC and state/ locat mandates, as of Thursday 3/19, I am not accepting full appraisal (fannie 1004) orders for the time being due to CoronaVirus. However, I will be more than willing to do drive by (exterior) appraisals. Please keep in mind that most town and city halls in Fairfield County (and all of CT) are either closed or have very limited staff on hand to conduct business. Therefore, I will be relying mostly on information online, and via real estate agents and homeowners information as well. Thank you and stay safe.

To date, J. Boyles Appraisals, LLC remains fully open for business, but following CDC protocol, and guidance from The Appraisal Foundation. All new orders from this point on will involve increased communication between myself and my clients prior to scheduling the appraisal inspection on a case by case basis. Please be safe out there and I pray that this pandemic ends sooner than later!

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! As we usher in a new decade in the world of residential appraising, there are new challenges ahead. Bifurcated/ Desktop Appraisals are being touted by Fannie Mae and Appraisal Management Companies as the wave of the future. I will comment further on this developing situation in my next blog.

It's been a very hectic year for me, but back to blogging with humblest apologies. It's thrilling to return to Karena Piedmont and Real Estate University as an educator after taking several years off. If you're a real estate salesperson and want to obtain a broker's license, please look us up in Norwalk, CT.

Please explore all areas of my website. Click on the menu button and you will find a treasure trove of information, including a newly added Appraisal Video! Thank you and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding residential appraisals that you may have.

J. Boyles Appraisals, LLC will be closed on Christmas Eve 12/24 and Christmas Day 12/25, and also on New Years Day 1/1/2019. Wishing all my clients and associates a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thank you for your business as always!

Greetings to all, just returned from Marlborough MA. Awesome CE class on Appraising Waterfront Properties. Very useful and valuable information. Another great class offering from the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Too bad there are rarely classes like this offered in Connecticut.