The money question
The situation
"What's your rate?" "What's this cost me?" "When do I actually get paid?" Often in minute one, before you've said anything else.
What it actually means
Two fears in one sentence. "What's the rate" means: will the offer embarrass me in front of my customer? "What's it cost me" means: is this another subscription with a fuzzy return?
How it sounds
Just give me your rate.
Depends on the homeowner's credit and the program — that's the point of matching across a network instead of one rate card. I'm not going to guess numbers at you; the specialist walks the real sheet.
Are you asking because your current rates are costing you deals, or is it more the fees?
Do it with confidence, not apology. A rep who won't invent a number is a rep a contractor can believe.
- — Quote an APR, term, fee percentage, or payment. Not even "around."
- — This is the number-one place reps overpromise.
The three money questions, side by side
Never quote a fee percentage on a cold call.
“Completely free — no subscription, no monthly fee, no setup fee. Costs only exist when a deal actually funds, and you see the number before you commit.”
Never an APR, a term, or a payment — not even approximately.
“Depends on the homeowner's profile and the program. 0% programs exist for qualifying customers. The specialist walks the current rate sheet.”
Never a payout date; never present upfront or staged funding as standard.
“Most lenders fund within a couple of business days after the work is confirmed complete, by ACH. That's the typical process, not a promise on a specific deal.”