Is Interest Rate on Construction Loan 8% Worth it?

Is Interest Rate on Construction Loan 8% Worth it?

New to Real Estate · Charleston, SC · Member since 2021 · 3 posts · 0 votes

I got pre-approval for a construction loan for 8% qualifying rate (not final).  What is the current going rate these days ?

How much is too much ?

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Developer · Boulder, CO · Member since 2018 · 530 posts · 365 votes
2y

@Mark Bringas

Too much = when the deal doesn’t work

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Developer · Boulder, CO · Member since 2018 · 530 posts · 365 votes
    2y

    @Mark Bringas

    Too much = when the deal doesn’t work

  • Contractor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    I'm building 2 homes right now and paying 12% interest on my debt (no points).

  • Investor · Statewide, MO · Member since 2011 · 815 posts · 425 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Scott E.:

    I'm building 2 homes right now and paying 12% interest on my debt (no points).

    I'm building now as well. I'm assuming you took private money to fund your deal? Why not go with a bank to not bleed as much out on interest?
  • Henry ClarkPro Member
    Developer · Member since 2020 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y

    Questions:

    1.  How long is the construction period?

    2.  What is the average balance over that period?

    3.  Compute the total interest spend.


    How does that figure work in your deal analysis?      
    What happens after wards?  At the “rate”?    

  • Contractor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Ed O.:
    Quote from @Scott E.:

    I'm building 2 homes right now and paying 12% interest on my debt (no points).

    I'm building now as well. I'm assuming you took private money to fund your deal? Why not go with a bank to not bleed as much out on interest?

    The group I'm borrowing from calls themselves a private lender but they are more similar to a traditional bank than your typical private money guy/gal. Licensed loan officers, underwriters, etc.

    I actually just refinanced with these guys. Was paying more to a hard money lender.

  • Doug SmithPro Member
    Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    Is this a construction loan for you to build a personal house or is this an investor spec build? The market for a construction loan for a person building their own home is actually right on or a bit higher. An investor spec build is actually in the 12% range. That being said, rate is just a number. Does the math work? Do you make money by doing it? Yes, the rates are much higher now, but if a deal works mathematically...do it. If not...walk away. 

  • Member since 2023 · 8 posts · 3 votes
    2y

    I agree with @Doug Smith here.  It is all about the math.  Also, are you paying that interest rate on the total loan balance on day 1?  If so, there are options (depending on your experience) for a non-dutch loan.  Meaning you only pay interest on what you draw.  We have specialized in New construction and tear down/rebuilds for the last 20 years.  www.streamlinefunding.com

  • Developer · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 157 posts · 84 votes
    2y

    Hello there, and congratulations on your decision to start investing in real estate.

    Since there is no collateral (the house has not yet been built), construction loan rates are slightly higher than standard loan rates. This increases the likelihood of default, making lenders wary.

    P+1% construction loans are common. P is the prime rate, which is currently approximately 9.5%, so P+1 would be 9.5 % right now. 8% is a reasonable interest rate. However, many banks do not now offer building loans and need 20% relationship deposits. You might look into a hard money loan with a rate of around 12%. The drawback is that it has a lot of fees, so if you can, stick with construction financing.

    Construction loan interest rates can be fixed or variable, which means they fluctuate based on the index to which the rate is linked. Variable loans often begin with lower interest rates than fixed loans but can increase or drop monthly based on market rates. Construction loans are used to pay for only the construction of a dwelling. The overall loan balance becomes due after the construction is completed. You can either pay it off in full or get another loan (such as a standard mortgage) to cover the balance.

    Keep in mind that if you do this and then take up a new mortgage to pay off the construction loan, you will be required to pay closing costs twice.

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