Showing posts with label General Contractors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Contractors. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Construction Loans? When And Why To Use Them

Why use a Construction Loan?
Building your dream home, though exciting, may present many challenges. Although you may be familiar with the traditional mortgage process, a construction loan includes additional elements of risk. In a typical construction project, the contractor will request funds when work is completed. Many times a homeowner will build their dream home without the use of financial institution funds. There are various ways to pay your contractor, many people feel they should pay cash, use a home equity line of credit from another property or cash out an investment.
This presents unique challenges for the homeowner. The homeowner must manage the additional responsibility of ensuring all subcontractors and suppliers are paid in a timely fashion. The homeowner must also understand the statutory documentation requirements in their state. If the draw process is not properly managed and the contractor does not pay the subcontractors and suppliers, the homeowner may be subject to mechanics liens. To mitigate your risk throughout the fund control process, consider the benefits of a construction loan and the process. The construction process is a complicated one and the construction draw process will ensure all subcontractors and suppliers are paid so that you don't have to pay the bill twice.
A construction loan is a check and balance of the funds that are dispersed throughout the build of a new home. With the help of the lender(s), inspectors and draw processing staff your funds are reasonable protected.

Understanding the Costs Involved
As you begin the process of building a new home, you'll want to understand the costs associated with your construction and permanent loans. You'll also need to know when the expenses occur so that you can prepare an accurate budget.
• You can begin construction with as little as a 10% down payment or 10% equity in the total cost to acquire your lot and build your new home. If you don't own your lot, the first draw of your construction loan may be used to pay off your lot. There are instances that a borrower will not be required to have any money down.
• The interest rate on your construction loan is typically tied to the Prime Rate. You will be billed monthly for interest only, and your payments will be based on the current balance of it at the current interest rate for the previous 30 days. Borrowers can build in an interest reserve account to pay the interest payment during construction.
• When you finish building your new home, we will modify your construction loan to a permanent loan of your choice. Various options for locking in your rate are available depending on the product selected.

Total Project Costs
This is the cost to complete the home and consists of soft costs, hard costs, land value, closing costs, contingency and interest reserves.
Soft costs: Permit fees, engineering fees, architectural fees and other costs associated with building the home but not directly a part of the actual construction costs. Many times the borrower has already paid some of these costs. To consider these paid items as "equity," the borrower must document the cost with a bill and a canceled check or a paid receipt.
Hard costs: The actual cost of construction covering all materials and labor associated with the building of the home. Typically the borrower will enter into a contract with a contractor to build the property. Like a purchase contract for an existing home, this contract will set forth the work to be done and the costs associated with that work. All contracts must be for a fixed price; "Cost Plus" contracts are not acceptable. To support this cost, we require a signed and dated copy of the contract along with a detailed Line Item Cost Breakdown prepared by the contractor. All contracts and budgets must be reviewed by, and contain terms acceptable, to standard lending guidelines.
Closing Costs: Costs associated with the closing of the loan (e.g., title costs, loan fees, discount fees, inspection fees, appraisals, etc.)
Contingency: In certain circumstances a reserve account will be needed to cover unforeseen cost overruns in the construction of the home. A required 5% of the hard costs will be established in the Contingency Account (Contractors may hold a reserve other than what usually required by the Lender.)
Interest Reserve: At loan closing, an account is established to pay the estimated interest costs during the construction of the home. Since the borrower is only charged interest on the amount of funds disbursed, an estimate of the average disbursed amount is made. Our construction specialists will estimate that, on average, 60% of the loan amount will be disbursed during the term of the construction period. This interest reserve account is paid up front and is held to pay the interest during the time of construction.


Troy Schuricht

7575 E Redfield Rd Suite 235Scottsdale, AZ 85260

480-305-8905 - office




Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Log Home Construction Loans

The all inclusive, one-time close, Log Home Construction Loan program will insure that building your log home is a simple and rewarding experience. The log construction loan program will work hand in hand with the Log Home Company of your choice. These programs are specifically designed to provide the funding necessary for your Log Home order to be placed and also for the delivery of your Log Home to your construction site. The one-time close feature of the log construction loan, combines three loans into one, encompassing your land purchase, (if necessary), your log home and construction costs, and your choice of permanent financing, with just one closing.


- Flexible, Up-Front Funding Options. Providing deposits, up-front, to your Log Home Company in order to insure your log order placement is secure. Funding options for the logs upon delivery are also available. - Your permanent mortgage note can be in place before you ever break ground. - 100% financing. No downpayment and low to no out of pocket closing cost programs.- Owner/Builder programs and Stated Income Documentation programs.

Troy Schuricht

7575 E Redfield Rd Suite 235
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-305-8905 - office
480-393-8801 - fax
http://www.communityfirstfinancial.com/
http://www.yourlendertroy.blogspot.com/

click to: Google Troy Schuricht!

Why use a construction Loan?

Building your dream home, though exciting, presents many challenges. Although you may be familiar with the traditional mortgage process, a construction loan includes additional elements of risk. In a typical construction project, the contractor will request funds when work is completed.
Many times a homeowner will build their dream home without the use of financial institution funds. There are various ways to pay your contractor, many people feel they should pay cash, use a home equity line of credit from another property or cash out an investment.
This presents unique challenges for the homeowner. The homeowner must manage the additional responsibility of ensuring all subcontractors and suppliers are paid in a timely fashion. The homeowner must also understand the statutory documentation requirements in their state. If the draw process is not properly managed and the contractor does not pay the subcontractors and suppliers, the homeowner may be subject to mechanics liens. To mitigate your risk throughout the fund control process, consider the benefits of a construction loan and the process. The construction process is a complicated one and the construction draw process will ensure all subcontractors and suppliers are paid so that you don't have to pay the bill twice.
Construction loan is a check and balance of the funds that are dispersed throughout the build of a new home. With the help of a lenders, inspectors and draw processing staff your construction loan funds are reasonable protected.


Troy Schuricht
7575 E Redfield Rd Suite 235
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-305-8905 - office
480-393-8801 - fax
http://www.communityfirstfinancial.com/
http://www.yourlendertroy.blogspot.com/

click to: Google Troy Schuricht!

Friday, October 5, 2007

Major Home Renovation Loan (Rehab Loan)

Rehab and Renovation
Maybe you like the location, but not the home. Maybe you like the house, but not the kitchen. Maybe you like the home you live in, but want a bigger one. Use of a construction loan can help you build, rebuild, remodel or rehab any home you choose. Most work can be completed cheaper than you would think.
Heres how it works:
The loan is based on the value of your home AFTER the renovations are finished. This gives you the flexibility to make your home into more than you could with just your current home equity. During construction, the loan is a line of credit with interest-only payments due on the outstanding balance. When the renovations are complete, the loan converts to a conventional mortgage. If you need to move out while your home is being renovated, we have a "no-payment option" during the construction period to help you afford the increased housing expense.
Other great features of a Major Renovation Loan include:
A contingency reserve to cover plan changes or unforeseen circumstances. A single loan structure with only one settlement- a feature that could save you hundreds of dollars in settlement costs.










Happy Buildling,
Troy Schuricht
COMMUNITY FIRST FINANCIAL, LLC
7575 E Redfield Rd Suite 235
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-305-8900 - office
480-393-8801 - fax
http://www.communityfirstfinancial.com/
http://www.yourlendertroy.blogspot.com/
http://activerain.com/tschuricht

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

How to Help Your Customer Feel More Comfortable With Construction Loans

What are the reasons people buy resale homes over building thier own custom home?
Tangible product. They can see, smell, touch the new home they wish to buy.
Time line. Most resale homes are available with in 45-60 days.
Inventory. Easier to find an existing home rather than a vacant lot.
Variables. Building requires: Realtor, land, builder, plans, options, time, patients, vision, trust, etc....
Education. Many home customers that build homes invest more time into their "purchase" and at the same time have to educate themselves with land, building and builder.
This list can go on all day long, but the theme of the idea is HOW DO WE HELP OUR CUSTOMER FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS AND THE CONSTRUCTION LOAN?
This idea is geared towards custom homes. Production builders actually do a fine job at this and custom builders and their customers can learn a lot from their presentation of information. Only if there was time, money and resources to emulate their marketing. So what can you do?
What can be done is education. If you are a builder, developer, or Realtor here are a few ideas:
Make sure that prior homes built can be used as sells tools for your future customers. I own a lot today because I walked in to a spec home that the builder was working on and fell in love with the home. The General Contractor happen to own the lot next door, now I do.
Use the web. Show case every home you have ever built. People love pictures. Remember you have no models to show case like production builders.
Choose the advisers you and your customers use carefully. Make sure your Realtor is a pro with the custom home building process, same with your loan officer, architect, and any other support. The very best advisor's have experience and know how.
Make sure your advisors are web based. Meaning, If I tell a customer AHK Contracting is great. My customer can actually go their website and get some level of comfort with their experience. I will use myself as an example too. I am a construction loan specialist. I can help you be more comfortable with this by my websites: http://www.communityfirstfinancial.com/, http://www.cffinfo.com/, http://www.yourlendertroy.blogspot.com/, http://activerain.com/troyschuricht. These websites share testimonials, credibility and education specifically on construction loans. Everything matters in the technology based society we live in. And people love to research things they do not know, especially things like construction loans.
Referrals, testimonials and past clients. Gather as many other peoples opinions, ideas, and experiences. We all love stories and we should try and share them.
Many custom home customers repeat the process, because they feel comfortable with the process, see the value , and love the feeling of building a vision.
My formula for success: EDUCATION+ADVISOR'S=COMFORT
Happy building,
Troy Schuricht

Is hard money a good source for construction loans?

Is hard money a good source for construction loans?
In my opinion using other peoples money to finance real estate is an aged old tradition. And it is true for construction loans as well. There is a great book written by Michael Lechter, my business partners father, called OPM "other peoples money". http://www.mlechter.com/ Keep in mind that when you spend other peoples money there are costs to that transaction. Hard money on the surface seems to come at a greater cost in both fees and interest rate. But if used properly, hard money can keep your own money in your pocket or in other projects. I am interested in hearing from a few hard money lenders. I may have customers for OPM.
A hard money loan is a specific type of financing in which a borrower receives funds based on the value of a specific parcel of real estate. Hard money loans are typically issued at much higher interest rates than conventional commercial or residential property loans and are almost never issued by a commercial bank or other deposit institution. Hard money is similar to a bridge loan which usually has similar criteria for lending as well as cost to the borrowers. The primary difference is that a bridge loan often refers to a commercial property or investment property that may be in transition and not yet qualifying for traditional financing. Whereas hard money often refers to not only an asset-based loan with a high interest rate, but can signify a distressed financial situation such as arrears on the existing mortgage or bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings are occurring. Source: Wikipedia®

Best of Luck,
Troy Schruicht

How Long is the Construction Loan Process?

How long is the construction loan process is a question I get a lot. To answer this question a person has to first figure out when the construction loan process actually begins. Construction projects can literally take a year to develop. Finding land, creating plans for the build, choosing a general contractor, filing for permits, etc..., are all item out side the construction loan process and actually need to be figured out before you start the construction loan. Of course at some point during the initial phase you should secure an experienced loan officer that has completed no less than 25 projects. This kind of experience saves time during the loan process and can help guide you through the numerous questions during pre-loan phases.
Back to the question how long???? 30 to 45 days, tops
Here is what you need to prepare in order to have success:
Plans and Specs
Contract between you and the General Contractor
Know about your insurance responsibilities (contact insurance agent)
Have Asset statements together (last two months)
Documentation for all items paid during initial phase (architect bill, permit receipt, etc...)
W2's, Tax returns, Business license, financial statements (Documentation to prove income)
No doc loans available (at a premium to rate and cost)
Cost break down of build
Signed good faith estimate (know what loan you are getting into)
This list could probably go on, but with these items a qualified individual can get your loan into processing with in a couple of days and should have everything in line to close within 30 days.
For the record:
My quickest close, 8 business days on a construction loan.
Keep in mind there can be headaches for projects that are trying to be done at a 100% financing. Every loans is a little different so be prepared.

Best of Luck,
Troy Schuricht
wwww.communityfirstfinancial.com

Construction to Permanent vs. Construction Only

What is the difference between "Construction-to-Permanent" and "Construction Only" loan programs?
A C/P or Construction-to-Permanent, also called "One Time Close" is a type of construction loan that rolls directly into your permanent financing once your home has received its Certificate of Occupancy. Typically, the borrower qualifies for the loan to the guidelines of the permanent loan. The borrower can select whatever end loan program that a lender may have in their portfolio (ie. 30 year fix; 3/1, 5/1, 7/1 ARMs, Interest Only, 15 year fix, etc.). The construction period is the riskiest part of the loan. Thus, lenders will charge a little more in fees to administer the loan and a higher interest rate during this period. Once the home is complete, then what has been actually used from the construction loan will convert into the principal amount of the permanent financing. Lenders who offer a CTP program typically do so because they want your permanent loan. Once the home is built, the lender now has a secured asset for their loan.
A Construction Only loan is obviously a construction loan only for the purpose to build the home. Once the home has been completed, the borrower is responsible to find a permanent loan to payoff the construction loan. In today's market, the construction only loan is mostly used by builders who build a home with the purpose to sell and owner occupied borrowers who have credit challenges.
Why would someone want to use the "Construction-to-Permanent" loan?
One set of fees. With the C/P loan, the lender will charge only one set of fees for the loan.
No worries about pre-qualifying for a permanent. When you are approved for the construction loan, you have been approved for the permanent loan.
Competitive pricing. Those lenders in the C/P market want your business. Thus, the lenders are trying their best to make their programs competitive.
Why would someone want to use the "Construction Only" loan?
Planning to sell the home during or immediately following completion. These loans are designed to be reimbursed by either a mortgage from a buyer of the home or a refinance.
Experiencing credit challenges. Typically, borrowers who have a mid-FICO (credit) score of 620 or below will not qualify for a CTP loan and must look to the Construction Only products.
You want a specialized permanent loan. Sometimes lenders who offer C/P programs do not carry the type of permanent loan that you desire. If this is the case, the borrower may have to go to another lender for the specific loan program that they desire.
If you have any further questions regarding this topic, please feel free to call us at 480-305-8905.
Troy Schuricht-Construction Loan Specialist

Troy Schuricht
COMMUNITY FIRST FINANCIAL
7575 E Redfield Rd Suite 235
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-305-8900 - office
480-393-8801 - fax

GO TO: http://www.communityfirstfinancial.com/

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Q & A for Construction Loans:

The format for discussion is very simple. Ask a question concerning the construction loan process and get the answer.

This format is great for Builders, General Contractors, Realtors and Borrowers to get immediate feed back on their direct construction question.

Examples of questions:

Q: John LotOwner - I own a lot free and clear. Is there a loan that allows me to take cash out?
A: There are two types of loans that might be able to help. There are lot loans that allow you to refinance and take cash out. You could also do a construction loans and get cash in hand at closing of the loan.


Q: Suzie HomeBuilder – Will stated income loans be offered in 2008?
A: YES, YES, YES 2007 has not be a good year for stated income loans, but most local lenders and banks remain strong with stated income. Look for borrowers to document more assets.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

The Challenges of a Construction Loan

People often ask me why construction loans are so difficult? One would think this is a question a potential client, building their first home, or maybe a Realtor new to the construction arena would ask. Unfortunately this question I get asked most by colleagues in my profession. Loan officers, processors, and senior loan managers are just a few that are confused by construction loans.
Let me give a little insight to why construction loans are very difficult to figure out (even for those in the mortgage profession).
There are more variables to consider.
Is the land already owned? If so when was it bought, how much, and what is the value?
What are the soft construction costs?
What are the hard construction costs?
Have any items been prepaid?
Do you have a General Contractor?
Is he approved to business with the lender?
Do you have plans?
Permits?
Any work started?
Do you have working capital?
Do you need an interest reserve account?
Do you need anything refunded at close?
Do you know how many draws you need?
This list could go on and on. My point is the amount of additional work that a construction loan requires is much greater than your last purchase or refinance. Keep in mind the mortgage a typically person completes has close to 35 people touching that transaction. With a construction loan there are even more associated with your file.
If any of this has you scratching your head you are not alone. Construction loans are dominated by a few select individuals because they are a special transaction. If anyone needs any more insight to my comment please let me know.
Best of Luck,
Troy Schuricht
http://www.communityfirstfinancial.com/

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

How to choose a Construction Loan Specialist

How to choose a Construction Loan Specialist
How special are construction loans? In a report from Countrywide Home Loans, only 1 in 10 loan officers do more than 1 construction loan per year. So less than 10% do more than one loan per year, this makes finding a loan officer that is experienced with construction loans very difficult. Like all advisor's associated with real estate, loan officers should be interviewed by potential clients. Here are a few questions that individuals seeking a construction loan should ask their future loan officer candidate:
1. How many CONSTRUCTION loans do you close PER MONTH? - Experience is everything.
2. How many sources do you have for construction loans? - More sources = more options.
3. Can you provide testimonials and references? - Word of mouth from someone else.
4. Go on-line and do a little digging. - The Internet is a great tool for information.
5. Be-careful about on-line applications for construction loans. - Most sites are lead sites and not actual mortgage companies that specialize in construction loans. Your information is collected and SOLD.
Feel free to ask any question any time.
http://www.communityfirstfinancial.com/
http://yourlendertroy.blogspot.com/
troy@yourlendertroy.com
Best of Luck,
Troy Schuricht