Two recent industry publications show that home improvement contractors are still struggling to find acceptable consumer financing options for their clients. The lingering after-effects of the housing market and financial collapse several years ago have led to some sources – like home equity loans – drying up.
In its recent article “Back on Solid Ground,” Qualified Remodeler magazine interviews one industry expert who says “Home values are low, meaning less or no equity for customers. … This means that a large segment of our market does not have the ability to borrow against the equity in their home to make improvements.” Another expert notes: “The one major issue that has been a direct reflection of the recession is the lack of financial funding to the consumer for home improvement projects. The consumer with a high credit score still has the ability to get financing for home improvement projects, but the consumer with a credit score between 600 to 660 is questionable due to the recession.”
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) asked contractors their opinion on financing in its 3rd quarter review of market conditions. Most contractors surveyed placed finding financing for homeowners in the “neutral to difficult” range, with only 30% saying it was easy or very easy for clients to secure the needed funded. The survey also indicated that banks or credit unions were the top choice among those contractors who arranged financing.
THERE’S NO NEED TO STRUGGLE OR TO LOSE JOBS DUE TO LACK OF FINANCING
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While it is true that some things have changed as a result of the recession, flexible financing programs for prime, near-prime and subprime borrowers are still available. Foundation Finance Company’s home improvement financing programs for contractors offer a wide range of terms, rates and promotional programs (like same-as-cash) designed to give dealers the flexibility to meet their customers’ needs.
And we’re not strictly a FICO-only lender. We look at the full picture on each application, understanding that some people faced tough times in the recession or with foreclosures and bankruptcies. Our underwriters are trained to find ways to give as many approvals as we can and to show you how secondary programs can help you close more sales.
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Request your free dealer enrollment kit HERE today … and stop struggling with financing disappointments. Our programs will help you close more sales with less hassle and build your bottom line while serving your customer base.
Read more about NARI’s findings here: https://blog.nari.org/2014/11/17/homeowner-financing-of-projects/
Read the full Qualified Remodeler article here: http://www.forresidentialpros.com/article/11564503/back-on-solid-ground
Foundation Finance Company is one of the leading specialty home improvement financing lenders in the country. Our programs have helped thousands of customers nationwide afford the home improvements they desire.
