Construction loan explained

A construction loan is a short-term loan that is used to fund the construction of a house or other real estate project. Before getting long-term financing, the builder or house buyer takes out a construction loan to pay the project’s expenditures. Construction loans offer higher interest rates than regular mortgage loans since they are deemed to be more risky.

Construction loan process

Builders or homebuyers who are custom-building their own home typically take out construction loans. They are short-term loans with a one-year repayment duration. The borrower can either convert the construction loan into a permanent mortgage or receive a new loan to pay off the construction loan once the house is finished. On a construction loan, the borrower may only be obliged to make interest payments while the project is still in progress. Some construction loans may require the whole sum to be paid off at the end of the project.

If a borrower takes out a construction loan to build a house, the lender may send the cash straight to the contractor instead of the borrower. Payments may be made in installments as the project progresses through its many stages of development. Construction loans may be used to fund both rehab and restoration projects as well as the construction of new residences.

Difference between construction loans vs. owner-builder construction loans?

Borrowers who plan to serve as their own general contractor or build the house with their own money are unlikely to be approved for a construction loan. These borrowers will need to take out a type of construction financing known as an owner-builder construction loan. Qualifying for these loans might be tough. As a result, potential borrowers must provide a well-researched construction plan that effectively demonstrates their home-building skills and expertise. A contingency reserve should also be included by the borrower in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Manage construction loan

Aside from the above-mentioned underwriting requirements, most lenders try to limit their risk in a number of methods. The first step is doing background checks on the general contractor, architect, and the land on which the property will be built, as well as environmental assessments and appraisals. The lenders then carefully examine progress throughout the construction process to verify that development is moving smoothly and that all employees are being paid so that the security of the loan provided by the real estate is not jeopardized by a mechanics lien.

 

Things to remember if you will finance a new construction home with a VA loan

Unforgettably you cannot finance a new Construction home with a VA loan. Veterans affairs has restrictions on any new construction loans, see more here at VA Loan Eligibility South Carolina. 

If you have any other questions regarding Construction Loans, contact the mortgage experts at 864-397-8500 or click Mortgage Rates Today!