Congratulations!

You are now the proud owner of the home of your dreams. You have worked hard to save money, find the right neighborhood, the right real estate broker, the right house, the right lender, and the right closing agent. Now it is time to think about how to protect your investment in your home.

There are some questions you should be asking yourself. For example:

· How should the house be maintained?

· How do the repairs get done?

· How will you pay for major repairs?

· What are the safety issues that need to be addressed?

· How do you relate to the new neighbors?

· What ways are there to make the house more energy efficient?

· What insurance coverage is necessary?

· Is refinancing a way to reduce mortgage payments?

· What should be done if it's not possible to make mortgage payments?