Everything You Need to Know About Construction Loans

A construction loan is a short-term loan used to finance the construction of a new home or property. The loan is typically repaid once the construction is complete, and the property is sold or refinanced.

Construction loans are different from traditional mortgages in that they often have higher interest rates and require monthly payments during construction. There also are some other nuances to know.

If you’re considering a construction loan, be sure to shop around for the best interest rate and terms. And be sure to consult with a qualified real estate agent or mortgage broker to learn more about your options.

How do construction loans work?

Construction loans operate a bit differently than traditional mortgages. Here’s a breakdown of how they typically work:

• You borrow money from the lender to finance the construction of your home or property.
• The lender requires you to provide a construction timetable and budget.
• You make monthly payments during construction, which cover both the interest on the loan and the construction costs.
• Once construction is complete, you either sell the property or refinance it with a traditional mortgage.
• The construction loan is repaid in full, along with any applicable interest and fees.

What is the downside to getting a construction loan?

On the contrary, construction loans come with a few potential downsides. Take a look before making a decision:

• The monthly payment requirement during construction can be difficult if you’re on a tight budget.
• It could be difficult to comply with the construction timetable and if your construction project runs into delays.
• If you don’t sell the property or refinance it with a traditional mortgage after construction is complete, you’ll need to pay off the construction loan in full. This can be difficult if you don’t have the money saved up.
• Construction loans often have higher interest rates and fees than traditional mortgages.

A construction loan can be a great option for financing the construction of a new home or property. But be sure to shop around for the best interest rate and terms, and consult with a qualified real estate agent or mortgage broker to learn more about your options.

Ready to get your next construction project started? Let’s talk.