The renovation loan file that never existed. Until now.

ExpandEase delivers the Golden Record — a fully scoped, fixed-price, contractor-backed, permit-integrated loan file that makes renovation lending as clean as a purchase mortgage.

Arizona Q3 Pilot Program Now Open

Golden Record — borrower financials, fixed-price contract, stamped plans, appraisal-ready scope
Photo-documented milestones — verified progress before every draw release
Integrated permitting — PE-stamped plans and inspection schedules built into the file
You hold escrow and approve every draw — we never touch your funds

21,449 — Home-improvement loan applications in Maricopa 2024
870 — Denied for insufficient equity — our ARV pipeline
$300K–$2M — Project size range
30-Day — Target: application to funding

Our Consumer Engine: Turning vision into loan origination.

Our mission is simple: Make renovating a home as frictionless as buying a new one.

We give consumers an interactive platform to visualize their project in 3D and instantly plan the financial reality of the build—so every file that reaches you is already grounded in clear scope and intent.

Qualified intent before application — demonstrated commitment through our design process
Clear scope and fixed price before underwriting
Lender-ready file every time

The Ultimate Filter

Homeowners must complete our visualization and financial modeling process, demonstrating genuine intent before moving forward. Result: window-shoppers drop off; you only see serious buyers.

Eliminating Sticker Shock

Borrowers see their exact monthly payment and ARV requirements before they ever apply. The app handles borrower education so they arrive informed and ready.

Zero-Friction Contractor Quoting

We eliminate project uncertainty so scope and cost are locked before the file reaches you.

Single source of truth. The platform captures 100% of the inputs your underwriters and the builder need—no missing details.
Itemized Statement of Work. Itemized, line-by-line SOW reflecting every homeowner design decision.
Contractor-ready pricing. Scope is locked and documented so contractors can review and sign off — no weeks of back-and-forth.

Two kinds of renovation loans.

The industry hasn't changed in decades. We're changing it — with integrated permitting, draw & documentation infrastructure, and a loan file that tells the whole story.

Vague scopes — costs unknown at underwriting
Cost overruns and contractor disputes passed to borrower
FHA 203(k): 90+ day process, expensive HUD consultants required
No lender visibility after funding — surprises at every draw
Permitting untracked — delays and code violations invisible
Market surrendered to slow niche lenders — banks lack infrastructure

Fixed-price contract and complete SOW before underwriting
Vetted contractor — licensed, insured, accountable
PE-stamped plans with integrated permitting and inspection schedules
Photo-documented milestones verified before each draw release
Documented change orders — lender exposure locked at underwriting
Target: 30 days from application to funding

One Golden Record. Three product lanes.

We are product-agnostic. Our platform intelligently routes each homeowner into the right financial instrument based on their equity position, project scope, and goals — then packages the Golden Record to match your specific underwriting requirements.

Each product has different LTV caps, draw mechanics, and inspection requirements. We know this — and the Golden Record adapts accordingly.

ARV 2nd Lien (The Holy Grail)

For major transformations where current equity isn't enough

CLTV Cap: Up to 75% of After-Repair Value (ARV). Unlocks the equity gap — borrower accesses future value, not just current
4–6 milestone-based draws from lender-held escrow
Inspection Requirements: Required before each draw release — traditionally physical, ExpandEase will provide photo-verified digital alternative (in development)
Best For: Homeowners adding 500+ sq ft, ADUs, or major remodels where the project cost exceeds current available equity

Appraisal-ready scope with PE-stamped plans and fixed-price contract
Full SOW with material specs and trade packages — gives underwriters the detail they need for ARV determination
Milestone verification documentation for draw release (digital photo verification in development)
Integrated permit status and inspection schedule tied to construction milestones

This is where ExpandEase delivers the most value. Traditional ARV products require expensive HUD consultants and physical inspections at every draw. Our digital verification replaces that overhead while giving underwriters more granular project data than a site visit provides.

Requires the lender to underwrite based on ARV — not all institutions have this product today
Draw management adds operational complexity vs. a simple HELOC
75% CLTV cap means the borrower must still bring some equity or cash to the table
Appraisal must support the projected ARV — our conservative modeling ($550/sf vs. $605 median) provides a buffer

Single-Close Construction-to-Perm (Mortgage Division)

For full gut renovations requiring a new first mortgage

LTV Cap: Up to 95–97% for primary residence (varies by program). Replaces existing mortgage — one closing, one rate lock, one set of fees
4–6 milestone draws during construction, then automatic conversion to permanent mortgage
Inspection Requirements: Required before each draw — lender or third-party inspector must verify progress against approved plans
Best For: Full gut renovations, major structural changes, or situations where the borrower also wants to refinance their existing mortgage into the project

Complete construction package: PE-stamped plans, fixed-price contract, full SOW, permit documentation
Draw schedule aligned to construction milestones with photo-verified (in development) progress reports
Borrower financials, property data, and contractor credentials in a single lender-ready file
Milestone-aligned draw schedule to minimize construction duration and carrying costs

This product has the highest underwriting bar. The Golden Record's value here is speed — converting a 90+ day origination process into a target of 30 days by delivering a complete, pre-vetted file. The borrower gives up their existing rate, so the math has to work on the new blended payment.

Borrower loses their existing mortgage rate — must be justified by the project's ROI
Highest documentation requirements of all three products
Draw inspections are typically mandated by the program (FHA, Fannie) — digital verification may need lender/agency acceptance
Construction period interest (typically interest-only) adds to borrower carrying costs
Two-close option exists for flexibility but doubles closing costs

How routing works

We focus on $300K+ renovation projects where ARV lending unlocks the equity gap between build cost and completed market value. During the homeowner's onboarding flow, our platform collects property data, existing mortgage details, current equity position, and project scope. The Feasibility Grid models viable product paths — showing the borrower their monthly payment, net equity gain, and total project cost. The Golden Record is then packaged with the documentation your specific product requires.

Where ExpandEase earns — and where we don't

ARV & C-to-P products: ExpandEase charges a competitive origination fee for bona-fide services — borrower verification, contractor vetting, Golden Record documentation, draw management. This is compliant, documented, and justified by the infrastructure we provide.

Standard HELOCs: We route HELOC-eligible borrowers to you as a relationship pipeline. No origination fee, no draw management overhead. These borrowers are pre-qualified and documented — they just don't need the full construction infrastructure.

The infrastructure you don't have to build.

Most banks avoid renovation lending because it requires HUD consultants, draw inspectors, and specialized back-office ops. We provide that layer so you don't have to.

Integrated Permitting

Every Golden Record includes PE-stamped plans, permit application status, and inspection schedules linked to construction milestones. Your underwriters see the full compliance picture — not just scope and price.

Photo-Documented Milestones

Contractors upload geo-tagged, time-stamped site photos at each milestone. Our team verifies work completion against SOW specifications before recommending draw release — replacing expensive physical site inspections.

Change Order Control

Any scope change is documented, priced, and mutually approved in our portal before work continues. The lender's exposure stays locked to what was underwritten. No surprises.

Contractor Vetting & Monitoring

Every contractor is licensed with the Arizona ROC, insured, and performance-reviewed. We verify standing throughout the relationship. No contractor, no Golden Record.

What we've heard from the industry.

Brokers and lenders have told us why renovation lending feels like a tough sell. We listened — and it's why we built ExpandEase.

"The renovation customer is a very big hill to climb. Market resistance is real." — Private Lending Director
"Renovations are notorious for causing marital strain. The process is so inherently unpleasant that customers may stay dissatisfied even after completion." — Mortgage Executive
"Why not just buy a new house? That is what every broker tells these homeowners." — Mortgage Broker
"The market is surrendered to slow, niche specialty lenders because traditional banks lack the infrastructure to manage draw risk." — Commercial Lending VP
"Have you seen the percentage of people who get divorced during a renovation? This process sucks." — Industry Veteran

That skepticism validates our mission. The process is broken — and we've rebuilt it. Integrated permitting, photo-documented milestones, and a single signed source of truth.

How the partnership works.

01 Integrate

We add your institution to our lender network. Homeowners in your service area are directed to your financing products through our platform.

02 Receive the Golden Record

Every applicant arrives with a complete, lender-ready file: borrower financials, fixed-price contractor contract, full SOW, and property data.

03 Fund and Monitor

You hold escrow and disburse on verified milestones — no lump-sum risk. Full project visibility through our platform from first draw to final inspection. You stay in control of every draw.

Pilot Program

What We're Asking For

We are currently selecting 2-3 lending partners for our Q3/Q4 Arizona rollout. What we need from a partner is straightforward:

Open-Minded Underwriting

Willingness to review our Golden Record and evaluate ARV based on our vetted contractor's fixed-price contract and PE-stamped plans.

Escrow Capabilities

The ability to hold project funds in escrow and efficiently process draw disbursements based on our photo-verified milestone reports.

Constructive Feedback Loop

A dedicated point of contact to help us refine the data handoff so the Golden Record integrates seamlessly into your existing origination workflow.

Why lenders choose ExpandEase.

We bring leads. We increase project success rates and homeowner satisfaction. We de-risk every file with a fixed-price contract and full SOW before you underwrite.

We Bring Qualified Borrowers

Prime and super-prime Phoenix homeowners — equity-rich, rate-locked, motivated to stay. Each has completed our visualization and financial modeling process, demonstrating genuine project intent before the file reaches your desk.

De-Risked Files — The Golden Record

Fixed-price contractor contract, complete SOW, documented selections. No "TBD" on scope or cost — every renovation is defined, priced, and contractor-backed before underwriting.

Built for ARV Lending

Our Golden Record is purpose-built for ARV 2nd lien and construction-to-perm products — the high-yield renovation loans that justify the underwriting. Every file includes appraisal-ready scope, PE-stamped plans, and fixed-price contracts.

Lower Default Risk

Scope locked in writing. Change orders documented. Fewer disputes means fewer missed payments and a cleaner portfolio.

RESPA-Compliant — No Referral Fees

We are paid for bona-fide services: borrower verification, contractor vetting, and Golden Record documentation. Full compliance documentation available for your legal team.

Post-Funding Visibility

Scope, milestones, and change orders tracked in one place. Fewer "where's my draw?" calls. If anything changes, it's documented and agreed to before work continues.

Common questions from compliance & underwriting.

Escrow control, contractor risk, overruns, RESPA, volume, and what's in the Golden Record — straight answers.

Financial projections shown are estimates based on current market data and standard lending assumptions. Actual loan terms, rates, and approval are subject to lender underwriting. ExpandEase is not a licensed lender. NMLS licensing pending.

Partner with the future of renovation lending.

Early lending partners get priority borrower flow and a competitive edge in a $400B+ market that traditional lending has largely surrendered. A member of our team will reach out within 1 business day.

Questions? hello@expandeasenow.com. Request a Partnership Call. ExpandEase is built in Phoenix, AZ by successfully exited tech operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

"How do we know the contractors are legitimate?"

Every contractor in our network is vetted against the full AZ Registrar of Contractors database — 46,789 active residential licenses tracked, with 351 contractors flagged for disciplinary records and 6,920 historical unlicensed violators automatically excluded. We confirm insurance and review project history before a contractor enters our network. Their standing is monitored on an ongoing basis. No contractor clears our vetting, no Golden Record gets issued — no fund.

"What if the contractor walks or fails mid-project?"

Funds are in escrow and released on verified milestones, not upfront. If a contractor doesn't perform, they don't get paid for incomplete work. The homeowner and you have a clear scope and a new contractor can be brought in against the same Golden Record. We also vet and monitor contractors so the bar is high from the start.

"What if the borrower abandons the project or stops participating?"

The loan is between you and the borrower. If the borrower walks, your standard loan and collateral remedies apply. The Golden Record and fixed-price contract still define scope and cost, so if the project is completed later — by the same or a new contractor — the same terms apply. We don't change your rights as the lender.

"What about RESPA? What does this cost us?"

No referral fees. Our revenue is from bona-fide services: borrower verification, contractor vetting, and Golden Record documentation — consistent with RESPA Section 8. Full compliance documentation available for your legal team.

"What's our exposure if a project goes over budget?"

Zero. Every Golden Record includes a signed, fixed-price contract with a vetted ExpandEase contractor. Any change orders must be mutually signed in our portal and funded out-of-pocket by the homeowner before work continues. The bank's exposure is locked at underwriting.

"Who holds the money?"

You do. Funds sit in your escrow. We never hold or move your funds. You approve every draw. We provide the milestone verification through documented contractor progress — your desk reviews, approves, and disburses directly.

"Why not just do FHA 203(k) or our existing reno product?"

203(k) is slow, HUD-consultant heavy, and often 90+ days. Our flow delivers a lender-ready Golden Record in a fraction of that time — fixed price, vetted contractor, full SOW — so you can use your own product or 203(k) with a complete file. We de-risk and accelerate; you keep underwriting control.

"How do we get volume? Is there real demand?"

We've analyzed every home-improvement loan application filed in Maricopa County — 21,449 in 2024 alone. Of those, 870 were denied specifically for insufficient current equity: homeowners who wanted to renovate, had real intent, and were turned away because traditional lenders couldn't underwrite on ARV. That's our core pipeline. We build the homeowner funnel, qualify intent, lock scope, and direct qualified borrowers to our lender network. Co-marketing and white-label options ("Powered by [Your CU]") help you capture more of that market.

"What about appraisal gaps or property valuation?"

The Golden Record includes a professional, appraisal-ready project scope and fixed contractor pricing. You underwrite to the same standards you use today — we just ensure the renovation piece is defined, priced, and contractor-backed before it hits your desk. Appraisal and valuation remain your process.

"Integration sounds heavy. How do we plug in?"

We don't require a core integration to start. You receive the Golden Record (borrower financials, fixed-price contract, full SOW, property data) and underwrite in your existing systems. Optional: we can align on data formats and status updates so you get milestone visibility. We fit your workflow; we don't replace it.

"What if ExpandEase goes away after we fund?"

Your loan is with the borrower; escrow is with you. Draw release is between you, the borrower, and the contractor. We facilitate the process and provide the platform — but you're not dependent on us for servicing. The Golden Record still defines scope if the project is completed later.

"What's actually in the file? Can we see a sample?"

Every Golden Record includes: borrower info, income and debt for DTI, occupancy status, property details, a fixed-price contract with a licensed contractor, the full scope of work (materials and labor), a milestone schedule, and a single document ID for version control. We can send a redacted sample for your underwriting and compliance review.