Couldn't agree more about getting everything documented upfront. When I was finalizing my custom build, I made sure to request a detailed fee schedule in writing—saved me from an unexpected "processing fee" that wasn't initially disclosed. Also, it's worth cross-checking the lender's documents with your builder's estimates. Sometimes discrepancies pop up there too...better to spot them early and clarify than deal with headaches later on.
Had a similar experience myself—caught a discrepancy between my lender's appraisal numbers and the builder's estimate. Wasn't huge, but enough to make me pause...definitely pays to double-check and clarify early before things snowball.
Caught these discrepancies a few times myself...definitely something to watch out for. A couple quick thoughts:
- Always request detailed breakdowns from both lender and builder—makes comparing apples to apples easier.
- If something feels off, get a third-party appraisal or opinion. Fresh eyes help.
- Trust your gut. Numbers aside, if communication feels sketchy or unclear, that's usually a red flag.
Building a home is stressful enough without doubts creeping in...clarity early on saves headaches later.
Great points, especially about trusting your gut. I've seen clients get caught up in numbers and overlook communication issues until it's too late. Curious if anyone's had luck using online reviews or ratings to vet lenders beforehand...are they reliable enough?
Online reviews can be helpful, but honestly, I wouldn't rely on them alone. I've seen lenders with glowing reviews who turned out to be pretty unresponsive when things got tricky. Maybe use reviews as a starting point, but also ask around your network—friends, colleagues, or even realtors you've worked with before. Personal recommendations usually give you a clearer picture of how a lender communicates and handles issues...numbers don't always tell the whole story.
