This holiday season, stock up on...light bulbs?

That's right, get your incandescent light bulbs before they are all gone. The original ban set to go in force on 1/1/2012 on incandescent bulbs is now being pushed back to September of 2012. Energy efficient bulbs such as the Compact Fluorescent Light and Light-Emitting Diode, are the future as exceptional energy saving devices. But which is better?
The CFLs inability to work with a dimmer switch and the presence of mercury within the light is considered by many - a big let down. Light-Emitting Diode , or LED lights work well with dimmers and the overall environmental impact is much less than that of the CFL as stated by Dustin Behounek (Owner of The Electric Edge, LLC.(www.electricedge.net)). The cost of LEDs in today's marketplace is a bit on the high side though. A 40 watt equivalent LED is about $12, whereas a CFL version is under $5. However, the LED has a lifespan over 25,000 hours and the CFL is expected to last a minimum of 6,000 hours. So in that respect, the LED is a cost savings! Not to mention, LEDs make for excellent holiday lights (you have seen them as the most brilliant in the neighborhood, but may not have known they were LEDs).
Whichever light you pick, I wish you the best for happy holiday season and a prosperous 2012!

Politicians Speak Out!

House Representative Bill Posey R-Florida said this week that qualifying for a mortgage today is more difficult than it should be. Well, as we used to say as kids- "no shit Sherlock!" Today's mortgage underwriting guidelines are out of sync with our economy. It is very positive news that policy makers are coming out and stating that mortgage guidelines are antiquated. This is the first step in our housing market grabbing a foothold again. Borrowing for consumers is not an option. Our modern economy is built on debt and working with debt to increase wealth. Not everyone is entitled to a loan, but everyone shouldn't be shut out either...at least that is what this Brown Trout told me as I released him to the water...? Politicans Speak Out.

First American Mortgage, LLC.

Making the big announcement today at BNI was great. A new company to add to the group with a wealth of knowledge in lending. The primary benefit to the company will be lower costs and lower interest rates to the consumer. In today's age of nickle and dime and fees everywhere you turn, this will be a REDUCTION in costs (and no, it is not made in China). Thanks for your support!
BP

Had a wonderful time this past weekend in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My first wild Rainbow from a stream or river! She smiled at me as I released her back to her river.

Mt. Rushmore was a sight to behold. To think mankind was so bold just eighty years ago to carve into the mountains. Such a thing would never be allowed today.

First Blog

Winter is knocking! It seems like ski season just ended and here we are, waxing up again. Check out my website www.bradwpeterson.com .

I will be leaving Waterstone shortly and am working on a very exciting project. Back to the Future!

Cheers,
BP