Financing a barndominium can be a challenge, but being prepared will help you find a lender for your project.
Farm credit lenders and local banks are your best bets for getting a new construction loan on a barndominium. Having the following items can help the process along as well:
By knowing what to expect when financing a barndominium, you can get the loan you need for your dream home.
A barndominium or barndo for short combines the functionality of a barn with the livability of a home. These unique modular structures are gaining popularity across rural America as an affordable way to have a custom home. However, coming up with financing for a barndominium build can be tricky compared to getting a traditional mortgage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a barndominium loan.
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium is a type of modular or prefabricated home that is designed to look like a barn from the outside but function as a residence on the inside. The first floor is typically left as a open workshop or storage area, while the second floor contains the living quarters.
Barndos provide all the comforts of a conventional home, like a kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The only difference is the rustic barn-style exterior and more open floor plan. Barndominiums are popular among hobby farmers, equestrian owners, and anyone wanting ample storage and workshop space connected to their home.
Pros and Cons of Barndominiums
Pros:
- More affordable than traditional construction
- Customizable floor plans
- Durable and energy efficient
- Lower maintenance than regular homes
- Provides open workshop/storage space
Cons:
- Limited financing options
- Restricted by modular construction
- Not allowed everywhere due to zoning laws
- Limited resale value compared to regular homes
Barndominium Loan Options
Getting financing for a barndominium can be tricky since they don’t fit the mold of traditional home loans. However there are several routes you can take
Cash Purchase
Paying cash upfront is the easiest option but not feasible for most buyers. You avoid the entire mortgage process, interest, and lending stipulations.
Conventional Mortgage
A traditional 30-year fixed mortgage from a private lender is possible for barndos. However, you’ll likely need excellent credit and a substantial down payment. Interest rates may also be higher than a typical home loan.
Construction Loan
Since most barndos are built from the ground up, a 1-year construction loan can cover the build. It converts to a conventional mortgage once construction completes.
USDA & FHA Loans
Government-backed loans from the USDA and FHA provide favorable terms for rural and agricultural properties. These loans can be easier to qualify for than conventional mortgages.
Home Equity Loan
If you have sufficient home equity, you can take out a home equity loan or HELOC to finance your barndominium. The barn will serve as collateral for the loan.
Personal Loans
Personal loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders are a possibility too. Rates will likely be higher since they are unsecured, but they provide accessible financing.
Requirements for a Barndominium Loan
Qualifying criteria for a barndo loan includes:
- Credit score -690+ score recommended for best rates
- DTI ratio – Under 45% is ideal
- Income – Steady income to support mortgage payments
- Down payment – At least 10-20% recommended
- Appraisal – Demonstrate value equals loan amount
Other key factors lenders consider are your credit history, employment, existing assets/equity, and debt obligations. Providing solid documentation for all these areas will strengthen your loan application.
Choosing the Best Lender
Choosing the right lender can make or break your chances of getting approved for a barndo loan:
- Look for lenders familiar with modular and agricultural loans
- Compare interest rates, fees, loan terms, and eligibility
- Prioritize excellent customer service and communication
- Ask about their experience financing barndominiums specifically
- Consider small local banks and credit unions along with national lenders
Some of the most recommended lenders for barndominium loans include FMC Lending, Academy Mortgage, loanDepot, Fairway Independent Mortgage, and Flagstar Bank.
Tips for Getting Approved
Follow these tips to boost your odds of getting approved for barndominium financing:
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Start with a solid business plan – Outline your budget, timeline, property details, and builder. This shows the lender you’ve planned the project wisely.
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Improve your credit score – Pay down debts and dispute any errors to get your score over 700 if possible.
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Lower your DTI – Reduce existing debts and rethink expenses to lower your DTI ratio.
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Make a sizable down payment – At least 20% down is recommended to get the best loan terms.
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Use an experienced barndo builder – Choose a reputable builder familiar with lender requirements.
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Provide all requested documents – Have pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and anything else the lender asks for ready.
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Consider land first – If financing the home and land separately, buy and improve land first before applying for the barndo loan.
With proper planning and preparation, financing your dream barndominium is an achievable goal. Identify lenders open to barndos, put your best financial foot forward, and highlight the value and purpose of your custom barn home. If one lender rejects you, keep pressing forward. With persistence and a strategic approach, you can secure the ideal loan for building your barndo oasis.
Gather All the Details
The more detail you have, the better your chances. You’ll need items like:
- Blueprints with schematics and a floor plan
- Interior details
- A credible supplies list and realistic timeline
- A roster of subcontractors with current bids (if you are acting as owner-builder)
All these things build confidence that you can follow through on the lender’s investment. As a rule of thumb, anything you can bring with you that will:
Raise the confidence level of the lender about your ability to make it happen. Or
Convey the idea that he or she is financing a well-thought-through project will significantly Enhance your chances of getting approved.
Finally, be aware that at the end of construction, you will be required to provide an updated appraisal. Or a final inspection with recertification of value.
Check With Current Barndominium Owners
Information from barndo owners who have built a barndominium that they successfully financed and built is valuable and often highly specific to your particular situation. You can get a surprising amount of helpful data just by asking a question or two in a public forum such as the Barndominium Life Facebook group. You can also research barndominiums in your area and ask owners directly.
FINANCING Your BARNDOMINIUM | Loan For Your Barndominium
FAQ
How hard is it to get a loan to build a barndominium?
What credit score do you need to build a barndominium?
Why won’t banks finance barndominiums?
Do FHA loans cover barndominiums?
Can you get a loan for a Barndominium?
If so, you could use a USDA loan to finance your barndominium with $0 down if your plan appraises for its cost. FHA is another government-backed loan offered by both private lenders and banks. The qualifications are determined by the government and underwriters and are designed to help those with below-average credit scores secure a home loan.
How do I get a new construction loan on a Barndominium?
Farm credit lenders and local banks are your best bets for getting a new construction loan on a barndominium. Having the following items can help the process along as well: In the rest of this post, we’ll discuss what you need before your initial visit with a lender when building a barndominium.
How do I buy a Barndominium?
Approach a USDA-approved lender and apply for a loan. Submit documents proving your work history, income-to-debt ratio, and credit score. These are usually W2s, bank statements, and pay stubs. The lender also needs a copy of your credit report. Get a pre-approval letter from the lender for at least the amount necessary to purchase the barndominium.
How do I finance a Barndominium?
If you are looking to finance the purchase of a barndominium, then you may have mortgage options through a conventional lender, the USDA, FHA, or the VA. If you are looking to construct a brand new barndominium then you may be able to get a construction-only loan or a construction to permanent option.