Step-by-Step Custom Home Building Journey

1. Select a Local Lender for Construction-to-Perm Financing

Objective: If you are not paying cash, select a bank that offers construction-to-perm financing.

Before shopping for lots or designing a home, it’s critical to understand your budget and financing options. Your NHE Bellator agent will introduce you to local lenders who specialize in construction-to-permanent loans. These loans finance:

• Lot acquisition (if needed)
• Construction costs
• Conversion to a traditional mortgage upon completion

You’ll work with the lender to:

• Get pre-approved
• Understand draw schedules and required documentation
• Ensure draw schedules align with builder’s requests per the New Home Contract

Be prepared to provide:

• Final home plans
• Builder contract
• Budget breakdown
• Appraisal and survey
• Personal financials

Note: Typical loan approval timeline: 2–4 weeks

2. Tour and Select the Ideal Lot

Objective: Identify the property that best fits your goals.

Your NHE Bellator agent will guide you through a curated list of lots that match your home goals, budget, and preferred location. They’ll help you assess:

• Lot size and orientation
• Topography and clearing needs
• Geo testing for soil stability
• Access to utilities (water, sewer, power, gas)
• HOA restrictions, setbacks, and design guidelines
• Drainage, soil, or floodplain concerns

Your agent may recommend a surveyor or civil engineer to assist with feasibility and due diligence.

3. Make an Offer and Secure the Lot

Once you find the right property, your NHE Bellator agent will:

• Draft and submit your offer to purchase the lot
• Negotiate purchase price, timeline, and contingencies
• Coordinate with the title company and real estate attorney

After going under contract, you’ll:

• Perform due diligence (soil tests, wetland assessments, zoning confirmation, etc.)
• Finalize financing or close with cash
• Close and take ownership of your homesite (only after due diligence is completed)

4. Select and Work with a Draftsman or Architect

Objective: Create custom plans for your future home.

With your lot secured, your next step is to design a home that fits your property and lifestyle. Your NHE Bellator agent can recommend:

• Residential draftsmen for simpler plans
• Licensed architects for custom, high-end, or complex designs

Your plan should reflect:

• Neighborhood design guidelines (if any)
• Lot setbacks, elevation, and utilities
• Your functional needs and aesthetic preferences

Once plans are complete, you’ll:

• Submit them to the HOA (if applicable)
• Provide them to your lender for appraisal
• Share them with your builder for final pricing

5. Interview and Hire a Home Builder

Objective: Choose the right builder for your vision and budget.

NHE Bellator agents have relationships with highly rated local builders and will help match you to one that fits your needs. Steps include:

• Reviewing portfolios, licensing, and references
• Comparing bids, allowances, and material specs
• Touring completed homes or active job sites

Once selected:

• Sign a construction contract detailing price, draw schedule, materials, and scope of work
• Builder prepares for permit submission and coordination with lender

6. Finalize Construction-to-Perm Loan and Close

When you have all of the following, your lender can finalize underwriting and prepare for closing on the construction-to-permanent loan:

• Lot
• Home plans
• Builder contract
• Budget and specs

Upon closing:

• Your construction loan begins
• Funds are released in stages (draws) to your builder