Builder Lending Programs for the Treasure Valley

Your build schedule doesn't wait for underwriting. I partner with custom builders and developers across Boise, Eagle, Meridian, and Star to deliver fast pre-approvals, smooth draw management, and closings that stay on your timeline.

Crystal Howard, Builder Lending Partner

A Lender Who Understands Construction

Most lenders can originate a mortgage. Very few can keep up with a construction timeline. When your buyer's financing stalls at framing, when a draw gets held up because the lender's underwriter has never seen a construction disbursement schedule, when a pre-approval falls apart because nobody verified the buyer could actually handle a jumbo construction loan, that costs you real money and real time.

I built my lending practice specifically around the build process. I know what a draw schedule looks like, I understand the difference between vertical financing and a single-close construction-to-perm, and I've worked with enough builders in this market to know what keeps projects on track and what kills deals. When you send a buyer to me, the financing won't be the thing that slows you down.

Lending Programs That Fit How You Build

Every builder operates differently. Whether you're doing custom one-offs or developing communities, the buyer financing needs to match your model.

Single Close

One-Time Close Construction-to-Perm

Your buyer closes once before the first shovel hits dirt. The loan covers land, construction, and permanent financing in a single transaction. Interest-only payments during the build, then automatic conversion to permanent financing at completion. Less risk for your buyer, fewer delays for you, one less closing to coordinate.

Rate Protection

Extended Rate Locks

Construction timelines don't fit inside a 60-day rate lock. Extended lock programs offer rate protection for new construction with float-down options, so your buyers aren't sweating rate movements while you're hanging drywall. Locks available for extended periods with flexible terms.

Spec & Inventory

Forward Commitments

Building on spec or carrying inventory? Forward commitments allow your buyers to lock financing on homes that aren't yet complete. Sell further out, reduce carrying costs, and give buyers confidence to commit earlier in the build process.

Partnership

Preferred Lender Program

When you send your buyers to me, they get fast pre-approvals, clear communication throughout the build, and closings that happen on your timeline. I learn your communities, your price points, and your construction process so I can speak to your buyers with the same confidence you do.

How the Build Process Works With Me

Draws should be predictable and fast. Here's how the process runs from pre-approval through certificate of occupancy.

01

Builder Approval & Buyer Pre-Approval

I review your license, insurance, financials, and track record. This happens once. After you're approved, every buyer you send goes through a streamlined pre-approval process. Your buyers are qualified before you break ground.

02

Plans, Specs & Appraisal

You provide construction plans, a line-item cost breakdown, and projected timeline. I order a "subject to completion" appraisal based on the finished home value. The loan-to-value is based on the lesser of the appraised value or the purchase price (lot cost plus construction costs).

03

Close & Break Ground

On a single-close loan, we close before construction starts. Your buyer's rate is locked, the financing is done, and you have a funded deal. No second closing at the end.

04

Construction Draws

Disbursements are tied to completed milestones confirmed by inspections: site prep, foundation, framing, mechanicals, finishes, final. A third-party construction management company handles the draw schedule, and each disbursement is approved by both the builder and the borrower.

05

CO & Conversion

Once the certificate of occupancy is issued, the loan converts to permanent financing automatically. Your buyer moves in, you get paid, and the project is done. No re-qualifying, no second appraisal, no additional closing costs.

Builder Approval Is a One-Time Process

If we haven't worked together before, here's what I need to get you approved in the system.

Current contractor's license
General liability and builder's risk insurance
Financial statements (business and/or personal)
Track record of completed projects (typically 3+ homes)
Sample construction plans and cost breakdown for a current or upcoming project

Once approved, every future buyer you send goes through a streamlined process. The builder approval doesn't need to be repeated.

I Won't Be the Reason Your Deal Falls Apart

I Understand Draws

I know how construction timelines work and how draws move through the third-party management company. When something comes up between inspections and disbursements, I coordinate so your subs get paid on time.

Buyers Are Ready

When I pre-approve a buyer for your community, they're fully underwritten. Not a surface-level pre-qual that falls apart when the appraiser shows up. Your sales team can sell with confidence.

Timeline Protection

Construction has enough variables. The lender shouldn't be one of them. I build margin into every file and communicate proactively so your project closeout date holds.

Complex Deals Welcome

Jumbo construction, custom builds on acreage, buyers with self-employed income, relocation buyers from out of state. I handle the financing scenarios that make other lenders hesitate.

Direct Communication

You'll have my cell. When something comes up on a job site that affects the financing, you call me directly. No assistant, no call center.

Local Market Knowledge

I work in the Treasure Valley. I know the builders, the neighborhoods, the appraisal challenges in the foothills, and what it takes to close in Eagle vs. Star vs. Nampa.

Builder Program FAQ

What does a preferred lender relationship look like?
As a preferred lender, I become an extension of your sales process. Your buyers get fast pre-approvals, clear communication throughout the build, and closings that stay on your timeline. I learn your communities, price points, and construction process so I can speak to your buyers with the same confidence you do. Builder approval is a one-time process, and every future buyer you send goes through a streamlined workflow.
How does builder approval work?
Builder approval is a one-time process. I review your contractor's license, general liability and builder's risk insurance, financial statements, track record of completed projects (typically 3 or more homes), and a sample construction plan with cost breakdown. Once approved, every buyer you send goes through a streamlined pre-approval and closing process without repeating the builder approval.
What is a forward commitment for spec homes?
A forward commitment allows your buyers to lock financing on homes that are not yet complete. This means you can sell further out in the build process, reduce your carrying costs, and give buyers confidence to commit before the home is finished. The buyer's rate is protected, and closing happens when the home is complete.
How do construction draws work?
Disbursements are tied to completed milestones confirmed by inspections: site preparation, foundation, framing, mechanicals, finishes, and final completion. A third-party construction management company handles the draw schedule, and each disbursement is approved by both the builder and the borrower. I coordinate to keep the process moving so subcontractors get paid on schedule.
Can you handle jumbo construction for high-end custom builds?
Yes. I specialize in jumbo lending alongside construction financing. For custom builds exceeding the $832,750 conforming loan limit, single-close jumbo construction loans are available with 10-20% down depending on total project cost. This includes luxury custom homes in Eagle, lakefront properties, and high-end builds throughout the Treasure Valley.

Let's Build Something Together

Whether you're a custom builder doing one home at a time or a developer breaking ground on a new community, I want to be the lender who keeps your projects moving.

Email Crystal → Call 208-991-8869 Schedule a Call