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Your Guide to Builder Financing

Read Time: 2 Minutes Date Published: January 23, 2025

Building the home of your dreams is an exciting time. You can create a space designed to your exact tastes and specifications, from the size of the living room to the color of the kitchen walls. But just as a solid foundation is important to any well-constructed house, financing is an important piece of the construction process. Read this guide to make sure you have everything you need to get started.

1. Get Clear on Your Vision

The more clearly you can define your goals, the closer you are to finding the financing that will work best for you. What are your priorities – are you hoping to live in an existing neighborhood? Are you prioritizing storage space? How much are you willing to invest in high-quality finishes? This is an important first step in creating your budget. Read this article for more details on cost considerations.

2. Set Your Budget and Get Pre-approved**

Once you’re clear on your budget for your build, you can get pre-approved for a loan with us. Pre-approval establishes how much you’re able to afford and demonstrates to builders and contractors that you’re serious about your project.

3. Gather Your Documents and Apply

Once you’ve selected your builder, Newrez will work with you to finalize your loan application. We need certain documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and records of outstanding debts. If you’re pre-approved, much of that information will already be prepared. File your application and we’ll keep you updated.

4. Stay In Touch During Construction

At each stage of the construction process, you’ll want to stay in communication with your builder to track significant milestones like foundation work, utility installation, and final finishes.

5. Monitor Your Finances

During the loan approval process, it’s advisable that you avoid making major financial changes that could impact your loan approval, such as taking on new debt or making large purchases.

6. Final Walkthrough and Loan Approval

Once your home nears completion, you’ll typically do a walkthrough with your builder to make sure everything falls in line with your expectations. Within this timeframe, we’ll finalize the underwriting process and prepare to close your loan. If changes come up during the walkthrough, we’ll work expeditiously to make get the timeline adjusted.

7. Closing

On closing day we’ll talk you through the signing of final paperwork. When the loan is finalized, we’ll distribute the funds to the builder, and you’ll be ready to celebrate in your new home!

Throughout the process and after closing, we’ll be glad to answer any remaining questions you have about your loan. We’re committed to being there for you through each step in your homeownership journey.

Looking for a loan for your new build? Newrez has options that fit your circumstances. Get started today.

Learn more in our other educational series.

We’ve assembled a treasure trove of jargon-free information to demystify home-financing and arm you with valuable insights and actionable options.

Why Newrez?

Newrez believes the lending business shouldn't just be about home loans - it should be about homeowners. That's why our employees get to know our customer's real needs, through final closing, and beyond.

Industry leading loan options
Simple pre-qualifications and application processes
Loans for everyone, from seasoned investors to first-time buyers
Putting power back into underserved communities

Disclosures

By refinancing an existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.

††The rate on your existing mortgage will not change. The Newrez Home Equity Loan program requires borrower to obtain a second mortgage at current market rates. Loan amount based on underwriting guidelines. Minimum 660 credit score. Minimum and maximum loan amounts apply. Program financing only available on properties with one existing mortgage lien and subject to maximum loan-to-value ratio. Not available in all states or territories. Other terms and restrictions apply. Please contact us for more information.

^ This HELOC is an open-end line of credit, available on owner occupied properties, where 75% of the approved full credit limit (minus the origination fees) will be drawn at the time of closing. Additional draws may be available after a 90-day period within the first 3 years not to exceed the available credit limit. Actual rates available to you may vary based on several factors including your credit score and combined loan-to-value. Loan amounts range from $50,000 to $350,000. We may determine home value and resulting equity through independent data sources and automated valuation models. An appraisal may also be required. Only available for eligible borrowers and property types. Not all applicants will be approved, pre-approval is based on data you have provided and certain assumptions that must be verified and subject to underwriting approval. Not available in all states or territories. Contact Newrez for more information.

This is not a commitment to lend. All loan programs are subject to credit, underwriting, and property approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply.