I usually build only about 5-6 homes per year. That means that you get to deal directly with me instead of a secondary supervisor. In other words, you get me and my personal service. I'll personally be at the job site everyday to ensure that your home is being built exactly the way you want it. And I won't be too busy to return your calls.

There are a lot of decisions that you will have to make during the process of building your home, and sometimes it can be a bit challenging to keep up with all that has to be done. But I promise to do my best to help you all the way through it. I want it to be a great and rewarding experience for both of us.

Here's the usual steps in the process…

1. Just as with buying a home that is already built, you need to first look at your financial situation and decide what you can afford to spend for a new home. Here are some examples of the monthly payments for a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6% (your actual term/rate may be lower or higher):

   • $140,000 - $840
   • $170,000 - $1020
   • $200,000 - $1200
   • $230,000 - $1380
   • $260,000 - $1560

   Keep in mind that your lender may add to your mortgage payment an escrow payment for taxes and insurance (on average about $75-$125 per month).

2. Go ahead and talk to a bank or mortgage lender about getting a loan (I'd be glad to make some recommendations if you need them). Be honest with them about your income and credit information. Your lender will help you to determine ahead of time the amount of loan for which you will qualify. You will need to obtain both a construction loan (from which I will make draws during the course of construction) and the permanent financing. Usually you will have a closing before construction and then another closing for the permanent loan at the completion of construction. Your lender will be able to give you an estimate of the closing costs.

3. If you already own a lot, then you're ready for the next step. If not, start looking for available lots in areas in which you'd like to live (I'd be glad to help make some recommendations if you'd like). Make sure that the lot you wish to buy is compatible with the home you wish to build. In other words, if you wish to have a walk-out basement, then a lot which slopes down from front to back will probably work great. If not, then a more level lot would be better. Generally speaking, it is preferable that you purchase/close on your lot prior to and separate from the agreement to build your home.

4. You've probably already been looking at various house plans, but now is the time to make some decisions. This is when you call me and we set up a time to meet together and talk about your new home. Most of the people for whom I have built a house brought me a picture that is similar to what they'd like their house to look like on the exterior. Then they tell me what they'd like to have on the interior. I do my own plans on my computer, so I'm able to take all the different ideas you have and put them together to arrive at a house that fits your needs and your pocketbook. (By the way, it never costs you anything just to talk with me. I don't make any money unless/until we're ready to start building your home.)

5. It may take a few visits, but once we get the house designed just the way you want it, along with all the detailed specifications. We'll figure out how much it will cost to build, and then it's time to sign the agreement.

6. Take a copy of the contract and a copy of the plans and specifications to your mortgage lender. He will let you know what further information he/she may need from you (i.e., income verification, etc.). The lender will probably call me and let me know what he/she may need from me. You will need to obtain insurance coverage for your new home. Call your insurance agency and tell them about the home you're building. They will send proof of insurance to the closing agent.

7. It might take 2-3 weeks for your lender to get everything ready to close, but just as soon as you close on the construction loan, we're ready to get started. You'll start picking out things like bricks, wall colors, cabinet details, floor covering, etc. And I'll be getting the permit, and clearing and preparing the lot, etc. Pretty soon the foundation will be done and the framing construction will begin and, before you know it, it will start looking like a house.

8. If you're like most people, you'll stop by the job site just about everyday to see what has been done. Please understand that, no matter how hard we try, some days are more productive than others, and some days are not productive at all. The overall time from start to finish depends on various factors such as: the size of the house, the weather, timing availability of subcontractors (sometimes we have to wait a bit for workers to finish another job), etc. Regardless, it usually takes anywhere from 4 to 6 months to get the job done. And we won't be finished until you're completely satisfied. But when we're through, I know that both of us will be very proud of the home we've created together.