Companies that wish to have their Web site included in the Top Sites directory may register for free at http://topsites.hvacloan.com. Searchers of the directory choose the category they are interested in and are then presented with the most popular sites within. After visiting a Web site in the Top Sites directory, searchers may provide feedback on the site and rank it using a simple 1 to 5 ranking.

By accessing http://community.hvacloan.com, industry members and homeowners may join and participate in the new message board. Forums include discussions on residential and commercial HVAC, plumbing, codes and regulations, business management, ownership and marketing, a dedicated forum for homeowners, and a place for companies to announce their news, achievements, milestones, or special offers.

"While HVACloan.com is already the leading online destination for homeowners seeking financial opportunities for their home comfort upgrade, we wanted to build a community that encourages participation by both homeowners and the professionals serving them," said Jesse Barron, chief executive officer of Loan Liaison. "Although there are substantial costs involved in providing resources of this magnitude without charge, we feel as though it will benefit the industries, thereby making it a wise investment."

Publication date: 02/09/2004