The Construction Loan Process
The Construction Loan Process involves everything leading up to the closing and start of construction on your new home. Once you are approved by your lender and your builder is registered, steps need to be taken and documents need to be provided in order to make it to closing.
Drawing Plans and Specifications Are Required
A clear set of architectural drawings with floor plans, showing all dimensions and outside elevations, as well as drawings of the exterior needs to be provided in the final plans and specifications. The contractor will have to provide further details regarding the type of materials which will go into the construction of the home; wood shingle or lightweight tile roofing; brick or stone exterior.
You'll Need an Appraisal Report
The final plans are important to understand the cost of building the home, but it is necessary for the appraisal as well. Just like any other mortgage, lenders need to know the value of your home in order to calculate its Loan-to-Value ratio. But appraising a home that has not been built is a little trickier. That's why professional appraisers need detailed plans and specifications, as well as the total budget for the project to determine its value subject to completion.
The Construction Contract Defines Responsibilities
You and your builder will draw up a Construction Contract. This agreement between both parties outlines the planned construction project, the agreed upon cost of building, and the project's timeframe. The Construction Contract must be fully turnkey, meaning the builder must be responsible for all aspects and the hiring of any and all subcontractors.
Cost Breakdown and Draw Schedule
A cost breakdown needs to be provided by your builder, including all costs going into the construction of your new home, with the total matching that on the Construction Contract. Your lender will usually provide the cost breakdown form to be completed, and have specific guidelines for how draws for the builder are determined and disbursed. Some lenders utilize a line-item percentage of completion method for determining draws while others may use a project percentage of completion method. Typically, funds are disbursed on the basis of work completed.
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November 4, 2022The federal government is considering ways to reduce bias in the home-buying process. And one area in particular being scrutinized? Appraisals. The appraisal is a process where the home is reviewed to ensure it meets minimum standards and meets state/local building codes. It's also the way the lender establishes the fair market value of the property. For a One-Time Close construction loan, the appraisal process works a bit differently than for existing construction property.
November 2, 2022If you want to build a home instead of buying existing construction, you may wonder what you can do to offset rising interest rates and save money on the loan. There are some options to consider that may help. There are some basic choices to make. For example, do you choose a construction loan that is government-backed like an FHA or VA One-Time Close mortgage? Or do you go for a conventional construction loan that may be harder to qualify for but may save you more money over the lifetime of the mortgage?
October 27, 2022If you want to build a home on your own lot with a One-Time Close construction loan, there are some things to consider you might not expect-at first. Once you start reviewing your loan options many of these issues will start making themselves known. There are some obvious choices you have to make including picking a lender, choosing plans for the home, and deciding what type of loan to use--conventional, FHA, VA, etc.
