Source: Scott Webb on Pexels
It’s not easy to build a home when the economy is terrible and financing is almost impossible to get. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. If you are determined to build a new home, there are several methods and resources that can help you achieve your dream. Whether your plans include building a new custom house, adding an addition to your existing home, or constructing a smaller more affordable home – these tips will help you save as much money as possible. Building a new custom home can be very expensive and challenging during times of recession. Unless you have significant savings or someone who is willing to mortgage their house on your behalf – it might prove difficult to finance such a expensive construction project. Moreover, given that you need professionals for design, planning and execution, the process can really start to add up over time. Fortunately enough, there are some ways that you can help eliminate unnecessary costs from the building process and help deal with the costs that are not adjustable. In this article, we will take a look at some of these methods in detail:
Borrow from Family and Friends
It might seem outlandish at first, but family and friends are actually a wonderful and common way to get sound financial support, if you do it right. If you have someone in your life who is financially stable and trustworthy, that could be a great source of funds. Getting a personal loan from friends and family could be an excellent choice. However, make sure you have a solid plan to pay it back. It is also a good idea to put your agreement in writing to avoid any misunderstandings later. The biggest issue people face with loaning money from a family member or friend is the strain on the relationship. Making sure the agreement is written down, structured, planned, and sound is a surefire way to avoid any complications. It’s best to make sure you talk with a lender before going to your family and friends for a loan. They would be able to walk you through the process and help you determine the best option for you. Plus, you owe it to them to be diligent about repaying the loan as agreed. As long as you stay on top of paying them back, you can often avoid the interest and other details associated with legal loans.
Consider an Alternative Financing Option
When the economy is terrible, you might be able to get a very low interest rate if you are able to find a lender who is more flexible about your credit situation. You can try contacting smaller lenders, local banks, credit unions or even online lenders who might be able to offer you a lower interest rate. Moreover, you might be able to opt for an adjustable or short-term rate. Another option is to get a home equity line of credit. You can use the equity in your home to get a line of credit that you can use to purchase any real estate as long as it’s within your state’s limits. The great thing about this type of financing is that you can use the credit line over and over again with no additional equity required. WIth luck, you will be able to find an agent who will go over the process with you in detail so you know exactly what is going on at any given time.
Use a Home Equity Loan
When you take out a Home Equity Loan, you are borrowing a certain amount based on the equity in your home. The lender will then hold that equity as collateral until you pay back the loan. In an economic recession, it might be challenging to get a home equity loan. But it never hurts to try, as this is the most tried and true way of borrowing money while building a home. With that being said, it is important that you shop around for the best deal. You can start by checking with your bank and seeing if they have any home equity loan programs. You can also check with online lenders and other local lenders to see if they have home equity loan programs. The good news is that many banks are actually offering lower interest rates on home equity loans now because they are trying to compete with the online lenders. So the recession may work in your favor for something after all!
Borrow Through a Second Mortgage
If you have equity in your home, you can obtain a second mortgage. This is a great option to consider if you don’t have enough equity in your home to get a home equity loan. A second mortgage is a lower amount than a home equity loan. You can get a second mortgage through a private lender or through a traditional lender. When the economy is bad, lenders are more flexible with second mortgages. They are more flexible with the down payments, interest rates, and terms. So, if you have equity in your home, you can get a second mortgage and use it to fund your new house. Again, contact your local bank for information that will be unique to your situation before deciding what kind of loan to consider. Whether it be from family, a bank, an online lender, or any other method, remember that the most important thing is to know exactly what you are getting into. Know your limits and know what you are capable of paying back, and a loan could be your best friend throughout your house building process.
Define Your Construction Budget Carefully
After you consider whether or not you feel comfortable or feel that it is necessary to take out a loan for your home, the next most important step is to budget your build. Your choices throughout the building process can add up more than you could imagine over time, so here are some important things to remember. When deciding how much to spend on construction of your new home, you want to start with the cost of land for your new house. The average cost of land in the United States is around $20,000 per acre. The price varies depending on the location. If you plan on building in a highly populated area; the cost will be higher than if you were to build on a less populated piece of land. If you are looking to build in a city, the price of land will be significantly higher. While location is optimal, consider a lot slightly further away than the heart of the city, and see how big you can save. Try to estimate all the costs of building your new home, including engineering, design, and all the construction materials. You need to consider every step, like what Waste Management Service you plan to use. Even something as small as the dumpster you rent can make a world of a difference. You should also consider adding a contingency amount to the budget in case there are any changes or unexpected problems during the construction. That way you’re prepared for whatever the build throws at you and you don’t fall into a perilous financial area.
To Consider
You can still build a new home even when the economy is terrible. All it takes is a little creativity and determination. You can get funding for your new home by borrowing money from friends and family, getting a home equity loan or a second mortgage, or even getting an alternative financing option. The process of building your home is equally as important, and remember to consciously keep costs as low as possible. With the right strategy, you can make it happen.