Manufactured Home Appraisal: Identification, Comparables, and Value
Learn how manufactured-home identification, comparable sales, condition, and lender requirements affect an appraisal, with insight from Joe Ellington.
Virginia Beach Appraisal Blog: 2026
Explore home appraisal articles published in 2026, with practical guidance on property value, renovations, selling, estates, and homeowner decisions in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.
By Joe Ellington, Licensed Residential Appraiser at Capital Valuations.
Articles appear newest first by their original publication date. Some guides have been updated since publication; dated market reports are historical reading.
Browse by year: 2026 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022
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Will an Appraiser Report Unpermitted Work?
Joe Ellington explains how unpermitted work can affect an appraisal, what may prompt permit research, and how reporting differs from a city complaint.
FHA Appraisal Requirements: What Homeowners Should Expect
Understand FHA appraisal requirements, common property concerns, repair follow-up, and how an FHA appraisal differs from a home inspection.
Gifting a House to a Family Member: When an Appraisal Helps
Gifting a house to a family member? Joe Ellington explains when an appraisal helps, why the value date matters, and what to discuss with your adviser.
Prenuptial Agreement for a House: When a Home Appraisal Can Help
A home appraisal can document value for a prenuptial agreement as of a chosen date. See what it covers, what it cannot decide, and when a retrospective appraisal may help.
Drive-By Appraisal: What Can an Appraiser Tell Without Going Inside?
A drive-by appraisal needs reliable interior information. Joe Ellington explains how MLS photos and homeowner details help, when assumptions may apply, and the limits of exterior-only work.
Price Per Square Foot: Can It Tell You What Your Home Is Worth?
A home’s price per square foot spreads the entire property’s sale price across its living area. Joe Ellington explains why that differs from the value of extra space—and how the
Functional Obsolescence: How an Awkward Floor Plan Affects Home Value
An awkward bedroom–bathroom–bedroom layout affected the value of a home I appraised. Here’s how historical sales and matched pairs supported an adjustment—and why fixing a layout needs its own analysis.
Appraisal Waiver: Should You Still Get a Home Appraisal?
An appraisal waiver can save time and fees, but does it answer your questions about value? A Virginia appraiser explains the risks and why condition matters.
Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value? Owned vs. Leased
Prepare solar ownership, financing and system records for an appraisal. Joe Ellington explains payoff questions and finding solar comparable sales in Virginia Beach.
How Is a Home With an In-Law Suite or Accessory Apartment Appraised?
An in-law suite’s value depends on its layout, access, facilities, and market evidence. Joe Ellington explains his approach using a room-over-the-garage example.
Does Being in a Flood Zone Affect Home Value?
Does a flood zone affect home value? Joe Ellington explains how he uses flood maps and same-zone comparable sales to look for market support.
Waterfront, Water View, or Shared Dock: Which Rights Are Being Appraised?
Water view, frontage and shared dock rights are different appraisal features. Gather the documents that establish access, practical use and what would convey.
Why Is My Home’s Insurance Replacement Cost Different From Its Appraised Value?
By Joseph T. Ellington Jr. — Licensed Residential Appraiser · Capital Valuations Your home’s insurance replacement-cost estimate and its appraised market value can differ because they answer different questions. Replacement
How to Appeal a Property Tax Assessment in Hampton Roads
A practical homeowner guide to checking your assessment, gathering evidence, filing an appeal and finding the right local office in Hampton Roads.
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