For decades, the home has been the centerpiece of family life and the American dream.  Now more than ever, it'salso a critical piece of a well-conceived personal investment portfolio.

Gary Christafano can attest to both.

With more than 12 years of experience in all aspects of the mortgage lending industry as well as certification as a mortgage planning specialist, Gary knows the lending process is more than just an interest rate on a loan. As coowner and president of Lending Consultants, LLC, he helps clients make good lending decisions. He helps them build a sound, comprehensive mortgage plan that considers their current financial picture and future goals to preserve and create financial security.

With a wife and three-year-old son, Gary knows the peace of mind such a plan can bring.

Helping clients achieve peace of mind is largely why he obtained the certified mortgage planning specialist credential (CMPS). CMPS is a training, examination, certification and ongoing membership program for financial professionals who provide mortgage and real estate equity advice. It ensures competence in financial markets and interest rate analysis; cash flow and debt analysis; real estate equity management; real estate investment planning; and mortgage and real estate taxation concepts. The credential also mandates following a Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.

Through Lending Consultants, LLC, Gary is transcending the traditional role of mortgage broker or loan officer to become a trusted financial and mortgage planning consultant to his clients. His broad experience as a loan officer, sales manager and operations manager have given him the technical expertise to navigate the complex mortgage lending industry. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown with a Bachelors degree in Finance, Gary held progressively more responsible positions at Towne and Country Mortgage, The Money Store, CFS Home Loans, Wells Fargo/First Commonwealth Bank and First Option Financial prior to co-founding Lending Consultants, LLC.

Gary is also a member of the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.

Do you realize that your mortgage has a performance record?  It is either contributing to or detracting from your goals. It is either accelerating or reducing the speed at which you will reach your financial targets.

So why is it that most people simply view their home loan as if it were a financial obligation rather than a financial instrument?

One of the reasons is that the mortgage industry has lacked the proper tools and training to give you the information you need. That is, until now.

To better serve my clients, I have invested in training, proprietary tools and technology to deliver a unique set of services. The Personalized Mortgage Plan, the Rate Watch, and the Annual Equity Review will empower you as my client to integrate your mortgage into your financial plan. As a result, you can be confident that your mortgage doesn't inhibit the pace at which you can reach your goals.

The Personalized Mortgage Plan enables you to make the best financing choice by assessing every component of each loan option over a period of time. By understanding the total cost and total benefits, you will have full knowledge to make the best decision.

The Rate Watch Review offers you the opportunity to monitor the performance of your mortgage on an ongoing basis. You will have the information you need to determine if the changes in your life or in market conditions warrant fine tuning of your mortgage instrument.

The Annual Equity Review Service takes an in-depth look at your complete equity and debt positions, providing you with the information you need to make informed, mature, and timely decisions that will optimize your equity for short- and long-term planning.

By choosing to use me as your Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, you will benefit from each of these core services as well as our exceptional level of execution.