Step 1:  Determine Your Budget:

     Figure out the amount you would like to spend on a house.  Your budget should be based on your income and allow a comfortable level of spending.  You can start with this  Mortgage Calculator.   We recommend that you use this information as a starting point.  Then you can adjust it upward based on your available savings, or downward if you would like more money available for other things your desire. Most mortgage companies will provide you with a preliminary estimate of the amount of the mortgage for which you will qualify.  If you prefer to use their help, contact your lender.  With the final budget amount in mind go to next step.    

Step 2:  Find House Plan:

     Finding the perfect plan is next.  We recommend that you begin your selection by analyzing your housing needs for the next ten years. Family size will determine your bedroom needs.  The age of your children will help you decide bedroom locations.  Your age and mobility will help determine layout and accessibility.  Your entertaining habits and pastimes will help you choose specialty spaces. 

     Make a list of the rooms and the features that you would like to have in your home.  Prioritize the list.  This list can be used to best match each house plan to your family.  It will also help us as we balance your desires with your budget.

     In our Popular Plan section are listed numerous house plans for you to consider.  They vary in size and cost.  You can use the information in these plans pages to establish the approximate size of home you can afford.

     We have the plan books of many national architect firms available.  There are also many house plans on the internet.  You may wish to use a local architect to design your home.

     If you find the perfect plan, that is great!  If not, then the Custom Plan section will let you know how we can create or adjust any plan to better suit your needs and desires.  The Design Options section will help you select those special touches that will make the house into your home.  With the perfect plan in hand proceed to the next step.

Step 3:  Locate a Lot:

     We can build in many subdivisions in the northland area.  The Communities section lists many of them for you.  Each of the Popular Plans also references the appropriate place for the plan selected.  The information on each community will help you to match your house plan with the right subdivision.  You should consider the price range, size of the home, school district, and commuting distance to work.  Let us help you to select the right lot for the plan you have chosen.

     We can help you to find land if you prefer an acreage lot.  Once the lot has been located, continue to the next step.

Step 4:  Arrange Financing:

     We recommend using a bank or mortgage company that will handle both your construction loan and your mortgage.  This type of mortgage is called Construction to Permanent.  By using an institution that will make this type of loan you will save on the financing cost of your new home.  Many fees are duplicated when you use separate lending firms.  Credit reports, initiation fees, appraisals, title insurance policies and closing cost are all done once for both loans.  You can save several thousand dollars by not duplicating these fees if you find Construction to Permanent Financing.  Even if your builder obtains the construction loan, you will have to pay for the costs he incurs.

     Large mortgage lenders might save you a few dollars each month with a slightly lower interest rate, but frequently your loan is sold to outside investors or to distant banks.  We recommend using local institutions if you appreciate the personal service they can provide.  Talk to us about helping you find a local lender with good rates and personal service.

Step 5:  Contact Us:

     This website should give you loads of ideas and tips, but to get the ball rolling on that new house you must decide on your builder.  The only way to get to know Cornerstone Building Company is to contact us.  We will make the process of building your new house comfortable.  And you have our commitment to provide you with the perfect house for your needs and budget. 

Thank you for your consideration!

Ed Weir