Ground-up Construction Loans That Help You Build Bigger, Faster

When you're facing a ground-up construction project, it's important to avoid making mistakes that could hinder profitability. To start with, research the local demand and employment prospects in your area. You should also consider things like nearby amenities and any zoning requirements that might affect your project. It's also crucial to accurately estimate expenses, set realistic timelines for the project and maintain open communication with stakeholders. If you overlook these steps, you could end up losing money on unnecessary delays and penalties.

Boise, Idaho, emerges as a promising investment market, driven by depleted inventory levels and a surge in demand. With population and job growth three times the national average, Boise becomes an ideal location for initiating ground-up investment ventures. Dallas, Texas, with its ongoing population influx, anticipates sustained housing demand and foresees a doubling of its population within 15 years. Similarly, Atlanta, Georgia, experiences consistent housing demand, driven by a 14% population growth in the past decade, making it a potentially lucrative ground-up construction site for investors.  Ground-up construction in these markets offers potential for long-term profits and successful real estate ventures.

Explore thriving opportunities for ground-up construction in these key U.S. cities. Jacksonville, Florida, is a hotspot for construction, with heightened demand for housing driving the industry forward. Despite recent challenges, builders in Jacksonville are thriving, and the construction sector remains dynamic. In Austin, Texas, a robust construction industry is fueled by consistent population growth. Raleigh, North Carolina, is also a thriving construction landscape, especially in warehouse space, indicating sustained growth and favorable conditions for developers seeking financing for their projects.

Opting for a ground-up construction loan in Florida provides unparalleled advantages, offering investors total control and uncapped flexibility. Unlike renovating existing structures, constructing from scratch allows tailored features, eliminating compromises. Investor engagement throughout the design and construction phases ensures active involvement and careful budget monitoring. Simplified compliance, cost-effectiveness, and avoidance of hidden expenses make ground-up construction loans an appealing choice for savvy investors seeking a personalized and profitable venture in Florida's real estate market.

For Georgia investors seeking ground-up construction loans, selecting the right location is crucial. In Roswell, a sought-after Atlanta suburb, a growing population, charming historic district, and rising home values create a lucrative opportunity. Atlanta, with over 5.5 million residents and rapid growth, presents a smart real estate investment, especially in The West End—a picturesque and affordable community. Columbus, Georgia's third-largest city, offers diverse neighborhoods and a thriving market, making it an ideal location for new property development with consistent price appreciation trends.

A down payment of 10-15% of the total project cost is typically required for a ground-up construction loan.

This ensures that the borrower has a significant financial stake in the project, reducing the lender’s risk.

If the land is already owned, its equity may count toward the down payment. For clarity, if you have previosuly bought a property for $100,000 and now it is worth $150,000 - ECF will only count the equity from the $100,000.

Our rates start from 9.99%.

Interest rates for ground-up construction loans are typically higher than fix and flip loans since there is more risk.

Rates can vary based on the borrower’s credit score, loan amount, and project complexity.

ECF has no minmum interest, unlimited draws and no hidden fees however, construction loans can come with various fees.

These can include:

1. Origination fees (1-2% of the loan amount)
2. Inspection fees (for each draw)
3. Appraisal fees (to assess the property’s value),
4. Closing costs (such as title insurance and attorney fees).

There may be fees for processing permits and conducting environmental assessments.

These fees can add up so we encourage you to factor them into your overall budget.

Some lenders may offer to roll these costs into the loan, but this can increase the total amount borrowed.

If construction costs exceed the loan amount, the borrower is responsible for covering the additional expenses.

This can be achieved through:

1. Personal savings
2. A separate loan
3. Adjusting the project scope to reduce costs

Some lenders may allow borrowers to apply for a loan increase. This often requires reappraisal and additional documentation.

To avoid this situation, we encourage you to include a contingency fund (10-20% of the total budget) in your construction plan.

It’s challenging but possible to get a ground-up construction loan with bad credit.

At ECF, we analyse your eligibility based on your experience, not your financials.

Please contact us to see if we're able to help you.

Most lenders require a credit score of at least 680-720 to qualify for a ground-up construction loan.

Our minimum credit score is 680.

At ECF, we analyse your eligibility based on your experience, not your financials.

Please contact us to see if we're able to help you.

To qualify for a ground-up construction loan at ECF, we typically ask the borrower to provide:

1. Constructions plans
2. Track record
3. Credit history
4. Plan and permits but only if they are available.

Yes. Government-backed programs like FHA, VA, and USDA offer construction-to-permanent loans for eligible borrowers.

FHA loans are ideal for owner occupied properties.

VA loans are available to veterans and active-duty military personnel with no down payment requirement.

USDA loans are designed for rural development and offer low-interest rates.

Yes. Construction loans are available from ECF for investment and rental properties.

A down payment of 10-15% of the total project cost is typically required.

We lend Ground Up Constructions loans nationwide across the United States except ND & SD.

Local banks, credit unions, and specialized lenders often offer competitive construction loan options.

The best lender for you will depend on your specific needs, such as loan terms, interest rates, and customer service.

Please contact us to discuss your project and see if we're the right lender for you.

Yes. Most construction loans are interest-only during the building phase.

Borrowers pay interest only on the amount disbursed which helps manage cash flow while the project is underway.

Yes. There are several types of construction loans, including:

1. Construction-to-permanent loans which convert to a mortgage after completion
2. Stand-alone construction loans, which must be paid off or refinanced separately
3. Renovation loans for upgrading existing properties

Each type has its terms, interest rates, and requirements.

Borrowers should choose the loan that best aligns with their project goals and financial situation.

Please contact us to find out which type of loan is best for your project.

Construction loans disburse funds in stages, known as draws, which correspond to key milestones in the building process.

The first draw might cover land clearing and foundation work while subsequent draws fund framing, roofing, and interior finishes.

Before each disbursement, an inspector verifies that the work has been completed satisfactorily.

This phased approach ensures that funds are used as intended and reduces the lender’s risk.

Borrowers typically pay interest only on the amount disbursed making it a cost-effective way to manage cash flow during construction.

A ground-up construction loan provides funds in stages, known as draws, as the construction project progresses. The lender disburses money after each major milestone, such as completing the foundation, framing, or roofing.

An inspector usually verifies the completion of each stage before funds are released.

During the construction phase, borrowers typically pay only interest on the amount disbursed.

Once the project is finished, the owner typically sells the property for a profit.

They also have the option to hold the property by refinancing it with our DSCR loan program and keep the rental cash flow.

With ECF, prelimenary approval can be achieved within 24 hours.

Full approval and closing is typically between 5 and 7 days.

Our loan terms for a ground-up construction loan is 12 to 36 months.

A typical loan terms lasts 12-24 months covering the construction phase.

A ground-up construction loan is a specialized short-term loan designed to finance the new investment properties, covering land and construction costs.

It covers costs such as purchasing land, hiring contractors, obtaining permits, and purchasing materials.

A construction loan is a short-term loan used to finance the building of a new home or structure, with funds disbursed in stages as construction progresses.

A traditional mortgage is a long-term loan used to purchase an already-built home.

Yes. With ECF, up to 75% of land purchase or as-is value is financed.

ECF will finance your ground up construction loan based on your experience.

Other lenders require a licensed contractor to oversee the construction project as they have the expertise and credentials to ensure the work is completed to code and on schedule.

No, the land can be financed up to 75%.

ECF only take 1st position liens. The land financed for the 75% would have to cover the full payoff.

For example; if the full property purchase is for $100K and the investor owes $80K, ECF will give up to $75k towards the payoff. The investor would need to bring the $5k to closing since ECF do not allow any other liens on the property.

Other lenders may require that the land be free of liens or other encumbrances before approving the loan.

Contact us to discuss which approach is most effective for your project.