Download our Construction Info Guide
Download our Modification Process Guide
Do we have to own our own lot free and clear?
No. We will pay off your existing land contract or lender.
Does this mean I have to close again at the end?
Absolutely not! That’s the beauty of our Construction-to-Permanent Loan. Your loan documents were created specifically to cover both the constructing and permanent phases of your loan and you will simply just need to sign your modification documents once you have fulfilled the conversion requirements. You can be assured that you have permanent financing when your home is completed.
If we already own our lot, how do we determine how much we can borrow?
Generally, you will almost always be able to borrow a percentage of the future value of the house, regardless of how long you’ve owned the lot or the total cost of the build.
What does an Appraiser appraise?
Well, there obviously is no building to go by. However there is a plot of land and specific building plans for your new home. There are also recent sales of similar properties in the area that the appraiser uses to appraise the completed project.
Can your programs be used to finance major remodels or even a “teardown”?
Yes. In these cases the amount which can be borrowed is usually based on the future value of the house after the construction. Exceptions to this would be if the Borrower had less than 20% “in the deal” based on total costs, or the loan balance would be more than the site value (after the old house was torn down) in a “teardown” situation. This type of construction loan can be a refinance on the home in which you live, or an acquisition loan to acquire a property which will be remodeled to be used as your residence.
Can we use any licensed builder?
You are going to work closely with your builder for months. Be sure he or she is reputable and someone you trust. For more tips on choosing the right builder visit the National Home Builders Association – https://www.nahb.org/.
Can I act as my own general contractor?
Being an Owner/Contractor is available only to someone who is a licensed builder/remodeler.
When does the construction loan term begin?
The Construction loans will go until you have received the Certificate of Occupancy and begins on the date the borrower signs loan documents.
How do the loan payments work?
During the course of construction, interest is paid only on the principal amount disbursed on the loan.
How is interest calculated and paid during construction?
Interest is charged on disbursed balances, not the whole loan amount. Borrowers are billed every month the interest due on the loans. These statements are generated on the 19th of each month and are due 1st of the next month. Draws will not be released on loans with a past due balance.
What if the appraised value is lower than expected?
Most Appraisers do a very good job of coming up with a fair value. In the event that the home appraises Construction Permanent Lending Borrower Information Guide Page 4 of 5 for less than cost, the amount over the appraised value would need to be paid by the customer or we can appeal the appraisal with additional comparable sales that they have missed.
Do we need to sell our current home before building a new home?
Not necessarily. Consult with us first, and we will be able to determine whether you qualify, and for which loan program. If you are already renting, your rent will not be considered by the underwriter. If you need the proceeds from the sale of your current house to close on the construction loan, you’ll have to sell your current residence prior to, or simultaneously with, the funding of the construction loan.
What if the project costs are more than estimated?
Cost over-run is a legitimate concern, whether caused by unforeseen circumstances or extras added later in the projects and will need to be paid directly to the builder. We recommend having an allowance for extras added in for this very reason.
What is Builder’s Risk Insurance?
Homeowners normally obtain Hazard Insurance (required by Lenders). In the case of a construction loan, an additional insurance policy is required. This policy is often referred to as Builders Risk Insurance or a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy with Dwelling under Construction coverage. Builder’s Risk Insurance is sometimes paid by the general Contractor, but needs to be stated in the contract negotiated.
What is a Draw?
A draw is a request to have funds disbursed from your construction loan. Your disbursements are intended to cover specific expenses incurred during your home’s construction. Sworn statements & lien wavers/or receipts must be submitted to the title company and the bank’s construction department. They use these as a basis for processing your request.
Can I take a draw to pay for deposits on materials/suppliers?
No, we typically only reimburse for items and work already completed. Under special circumstances, exceptions can be made and must be approved by our construction lending department.
How does the disbursement process work?
Disbursements on a construction loan are designed to reimburse the Builder/Contractor as the construction of the home progresses. We will disburse construction proceeds based on the amount of the work that has been completed on the project. For example, the budget is $100,000 and the project is 10% complete (based on the inspector’s view); Dart Bank’s Construction Lending Department will disburse up to $10,000 on the project. This disbursement would be in addition to any advances or deposits the borrower may be entitled to receive. Disbursements for soft or direct cost expenses must be verified by an inspection.
Who does the Builder/Contractor contact to request funds?
Builders/Contractors may submit their sworn statement and lien waivers to draws@dartbank.com to start the draw process.
How are deposits for kit and modular homes handled?
We can disburse 20% of the funds allocated for the kit or modular home as a deposit. The remaining 80% of the funds designated for this kit or modular package are disbursed when the house or materials are delivered to the site. This holds as a guide and can be modified in certain situations with prior approval by the construction department manager.
Where will my draw funds be disbursed?
Draw funds are typically disbursed to the title company/builder for disbursement directly to subcontractors. Disbursement options will depend upon what the draw/advance is for at the time of request.
What happens once I’ve reached my final Draw Request?
By the time you make your final Draw Request, your home should be complete. You can then request your remaining loan funds (if additional funds remain), and “modify” your loan into the permanent loan phase, provided that the conditions outlined in your Construction Loan Agreement are met. When requesting your final Draw, the following items must be submitted:
- Final Draw Request
- Affidavit from builder stating all material providers and subcontractors have been paid in full.
- Unconditional Lien Waiver upon final payment signed by the General Contractor/Builder
- Copy of recorded Notice of Completion (if applicable) and a Certificate of Occupancy.
- Evidence of current homeowner’s insurance
- Final Progress Inspection
- Borrower’s mailing address and e-mail address for future correspondence.
In addition; the loan must be in good standing according to the terms of the Construction Loan Agreement.
Can we pay our loan balance down before our note is modified?
Yes you can. A common occurrence is that the Borrowers have now sold their previous residence, and they wish to use some of these funds to buy down the construction loan prior to the note being modified to longer term fixed rates.