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“When you see an opportunity… run with it!” August 2021—On a warm Monday morning, I was doing what I always do—browsing the MLS—when I came across two lots that immediately caught my attention. They were full of character: a Fontana address, taxed by Linn Township, and zoned by the Village of Fontana. The more I thought about them throughout the day, the more I saw the potential. By Tuesday morning, I knew—I had to make them mine. As a Real Estate Agent, I submitted an offer (below asking, of course). The seller countered, I countered back, and by Thursday morning, I was officially under contract to close in just three weeks! One day, I plan to build a charming little home here. (3 years later.. updates below) As a recent college grad, this land is more than just an investment—it’s a stepping stone toward my dream. If you’re diving into the real estate market, trust your instincts, ask questions, and be ready to seize the right opportunity when it comes your way. These “little lots” have grown into my big dream, and I can’t wait to share the journey with you! |
My Home Building Journey
(Newest to Oldest)
Oh, WELL!
3-11-25
Well, it finally happened—the well is dug. And what a journey that was! As most of you know, I'm building my home at the top of a hill, and while my neighbors have relatively manageable wells, mine turned into a completely different story. Initially, I budgeted for a modest 185-foot well. Turns out, wells are EXPENSIVE—at around $60+ per foot, every additional foot dug quickly adds up.
The well-drilling company was at my property for a full two weeks. Two weeks of absolute agony. Two weeks of stress, not knowing just how much my budget was about to explode. Two weeks spent mentally re-prioritizing and trying to figure out which parts of my new home I could defer to later when I might be able to afford them.
When those two weeks ended, reality hit hard—I now have a 505-foot deep well. That's DEEP! But, oh WELL, water is non-negotiable. Reflecting on this experience, I've definitely learned an essential lesson: always OVER-BUDGET for unpredictable expenses like well digging. Setting aside extra money for items with this much variability isn't just wise, it's essential.
Lesson learned. Now, onto the next challenge!
The well-drilling company was at my property for a full two weeks. Two weeks of absolute agony. Two weeks of stress, not knowing just how much my budget was about to explode. Two weeks spent mentally re-prioritizing and trying to figure out which parts of my new home I could defer to later when I might be able to afford them.
When those two weeks ended, reality hit hard—I now have a 505-foot deep well. That's DEEP! But, oh WELL, water is non-negotiable. Reflecting on this experience, I've definitely learned an essential lesson: always OVER-BUDGET for unpredictable expenses like well digging. Setting aside extra money for items with this much variability isn't just wise, it's essential.
Lesson learned. Now, onto the next challenge!
Lights, Plumbing, Action!
March 28, 2025
Major update! Plumbing and electrical are officially complete, and inspection passed! This was a significant milestone, marking huge progress on my build journey.
Next up: insulation and drywall! But before diving into the next stage, an essential tip I've learned: ALWAYS, always do a thorough walkthrough or two and cross-check against your blueprints. Seeing fixtures and recessed can light spots in person can reveal spacing issues or positioning that just doesn't feel right. During my walkthrough, I adjusted several fixtures and lighting placements. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ensure outlets and switches are conveniently placed, adding more where needed to make everyday life easier.
I'm super excited to share the next stages and progress photos with you soon! Stay tuned!
Next up: insulation and drywall! But before diving into the next stage, an essential tip I've learned: ALWAYS, always do a thorough walkthrough or two and cross-check against your blueprints. Seeing fixtures and recessed can light spots in person can reveal spacing issues or positioning that just doesn't feel right. During my walkthrough, I adjusted several fixtures and lighting placements. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ensure outlets and switches are conveniently placed, adding more where needed to make everyday life easier.
I'm super excited to share the next stages and progress photos with you soon! Stay tuned!
Windows!
February 4, 2025
Well, it’s been a minute since my last update! Over the past month, so much has happened—just not quite as fast as I’d like. (The joys of home building, right?) The most exciting update: the WINDOWS are in! YAY! There’s just something about seeing those windows installed that makes it all feel so real.
Another big milestone: the electrical panel has been installed. These small but essential steps are slowly bringing the vision to life.
This week, the plumbers are finishing up their work inside, and next up is the electrical wiring. After that, it’ll be time for insulation and then… drywall! EEEP!
Still crossing my fingers for a move-in date at the end of March, though realistically… we’ll see. Here’s to hoping! More updates soon!
February 4, 2025
Well, it’s been a minute since my last update! Over the past month, so much has happened—just not quite as fast as I’d like. (The joys of home building, right?) The most exciting update: the WINDOWS are in! YAY! There’s just something about seeing those windows installed that makes it all feel so real.
Another big milestone: the electrical panel has been installed. These small but essential steps are slowly bringing the vision to life.
This week, the plumbers are finishing up their work inside, and next up is the electrical wiring. After that, it’ll be time for insulation and then… drywall! EEEP!
Still crossing my fingers for a move-in date at the end of March, though realistically… we’ll see. Here’s to hoping! More updates soon!
Framing!
December 23, 2024
Exciting progress—we have the beginning parts of walls! In my post from 12/17/24, you could see the shell of the house starting to take shape. This past weekend, I visited the site again and could finally begin visualizing how the spaces will come together. One feature I’m particularly excited about is my garage, which will double as a gym, making it a truly functional space. I decided to install garage doors on both ends, which I think will be incredibly convenient, especially during the warmer months of spring and summer.
So far, my favorite part of the house is the large, uniquely designed front window. I can already picture myself sitting on the couch, enjoying the view—it’s going to be such a special spot!
So far, my favorite part of the house is the large, uniquely designed front window. I can already picture myself sitting on the couch, enjoying the view—it’s going to be such a special spot!
The Beginning of The End
December 17, 2024
They say patience is a virtue, and this journey has definitely put that to the test! Before construction even began, I was assigned my address — N1331. For anyone who knows me, it’s no secret that I’m a big Taylor Swift fan, so seeing her iconic numbers reflected in my new address felt like a little nod from the universe. It was a fun and fitting way to kick off the building process!
October marked the start of breaking ground, followed by the installation of the mound system, inspections, foundation work, and, at last, framing during the first couple of weeks of December. It’s finally taking shape as a real house, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic! I may or may not find myself driving by daily just to catch a glimpse of the progress. As for a completion date — well, anyone familiar with home building knows those timelines are more of a suggestion than a guarantee. I’m beyond excited to share more photos as things continue to come together!
October marked the start of breaking ground, followed by the installation of the mound system, inspections, foundation work, and, at last, framing during the first couple of weeks of December. It’s finally taking shape as a real house, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic! I may or may not find myself driving by daily just to catch a glimpse of the progress. As for a completion date — well, anyone familiar with home building knows those timelines are more of a suggestion than a guarantee. I’m beyond excited to share more photos as things continue to come together!
3 Years Later
August 9, 2024
August 2024 marks nearly three years since I purchased this special spot. When I started this vacant land and building process, I was naive, thinking everything would go smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. Three years later, there’s still no house on the ground. HA. However, the sanitary and zoning permits are acquired, and we’re awaiting the final building permit. There have been days filled with clearing, laughter, and bribes to get my brothers to help clear the land. I can't thank my dad enough for being the king of stump removal. Patience is something I feel I've nearly mastered.
My goal was to be in by Christmas 2024, but I won’t be naive again. Hopefully, by Spring 2025, you’ll see new house and decorating pictures here. In the meantime, enjoy a few snippets of my plans without revealing the final product. Here’s to the journey and all that has been learned so far.
August 2024 marks nearly three years since I purchased this special spot. When I started this vacant land and building process, I was naive, thinking everything would go smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. Three years later, there’s still no house on the ground. HA. However, the sanitary and zoning permits are acquired, and we’re awaiting the final building permit. There have been days filled with clearing, laughter, and bribes to get my brothers to help clear the land. I can't thank my dad enough for being the king of stump removal. Patience is something I feel I've nearly mastered.
My goal was to be in by Christmas 2024, but I won’t be naive again. Hopefully, by Spring 2025, you’ll see new house and decorating pictures here. In the meantime, enjoy a few snippets of my plans without revealing the final product. Here’s to the journey and all that has been learned so far.
The Journey to Financing My Dream Home: Lessons Learned from the Lending Process
March, 2024
In 2023, I embarked on a journey to design and build my dream home—a home that would reflect my personality, offer comfort, and remain within a reasonable budget. I partnered with an architect to craft a stunning design that I was genuinely excited about. The vision was set, the design was perfect, and I was ready to move forward.
But, as many people learn in the world of homebuilding, reality can hit hard. When I submitted my beautiful plans to three different builders for quotes, the feedback was not what I wanted to hear. Each builder came back with a quote that was double my original budget. Talk about a reality check. I had to make the difficult decision to go back to the drawing board, this time with a new perspective—and a new builder.
Scaling Back Without Sacrificing Vision
With a new builder, I reworked my home’s design. While I had to scale down the size, I would not compromise on the heart of the design. I wanted the house to feel unique, modern, and cozy all at once. To me, "modern cozy" means walking into a space that wraps you in a big, warm hug. The interior is designed with warmth and comfort in mind, while the exterior showcases bold modern lines, large windows, and a sleek, contemporary feel. The compromise on size didn’t feel like a loss—it felt like a chance to focus on the essence of what truly mattered to me.
The Lending Rollercoaster
Once my new design was finalized, it was time to face the next challenge: financing. I had tentative plans in hand and approached my first lender with high hopes. I’d worked with this lender during a prior real estate transaction, so I felt confident. Unfortunately, they delivered disappointing news—they were only willing to lend me 1/2 the amount I needed for my new home. I knew I had to explore other options.
The second lender’s offer was slightly better, but still not enough to make my dream a reality. At this point, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like giving up. The stress was overwhelming, and I questioned if it would all be worth it.
Third Time’s the Charm
Finally, I decided to reach out to a lender recommended by the first lender who couldn’t meet my needs. This connection proved to be a game-changer. The third lender reviewed my finances thoroughly and confidently approved me for the amount I needed to build my home. The relief was instant. I finally had the green light to move forward, and for the first time in a long time, I felt hope.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges I faced. Those struggles gave me firsthand experience in the lending process, and I’m now equipped to offer invaluable insight to my clients. I’ve walked the path—purchasing land, finding a lender, navigating a construction loan, and turning that loan into a mortgage. I’ve lived it, and that’s a perspective you can’t fake.
Key Takeaways for Future Homebuilders
What’s Next?
With my financing secured and construction underway, I’m now on the path to bringing my "modern cozy" dream to life. I’ll be sharing updates along the way, from land to finished home.
My hope is that my journey will offer inspiration and practical guidance to others considering a similar path. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a home or want to learn more about construction loans, using land equity as a down payment, or navigating the world of homebuilding, I’m happy to share my experience.
But, as many people learn in the world of homebuilding, reality can hit hard. When I submitted my beautiful plans to three different builders for quotes, the feedback was not what I wanted to hear. Each builder came back with a quote that was double my original budget. Talk about a reality check. I had to make the difficult decision to go back to the drawing board, this time with a new perspective—and a new builder.
Scaling Back Without Sacrificing Vision
With a new builder, I reworked my home’s design. While I had to scale down the size, I would not compromise on the heart of the design. I wanted the house to feel unique, modern, and cozy all at once. To me, "modern cozy" means walking into a space that wraps you in a big, warm hug. The interior is designed with warmth and comfort in mind, while the exterior showcases bold modern lines, large windows, and a sleek, contemporary feel. The compromise on size didn’t feel like a loss—it felt like a chance to focus on the essence of what truly mattered to me.
The Lending Rollercoaster
Once my new design was finalized, it was time to face the next challenge: financing. I had tentative plans in hand and approached my first lender with high hopes. I’d worked with this lender during a prior real estate transaction, so I felt confident. Unfortunately, they delivered disappointing news—they were only willing to lend me 1/2 the amount I needed for my new home. I knew I had to explore other options.
The second lender’s offer was slightly better, but still not enough to make my dream a reality. At this point, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like giving up. The stress was overwhelming, and I questioned if it would all be worth it.
Third Time’s the Charm
Finally, I decided to reach out to a lender recommended by the first lender who couldn’t meet my needs. This connection proved to be a game-changer. The third lender reviewed my finances thoroughly and confidently approved me for the amount I needed to build my home. The relief was instant. I finally had the green light to move forward, and for the first time in a long time, I felt hope.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges I faced. Those struggles gave me firsthand experience in the lending process, and I’m now equipped to offer invaluable insight to my clients. I’ve walked the path—purchasing land, finding a lender, navigating a construction loan, and turning that loan into a mortgage. I’ve lived it, and that’s a perspective you can’t fake.
Key Takeaways for Future Homebuilders
- Equity in Land Can Be a Game-Changer One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that the equity in my land could be used as the down payment on my construction loan. This strategy saved me from having to come up with a large lump sum of cash, which was a lifesaver. For first-time homebuyers considering buying land, it’s worth exploring this option—it’s an approach that can make homeownership more accessible.
- The Loan Process Takes Time From the moment I began the process (speaking with lenders) to the day I closed on my construction loan, 60 days had passed. This time was necessary for the lender to review the construction plans and approve the financing. It’s not a quick process, so patience is essential.
- How a Construction Loan Works Unlike a traditional mortgage where you receive a lump sum, construction loans work differently. The lender doesn't give the builder all the money upfront. Instead, payments (called “draws”) are made in phases. In my case, the first draw went to the excavator. Each phase of construction must be inspected and approved before funds are released. This oversight ensures the money is being used as planned.
- Paying Interest, Not a Mortgage During the construction process, you’re not paying a full mortgage. Instead, you’re paying interest on the money that’s been drawn. While this sounds like a relief, it’s still a financial consideration, especially if construction drags on longer than expected. Knowing this upfront helped me plan my finances accordingly.
- Patience is Required—and Rewarded If you’re thinking about building a home, be prepared for the emotional ride. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and requires patience in abundance. But when you’re standing on the land that’s transformed into the home you’ve envisioned, every challenge suddenly makes sense.
What’s Next?
With my financing secured and construction underway, I’m now on the path to bringing my "modern cozy" dream to life. I’ll be sharing updates along the way, from land to finished home.
My hope is that my journey will offer inspiration and practical guidance to others considering a similar path. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a home or want to learn more about construction loans, using land equity as a down payment, or navigating the world of homebuilding, I’m happy to share my experience.
Staking Out "Elle Woods" Before the New Year
December 31, 2021
Walworth County's first proper snowfall came just before the new year. Four months had passed since becoming a landowner, and I felt that I needed to make my mark. A quick trip to Lowes for some wooden stakes, a few tools, and a gracious dad and I was set.
On New Year's Eve, my dad and I went to my property and put stakes in at all four corners. These stakes are just a part of "Elle Woods" transformation. Perhaps a few years from now, these stakes will be replaced with an inviting fence! Only time will tell...
- Ally
On New Year's Eve, my dad and I went to my property and put stakes in at all four corners. These stakes are just a part of "Elle Woods" transformation. Perhaps a few years from now, these stakes will be replaced with an inviting fence! Only time will tell...
- Ally
