Any lenders that cater to Berm or Earth Craft homes?

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Kari Klaus, Founder, RealtySage.com: Intelligent Real Estate (Realty Sage)

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Kimo Stowell

HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 - Honolulu, HI

REALTOR® 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

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Mike Sasse

Scottsdale, AZ

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Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

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

Sep 24, 2015 05:36 AM

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Carol Williams

Wenatchee, WA

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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

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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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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

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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

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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,
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.
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