5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping For A Home Construction Loan

If you are considering building a custom home in Brunswick County, NC, one of your first steps will be to get a home construction loan. Home construction loans can help cover the cost of constructing and improving homes, and while they can offer much-needed financial support for new builds, shopping for them also comes with its own set of unique challenges.

In this blog post, we’ll cover six common mistakes homeowners make when securing financing for their custom home-build projects. By avoiding these oversights, savvy shoppers have saved time and money to ensure the best possible deal from North Carolina lenders.

1. Not Shopping Around

When finding the right loan, doing your research is vital. It's imperative to be aware of all your loan options and not just settle for the first offer that comes your way.

By comparing different lenders and their specific loan offerings, you can determine the one that best suits your financial needs.

Factors such as interest rates, down payment requirements, and fees play a crucial role in your decision-making.

Educating yourself about these aspects will ultimately lead to the best deal and most favorable terms. Take your time with loans; being calculated and informed is essential.

2. Not Comparing Loan Terms Carefully

When securing a loan, comparing the terms and conditions of different options is crucial. No matter how enticing the interest rate may seem, carefully examining the entire package is important.

Often, hidden fees may not be apparent at first glance, resulting in unwanted surprises down the line.

Take the time to understand the repayment terms, including any penalties for late or missed payments, and ensure you are comfortable with them before signing on the dotted line. By doing so, you can ensure that you are making informed and responsible decisions regarding borrowing.

3. Not Getting Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved before you start talking to custom home builders about your dream home is an intelligent and crucial first step.

Pre-approval provides you with the necessary knowledge about your budget and what you can afford regarding your mortgage payment. It also grants you peace of mind, ensuring you are not wasting your time looking at custom homes you can't afford. 

Getting pre-approved also helps you to understand your creditworthiness and any other factors that may influence the loan terms, allowing you to make informed decisions throughout the home-building process.

4. Not Considering All Loan Types

When it comes to finding the right home construction loan, it's crucial to do your research and consider all available loan types.

While many people are familiar with FHA and conventional lenders, it's important to note that individual banks can also offer unique loan types.

For instance, First Bank in Wilmington, NC, has a One-Time-Close Construction to Permanent Loan, which provides 12 months of financing through the construction phase, with the added bonus of seamlessly converting to your permanent mortgage once your home is finished. No second closing is required.

This is just one example of a specialized loan offering you may not find with other lenders, so it's important to consider all your options before deciding.

5. Not Understanding Your Finances

When exploring home construction loan options, it’s essential to understand your financial position and the potential obstacles you may face.

A good credit score is important, but lenders may also consider other factors, such as your income and employment history. Knowing this beforehand will help you to prepare any necessary documents before applying for a construction loan.

It's also wise to have an emergency fund on hand for unforeseen expenses during the building process.

Let's Connect

Richmond Homes is a custom home builder in Wilmington, NC. Our team can help you navigate the home construction loan process and guide you to get the best deal. If you are ready to start building your dream home in Brunswick County, contact us today!

We look forward to helping you turn your vision into a reality.