Should You Use a Builder’s Preferred Lender or Find Your Own?
Deciding between a builder’s preferred lender or your own? Compare rates, incentives, and operational fit for construction loans and long-term mortgages.
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.
How to Budget for a Self-Build Project When Costs Keep Rising
Learn to build a dynamic budget for your self-build project amid rising costs. Get strategies for contingencies, hedges, and cost-control to stay on track.
The Hidden Fees in Construction Loans (And How to Avoid Them)
Uncover hidden fees in construction loans and learn practical strategies to avoid them. Save money with negotiation tips, fee maps, and step-by-step calculat…
Using Home Equity to Fund Your New Build: Risks and Rewards
Learn how to use home equity to fund your new build. Explore HELOCs, home equity loans, and cash-out refinancing to save money and reduce stress during const…
How to Finance a House Build Without Taking on Massive Debt
Learn to finance your home build without massive debt. Strategize loans, leverage land equity, and design to budget—keeping payments low and predictable.
The Pros and Cons of Building a Home with a Personal Loan
Explore the pros and cons of using a personal loan to build your home. Learn when it works, risks like high APR and DTI, and how to avoid long-term financial…
What Happens If You Go Over Budget on a Construction Loan?
Over budget on your construction loan? Learn lender rules, smart steps to get funds flowing again, and how to protect your project without derailing it.
Construction Loan Draw Schedules Explained: How the Money Is Released
Learn how construction loan draw schedules work: from milestones to funding. Keep your build on track, avoid delays, and manage payments like a pro.
Why Interest-Only Payments Might Be the Right Choice During Construction
Learn how interest-only payments during construction can improve cash flow, reduce risk, and keep your home build on budget. Explore benefits and trade-offs.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Construction Loan
Boost your credit score 40-100 points in 60-90 days for construction loan approval. Learn fast levers, timing strategies, and mistakes to avoid for better ra…