“We use a powerful automated underwriting system to approve home- improvement loan applications so quickly,’’ said DFS Mortgage Services CEO Steve Bernal.

DFS provides an independent contractor reference check and a contract advocacy review free of charge on request for its customers.

RemodelingCash.com offers educational remodeling information, helpful tips and the largest selection of home-improvement loans on the Internet. Customers are offered a free remodeling book with suggestions on hiring a contractor, scams to avoid and links to other remodeling Web sites.

Headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif., DFS is a mortgage-banking firm that has been providing home-improvement financing since 1982.