What is a Construction Loan?
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Construction loans are typically short-term loans with a duration of one year or less. The loan is used to fund the construction of a new home or other real estate property.
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What is a construction loan?
A construction loan is a short-term loan for real estate. You can use the loan to buy land, build on property that you already own, or renovate existing structures if your program allows.Construction loans are similar to a line of credit because you only receive the amount you need to complete each portion of a project. When you finish building, you will need to pay off the loan and may need to do so through a home mortgage loan.
How does a construction loan work?
Construction loans finance the building of new homes. Unlike standard mortgages, which are paid out in a lump sum, construction loans are paid out in installments, or draws. The first draw pays for the land, frame, and rough plumbing and wiring. The second draw pays for drywall and interior finishes like cabinets and countertops. The final draw pays for landscaping and any other work that needs to be done before you can move in.
Borrowers typically make interest-only payments on their construction loan until the project is complete. Once the home is finished and inspected, the borrower can either refinance the loan into a standard mortgage or sell the home to pay off the loan.
What are the benefits of a construction loan?
There are several benefits of a construction loan:
-You only have to make one application and one set of closing costs.
-The interest rate is locked in for the life of the loan, so you don’t have to worry about rising rates.
-Construction loans give you the ability to build your dream home.
-You can usually get a lower interest rate on a construction loan than you would on a traditional mortgage.
What are the drawbacks of a construction loan?
There are several potential drawbacks to taking out a construction loan, including:
-You’ll need to pay interest on the loan from the day it’s issued.
-You’ll need to pay closing costs when you take out the loan.
-You may need to pay for appraisal and inspection fees.
-You’ll need to be prepared for the possibility that your project could go over budget.
-You’ll need to have a good credit score to qualify for a construction loan.
How can I get a construction loan?
Construction loans are typically short-term loans with a maximum of one year and have variable rates that move up and down with the prime rate. The rates on this type of loan are higher than rates on permanent mortgage loans. To gain approval for a construction loan, you’ll need strong credit and a down payment of 20% or more. The specific amount required varies by lender.
