Joseph T Ellington Jr – Licensed Residential Appraiser and owner of Capital Valuations

About Capital Valuations

Meet Joe Ellington

Joseph T Ellington Jr
Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser
Owner of Capital Valuations

Most clients know me as Joe. I provide private residential appraisals in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads and the Peninsula, helping homeowners, families and attorneys make informed property decisions.

Virginia license 4001012919
Verify my license with Virginia DPOR. Search Joseph Thomas Ellington Jr. or the license number.
License document expiration: September 30, 2027.

Experience in practice · Education record · Client reviews

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20+ Years of Residential Appraisal Experience

5,100+ Appraisal Assignments Completed

145 Google Reviews

Virginia Beach Hampton Roads Based

From my clients

What Clients Say About Working With Me

Clients describe their experiences with my communication, explanations and appraisal work.

Read Capital Valuations reviews on Google

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 145 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Donald Pritchard 
 
 
 
  We used Capital Valuations to do a pre-sale appraisal. Joe was able to schedule us within 24 hours with results the following Monday. He was professional, courteous and very thorough. We are happy to recommend him for any type of appraisals and we will use him again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Oglesby 
 
 
 
  Top of their profession. They keep you informed through the entire process. Very knowledgeable about all area markets.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kathryn Damron 
 
 
 
  Excellent service. I would highly recommend this company.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Branden Mercier 
 
 
 
  Thank you for the service. Very knowledgeable,  Received my report back in two days.  I would recommend Joseph T Ellington Jr to anyone. Thanks again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alex Basham 
 
 
 
  Great customer service, great valuation, and to top it off, a great guy! :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Sparks 
 
 
 
  The phone was answered when I called. Bonus for me when I don’t have to wait for a return call to schedule appointments.  Professional and completed the appraisal in a very timely manner.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shana Powell 
 
 
 
  Joey was prompt and friendly.  His appraisal was accurate and fair. We would use him in the future and recommend his service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angela Hartman 
 
 
 
  I commissioned Joe at Capital Valuations to appraise a property in another city.  Even with a hiccup in not having the house available on the first visit to inspect, Joe provided prompt and professional service.  I value this efficient support in my endeavours and highly recommend his service to others.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steven Parker 
 
 
 
  Individual was very prompt and professional in performing their duties.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Brehm 
 
 
 
  Quick turn around and friendly service!

Hampton Roads roots

My Background

I was born in Norfolk and grew up around Chicks Beach and Shore Drive. I’ve also lived in Chesapeake and around the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Today, I’m a Virginia Beach homeowner with firsthand experience as a short-term rental owner.

I trained under Michael J. Sexton for more than two years before becoming a Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser in 2007. My work includes single-family homes, condos, townhomes, waterfront, historic, luxury and rural properties.

View my professional background on LinkedIn.

Local Market Knowledge

Hampton Roads isn’t one uniform market. Neighborhood boundaries, beach access, school districts, busy roads, water influence and condominium rules can affect how buyers value a property.

Living and working here helps me recognize those differences. Each appraisal still needs evidence from the property and its market.

Residential appraiser inspecting a Virginia home for Capital Valuations

Every Inspection. Every Report. Personally handled by Joe Ellington.

Your appraiser, from inspection to report

How I Work

I personally inspect the property, research comparable sales and write your report. My research can include REIN MLS, assessment and public records, plats, and conversations with agents or other market participants.

I routinely use ANSI Z765-2021 measurement standards. I evaluate differences between properties using market evidence and explain my conclusions in straightforward language.

My earlier work in hospitality taught me the value of clear communication. You can contact me directly with questions before or after delivery. We confirm the scope and delivery timing for your assignment before work begins.

Experience in practice

What I Investigate and Why It Matters

Three examples from my appraisal work:

Checking the listed square footage

I measured a home at 1,610 square feet that was listed at 1,800. Its MLS history showed an earlier listing at 1,620, followed by progressively larger figures. That discrepancy did not establish why the figures changed; my measurement provided a documented basis for the home’s size.

Why it matters: Size affects comparable selection and analysis. I measure the homes I inspect, including private assignments, rather than simply carrying forward listing or tax-record figures.

Home measuring services

Testing a contract price against the market

I’ve appraised homes under contract where comparable sales suggested a lower value. I review the contract, sales, competing listings, concessions, property condition and market trends to determine whether the price is supported.

Why it matters: An accepted price does not automatically establish market value. My responsibility is an independent, unbiased, supportable opinion of value for my client.

Private purchase appraisals

Finding relevant waterfront comparisons

For waterfront assignments with few similar recent sales, I’ve searched competing areas and older sales. I evaluate location differences across areas and market changes over time, with evidence supporting any adjustments.

Why it matters: Nearby inland homes may not reveal what buyers pay for water access or views. Comparable selection needs to account for those features and their quality.

Education behind the work

My Appraisal Education

My documented education includes 51 completed courses totaling 406 hours from 2006–2025, covering measurement, market analysis, estate and divorce appraisals, expert testimony, fair housing and appraisal standards.

121 hoursOriginal licensing education

50 hoursAdditional qualifying education

235 hoursContinuing education

Open any year for course titles, providers, completion dates and hours, verified against my course history and certificates. Repeated courses are separate completions.

20257 courses · 32 hours

2025 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
Fair Housing, Bias and DiscriminationMcKissock	08/21/2025	4
Live Webinar: The Appraiser's Guide to the New URARMcKissock	08/19/2025	7
2024-2025 7-hour National USPAP Update CourseMcKissock	08/16/2025	7
The Fundamentals of Appraising Luxury HomesMcKissock	08/16/2025	4
Performing Estate AppraisalsMcKissock	08/16/2025	3
Residential Property Measurement and ANSI Z765McKissock	08/16/2025	4
Performing Divorce AppraisalsMcKissock	08/15/2025	3

20236 courses · 28 hours

2023 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
Live Webinar: 2022-2023 7-hr National USPAP Update CourseMcKissock	04/07/2023	7
Residential Construction and the AppraiserMcKissock	04/05/2023	7
Supporting Your Adjustments: Methods for Residential AppraisersMcKissock	04/05/2023	3
Fair Housing, Bias and DiscriminationMcKissock	04/04/2023	4
Residential Property Measurement and ANSI Z765McKissock	04/04/2023	4
Valuation of Residential SolarMcKissock	04/04/2023	3

20216 courses · 28 hours

2021 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
Introduction to Expert Witness Testimony for Appraisers: To Do or Not to DoMcKissock	08/08/2021	4
The Sales Comparison ApproachMcKissock	08/07/2021	7
National USPAP Update (2020-2021)McKissock	08/05/2021	7
New Construction Essentials: Luxury HomesMcKissock	07/28/2021	3
Appraising Condominium UnitsMcKissock	07/27/2021	3
Fannie Mae Appraisal Guidelines: Debunking the MythsMcKissock	07/26/2021	4

20191 course · 7 hours

2019 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
2018-2019 7-Hour National USPAP Update CourseMcKissock	08/29/2019	7

2018 · Qualifying education3 courses · 50 hours

2018 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
Statistics, Modeling and FinanceMcKissock	11/19/2018	15
Advanced Residential Applications and Case StudiesMcKissock	11/16/2018	15
Appraisal Subject Matter ElectivesMcKissock	11/14/2018	20

20175 courses · 28 hours

2017 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
That's a ViolationMcKissock	08/06/2017	4
Appraisal of REO and Foreclosure PropertiesMcKissock	08/06/2017	7
Residential Property Inspection for AppraisersMcKissock	08/05/2017	7
A Review of Disciplinary Cases: How to Avoid a Visit with the Licensing BoardMcKissock	08/04/2017	3
2016-2017 7-hour National USPAP Update CourseMcKissock	07/31/2017	7

20154 courses · 28 hours

2015 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
2014-2015 7-hour National USPAP Update CourseMcKissock	08/26/2015	7
Residential Appraisal ReviewMcKissock	08/25/2015	7
Even Odder - More Oddball Appraisals (with Audio and Video)McKissock	08/19/2015	7
The Sales Comparison ApproachMcKissock	08/18/2015	7

20135 courses · 28 hours

2013 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
The Cost ApproachMcKissock	09/14/2013	7
Essential Elements of Disclosures and DisclaimersMcKissock	09/14/2013	5
Mortgage Fraud- Protect Yourself!McKissock	09/13/2013	7
2012-2013 7-hour National USPAP Update CourseMcKissock	09/13/2013	7
Introduction to the Uniform Appraisal DatasetMcKissock	09/12/2013	2

20115 courses · 28 hours

2011 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
2010-2011 National USPAP Update EquivalentMcKissock	09/18/2011	7
Risky Business: Ways to Minimize Your LiabilityMcKissock	09/16/2011	7
Mortgage Fraud- Protect Yourself!McKissock	08/31/2011	7
REO and ForeclosuresMcKissock	08/31/2011	5
Introduction to the Uniform Appraisal DatasetMcKissock	08/04/2011	2

20094 courses · 28 hours

2009 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
2008-2009 National USPAP Update EquivalentMcKissock	07/23/2009	7
Land and Site ValuationMcKissock	07/23/2009	7
Fannie Mae Form 1004MC, HVCC, & MORE!!McKissock	07/22/2009	7
Mortgage Fraud: Protect Yourself!McKissock	07/22/2009	7

2007 · Original licensing education2 courses · 46 hours

2007 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
Marshall and SwiftAlpha College of Real Estate	03/22/2007	16
Basic Appraisal ProceduresR.A. Garrett Appraisal Academy	02/23/2007	30

2006 · Original licensing education3 courses · 75 hours

2006 completed appraisal courses
Course and provider	Completed	Hours
Appraising The Small Income Residential PropertyAlpha College of Real Estate	10/13/2006	15
Fundamentals of Real Estate AppraisalAlpha College of Real Estate	09/29/2006	45
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal PracticeAlpha College of Real Estate	08/24/2006	15

Dates follow my McKissock account or original licensing certificates; one-day differences between records are counted once. Hours reflect education, not work experience. ANSI courses are continuing education, not a separate ANSI-issued certification.

Private residential appraisal services

How I Can Help

View all appraisal services · What a residential appraiser does

Published analysis

Local Market Commentary

I wrote about the potential effects of Portsmouth’s Rivers Casino on local real estate. The article was distributed as a press release through EIN Presswire.

Read my Rivers Casino market analysis

Local areas I serve

Hampton Roads & the Peninsula

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