Loading
Fillmore sits in Ventura County's Santa Clara River Valley. Land is available and buildable — rare for Southern California.
Construction loans here fund the build first, then convert to a permanent mortgage. You draw funds in stages as work progresses.
680+
Min Credit Score
20–25%
Down Payment
12 Months
Typical Loan Term
1 Closing
Closings (Construction-Perm)
Lenders want a 680+ credit score for most construction loans. Some go lower, but expect higher rates and stricter terms.
You'll need 20-25% down. Lenders also require licensed contractor plans and a full project budget before approval.
Most retail banks offer construction loans, but their programs are rigid. A small deviation from the approved plan can stall your draw.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. That means we find programs built for custom builds, owner-builders, and rural Ventura County lots.
The biggest mistake I see: borrowers lock a lender after signing a builder contract. Get financing lined up first.
Construction timelines slip. Pick a lender with extension options built in. A 30-day overrun shouldn't blow up your loan.
A construction-to-permanent loan is one closing. A stand-alone construction loan is two. Two closings means two sets of closing costs.
Hard money moves faster but costs more. For a planned build in Fillmore, a construction-to-perm loan almost always wins on total cost.
Fillmore is in a high-fire-risk zone. Lenders require fire-rated materials and insurance commitments before funding starts.
Ventura County permit timelines can run long. Build that into your draw schedule or your rate lock could expire mid-project.
Owner-builder loans exist, but most lenders require proven construction experience. Expect a smaller lender pool and tighter terms.
Lenders release funds in stages tied to completed work. An inspector verifies each phase before the next draw is released.
Yes — interest-only payments on drawn funds during the build. Full payments start when the loan converts to permanent.
Most terms run 12 months. Extensions are possible but cost money — build your timeline conservatively from day one.
Yes. Lenders require proof of builder's risk insurance and fire-rated construction. Get this confirmed before you finalize plans.
Most lenders start at 680. Higher scores get better rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Construction Loans in Fillmore