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Chino sits in a stretch of San Bernardino County that still has buildable land. That makes construction lending here more relevant than in most of coastal Southern California.
Construction loans finance the build itself, then convert to a permanent mortgage at completion. You draw funds in stages as work progresses — not all at once.
680 (typical floor)
Min Credit Score
20% typical
Down Payment
Licensed GC required
Contractor Required
Draw-based, then converts
Loan Structure
Interest-only on draws
Rate Type During Build
Most lenders want a 680 credit score minimum for construction loans. Some programs go lower, but expect higher rates and tighter reserve requirements below that threshold.
You typically need 20% down. Lenders are more cautious here — an unbuilt home is harder to foreclose on than an existing one. Strong financials reduce that risk in their eyes.
Construction loans are not a commodity product. Most big retail banks offer them, but their guidelines are rigid and their draw processes are slow.
At SRK CAPITAL, we work with 200+ wholesale lenders. Several specialize in construction-to-permanent programs built for California borrowers and California lot prices.
The biggest mistake we see: borrowers underestimate the build budget. Lenders base the loan on appraised future value. If your budget creeps, you absorb the overrun — not the lender.
Get your contractor lined up before you apply. Lenders vet the builder, not just the borrower. An unlicensed or inexperienced contractor will kill a deal fast.
A construction loan is not the only path. If the lot and build costs are high, a hard money loan or bridge loan can fund the land phase while you finalize plans.
Once built, you can refinance into a conventional or jumbo loan depending on the finished value. Some construction-to-permanent programs skip that step entirely.
Chino is in San Bernardino County, where permitting timelines and fees vary by municipality. Factor that into your build schedule — delays extend the construction loan term.
The Inland Empire has seen active development. That means local appraisers have comps for new construction, which helps when lenders order the future-value appraisal.
You draw funds in stages as construction hits set milestones. At completion, the loan converts to a permanent mortgage.
Most lenders require 680 or higher. Below that, your options narrow and rates climb. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most lenders require a licensed general contractor. Owner-builder loans exist but are rare and harder to qualify for.
Typically 20%. Some lenders go to 15% with strong credit and reserves, but 20% is the standard floor.
The lender doesn't cover overruns. Budget carefully upfront — cost overruns come directly out of your pocket.
Yes. SRK CAPITAL shops across 200+ wholesale lenders to match you with programs built for California construction projects.
Construction Loans in Chino