Lease-to-Own: Helping Contractors Reach Underserved Homeowners

At Microf, we believe comfort shouldn’t depend on credit. Every day, contractors meet homeowners who need new HVAC systems or water heaters but can’t qualify for traditional financing. That moment — when the estimate is ready but the approval falls through — is where Microf’s Lease-to-Own (LTO) program changes everything.

An Untapped Market of 100+ Million Consumers

According to Furniture Today, more than 106 million Americans fall into underserved credit segments — including those with thin credit files, non-prime scores, or no score at all. That’s 57 million non-prime, 28 million credit-invisible, and 22 million unscoreable consumers — families who often can’t access the financing needed for essential home systems.

These aren’t luxury shoppers — they’re hardworking homeowners who simply need comfort restored: heat in the winter, cool air in the summer, and hot water when it matters most.

How Lease-to-Own Opens the Door

The Lease-to-Own model allows contractors to serve these customers quickly and confidently. With Microf, homeowners can apply online in minutes, verify income and bank information, and choose a payment option that fits their budget.

Once approved, you install the equipment as usual — and get paid quickly, often within 24–48 hours of completion. The customer enjoys immediate comfort, and at the end of their term, they will own the equipment outright after making all of the payments necessary to obtain ownership (or even earlier through our Early Purchase Option).

Why Contractors Choose Microf

• $0 Contractor Fees — You get paid in full without hidden charges.
• Fast Approvals & Funding — Real-time decisions mean fewer lost deals.
• Simple Application Process — Easy for both your team and the homeowner.
• Water Heater Sales Eligible — Expand your revenue with every service call.
• Dedicated Support Team — We work with you from start to finish.

Contractors using Lease-to-Own see higher close rates, bigger average job sizes, and happier customers — because Microf can say yes when lenders say no.

Why It Matters Now

Even as inflation and credit tightening make traditional financing harder, the demand for essential home improvements hasn’t slowed down. Homeowners still need HVAC systems and water heaters replaced fast — and Lease-to-Own gives them a practical, transparent path to do it.

By meeting this need, you not only grow your business but also help bridge a financial gap for millions of Americans who’ve been left behind by traditional credit systems.