Bridge Loans at 6% Break the Selling-Building Gap
With bridge loan rates at 6 percent, homeowners can initiate construction promptly, bypassing delays from unsold properties and unlocking equity efficiently.
By Becca Woods
4 min read
#2025
Articles tagged with 2025
Solar Roof Tiles Now Match Shingles on Price
In 2025, solar roof tiles compete directly with shingles on price, combining elegant design, robust performance, and renewable energy generation. Advanced manufacturing and incentives deliver long-term savings and environmental gains, making them an ideal choice for forward-thinking homeowners.
By Emily Lockwood
5 min read
Why Hempcrete and Ashcrete Are Going Mainstream
Hempcrete and ashcrete emerge as viable alternatives to traditional concrete, offering environmental benefits and practical advantages. Hempcrete provides carbon-negative insulation and moisture regulation, while ashcrete repurposes industrial waste for durable, low-cost applications. These materials support energy-efficient, resilient buildings that align with modern sustainability goals.
By Becca Woods
4 min read
Builder Buydowns Drop Payments Hundreds for First Years
As mortgage rates climb in 2025, builder buydowns gain prominence by reducing buyer interest rates temporarily or permanently. Builders fund these cuts to sustain sales, delivering substantial early savings. Understand the process, expenses involved, and ways to integrate them into your financial plan.
By Becca Woods
4 min read
Hempcrete and Mycelium: Natural Materials That Breathe
Hempcrete and mycelium revolutionize sustainable construction by providing breathable, renewable insulation that regulates climate, cuts emissions, and enhances durability. These materials create vibrant, efficient homes. Discover planning and building strategies for eco-conscious spaces that promote wellness and environmental harmony.
By Kara Harris
5 min read
Hempcrete Homes Cut Energy Bills in Half While Absorbing Carbon
Hempcrete emerges as a game-changer in sustainable building, delivering carbon-negative performance, breathability, and energy savings. Composed of hemp hurds, lime, and water, this material provides long-lasting strength, enhanced comfort, and aesthetic appeal while minimizing emissions and operational expenses. As construction professionals integrate it into complete residential structures, hempcrete sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible living.
By Kara Harris
4 min read
Builders Face 85% Insurance Premium Jump in 2025
Construction professionals encounter insurance premiums potentially increasing by 85% in 2025 due to heightened claims from extreme weather, escalating material prices, and operational hazards. Industry leaders adapt by revising budgets, enhancing safety protocols, and pursuing cost-effective group insurance options. This trend fosters advanced risk management practices and drives innovation across the sector.
By Emily Lockwood
4 min read
Bridge Loans Buy Time When Buyer Financing Stalls
90-day bridge loans offer builders swift short-term financing to sustain project progress amid delays in long-term funding or buyer mortgage approvals. These loans feature rapid processing, adaptable repayment options, and competitive rates to enhance cash flow and avert expensive setbacks, provided borrowers establish precise timelines, control expenditures, and develop robust repayment strategies.
By Kara Harris
4 min read
Build Higher Now or Pay More Later for Flood Insurance
Upcoming 2025 flood regulations elevate building standards and associated expenses. Strategic choices, such as higher foundations, durable materials, and enhanced drainage, reduce insurance rates while enhancing property resilience. Elevation exceeds mere regulatory adherence; it delivers security, financial benefits, and tranquility amid increasing flood risks.
By Emily Lockwood
4 min read
USDA Loans Now Cover Solar in Rural Home Builds
From 2025, USDA construction loans integrate solar financing for rural homes, offering single-close simplicity, no down payment options, and immediate energy savings to foster affordable, eco-friendly builds.
By Becca Woods
5 min read
Should You Lock Your Construction Loan Rate Now?
With construction loan rates declining in 2025, timing your rate lock decision is crucial for budget stability. Locking early shields against potential increases, while strategic waiting may yield lower rates. This guide covers float-down provisions, timeline considerations, lender comparisons, and steps to achieve financial security in your build.
By Kara Harris
5 min read
2-1 Buydown Cuts Early Mortgage Payments by Two Points
The 2-1 buydown temporarily reduces mortgage interest rates, cutting payments by two points in year one and one in year two. Funded by sellers or builders, it saves up to $40,000 initially, aiding budget adjustments and potential refinancing for long-term affordability.
By Emily Lockwood
4 min read
Bridge Loans Drop to 6.5%: What It Means for Builders
Bridge loan rates at 6.5 percent in 2025 provide builders and homeowners with essential relief. This decline supports project revival, cost-effective enhancements, and greater market fluidity, fostering confidence for builds, upgrades, and transitions.
By Becca Woods
5 min read
Builder Buydowns Cut Mortgage Rates for New Homes
Builder buydowns are transforming the 2025 new home market by providing authentic mortgage rate reductions and incentives that improve buyer affordability and deliver lasting value.
By Emily Lockwood
4 min read
Lower Rates Make Bridge Loans Work for New Builds
Declining interest rates in 2025 enhance the accessibility of bridge loans for those constructing new homes while owning existing properties. Reduced costs lower payments, alleviate sale urgency, and support informed financial strategies. Strategic timing with regional lenders simplifies the shift to your new residence.
By Becca Woods
6 min read
8 States Now Require Solar Panels on New Homes
Beginning in 2025, eight U.S. states will mandate solar panels on new residential construction, advancing sustainable housing standards. These requirements integrate renewable energy into everyday home design, offering long-term savings and reduced grid reliance for homeowners and communities.
By Emily Lockwood
6 min read
Why Construction Insurance Jumped 45% This Year
Construction insurance premiums have increased by 45% in 2025 due to escalating material costs, heightened climate vulnerabilities, and stricter regulatory requirements. Builders and homeowners now encounter elevated expenses, more rigorous policy terms, and intricate coverage options. Through strategic planning, enhanced safety measures, and clear stakeholder dialogue, individuals can adjust to these changes, protect their assets, and foster stability in a shifting insurance environment.
By Emily Lockwood
5 min read
Bridge Loans Work Better With Lower Rates Coming
Declining interest rates on bridge loans offer builders greater flexibility in 2025. Increased lender competition facilitates quicker and more affordable interim financing between projects. Effective planning, precise budgeting, and robust lender partnerships enable builders to capitalize on these opportunities, sustain project momentum, and safeguard profitability amid evolving construction and lending landscapes.
By Kara Harris
4 min read
Save $40K on Your Mortgage with a 2-1 Buydown
A 2-1 buydown lowers your mortgage rate by 2% in year one and 1% in year two, potentially saving $40,000 over the loan. This guide explains how it works, when to use it, and steps to implement for easier home buying in 2025.
By Emily Lockwood
5 min read
Builders Cut Your Rate 2% With This Mortgage Trick
The 2-1 buydown enables builders to subsidize mortgage interest, reducing buyer payments by up to 2% for the first two years. This maintains home prices while offering financial relief, ideal for refinancing later if rates improve. Key factors include funding sources, payment adjustments, and alignment with personal finances.
By Kara Harris
4 min read