One thing I hear all the time — not just from homeowners, but from our own staff here at TLC — is this:
“Bob, you guys offer financing… but is it reasonable?”
That’s a fair question. Because let’s face it — financing is everywhere these days, and not all of it is good. Some of it feels like a trap. Hidden fees. Confusing fine print. Interest rates that make you wonder if you’ve wandered into a payday-loan office instead of a home-improvement program.
So let me give it to you straight — the way I’ve done for 42 years here in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties.
Yes — we offer financing. And yes — it’s actually reasonable.
We partnered with Slice® by FNBO, a reputable lender that specializes in home-improvement financing. They know what we do. They understand the kind of folks we serve. And they make it simple — no liens, no surprises, no gimmicks.
Whether you’re installing new deck or landscape lighting, upgrading your sprinkler system, or finally solving that yard drainage problem, TLC’s financing option is designed to help you move forward confidently — without turning your dream project into a financial headache.
Why Financing Can Actually Be a Smart Move
I always tell folks the same thing:
“Why not use someone else’s money?”
That line usually earns a laugh, but it’s true. With the right program, financing can be a smart financial strategy — not a burden.
With TLC’s Slice® financing, many homeowners qualify for 12 months with no payments and no interest. That means if you pay it off within that window, it doesn’t cost you a dime in interest. You’re simply using the bank’s money to get your project done sooner.
Think about it — you could have that lighting installed this fall, enjoy it all winter, and still have an entire year before you even make a payment. That’s what I call money-smart.
A Real-Life Example: Using Financing to Solve a Big Problem
A couple in Bowie called us last spring. They were trying to sell their home, but they had a big drainage problem. Every time it rained, their backyard turned into a swamp. Buyers were backing out. Lenders didn’t want to approve mortgages because of the condition. They were stuck.
So I told them: “Use our money.”
They applied through our financing program, were approved quickly, and we got to work fixing their drainage system. French drains, regrading, the works. The yard dried up beautifully. A few months later, they sold the house for more than they’d listed it at and paid off the financing with zero interest. It’s not just for luxury projects — it’s for real solutions to real problems.
What Makes TLC’s Financing Different
Here’s what sets our financing apart:
• No Lien Required — No home-equity complications.
• Fixed-Rate Loans — No balloon payments or rate jumps.
• Loans up to $150,000 — Works for small and large projects.
• Fast, Easy Application — Digital process, decisions in minutes.
• No Prepayment Penalties — Pay early, save money.
• Transparent, Upfront Terms — No hidden fees, ever.
What Projects Are Eligible?
Pretty much any TLC service that enhances your property qualifies for financing:
• Outdoor deck & landscape lighting
• Lawn sprinkler systems & upgrades
• Yard drainage systems (French drains, dry wells, grading)
• Pathway & security lighting
• Holiday & Christmas lighting installs
• Garage or basement makeovers through TLC Garage Works
• Combination projects — lighting + drainage, sprinklers + sod
A Few Real-World Scenarios
- Deck Lighting Project ($2,500): 12×16 deck, lights and transformer. Spread over 24 months ≈ $110/month or 0% for 12 months.
2. Sprinkler System + Lighting Combo ($8,500): Spread over 60 months ≈ $160–180/month.
3. Drainage Fix to Sell a Home ($6,000): No payments 12 months, paid off after sale.
4. Garage Makeover ($12,000): Spread over 84 months ≈ $175/month.
Why Homeowners Love This Option
Three main reasons:
1. It removes the ‘maybe someday’ barrier.
2. It protects your savings.
3. It lets you bundle multiple improvements.
It’s not about borrowing — it’s about managing improvements strategically.
What If You’re Not Sure Yet?
That’s totally fine. Financing isn’t for everyone. Here’s how we handle it:
1. Start with a conversation.
2. We’ll walk your property.
3. We’ll design the best solution.
4. Then we’ll talk options — no pressure, no tricks.
Common Questions Homeowners Ask Bob
- Will financing hurt my credit? — Soft check first, no impact until you proceed.
• Is there a minimum project size? — Typically $1,000 and up.
• Do I have to come into the office? — Nope, apply online in minutes.
• Can I pay early without penalties? — Absolutely.
• Can I finance multiple projects? — Yes, combine or separate as needed.
Bob’s Take: Why This Matters for Homeowners
I’ve been in this business more than four decades. The best time to improve your home is when you’re ready — not when your savings finally allow it. When financing helps you move forward without creating stress, it’s a tool — not a trap. It lets you care for your home and boost its value while paying comfortably over time.
Final Thoughts from Bob Carr
Life doesn’t wait. Neither do seasons, drainage issues, or dark walkways. If financing helps you take care of your property now — safely, affordably, and responsibly — that’s exactly what it’s for.
“Why not use someone else’s money when you can?”
It’s about leveraging a good opportunity to make your home safer, brighter, and more enjoyable today.
Visit our Financing Page or call 301-261-6731. We’ll walk you through everything and help you decide if it’s right for you.
TLC — Trusted, Local, Committed. Proudly serving Maryland homeowners since 1982.