Residential appraisal reviews · Hampton Roads
Questions about a home appraisal? Get the work examined.
If a report contains a property detail you question, a comparable sale you do not understand, or a value conclusion you want explained, an appraisal review can examine the quality of the original work.
Joseph T Ellington Jr, a Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser, will discuss the report, your specific concerns, intended use, and the appropriate review scope before accepting an assignment.
Understand the service
What does an appraisal review examine?
A review evaluates the quality of another appraiser’s work for an agreed purpose. It does not automatically produce a new value or mean that the original conclusion was wrong.
Property information
Are important details such as size, condition, location, or improvements described and supported? Bring records if you think a fact is missing.
Comparable sales
Does the report explain why the sales were selected and how differences from the subject property were addressed?
Analysis and conclusions
Are the methods, assumptions, effective date, and final conclusions supported by the information presented?
Choose the right assignment
Review, new appraisal, or lender reconsideration?
Review: You need an opinion about the quality of an existing appraisal. If you also need an independent value opinion, discuss that separately so the scope and fee are clear.
New appraisal: You need a fresh property value for a defined purpose. Explore our residential appraisal services.
Lender appraisal question: If a mortgage lender ordered the appraisal, ask that lender about its reconsideration of value process. A private review does not automatically change the lender’s report. Read our guide to reconsiderations of value or the CFPB’s explanation of the process.
What happens next
How an appraisal review starts
1. Share the report
Provide the complete appraisal if you have the right to share it, the property address, the reason for the review, and your specific questions.
2. Define the scope
Joe discusses the intended user, deadlines, available information, and whether the requested work is a review or a separate appraisal.
3. Receive the findings
The review communicates its conclusions within the agreed scope. It may identify issues or find that the original work is supported.
Bring useful evidence
What should you send with the appraisal?
A specific, documented question is more helpful than a request for a different number.
- The entire appraisal report and its effective date.
- Property records, permits, surveys, or photos relevant to a possible factual error.
- Comparable sales you want considered, with addresses and sale dates if available.
- The deadline and who will use the review.
For background on sales evidence, read how appraisers use comparable properties.
Common questions
Appraisal review FAQs
Will a review tell me the “correct” home value?
A review evaluates the original appraisal within its agreed scope. A separate opinion of value may be possible if it is specifically requested and included in the assignment. Discuss what you need before ordering.
Will a review guarantee a higher appraisal?
No. The reviewer may agree with the original work, identify issues, or reach a different conclusion within the scope of the review. Results cannot be promised in advance.
Does Joe need to inspect the home?
It depends on the question and the agreed scope of work. Some reviews focus on the report and available records; others may need more research or property information. Joe will discuss this before providing a quote.
Can I use a private review to change my lender’s appraisal?
Your lender controls its own appraisal and reconsideration process. Ask the lender what evidence it accepts and how to submit it. A private review may help you understand the report, but lender acceptance is not guaranteed.
Can you review an appraisal used for an estate or divorce?
Possibly. Share the report’s purpose, effective date, and your questions. Joe can discuss whether a review, a past-date appraisal, or another assignment addresses them.
How much does a review cost and how long does it take?
That depends on the report, scope, available information, and deadline. Contact Joe with the report and your questions for a quote.
Related services
Need a new value for a different purpose?
Buying a home
For an independent value opinion before a purchase, explore our purchase appraisal service.
Preparing to sell
For a current value opinion before listing, see our pre-listing appraisals.
Past-date value
For an estate or another matter needing an earlier date, see our retrospective appraisals.
Browse all appraisal services, meet Joe Ellington, or visit our appraisal blog.
Appraisal review services across Hampton Roads
Capital Valuations serves residential clients in Hampton Roads and the Peninsula. Explore appraisal services in your area:
Virginia Beach Norfolk Chesapeake Portsmouth Suffolk Hampton Newport News York County Williamsburg Poquoson
Watch the video
Appraisal review video
Here is the video from our original appraisal review page.
Start with the report
Tell Joe what you want reviewed.
Send the appraisal, property address, your specific questions, the intended use, and your deadline. Joe will discuss the appropriate scope and provide a quote.
