Financing a home improvement project can feel a lot like planning a road trip. You know where you want to go—a more beautiful, functional home—but the route to get there isn’t always clear.
At Joyce Windows, Sunrooms & Baths, we understand that financing can be one of the biggest concerns for homeowners, so we’ve built a streamlined process to make it as easy as possible, no matter your financial situation.
In this article, we'll walk you through the process step by step, clearing up any confusion and helping you feel more confident about your decision. By the end, you'll have an understanding of your options, making financing feel like a manageable and beneficial step toward improving your home.
Your First and Finest Route: Service Finance
Think of Service Finance as your expressway. It’s our first and finest lending partner, backed by Truist Bank, the eighth-largest bank in America. This lender specializes in home improvement financing with no home equity or appraisals required. Approvals can happen at your appointment in as little as 30 seconds to 5 minutes. For customers with strong credit, Service Finance offers some of the best rates and financing options available, including same-as-cash promotions and low-interest equal-payment plans.
For those who have solid credit histories, this is often the smoothest route to financing. You get to choose between spreading payments over time or utilizing interest-free promotions. This means that if you have the cash but prefer to keep it in savings, you can opt for a plan that allows you to pay over 12 to 24 months without added interest.
However, because Service Finance offers some of the best terms, they are selective. If your application doesn’t meet their criteria, don’t worry—your journey isn’t over.
The Alternate Route: Synchrony
If Service Finance is the expressway, Synchrony is the scenic highway—another strong, reliable option but with a slightly different structure. Synchrony is well-known for providing credit lines for companies like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and even Disney. Instead of a fixed loan, Synchrony operates as a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card.
With Synchrony, customers receive an actual physical card, but it can only be used for home improvement projects. This flexibility allows homeowners to use the available credit for additional projects later. For example, if you apply for financing to install a door and are approved for a $15,000 credit line, you might initially only use $4,000. The remaining balance is there for future projects, whether it’s new windows, a sunroom, or a bath remodel.
When More Flexibility Is Needed: Second Look Financing
Sometimes, a road trip requires a few detours. If a homeowner isn’t approved by either Service Finance or Synchrony, Joyce offers a “Second Look” financing program. In this case, our team takes a closer look at your application and works with a network of lenders to find a solution tailored to your financial situation.
All of our Second Look lenders perform a soft credit pull during the application process, which means your credit won’t be impacted while we explore your financing options. Once you’re approved and ready to move forward, the lender will then complete a hard inquiry. This ensures you have peace of mind knowing your financing is secured before any impact on your credit score occurs.
These lenders specialize in near-prime financing, offering approvals for credit scores sometimes as low as 545-550. While the rates might be slightly higher, these options are still significantly better than using a traditional credit card with steep interest rates. The key here is finding a comfortable monthly payment that fits within your budget, ensuring you can move forward with your project without financial strain.
What to Expect During the Financing Process
No matter which route you take, the process is designed to be quick and hassle-free. During your in-home consultation, your Joyce representative will walk you through the financing options and submit your application on the spot. All you need to provide is some basic information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver’s license, phone number, email, and property address. There’s no proof of income required at this time—just an estimate of your monthly or annual gross income.
For those who are not immediately approved, our finance team steps in to explore the best possible alternative. We process second-look applications as quickly as possible—often within a single business day—so you’re not left waiting.
Why Credit Matters—Even Beyond Financing
Think of your credit score like the engine of your car taking you on this road trip. A strong, well-maintained credit history can take you farther with lower costs, while a weaker credit profile may require some extra tuning.
For example, two neighbors in identical homes with the same cars and similar lifestyles can end up paying drastically different amounts for home insurance simply due to differences in their credit scores. That’s why it’s always beneficial to build and maintain good credit, even if you’re approved for financing today.
While we don’t currently offer a standardized credit improvement guide, our team is always available to provide insight and resources to help customers understand their credit and make informed financial decisions.
Your Road Trip to a Better Home Starts Here
Financing a home improvement project may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information and guidance, it becomes a smooth and stress-free process. By understanding your options and working with a trusted partner, you can confidently move forward with your project, knowing you’re making the best financial decision for your home and budget.
At Joyce, we’ve been helping homeowners navigate the highway of financing for 70 years. Since 1955, we’ve guided families just like yours through the process, ensuring they get the best possible terms while making their dream home a reality. Our expertise and long-standing relationships with top lenders mean we can offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs.
No matter where you are in your home improvement journey, our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence. Your dream home is within reach, and with the right financing, it’s closer than you think.
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