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.
Do you know what's on your credit report?
Learn what your score means.
May 12, 2021If you want to build a home on your own lot instead of buying an existing house, the FHA One-Time Close construction mortgage is an option to consider. FHA construction loans feature the same low down payment requirements (3.5% for qualified borrowers) as any other FHA mortgage.
April 25, 2021The most important thing to know about VA One-Time Close construction loans is that unless you are either an eligible veteran with qualifying military service or a qualifying surviving spouse of a veteran who has died as a result of military service.
April 9, 2021There are several different types of One-Time Close loans, also known as single-close construction loans. You can apply for an FHA One-Time Close construction loan, there is a VA equivalent, and even a USDA construction loan. Construction loans are available for any financially qualified borrower.
