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San Juan Bautista sits in San Benito County — a small, historic town where buildable land exists but available inventory is tight.
Building new here makes sense for buyers who want something specific. Construction loans are how you finance that from the ground up.
680+
Min Credit Score
20-25%
Down Payment
12 months
Typical Build Term
Licensed & approved
Builder Required
Most lenders want a 680+ credit score for construction loans. Some go lower, but your rate takes a hit below that threshold.
Expect a 20-25% down payment. Lenders see construction as higher risk than a finished home — they price accordingly.
Not every lender does construction loans. Many banks pass on them entirely — the draw schedule and inspection process is more work.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders, and a fraction of them actively do construction lending in rural California counties like San Benito.
The draw schedule is where construction loans get complicated. Funds release in stages as your builder hits milestones — not all at once.
Get your builder approved before you apply. Lenders vet the contractor, not just you. An unlicensed or unvetted builder kills deals.
A bridge loan works if you're buying land and need short-term capital fast. Construction loans are for the full build, not a stopgap.
Hard money is faster to close but far more expensive. If you can qualify conventionally, a construction loan almost always beats hard money rates.
San Benito County has specific zoning and permit rules. Build timelines here can run longer than in major metro areas — plan for that.
Seismic zone considerations affect construction specs and costs. Your lender's appraiser will factor that into the as-completed value.
You borrow in stages as the build progresses. At completion, the loan converts to a standard mortgage.
Yes, but San Benito County's rural status limits lender options. Working with a broker gives you better access to lenders who lend there.
Most lenders require 680 or higher. Below that, your options shrink and your rate increases significantly.
One loan covers both the build and the permanent mortgage. You close once and avoid a second round of fees.
Yes. Lenders require a licensed, vetted builder. Owner-builder situations are rare and harder to finance.
Typically 12 months. Extensions are possible but lenders charge for them — stay on schedule.
Construction Loans in San Juan Bautista