Residential appraisals · Hampton Roads, Virginia
Need to know what your home was worth on a past date?
A retrospective home appraisal provides a supported opinion of value as of a specified date in the past. It can help with an estate, a divorce, or another matter that calls for a historical property value. Read about using a historical report for another purpose before assuming its value opinion answers a current decision.
Joseph T Ellington Jr, a Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser, will discuss the effective date, intended use, available records, and the scope of the assignment with you.
The date makes the difference
What is a retrospective home appraisal?
It is an appraisal prepared now that develops an opinion of value for an earlier effective date. For example, a report completed today might address what a home was worth on the date an owner died several years ago.
Joe evaluates the property as it existed on that date and considers market evidence relevant to that period. A later renovation or a change in today’s market does not automatically describe the home’s value back then. For a present-day value before selling, see our pre-listing appraisal service.
Common reasons to request one
When is a past-date value useful?
The right date and type of value depend on the decision you need to make. Tell us who will use the report before we begin.
Estate or inheritance
An executor or family may need an opinion of the home’s value as of the owner’s date of death. Learn more about estate appraisals.
Divorce or property division
A past valuation date may be requested when documenting the value of a home at a particular point in a case. See our divorce appraisal service.
Other historical questions
Some tax, insurance, or property disputes involve a specific past date. Discuss the required date, intended user, and report requirements with your advisor and with Joe.
How the work is done
How Joe develops a past-date value
Confirm the date and purpose
Share the address, requested effective date, intended use and user, and any deadline. Joe will discuss the scope, available information, and a quote.
Reconstruct the property and market
Joe reviews available property records, photographs, permits, and sales from the relevant period. The inspection and research approach depends on the assignment.
Receive a written appraisal
The report identifies the effective date and describes the property, data, analysis, and supported opinion of value for that date.
What to gather
Records that can help us look back
You do not need every item below. Share what you have and tell Joe if the home has changed since the effective date.
- The property address and the exact date for which a value is needed.
- Photos, listings, or inspection reports showing the home near that date.
- Dates and details of renovations, additions, major repairs, or damage.
- Permits, surveys, plans, or other available property records.
- The name of the intended user and any requirements provided by an attorney, accountant, insurer, or other requester.
Have questions about property details? Read our article on how appraisers use comparable sales.
Answers before you get started
Retrospective appraisal FAQs
Can you appraise a home as of a date several years ago?
Often, yes. Feasibility depends on the property, the date, and the historical information available. Tell us the date and address so Joe can discuss the assignment.
Does Joe inspect the house today?
He will discuss the appropriate scope of work for your assignment. A current inspection can document what exists now, but records and other evidence may also be needed to determine what the home was like on the past effective date.
What if the home was renovated or damaged after that date?
Tell us what changed and when. Photos, permits, contractor invoices, and other records can help distinguish the home’s earlier condition from its condition today.
Is a retrospective appraisal the same as today’s market value?
No. It addresses a specified past date using property information and market evidence relevant to that date. If you also need a current value, ask whether a separate assignment would be appropriate.
Who decides which date the appraisal should use?
The date comes from the purpose of the assignment. An estate representative, attorney, accountant, or other intended user may specify it. If you are unsure, confirm the date and reporting requirements with the person requesting the appraisal.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Fees and timing vary with the property, the age of the effective date, available records, and the required report. Send Joe the address and requested date for a quote.
Explore related services
Find the appraisal that fits your situation
Estate appraisal
Need a date-of-death value or a value for another estate purpose? Explore estate appraisals.
Divorce appraisal
Need an impartial residential value opinion for a property division matter? Explore divorce appraisals.
Current home value
Planning a sale and need a present-day value? Explore pre-listing appraisals.
See all appraisal services, meet Joe Ellington, or browse the home appraisal blog.
Retrospective home appraisals across Hampton Roads
Capital Valuations serves clients in Hampton Roads and the Peninsula. Find information about appraisal services in your city:
Virginia Beach Norfolk Chesapeake Portsmouth Suffolk Hampton Newport News York County Williamsburg Poquoson
Watch the video
More about retrospective home appraisals
Watch the video featured on our original retrospective appraisal page.
Start with the date
Tell Joe which past value you need.
Send the property address, effective date, intended use, and any deadline. Joe will discuss the available information and provide a quote for the appropriate assignment.