Loading
Loading
Livingston sits in Merced County's Central Valley — an area where land is more accessible than coastal California. That opens real doors for custom builds.
Building here often costs less per square foot than buying resale. Construction financing lets you control the design and avoid bidding wars entirely.
680+
Min Credit Score
20%
Typical Down Payment
Licensed & Vetted
Builder Requirement
Build Completion
Loan Converts After
Construction Loans in Livingston
Construction loans have tighter standards than regular mortgages. Most lenders want a 680+ credit score, 20% down, and a signed contract with a licensed builder.
Your builder matters as much as your finances. Lenders vet contractors directly. An unlicensed or unproven builder can kill the deal fast.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect construction loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Livingston.
Livingston sits in Merced County's Central Valley — an area where land is more accessible than coastal California. That opens real doors for custom builds.
Building here often costs less per square foot than buying resale. Construction financing lets you control the design and avoid bidding wars entirely.
Construction loans have tighter standards than regular mortgages. Most lenders want a 680+ credit score, 20% down, and a signed contract with a licensed builder.
Not every lender does construction loans. Many banks pass on them. Wholesale lenders tend to have better programs and more flexibility on draw schedules.
As a broker, we shop construction loan programs across 200+ wholesale lenders. That reach matters when your local bank says no.
The most common mistake: buyers lock a builder before securing financing. Get pre-approved for construction first. Builders in this market move on.
One-time-close construction loans combine the build loan and permanent mortgage into one closing. You save on closing costs and lock your rate early. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Bridge loans work if you own land already and need short-term capital to start. Construction loans are better for full ground-up builds with a clear payoff plan.
Hard money moves faster but costs more. If your timeline allows, a conventional construction loan will beat hard money rates significantly.
Merced County has active agricultural zoning. Confirm your parcel is residentially zoned before applying. Lenders won't fund builds on ag-zoned land.
Livingston's permitting is handled through the City of Livingston. Build timelines here run longer than metro areas — factor that into your rate lock strategy.
Not with a standard construction loan. Lenders require residentially zoned land. Check zoning with Merced County before you go under contract.
You close once and your loan automatically converts to a permanent mortgage when the build finishes. It saves closing costs and locks your rate early.
Most lenders want 680 or higher. A score below that narrows your options significantly and may push you toward hard money.
Yes — every time. Lenders verify your contractor's license and track record before approving the loan. Vet your builder early.
Lenders release funds in draws tied to construction milestones. An inspector verifies each phase before the next draw is released.
Yes, if the scope is large enough. Lenders treat gut rehabs similarly to new builds. Minor remodels don't qualify — those use different loan products.