With a sharp vision of current trends and challenges, Jennifer offers invaluable insights into how homeowners and contractors are navigating the world of financing in 2025.
The State of Home Improvement in 2025
Today’s projects are less about dreamy renovations and more focused on practicality and impact on daily life. Despite this trend, there remains a strong appetite among contractors to meet homeowners' needs while simplifying their processes through technology and digital tools. Companies embracing tech integration and financing options are thriving, echoing lessons learned from the Great Recession of 2008-2009.
The Role of Financing
Financing isn't just a payment method—it's an essential tool for empowering homeowners and contractors alike. Financing has become an expected option for consumers. Unlike the past, it’s no longer about mere affordability but maximizing budget potential. Companies excelling in the field are integrating financing discussions early in their sales processes, leading to larger projects and lower cancellation rates.
Educating Homeowners and Contractors
With more homeowners doing their research, it’s crucial for contractors to present financing options transparently. Establishing a normalized process within firms, training teams to introduce financing as a standard part of the sales conversation, and offering limited, strategic financing plans is essential. The goal is to provide homeowners with confidence and clarity, avoiding the dreaded “fear, uncertainty, and doubt” (FUD) that can derail sales.
Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
Successful contractors finance 65% or more of their jobs, talk about monthly payments, and structure sales processes uniformly across their organizations. On the flip side, common mistakes include lacking a standardized procedure, introducing financing too late, and overwhelming choices leading to analysis paralysis. A strategic approach to sales empowers customers and ensures a seamless buying experience.
Financing as a Strategic Tool
Financing, when introduced early and strategically, acts as a catalyst rather than a crutch for closing sales. Contractors can facilitate smooth transactions, reducing customer stress and enhancing the buying experience. By incorporating financing options throughout the sales process, contractors not only make purchases feasible but also attract customers through a holistic, transparent approach.
Key Trends for Summer 2025
As the summer season peaks, speed and efficiency become indispensable. Homeowners prioritize quick project completion, and contractors must streamline processes to meet this demand. Companies harnessing digital tools for faster estimates, contracts, and approvals are poised to capture more business. A fast, confident service means not just winning a job but also securing invaluable referrals.
The future belongs to contractors who move fast, stay flexible, and lead with financing. That’s exactly what the 1LOOK™ platform was built for. From real-time approvals and smart lender matching to streamlined workflows and consistent sales training, 1LOOK™ helps your team offer financing with confidence—every single time.