Financing

Understanding the Financing Process for Your Buffalo Modular Home

How a construction loan works for a modular home

Most of our buyers finance their home with a new construction loan that converts to a regular mortgage once the house is finished. Lenders usually call this a construction-to-permanent loan. Approval and closing typically take 60 to 90 days, so it is the step to start first. Here is how it works.

  1. Get pre-qualified. Talk to a lender early, ideally one from the list below who already knows modular construction. They will review your income, credit and down payment and tell you what budget you can work with.
  2. Price the whole project. The lender needs the full picture: the home, the land and the site work, including the foundation, utilities, driveway and finish work. We provide pricing for the home, and you get firm quotes from local contractors for the site work with our guidance.
  3. Close the loan. With a single-closing loan, the construction loan and your mortgage close together, with one set of closing documents. With a two-closing loan, you close on a construction loan first, then close again on the permanent mortgage when the home is done.
  4. The lender pays in draws. Instead of releasing the full amount at once, the lender pays in stages as work is completed, such as the foundation, the delivery of the home and the finish work. Some lenders on our list can pay the factory before the home is delivered.
  5. The loan converts to a mortgage. When the home is finished, the construction loan becomes a regular long-term mortgage and you start making normal monthly payments.

Single closing or two closings?

  • Single closing: one application, one closing and one set of closing costs. According to Fannie Mae, borrowers can also lock their permanent mortgage rate at that closing.
  • Two closings: two separate loans and two closings. The upside is flexibility, because you can shop construction terms first and choose your mortgage lender later.

Is financing a modular home different from a site-built home?

Not in the ways that matter to most buyers. Fannie Mae treats a modular home that sits on a permanent foundation and is classified as real property the same as site-built housing (Fannie Mae B2-3-02). As a result, modular buyers use the same construction loans and mortgages as anyone building a new house. A manufactured home on a steel chassis is a different story, which we explain in modular vs manufactured homes.

Questions to ask your lender

  • Do you offer a single-closing construction-to-permanent loan, and have you financed modular homes before?
  • How many draws are there, and when is each one paid?
  • Can you pay the factory before the home is delivered?
  • How long is the construction period, and what happens if it runs longer?
  • What do I pay each month while the home is being built?
  • Can equity in land I already own count toward my down payment?
  • How long can I lock my rate, and is there a float-down option?

For the full schedule from land and financing to set day, read how long it takes to build a modular home. When you are ready to talk numbers, call (877) 290-1846 or request a free quote.

Building a new custom home is an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities to create a living space that perfectly reflects your vision and lifestyle. At Buffalo Modular Homes, we understand that while the excitement of designing and constructing your dream home is unmatched, ensuring that your project aligns with your budget is equally important. This is where our Mortgage Calculator comes in, providing you with a valuable tool to estimate your monthly payments and help you stay financially comfortable throughout the process.

Financing a Modular Home: Just Like a Traditional Build

One of the most common questions we receive is whether financing a modular home differs from financing a traditional stick-built home. The answer is simple: the process is virtually the same. Financing a modular home follows the same steps, regulations, and options as financing any other type of new construction. Whether you’re building a modular home or a traditional site-built home, the financial journey is designed to ensure you can achieve your dream without overextending your budget.

Using the Mortgage Calculator

Our Mortgage Calculator is designed to give you a clear picture of what your monthly payments might look like based on various factors such as loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. By adjusting these inputs, you can explore different scenarios and find the financing plan that works best for you. This tool is a great starting point for understanding the financial commitment involved in building your new home and can help you make informed decisions as you move forward.

To use the calculator, simply enter the estimated cost of your new modular home, along with the details of your loan. If you’re unsure about the specifics, our team is here to assist you with accurate estimates and guidance based on your unique project. Once you have a clearer idea of your monthly payment, you’ll be better prepared to move on to the next steps in the financing process.

Partnering with Trusted Lenders

At Buffalo Modular Homes, we work with a number of trusted banks and lenders who specialize in new construction loans, including modular homes. These preferred lenders understand the nuances of modular home construction and are equipped to offer competitive loan products that suit your financial needs. Whether you’re looking for a construction-to-permanent loan or a traditional mortgage, our lending partners are here to help.

Explore some of our preferred lenders:

  • Ed Negron at Tompkins Financial
    • Competitive rates
    • Up to 95% LTV
    • Construction to Perm loans
    • Competitive fees
    • Ed provides great service and 35 years mortgage industry experience
  • Matt Whalen at Canandaigua National Bank
    • Creative solutions
    • Self – GC builds
    • Log-term rate locks with float down options
    • 90% of value financing with no PMI
    • Local underwriting and servicing
    • Land financing available
  • Rick Daniels at PrimeLending
    • +25 years experience assisting clients achieve their home building and financing goals
    • Multiple construction loan programs
    • Self builds allowed
    • Fixed and adjustable rate options available
    • Land equity can be used towards the down payment
    • Coverage in all 50 states
  • James M. Allison at Lyons National Bank
  • Jodie Alexander at Bank on Buffalo
  • Jackie Duncan at Citizens Bank
    • Dedicated Construction Team supporting customer and builder projects 
    • Local branch presence providing personalized service
    • Wide range of financial services and lending solutions
    • Competitive interest rates
    • Portfolio mortgage product options
    • Streamlined processing from application to closing
    • Secure and convenient Blend online portal
  • Amy G. Schneggenburger at Five Star Bank
    • One-close construction draw process
    • 30 year fixed and 10/1 adjustable rate options
    • Construction period terms up to 12 months
    • Land financing available
    • Lending throughout New York State
  • Timothy Blowe at The Federal Savings Bank
    • Lending in all 50 states
    • VA, FHA, Conventional Construction financing
    • Primary, secondary, and investment financing
    • Pre-curbside delivery payments
    • +27 years construction lending experience
  • Cross Country Mortgage with Michael Burke
  • Lisa Ferrara Superior Mortgage
    • Tailored Financing: Boutique mortgage broker for residential, commercial, and private capital.
    • New Construction Focus: Offers one-time close construction loans for modular homes, up to 95% financing.
    • Extensive Lending Network: Partners with 30-40 lenders, funding deals up to $100M.
      Nationwide Service: Headquartered in NY & FL, serving clients across the U.S.
    • Efficient Closings: In-house processing for a streamlined mortgage experience.

These lenders offer a range of financing options tailored to meet the needs of modular homebuyers. They can provide pre-qualification and mortgage commitment, helping you move forward with confidence. By partnering with experienced lenders, we ensure that the financing process is as smooth and efficient as possible, so you can focus on bringing your dream home to life.

Construction Loans and the Modular Home Process

Financing a modular home typically involves a construction loan, which covers the cost of the build while the home is being constructed. A construction loan is disbursed in stages, paying for the various phases of the building process as they are completed. Once the construction is finished, the loan is then converted into a traditional mortgage, similar to how a site-built home is financed.

One of the advantages of working with our preferred lenders is their familiarity with the modular home construction process. They understand the timelines, milestones, and specific financial needs associated with building a modular home, ensuring that the financing process aligns perfectly with the construction schedule.

Budgeting for Your Custom Modular Home

In addition to using the Mortgage Calculator, budgeting effectively is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free home-building experience. We recommend working closely with our team to develop a detailed budget that includes all aspects of your project, from land acquisition to design customization and final construction. With a clear budget in hand, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that align with your financial goals.

At Buffalo Modular Homes, we offer a wide range of floor plans and customization options to suit various budgets. Whether you’re looking for a modest starter home or a luxury estate, our team is committed to helping you create a space that meets your needs without exceeding your financial limits. For more information on costs and customization options, visit our Modular Home Prices page.

Ready to Get Started?

Building a new custom modular home is an exciting journey, and at Buffalo Modular Homes, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Mortgage Calculator is just the beginning—whether you have questions about financing, design, or the construction process, our team is ready to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation.


Stay connected and learn more about the benefits of modular homes by following us on YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also explore additional resources and insights through these informative articles and resources.

Understanding the Financing Process for Your Buffalo Modular Home

Building a new custom home is an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities to create a living space that perfectly reflects your vision and lifestyle. At Buffalo Modular Homes, we understand that while the excitement of designing and constructing your dream home is unmatched, ensuring that your project aligns with your budget is equally important. This is where our Mortgage Calculator comes in, providing you with a valuable tool to estimate your monthly payments and help you stay financially comfortable throughout the process.

Financing a Modular Home: Just Like a Traditional Build

One of the most common questions we receive is whether financing a modular home differs from financing a traditional stick-built home. The answer is simple: the process is virtually the same. Financing a modular home follows the same steps, regulations, and options as financing any other type of new construction. Whether you’re building a modular home or a traditional site-built home, the financial journey is designed to ensure you can achieve your dream without overextending your budget.

Using the Mortgage Calculator

Our Mortgage Calculator is designed to give you a clear picture of what your monthly payments might look like based on various factors such as loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. By adjusting these inputs, you can explore different scenarios and find the financing plan that works best for you. This tool is a great starting point for understanding the financial commitment involved in building your new home and can help you make informed decisions as you move forward.

To use the calculator, simply enter the estimated cost of your new modular home, along with the details of your loan. If you’re unsure about the specifics, our team is here to assist you with accurate estimates and guidance based on your unique project. Once you have a clearer idea of your monthly payment, you’ll be better prepared to move on to the next steps in the financing process.

Partnering with Trusted Lenders

At Buffalo Modular Homes, we work with a number of trusted banks and lenders who specialize in new construction loans, including modular homes. These preferred lenders understand the nuances of modular home construction and are equipped to offer competitive loan products that suit your financial needs. Whether you’re looking for a construction-to-permanent loan or a traditional mortgage, our lending partners are here to help.

Explore some of our preferred lenders:

These lenders offer a range of financing options tailored to meet the needs of modular homebuyers. They can provide pre-qualification and mortgage commitment, helping you move forward with confidence. By partnering with experienced lenders, we ensure that the financing process is as smooth and efficient as possible, so you can focus on bringing your dream home to life.

Construction Loans and the Modular Home Process

Financing a modular home typically involves a construction loan, which covers the cost of the build while the home is being constructed. A construction loan is disbursed in stages, paying for the various phases of the building process as they are completed. Once the construction is finished, the loan is then converted into a traditional mortgage, similar to how a site-built home is financed.

One of the advantages of working with our preferred lenders is their familiarity with the modular home construction process. They understand the timelines, milestones, and specific financial needs associated with building a modular home, ensuring that the financing process aligns perfectly with the construction schedule.

Budgeting for Your Custom Modular Home

In addition to using the Mortgage Calculator, budgeting effectively is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free home-building experience. We recommend working closely with our team to develop a detailed budget that includes all aspects of your project, from land acquisition to design customization and final construction. With a clear budget in hand, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that align with your financial goals.

At Buffalo Modular Homes, we offer a wide range of floor plans and customization options to suit various budgets. Whether you’re looking for a modest starter home or a luxury estate, our team is committed to helping you create a space that meets your needs without exceeding your financial limits. For more information on costs and customization options, visit our Modular Home Prices page.

Ready to Get Started?

Building a new custom modular home is an exciting journey, and at Buffalo Modular Homes, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Mortgage Calculator is just the beginning—whether you have questions about financing, design, or the construction process, our team is ready to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation.


Stay connected and learn more about the benefits of modular homes by following us on YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also explore additional resources and insights through these informative articles and resources.