Why Offer Financing for Your Home Improvement Customers

Home Improvement Financing
February 1, 2023

As a business owner, you want to provide the best products and services to your customers while also ensuring that your business stays profitable. One way to achieve this is by offering financing solutions to your customers. By providing financing options, you can make your products and services more affordable and accessible to a wider range of customers.

What is Home Improvement Financing & How Does it Work?

Home improvement customer financing is a financing option that allows homeowners to finance home improvement projects. It works by providing homeowners with a loan or credit line that can be used to pay for the cost of the project. The loan is typically offered by a financing company or lender and is paid back over time with interest.

To qualify for home improvement financing, homeowners will typically need to have a good credit score and a stable income. They will also need to provide information about the project they want to finance, such as the estimated cost and the contractor they plan to use.

Home improvement financing can be used to pay for a variety of home improvement projects, such as kitchen or bathroom remodels, roof repairs, or new windows. It allows homeowners to make improvements to their home without having to pay for the entire cost upfront.

Different Types of Home Improvement Loans

There are several different types of home improvement customer loans available to homeowners. Here are a few of the most common types:

Personal loans: Personal loans are unsecured loans that can be used for a variety of purposes, including home improvement projects. They typically have fixed interest rates and repayment terms.

Home equity loans: Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow money against the equity they have built up in their home. These loans typically have fixed interest rates and repayment terms.

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): HELOCs are similar to home equity loans, but they are revolving lines of credit that can be used for multiple home improvement projects over time. They typically have variable interest rates and repayment terms.

FHA title 1 loans: These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and are designed specifically for home improvement projects. They can be used for both large and small projects and do not require any equity in the home.

Retailer financing: Some contractors offer point of sale financing options to their customers directly. These loans may have different terms and interest rates than traditional loans, so it's important to review the details carefully before accepting.

What is Point of Sale Financing?

Point of sale financing for home improvement refers to a financing option that allows homeowners to pay for home improvement projects at the time of purchase, often at a retail store or home improvement center. With point of sale financing, homeowners can apply for and receive financing on the spot, allowing them to pay for the project in installments over time.

Consider Offering Financing Options to Your Clients

Home improvement projects can be expensive and sometimes arise unexpectedly. This can leave homeowners facing the dilemma of how to pay for the upgrades they need. If you're a home improvement contractor, offering financing options to your clients could help you close more deals and increase customer satisfaction. Here are three reasons why you should consider offering financing.

Increased Sales

By offering financing, you can make home improvement projects more accessible to a wider range of customers. Homeowners who are hesitant to commit to a large expense may be more likely to move forward with the project if they are given the option to break up the cost into affordable monthly payments instead of paying the full cost in just one or two payments. This increased accessibility can lead to more sales and help grow your business.

Competitive Advantage

Not all home improvement contractors offer financing options to their clients. By offering this service, you can set yourself apart from the competition. While there are many solutions to choose from, a platform that supports multiple lenders through one online application can speed up the approval process, provide homeowners with more options, and increase approvals by working with lenders who serve consumers of all credit profiles. A multi-lender platform eliminates the hassle of submitting multiple applications and allows you to close deals faster. Ultimately allowing you to schedule projects quickly and increase cash flow.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

Home improvement projects can be stressful, especially it there is the additional worry about how to pay for the work. By offering financing options, you can ease the financial burden on homeowners and boost their confidence in their investment. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction, trust in your business, and growth of a satisfied client base, attracting positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Increased Average Order Value

Financing options can also help increase the average order value of each customer. When customers have the option to finance a larger purchase, they may be more likely to purchase additional products or services at the same time.

Flexibility

Offering financing options can provide customers with more flexibility when making a purchase. They can choose the financing option that works best for their budget and needs, which can lead to a more positive overall experience with your business.

The Benefits of Choosing a Professional Financing Company Over Traditional Lending Institutions

You may be wondering whether to work with a professional financing company or a traditional lending institution. Here are a few benefits of choosing a professional financing company:

Specialized expertise: Professional financing companies specialize in providing financing solutions to businesses and have specific expertise in this area. They understand the unique needs and challenges that businesses face when offering financing options and can provide tailored solutions to meet these needs.

Faster approval process: Professional financing companies often have a faster approval process than traditional lending institutions. They can make decisions more quickly and provide funding faster, which can be crucial for businesses that need to move quickly.

More flexible terms: Professional financing companies often offer more flexible terms than traditional lending institutions. They can provide customized solutions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of your business and your customers.

Streamlined application process: Working with a professional financing company can make the application process for your customers much easier. They can provide an online application process that is fast, easy, and user-friendly, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction.

Summary

Offering financing solutions to your customers can provide numerous benefits to your business. By providing financing options, you can increase sales, attract more customers, and build customer loyalty. It can also help you stand out from your competitors and provide a competitive advantage in the market.

Working with a professional financing company can provide additional benefits such as specialized expertise, faster approval process, more flexible terms, and a streamlined application process. This can make the financing process easier and more accessible for your customers, leading to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Overall, offering financing solutions is a smart business strategy that can benefit both you and your customers. If you have not already considered offering financing options, it may be worth exploring this option to see if it is the right fit for your business.