PACE financing is an income and collateral-based financing program that allows qualified homeowners to fund eligible improvements and repay through their property tax bill. PACE is currently available in participating areas of California and Florida.

Unlike traditional loans:

  • PACE does not require out-of-pocket payments at the time of Installation
  • There is no separate monthly bill
  • The financing is added to and paid through the property taxes
  • There are no credit score requirements
  •  There are no prepayment penalties (a payoff processing fee may apply).

1. Check Basic Eligibility

Start by checking if your property meets basic eligibility criteria. Basic eligibility is based on factors like local program participation, property type, and project type.

2. Apply for Financing 

Complete an application online or over the phone – often in just minutes. A soft credit pull is used for underwriting purposes and won’t affect your credit score. 

3. Get Approved 

Approval is based on equity in your home, your ability to repay the assessment, and other underwriting criteria. 

4. Choose a Registered Contractor

Select a contractor who is registered with Renew Financial to complete your upgrades. If your preferred contractor is not yet registered, they can enroll in order to participate in the program.

5. Complete the Work 

Once the work is completed and verified, Renew Financial pays the contractor directly — so you have no upfront out-of-pocket costs. Your first annual payment is typically due with your next property tax bill (often up to 17 months after project funding, depending on timing). 

6. Repay Over Time 

PACE financing is added to your property tax bill as a special assessment and paid over an agreed term (up to 30 years under California law and up to 20 years under Florida law). This repayment structure means you don’t juggle separate bills.

PACE is billed annually and repaid through your property tax bill, one of two ways:

Through Escrow: If you have an escrow or mortgage impound account, your mortgage lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment to include your PACE annual assessment and pay it along with your property taxes.


Direct Payment: If you pay your property taxes directly, the PACE assessment will be included when your property taxes are due (annually or biannually).

PACE financing is designed to make home improvements more affordable and accessible by eliminating one of the biggest barriers — the high upfront cost.

KEY BENEFITS:

No upfront payments: You don’t pay anything out of pocket when the work is done.

Affordable payments: Financing can be spread over years or even decades. 

Fixed rates: Competitive, fixed rates mean predictable payments you can plan around.

No impact on credit score: PACE typically uses a soft credit check (no impact on credit report) and bases the approval on equity, ability to repay the financing, and other underwriting criteria. 

Repayment through property taxes: Payments are added to and collected via your property tax bill – no extra monthly bill to manage.

This short overview video explains how PACE financing works and what to expect.

PACE financing is an excellent option for many homeowners. Still, it is not the only choice available, nor may it always be the best fit for your needs. Below are some factors you should consider as part of your decision-making process.

Is PACE financing a loan?

No, PACE is not a traditional loan. It is a property tax assessment secured by your home that must be repaid in full

Is PACE free money or a government program?

No, PACE is not free money, nor a government subsidy, imposed tax, or loan. PACE is private financing that must be repaid in full.

Can I select a contractor of my choice?

Yes, you are, in fact, responsible for choosing your contractor. Renew Financial can provide you with referrals to reputable contractors we frequently work with and who are in good standing. This service is free and available even if you decide not to finance your project through Renew Financial. You can request referrals at https://renewfinancial.info/co-referrals or by texting the word START to 844-736-3939.

Is PACE available nationwide?

PACE financing is not yet available nationwide. Due to its unique structure, participation in the program depends on state legislation and local governments opting in. Currently, Renew Financial offers PACE financing in participating communities in California and Florida.

What are the repayment terms for PACE financing?

PACE offers long repayment terms, which can extend up to 30 years under California law and up to 20 years under Florida law. However, the specific repayment period is determined by factors like the project’s scope, the materials used, and the property’s location.

Is PACE financing based on my credit score?

Qualifying for PACE financing does not require a traditional minimum credit score, but eligibility is based on multiple factors and program rules, including, but not limited to, eligible collateral, available equity, and ability to repay. Start an eligibility check to see if you qualify.

How do I get started?

Start by checking eligibility, then request a contractor estimate for qualifying upgrades. Once your project scope is confirmed, you can proceed through the approval and installation steps.