As Connecticut slowly returns to somewhat normalcy, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have extended their Covid appraisal waivers (desktop and/ or exterior appraisals in most cases) through August 31, 2020. If this date is not further extended, I plan to resume full appraisals (including interiors) on September 1, 2020. Please stay tuned and take care of yourselves without fear!

Fannie has extended the covid appraisal rules until July 31st. Unless the house is vacant, I will not be doing full interior inspections until that time, only exterior and desktop appraisals. Thank you for understanding and stay safe.

As of this writing, June 30 is still the last day of the relaxed full appraisal rules temporarily set down by the GSE's. If this holds firm, I will be back doing full interior appraisals beginning July 1. I will update as soon as possible. Thank you.

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.