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Rainmaker
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Kimo Stowell
HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 - Honolulu, HI
REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i

Aloha Kari,

I imagine a Hobbit Hole would be loan worthy but if Earth Craft is a euphemism for a dank cave, I would think not. I can't imagine an appraisal report that would positively consider sod as appropriate roofing material, the lender would have to be exceptionally knowledgeable about the topic with a whole subset of requirements specific to under earth dwellings, an effort most lenders would balk at I would think. Too much effort for a hole in the ground.

a hui hou,

Sep 24, 2015 05:48 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,164
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is an interesting question. Blog about what you learn.

Sep 24, 2015 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
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The Woodland Team of Texas
The Woodland Companies - Austin, TX
Land Specialists

May be tough to get a good appraisal.

Mar 04, 2019 08:48 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Check with a small local lender

Sep 09, 2018 09:28 PM
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3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Kari, there have been some major improvements in these homes, to the point that Fannie Mae gives them green brownie point.  I'd check with a few of the companies that build them - of even that sell the plans online. 

Sep 24, 2015 08:29 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kari,

Not off the top of my head.  I know that both in Sonoma and Napa, there were many high end homes with Rammed Earth, Rastra blocks, and straw.  Maybe someone who works the area would have a lead for you.  We left there 8 years ago, so I would suggest making a contact there off Google.  A

Sep 24, 2015 07:23 AM