Adding value in appraising comes from customer service and attention to detail.  There are tons of appraisers out there that don’t care and do a sloppy job.  I spent time as a flyer in the Navy and it was ground into us about paying attention to detail because someone’s life depended upon it.  I bring that type of attention to detail to my appraising.  I spend more time than an “average” appraiser inspecting and writing my reports.  I proof-read my reports, usually two or three times.  Sounds simple, but you’d be amazed at how many reports from other appraisers I review that I find numerous spelling errors, incorrect adjustments on the sales grid (positive when they should be negative, etc.), incorrect dates, etc.  I have a 99.99% pass rate with underwriters.  It’s very unusual for me to get a condition from an underwriter due to an error on my report.  I pay attention to detail when I’m inspecting a house as well.  Attention to detail when it comes to customer service means not dropping the ball.  I always answer my phone and on the rare occasion I can’t, I return calls as quickly as possible.  I am never late with reports, ever.  I fully understand that what I am doing fundamentally affects people’s lives and take the responsibility of that very seriously.   I also add value in that I’m constantly training myself.  I take appraisal classes and seminars several times a year staying up on the latest topics and technologies.  I also have a pool of highly skilled and experienced appraiser ex-managers and peers from World Savings and Wachovia that I speak with on a regular basis to bounce ideas off and to discuss the difficult assignments with.