One of the most challenging aspects of the home-buying process is getting access to financing. Securing a loan can be even more difficult when you’re planning to build a house from the ground up instead of getting a mortgage to purchase an existing property.
If you’re building instead of buying the home of your dreams, here are some things that you’ll need to keep in mind.
1. YOU’LL NEED A CONSTRUCTION LOAN
Conventional mortgage loans are issued when there’s a tangible asset that can be used as collateral. If you fall behind on your mortgage payments, the bank can take the house you purchased and sell it to recoup the cost of their investment.
When you’re building a house, on the other hand, the home doesn’t physically exist. So you’ll need to get a construction loan first. These loans are usually interest-only loans. Once the house has been built, you’ll need to apply for a mortgage.
If you take out your construction loan and mortgage loan separately, you’ll have to go through the loan underwriting process and pay closing costs on two separate occasions. While you can roll the construction loan and mortgage into one loan, you may end up with a loan with a higher interest rate.
2. YOU’LL NEED EXCELLENT CREDIT
Construction loans by nature are riskier for lenders and in order to qualify for one, you’ll need to have a solid credit profile. If your credit reports show a history of late payments, charge-offs or other negative marks, getting a construction loan may be a long shot.
Before applying for a construction loan, you may want to spend some time building your credit. Doing things like paying down your debt balances and paying all of your bills on time can go a long way toward helping you secure a loan.
You may also want to consider checking your credit reports for any errors or inaccuracies and disputing them. But it’s best to resolve any disputes before applying for a construction loan.
3. LENDERS LOOK AT MORE THAN JUST CREDIT
While your credit history is an important part of the construction loan approval process, it’s not the only factor that matters. In addition to reviewing your credit report and credit scores, your lender will consider the size of your down payment, the value of the land you’re planning to build the home on, the estimated cost of building the home and your builder’s track record.
It’s not unusual for a lender to run a credit check and a background check on a builder. So that’s something to think about while you’re shopping around for a contractor. Taking the time to find an experienced and qualified builder can spare you a headache later down the line.
4. YOU’LL NEED TO HAVE A BUDGET
One of the fastest ways to derail a construction loan application is to have unrealistic expectations about how much building a home is going to cost. Before you approach a lender, it’s best to review your builder’s estimate to make sure the numbers add up. Getting quotes from multiple builders before choosing one may also be a good idea.
While you’re at it, consider whether your down payment is large enough. Instead of putting down the standard 20%, your lender may expect you to put down more money depending on how much you need to borrow.
5. SHORE UP YOUR SAVINGS
Even if you’ve spent weeks poring over your budget, it’s impossible to plan ahead for building expenses that may pop up unexpectedly. Having extra savings can help you stave off financial emergencies and convince a lender that you’re a reliable borrower.
FINAL WORD
It’s often said that failing to plan is planning to fail. That’s particularly true when it comes to financing a new construction home. Knowing the steps you’ll need to take in order to obtain a construction loan and a mortgage is key if you’re trying to build the home you’ve always wanted.
Call me now to get introduced to our favorite local lender for ANY type of residential mortgage financing !
Mastura Roberts
(702) 919-5400
offers@greatlasvegashomes.com
Team Leader, The Tonnesen Team
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Nevada
3185 St Rose Pkwy #100 Henderson, NV 89052
With over 30 years of experience helping families call Las Vegas "home!"
Related Blog Posts
BLOG NAVIGATION
ARCHIVES
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- April 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- September 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
