By Joseph T Ellington Jr – Licensed Residential Appraiser, Capital Valuations. Updated September 2026.
Residential appraisal services: identify the value problem first
Capital Valuations performs residential appraisal assignments in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, York County, Williamsburg and Poquoson. The service begins with a defined client, intended use, property interest, effective date and scope of work. Joe Ellington holds a Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser credential; the property and assignment must fit that credential and our availability.
| Use | Important question | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-listing | What is the as-is market value before marketing? | Seller guide |
| Estate | Which past or present effective date is needed? | Probate overview |
| Divorce | Who is the client and what property interest is analyzed? | Local divorce guide |
| Cash purchase | What decision should an independent report inform? | Cash sale guide |
| PMI inquiry | What valuation will the servicer accept? | PMI guide |
Inspection and report scope
We discuss whether the property needs an interior inspection, an exterior or other appropriate scope, and any access limitations. A retrospective assignment requires research into condition and sales around the past date. A completion or review assignment has different requirements from a new market-value appraisal. An appraisal is not a home inspection, survey, title opinion, or promise that a lender will adopt a private report.
What a good inquiry includes
- Full address and property type.
- Client and intended users, purpose and date.
- Recent renovations or unusual features.
- Availability for access and deadline.
Ask for a property-specific fee and engagement terms. Court testimony is not part of our routine appraisal service; tell us before ordering if legal testimony is anticipated. We do not claim FHA or VA panel participation. See our hiring checklist and contact Capital Valuations to discuss the assignment.
