Finding the Right Home Builder
Finding the right builder can be a challenge, especially for first-time buyers who don't know where to start. That's where we can help! Our lenders have created relationships with many contractors who are experienced in the One-Time Close process. They can help get you in touch with knowledgeable contractors who are not only familiar with this particular mortgage process, but can also help guide you to make the best choices, while keeping the vision you have for your new home!
However, if you're a homebuyer planning to find and employ your own contractor, it's important that you know the guidelines every builder must meet for FHA or VA Single Close Loans.
Do I Need to Hire a Builder?
First things first- you cannot act as your own builder, whether or not you have the experience. Nor can you be responsible for hiring any sub-contractors. The builder you select must be a separate party who acts as the general contractor or construction coordinator, meaning he is responsible for "turnkey" completion of the property and all site improvements. You cannot hire a contractor you are related to, either!
Note: Borrowers should know that while FHA and VA loan rules permit the borrower to act as their own builder, lender standards still apply. Seller, borrower, and/or family members cannot act as contractor or complete any work on the home. Just to be clear, you must use the licensed/approved builder from start-to-finish and cannot deviate from the plans whatsoever.
Connecting the Builder and the Lender
Any builder you select needs to be registered with your lender. While the guidelines may differ depending on the lender, your builder will typically need to send in certain documents to gain authorization, such as:
- Complete Builder/Retailer Application package provided by your loan officer
- Builder/Retailer State License
- Certificate of insurance for inland marine coverage, or builder's risk/course of construction insurance will be required on every loan
- Certificate of insurance for General Liability and Workers Compensation (or letter explaining why it is not required)
- For site-built homes: 2 years federal tax returns and year-to-date profit/loss statement, current balance sheet or personal financial statement, and executive summary with overview of experience and history on company and principal
- For VA approval, builders/retailers will need to be registered with the VA
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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.
