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GoBuildYourHouse
  • Financing
  • Construction Process
  • Planning & Design
  • Permits
  • Mistakes
  • Tools

Matt Harlan

I bring first-hand experience as both a builder and a broker, having navigated the challenges of designing, financing, and constructing houses from the ground up. I have worked directly with banks, inspectors, and local officials, giving me a clear understanding of how the process really works behind the paperwork. I am here to share practical advice, lessons learned, and insider tips to help others avoid costly mistakes and move smoothly from blueprint to finished home.
Why Are New Construction Houses Built So Poorly?
Planning & Design

Why Are New Construction Houses Built So Poorly?

January 3, 2026 by Matt Harlan 17 min read

People do not start shopping for a brand new home expecting disappointment. The whole appeal of new construction is supposed to be peace of mind:…

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What’s the Difference Between Building Your Own Home and Buying a New Construction House?
Construction Process

What’s the Difference Between Building Your Own Home and Buying a New Construction House?

January 3, 2026 by Matt Harlan 19 min read

If you’re weighing building your own home versus buying a new construction house, you’re already making a smart distinction that many people skip. A lot…

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Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)
Financing & Loans

Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

November 18, 2025 by Matt Harlan 20 min read

Building a house in Pennsylvania is one of the few ways to get exactly the home, layout, and location you want. But when you start…

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Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)
Financing & Loans

Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

November 18, 2025 by Matt Harlan 20 min read

Building a house in Virginia can feel like a luxury reserved for people with deep pockets. Between buying land, paying for plans and permits, managing…

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How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee
Financing & Loans

How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

November 18, 2025 by Matt Harlan 20 min read

Building a house in Tennessee can feel like an impossible dream when you start adding up the numbers: land, site work, permits, rising construction costs,…

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Financial Help to Build a House in North Carolina (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)
Financing & Loans

Financial Help to Build a House in North Carolina (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

November 13, 2025 by Matt Harlan 19 min read

Trying to build a house in North Carolina can feel like juggling ten flaming torches while reading a mortgage disclosure. You’re dealing with land prices,…

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Financial Help to Build a House in Georgia (2025 Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)
Financing & Loans

Financial Help to Build a House in Georgia (2025 Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

November 13, 2025 by Matt Harlan 15 min read

Building a house in Georgia is one of those big life moves that sits right at the crossroads of money, long-term stability, and lifestyle. You’re…

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Financial Help and Grants for Building a Home in Colorado (Including Modular, Land, and ADU Options)
Financing & Loans

Financial Help and Grants for Building a Home in Colorado (Including Modular, Land, and ADU Options)

November 13, 2025 by Matt Harlan 14 min read

Colorado is a high-demand housing market with mountain town constraints, Front Range competition, and very local permitting cultures. That makes it tempting to hunt for…

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Financial Help and Grants for Building a Home in New York (Including Modular, Land, and ADU Options)
Financing & Loans

Financial Help and Grants for Building a Home in New York (Including Modular, Land, and ADU Options)

October 31, 2025 by Matt Harlan 12 min read

Building in New York isn’t cheap, but the state is rich in programs that—when combined—can substantially reduce both up-front and ongoing expenses. The key is…

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Florida Homebuilding Grants & Financial Help for Owner-Builders, ADU Dreamers, and First-Time Buyers
Financing & Loans

Florida Homebuilding Grants & Financial Help for Owner-Builders, ADU Dreamers, and First-Time Buyers

October 3, 2025 by Matt Harlan 15 min read

Building a home in Florida is equal parts sunshine and spreadsheets. The state does not usually cut checks directly to individuals to build new homes,…

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Recent Posts

  • Why Are New Construction Houses Built So Poorly?

    Why Are New Construction Houses Built So Poorly?

    Matt Harlan•Jan 3
  • What’s the Difference Between Building Your Own Home and Buying a New Construction House?

    What’s the Difference Between Building Your Own Home and Buying a New Construction House?

    Matt Harlan•Jan 3
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18

Featured Posts

  • Why Are New Construction Houses Built So Poorly?

    Why Are New Construction Houses Built So Poorly?

    Matt Harlan•Jan 3
  • What’s the Difference Between Building Your Own Home and Buying a New Construction House?

    What’s the Difference Between Building Your Own Home and Buying a New Construction House?

    Matt Harlan•Jan 3
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18

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Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Own Home

  • Financing
  • Construction Process
  • Planning & Design
  • Permits
  • Mistakes
  • Tools

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