What is a Home Construction Loan?

Understanding Home Construction Loans

Before embarking on a home building journey with a custom home builder in Georgia, it’s crucial to comprehend the role of a home construction loan in the process. Unlike a standard mortgage loan, constructing a new home requires a different financial approach. Let’s delve into the details of home construction loans and why they’re essential for those planning to build a new home from the ground up.

Construction Loans Cover Building Costs

Securing a traditional mortgage for a non-existent home can be challenging. In such cases, a construction loan is specifically designed to cover the expenses of the construction process. Typically short-term, spanning around a year, a construction loan provides the funds and time necessary for building a new home.

Unlike conventional loans, construction loans function on a “schedule of draws.” These funds are disbursed directly from the bank to the builder at predefined stages. For instance, the builder may receive an upfront payment of 10% to initiate the project. Subsequent disbursements are made at intervals, ensuring the project’s continuous progress. The number and amount of draws are determined through negotiations involving the builder, the bank, and the homebuyer.

Similar to traditional home loans, a construction loan demands a down payment during application, typically around 20% of the total amount. The remaining loan balance is repaid through regular monthly installments. Upon completing construction, the homebuyer will transition to another type of loan known as an “end loan.”

Understanding End Loans

Upon the builder’s completion of the home, a transition to an end loan, also referred to as a conventional financing option, is required. This often involves refinancing the construction loan to a more conventional mortgage, such as a fixed-rate 30-year home loan.

Qualifying Requirements for Construction Loans

Securing financing for home construction involves stringent criteria due to its inherent risks. Lenders often require specific conditions to be met, including:

• The builder must hold a valid general contractor license and possess a proven track record of constructing quality homes.
• An appraiser needs to provide an estimated home valuation to the lender.
• A comprehensive set of detailed plans, encompassing floor plans and materials used, must be presented.
• The borrower is typically required to make a significant down payment, ranging between 20% and 25%. This down payment often supports the initial scheduled draw, minimizing the lender’s risk.

Addressing Delays in Construction

Construction loans function as balloon mortgages, where the full balance becomes due at the term’s end. Generally, this balance is refinanced into a home mortgage, known as an end loan. However, if construction experiences delays and the loan balance matures, an extension fee may apply.

Significant drops in credit scores between acquiring the construction loan and applying for the end loan can lead to end loan denial. In such cases, the borrower becomes responsible for the full loan balance, potentially resulting in foreclosure. This underscores the importance of selecting a reputable builder with a history of adhering to project timelines.