Building a new home on your land comes with a lot of excitement… and lot of misconceptions.

In this episode of Behind the Build Podcast, Scott & Deven sit down with special guests, Janet Turner and Tucker Farinholt to unpack questions and concerns that came directly from our team at Mitchell Homes – All to help guide you forward with more clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations as you consider building on your land. 

If you’re considering building, this episode is full of honest insight that can save you time, stress, and money along the way. Tune in. Take notes. Let’s build your legacy together.

Chapters

0:00 – Welcome back to Behind the Build Podcast with Scott & Deven

0:54 – Welcome special guests, Janet Turner, VP of Customer Lender Relations and Tucker Farinholt, Operations Support Manager

02:14 – Today’s topic, Common Misconceptions

05:54 – Money & Financing Realities

06:08 – What closing costs MH actually pays versus what you’ll be responsible for at closing (prepaids, points, owner’s title, etc.) 

10:00 – Why your lot equity doesn’t lower the price of the house or your loan amount

12:20 – Qualifying for maximum financing so you can bring $0 to closing — and why that doesn’t always work 

14:28 – Why you can’t change your job or finances once your loan is approved 

17:51 – How placeholder allowances (for lot prep, well, septic, extra foundation, etc.) really work and why they can increase

20:50 – The realistic cost of basements and why other builders’ advertised prices can be misleading 

23:00 – Why basement price adjustments due to site conditions are normal (not surprise price hikes)

25:00 – Site Work & Lot Preparation

25:24 – What’s actually included in the base price and why lot prep, utilities, sidewalks, and final grade usually aren’t

28:16 – Why we can help with land prep and utilities, but you have to specifically ask for it

36:25 – Why “cutting the lot” doesn’t always save you money on the foundation

43:05 – Final grade, seed, and straw: Who’s responsible and why it matters for county bonds and inspections

48:00 – Not every lot is buildable. The extra work and costs you should know about early

50:45 – Behind the Build Podcast is brought to you by CrossCountry Mortgage, our exclusive lending partner

53:29 – The Real Timeline of Building a Home

53:36 – Why it takes longer than it looks (even if the house seems to go up in about 3 months)

56:28 – The key meetings that will require you to take time off work

59:00 – Moving logistics: Why you usually can’t wait until the new house is finished if you’re demolishing your current home

1:04:30 – Customizations, Plans & Expectations

1:04:38 – Why just telling your salesperson or superintendent something verbally isn’t enough 

1:08:26 – Why we can’t copy another builder’s plans exactly 

1:10:25 – Why online photos can be misleading about what’s included in your base home

1:12:08 – How room sizes and ceiling heights feel very different in real life than they do on paper 

1:15:46 – The challenge when customers say “just figure it out” on custom requests 

1:23:47 – Comparisons & “Do-It-Yourself” Ideas

1:23:56 – Why you can’t always compare your build to your neighbor’s house or a previous customer’s home 

1:25:27 – “My husband is in construction and can do some of the work” why that’s often not possible

1:29:08 – Warranty, Maintenance & After You Move In

1:29:22 – How warranty walks actually work (and why we need a list of concerns first)

1:30:09 – What we will and won’t repair after closing (drywall cracks vs. repainting the whole house)

1:30:57 – Who’s responsible for HVAC filters and long-term yard maintenance 

1:33:25 – The Sales & Consultation Process

1:33:32 – A consultation is not a commitment — it’s perfectly fine to just be exploring your options

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