“How much can I get pre-approved for?” is almost always a loaded question. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your financial goals. If your goal is to pay off your home quickly, perhaps a 15-year loan is what you want. Making the same payments on a 30-year loan will allow you to borrow more money, and therefore buy more house.

The real question is not, “How much money can you approve me for?” You should be asking, “What payment am I comfortable with?” As a loan officer, I can frequently pre-approve you for a higher payment than you are comfortable with.

After a home or business fire, the first priority is to account for the safety and well-being of those in and around the structure. Once that job is complete, peoples’ thoughts often turn to the work of cleanup and restoration that lies ahead.

When an insurance agent or adjuster receives notification of a fire and smoke loss, sharing a few simple damage mitigation steps with policy holders can be a terrific benefit. While these tips are not designed to complete the entire job, they are useful, safe and psychologically empowering steps a home or business owner can take to safeguard their property while restoration professionals are en route.

No, this is not an article on financial planning, but this is certainly an issue that could affect your financial well-being.

Your home comfort system is a big investment, no question about it. If you take care of this investment, it will take care of you - over a longer equipment life that is spent operating efficiently, saving you energy dollars and keeping you comfortable. Not a bad result for routine maintenance.

This is an unprecedented time in the history of American homeownership. “What’s so hot about it?” you may ask.

1. Home prices. According to the Schiller Housing Index (Composite 10 index), home prices peaked in March 2007, and are at the same price levels as in July of 2003. The consumer price index has risen 24% since 2003, which translates into a great bargain when buying a home!