When 35 acres of land became available for lease through a family friend, Zach Birenbaum jumped at the chance to start farming on his own. Zach had remained connected to agriculture working at a manure hauling company for the past ten years, as well as on his family’s farm. Now, it was his chance to start his own operation and pursue his passions.

“Living in Manitowoc County, Wisc., farmland like that is pretty hard to come by,” explained Zach. “There’s a lot of competition, so when the land became available, I jumped at the chance.”

Taking the Leap

Zach grew up on his parent’s dairy farm, Condale Acres. “My parents’ both grew up on farms, and when they met each other they both wanted to continue farming. They’re both from southeast Wisconsin and decided to head north until they found a farm they could make their own,” Zach said.

Growing up, Zach and his three siblings helped on the farm, and that’s really where his love of agriculture began. “I knew from a young age I wanted to farm, so when the chance came for me to go out on my own and start cash cropping, I knew I had to take the leap.”

At first when he started farming, Zach maintained his job at the manure hauling company. He quickly became busy, however, and was able to move into full-time farming after only a year. Zach was able to rent the equipment he needed to get started from his parents until he was ready to finance his own. He started reaching out to local lenders for assistance, but they were hesitant to give him the financing he needed. Then he reached out to GreenStone for support.

“I needed financing for equipment as well as an operating loan to help maintain my day-to-day operations,” explained Zach. “That’s when I started working with GreenStone and was able to finance my first combine with them.” After purchasing his own equipment, Zach took the next step and started doing custom combine work for other local farmers in the area in addition to farming his own land.

Mitigating Risk as a Beginning Farmer

As Zach’s operation grew, he began to take on more land and started diversifying his crops. “I started growing wheat to support the needs of the dairy farm and then took on more corn and soybeans as well.” Through working with GreenStone, he was introduced to the benefit of mitigating risk to his crops through crop insurance.

“I had already had such a positive experience. Everyone at GreenStone was very honest, and they provided me with a lot of guidance when I was just getting started. As I started growing and renting more land to farm, they mentioned how beneficial having crop insurance could be for me as a beginning farmer.”

Zach began working with crop insurance specialist Erin Kenneke, who helped him secure the right policy level for his specific needs. “I’ve known Erin just growing up in this area, but getting to work with her is just another reason I really like working with GreenStone. The local relationships and connection to the community they have is really nice.”

Zach was able to receive a higher subsidy rate for his crop insurance policy because of the Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program. “What I didn’t realize was that because I was a young and beginning farmer, there was even more benefit to me seeking crop insurance coverage. I was able to receive extra premium subsidies and waived administrative fees which made the policy more affordable,” said Zach. The USDA has also recently extended the program to benefit young farmers in their first ten years of farming.

“When I started working with Zach, I wanted to make sure we found the right policy level for Zach based on his specific risk,” explained Erin. “We wanted to cover his input costs and protect against the volatility of markets and weather. We added ECO (Enhanced Coverage Option) to his policy, which is an additional crop insurance option that provides coverage to your underlying crop insurance policy deductible. We placed a protection on 95% of the crop insurance commodity price on Zach’s policy, so if market prices decline, that extra coverage per acre will make all the difference in Zach’s bottom line.”

“Having that added peace of mind from having the crop insurance coverage has been key for me,” commented Zach. “Even though it does cost a little bit more money, I think it’s worth it. When you have so much going on, it’s just one less thing you have to worry about.”

“I especially enjoy that Erin stays on top of everything and is able to send me over everything I need to look at or sign right on my phone. It’s really convenient for me as I continue to get busier,” added Zach.

The Ultimate Reward

Zach stays busy farming over 150 acres of corn, soybeans, and winter wheat, which he markets to local co-ops and processors, which roast and press soybeans used in cooking oil. Since farming full-time, he’s also been able to continue his custom combine work for 800 acres of neighboring farmers’ land and has even started doing custom pesticide spraying. He still helps on his parents’ dairy and is responsible for all of the combine work for them as well.

“My goal is to continue growing at a steady rate,” Zach said. “For me though, I’m really motived by the enjoyment of farming and not just by ownership or scale. Not many people can say they get to work with their family either, and for me getting to work with them and do what I love is the ultimate reward.”

 

To view the rest of the 2026 winter Partners articles please click here.

While winter can be a quieter period for some operations, cyber risks don’t take time off — and many now arrive through the trusted partners and services we rely on every day.

$9 million. That’s the estimated loss some US farms have faced when cyber incidents forced them to pause operations. At a recent FBI agriculture security symposium, farmers, processors, and industry partners heard a consistent message: as agriculture becomes more connected and technology-driven, it is also becoming a more attractive target for cybercriminals. The risk is real, and it continues to grow (Protecting Critical Infrastructure, 2024).

Many cyber incidents don’t start with a direct attack on a farm or business. Instead, they begin through trusted third parties — vendors or platforms that already have access to systems and information.

Third-Party Risk, Explained in Plain Terms

A third party is any outside company your organization relies on to operate. This can include software providers, online marketplaces, payment processors, logistics platforms, or customer management tools.

Third-party cyber risk means your organization can be affected by a cyber incident at one of those companies — even if your own systems were never directly attacked.

A recent national incident illustrates this clearly. In 2025, a widely used business integration tool that connected customer chat services with customer relationship management systems was compromised.

Attackers gained access through the vendor’s system and were able to extract customer data from hundreds of organizations that used the service (Kost, 2025).

Those organizations were not breached directly. They were impacted because a trusted external service had access to their data. This is a clear example of how third-party risk works in practice.

What This Looks Like for Agriculture

Cyber incidents don’t always involve sophisticated hacking or national headlines. In many cases, the damage starts quietly, through everyday digital tools that are trusted and widely used.

Agricultural businesses have reported real financial losses tied to online ordering and payment scams. In these situations, criminals placed legitimate-looking orders using fraudulent or manipulated payment information. The products were delivered, the payment initially appeared valid, and then the transaction was later reversed — leaving the business without both the product and the funds (Galloway, 2025).

There was no breach of the business’s internal computer systems. Instead, the loss stemmed from reliance on third-party online ordering and payment platforms, showing how cyber risk can surface through trusted external services rather than direct attacks.

In addition, Michigan State University has surveyed agricultural operators across the state and found that unauthorized access attempts, computer intrusions, and digital disruptions are already occurring. Many of these incidents go unreported, either because operations recover quickly or because it is unclear who to notify (Galloway, 2025).

The takeaway is straightforward: cyber risk already exists in the agricultural community, and third-party tools and services are part of that reality.

Why This Matters to Businesses and Their Customers

Third-party cyber risk is not just an information technology issue. It is a business risk.

When a vendor or service provider experiences a cyber incident, the impact can ripple outward:

• Payments may be delayed or reversed
• Orders or services may be disrupted
• Sensitive business or customer information may
  be exposed

For organizations that support agriculture, including service providers and technology companies, these disruptions can affect both internal operations and the customers they serve.

Agriculture depends on timing. Even short interruptions tied to third-party issues can result in missed opportunities, financial loss, or strained relationships.

Cyber Threats Aren’t Just Accidents

Federal law enforcement has been clear that cyber threats to food and agriculture aren’t random — some are intentional. At a national agriculture security event, an FBI Special Agent warned that foreign actors, most notably the People’s Republic of China, are actively seeking ways to disrupt the United States’ agriculture industry. These are not hypothetical concerns; they are part of a broader threat landscape that includes attempts to undermine supply chains, steal valuable data, or degrade operations (Protecting Critical Infrastructure, 2024).

In that same briefing, the FBI urged agricultural operators, just like any other business, to adopt good cyber hygiene as part of their regular routine. That term simply refers to basic practices that make systems and data harder for attackers to exploit. Examples include:

• Using multi-factor authentication — adding a second step (like a code sent to your phone) when signing in so that stolen passwords aren’t enough to gain access (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
• Backing up critical data regularly — and storing those backups separately so you can recover quickly if files are lost or held hostage (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

These steps may sound simple, but they dramatically reduce the chances of costly disruptions or data loss — and they’re recommended by both law enforcement and cybersecurity specialists.

Reducing Risk from Third-Party Relationships

While no organization can fully control another company’s security practices, there are practical steps that can reduce exposure to third-party risk. Even when cyber risk feels overwhelming, progress often starts with a few manageable actions.

• Know Who You Rely On
  • Maintain an up-to-date list of vendors and service providers that have access to your systems or handle your data.
• Limit Access
  • Ensure third parties only have access to the information or systems necessary to perform their role.
• Ask About Security
  • Before engaging a vendor, ask how they protect data, how often controls are reviewed, and how incidents are communicated.
• Review Connections Regularly
  • Periodically review vendor access and update credentials, especially following reported security events.
• Plan for Disruptions
  • Have a clear, practical plan for how your organization would respond if a third-party incident caused delays, outages, or data concerns — even if your own systems were not directly affected.

Looking Ahead

Third-party cyber risk is no longer theoretical. It is present today and affects organizations of all sizes — from local agricultural operations to national service providers.

Understanding this risk, managing vendor relationships thoughtfully, and planning for disruptions are essential steps. Not only to protect systems and data, but to support the stability of customers, partners, and industries that rely on secure, dependable services.

As we move into the new year, strengthening how we approach third-party risk is one of the most practical ways we can protect our organizations and the communities we serve.

 

To view the rest of the 2026 winter Partners articles please click here.

People choose to build their dream home in the country for many reasons. For Jim and Christine Kesler, their decision wasn’t based on luxury or square footage, it was about dignity, love, and legacy.

The Keslers were close to paying off their home in Trenton, Mich., located about 20 miles southeast of Detroit, when they decided the home would not accommodate their needs any longer.

Accessibility Challenges

The Keslers’ daughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (M.S.) at 19 and her symptoms progressed quickly. What started with dizzy spells and acute eye issues quickly led to Victoria requiring a walker, then a wheelchair.

The tight quarters of their colonial-style home led to Victoria, now in her early 30s, becoming virtually homebound. With no easy way for her to enter and exit the home, her electric wheelchair regularly damaging their hardwood floors, and the only accessible bathroom being located upstairs, the need for an accessible home was urgent.

“We had been going to [a fitness center] and taking her there to do a shower,” said Christine. “With her no longer able to support herself enough to even pivot out of her chair, she’s fully a lift move at this point. So that was no longer an option there either.”

Adding to the Keslers’ urgency was the fact that Jim, while mostly asymptomatic, also has M.S. With Jim nearing retirement, and knowing the disease often progresses with age, the Keslers knew they needed to find a place where their family could truly feel at home, one that would support them for years to come.

Searching for Solutions

Victoria, Jim, and Christine scoured real estate listings. After months of doing their own research and working with a realtor, their countless hours of searching led to a dead end. There were homes available but none met the accessibility requirements of their family.

“There’s honestly nothing that is handicapped accessible. Buying another house and having to renovate it wasn’t going to work either,” said Christine.

Planning a Place to Call Home

The Keslers came to the realization the only way they were going to find the home they were looking for was to build it. They made a list including their specific requirements for property to build on, which included it being somewhere without a home owner’s association (HOA), enough buildable area to construct a ranch home with no physical barriers, within 15 minutes of a hospital, a reasonable distance from Jim’s workplace, close to town and shopping, up to 10 acres, access to water, and the ability to hunt on the property.

It took the Keslers two years to find the land where they would build their home. During that time, they saved enough money to pay for the property with cash. After securing the property, they quickly transitioned to searching for a contractor.

Finding a Trusted Partner in GreenStone

The Keslers eventually identified a construction company that gladly agreed to take on the unique challenges their project presented. After learning of the difficulties they were having with the appraisal they received when seeking financing, the builder recommended the Keslers to reach out to GreenStone.

Upon hearing the Keslers’ story, Stephanie Lundy, senior financial services officer at GreenStone’s Adrian branch got to work. Utilizing the equity in the Keslers’ current home and the property they owned outright, she was able to roll their former mortgage into a new construction loan. Stephanie also worked with a new appraiser to ensure the value of the Keslers’ project was fairly evaluated and accounted for the value of the accessibility upgrades the plan included.

“Stephanie really worked out great for us,” said Christine. “She helped us move along with as few hurdles as possible.”

Stephanie saw the challenges the Keslers presented as an opportunity – not simply to facilitate a loan, but to help a family in desperate need of a new home.

“My father is in a wheelchair. When I first heard their story, I immediately resonated with many of the challenges the Keslers have experienced and wanted to do everything I could to help them,” said Stephanie.

“GreenStone’s lending policies gave me the ability to help this family on their timeline,” she said. “The Keslers’ story is about more than simply wanting a new home, it is about ensuring a good quality of life for their family today and in the future.”

Breaking Ground

After the long journey of deciding they needed to build, finding a location for their new home, and securing the right construction and financial partners to support their vision, the Keslers assumed the construction process would present more of the same – consistent challenges and lots of waiting.

However, their contractor exceeded their expectations by not only accommodating their requests but working diligently to do everything possible to get them in their new home quickly.

“In a three-week period, from the 4th of July to the 25th of July, we had a fully framed house with siding, windows, roof decking, and shingles. That was three guys. That was it. They were amazing. They were there on the holiday, Sunday — they didn’t care. They just got it done,” said Jim.

Building a Legacy

With construction now nearly complete, the Keslers look forward to moving into a home that will accommodate their needs today and for years to come.

For the first time in years, the Keslers’ new home will provide Victoria the ability to live in a way most people take for granted – without barriers. Concrete floors will provide a smooth surface for her wheelchair, a customized garage and lift will help her enter and exit the home safely, and sidewalks outside have been designed to allow her to spend time outdoors. She already has plans for a butterfly garden on the property. In the future, Jim has plans to purchase a side-by-side vehicle to allow himself and Victoria to ride down to the river that touches their property.

The Keslers have plans to host their family, allowing a place for relatives to stay when they visit to hunt on their land. The home will also allow Jim and Christine a place to “age in place” without the worry of needing to relocate in the future. They also intend to pass the home down to Victoria and her brother, James, who also suffers from M.S.

Summing up her feelings about her new home, and the conclusion of the long journey it took her and her family to see it to fruition, Christine concluded, “it’s well beyond my expectations.”

 

To view the rest of the 2026 winter Partners articles please click here.

GreenStone remains committed to shaping the future of agriculture and natural resources. We’re continuing this mission by offering thousands of dollars in 2026 scholarship funds to students pursuing careers in these fields.

Since 2010, GreenStone has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to undergraduate students.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Up to $40,000 in scholarships for incoming freshmen: $2,000 for students attending a four-year program and $1,000 for those in a two-year program.
• The Dave Armstrong Scholarship Program, named after GreenStone’s former CEO, offers $5,000 each to four current college students.

To apply, applicants must live within GreenStone’s service area (Michigan and select counties in northeastern Wisconsin) and plan to study agriculture, timber, or natural resources. Applicants must demonstrate academic success and leadership in school, community, and agricultural activities.

The application deadline is March 1, 2026. For more details and to apply for a 2026 scholarship, visit www.GreenStoneFCS.com/scholarships.

Success in the timber industry depends on careful planning, strong management, and long-term commitment. GreenStone has proudly been a steady and trusted partner in the lumber industry for decades. To support the continued success of timber professionals, GreenStone is pleased to host free, in-person Logging Forums this March.

We invite you to join us at one of the following sessions with lunch to follow:

Monday, March 16
8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST
Island Resort and Casino, Harris, MI

Thursday, March 19
8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST
Treetops Resort, Gaylord, MI

Earn & Learn

Attendees who pre-register and attend the full forum in person are eligible to earn four SFI points. GreenStone’s timber industry loan specialists will be available to answer questions and discuss financing options. Each timber forum will also feature updates and insights from industry experts on topics such as:

• Industry and mill updates
• Equipment financing
• Transition and estate planning
• Legislative updates

Registration for 2026 timber forums is now closed. Be on the lookout for future forums near you!

To learn more about timber and forestry loans click here.

Are you looking for the first step toward your future? For many college students, that step begins with an internship. At GreenStone Farm Credit Services, instead of the typical internship or summer job, we provide a launching pad for your career filled with endless opportunities for growth.

We understand the desire for hands-on experiences in your summer internship. With volunteer events, customer visits, and career development opportunities, your internship is a journey where you can grow in a supportive dynamic environment and create meaningful memories with fellow students as a part of an intern cohort.

For each experience, you will be joined with the other college students interning at GreenStone, along with having networking opportunities to meet interns with agricultural companies across the state!

We truly believe growth happens when you’re given the chance to make a real impact. From day one, we’ll encourage you to embark on purposeful projects and contribute to work that drives our mission forward – supporting our rural communities through tailored financial services.

You’ll get the chance to job-shadow, even with departments outside your area of expertise, and collaborate with industry professionals while gaining hands-on experience and developing skills to help sculpt your future career.

GreenStone’s internship experience is shaping the next generation of professionals and making a lasting influence on students across the country. We’re proud to offer an experience that goes beyond the basics, one that builds confidence, leadership, and a strong foundation for your success.

If you’re looking to turn your enthusiasm into impact, we’d love you to take your next step with us. GreenStone doesn’t just offer internships; we offer the opportunity to be part of something bigger. Something that will help shape the future, starting with you. To learn more about our internship program and what possibilities there are for you, click here.

A few years ago, the Yevzelman’s found a once in a lifetime leasing opportunity through MIFarmLink.com so they took it. Cedar Field Farm, located in Belleville, Michigan, is a market garden style farm. They sell vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, and flowers.

While Simon has 10 years of agriculture experience, this was his first foray into small scale specialty crop farming. Combined with Caitlin’s career in marketing & data analytics, they had a solid foundation to start a small farming business together. However, knowing they did not have a lot of knowledge in the financial accounting side of running a business, they started looking into accounting services and the CultivateGrowth grant through GreenStone.

They felt GreenStone was a good fit since the association provides financial services, specifically in agriculture. They found their tax accountant, Emilie Reyome, and shortly after were approved for the CultivateGrowth grant to help pay for their first-time use of GreenStone’s tax and accounting services. Since it was their first time as entrepreneurs, they didn’t know what they needed as far as tax filings and year-end income tax planning.

“Emilie was super informative in helping us learn the ins and outs of tax and accounting services for our business. She was always available, even virtually, and very responsive to any questions we had. In addition to her being nice and responsive, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about tax reports, other services GreenStone provides, and what the overall process looks like. Emilie met us where we were and helped teach us how to build a sustainable business with GreenStone.”

Caitlin appreciates her experience with GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth grant wasn’t just helpful in learning about tax and accounting services, or how to build their plan, but also in saving them time and money. She said, “It could take us months trying to file things. Not only are we saving time, but we also get to spend that time growing the business rather than on the nitty gritty tax and accounting parts.”

With the help of GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth grant and tax and accounting services, Caitlin and Simon gained important lessons from learning how to use balance sheets and templates, to how to budget accordingly. “Cedar Field Farm could not have grown as much as they did without the help of these programs. They helped tremendously with saving us money, and from learning how to make our business more sustainable, better and run on a smoother process,” Caitlin said.

GreenStone is proud to support other young, beginning, or small farmers like Caitlin and Simon with help from the CultivateGrowth grant. To learn more about our CultivateGrowth program and what possibilities there are for you, click here.

Effective financial planning is essential for keeping your farming operation running smoothly and helping you achieve your goals. Not sure where to begin? Here are four tips to improve your financial planning strategy as a young, beginning, or small farmer and ensure you are on track to reaching both your short- and long-term goals.

1. Seek Support and Mentorship

One of the most valuable things you can do is surround yourself with experienced mentors who are willing to share what they’ve learned throughout their years of farming. Many experienced farmers are more than willing to help the next generation get started through sharing what they’ve learned along the way. Consider getting connected with local farms to learn from – or better yet, see what help they may need on their farm and build a partnership that is mutually beneficial for both parties.

Many beginning farmers find one of the biggest barriers to entry is access to the equipment needed to get started. By partnering with a local farmer, you could agree to provide free labor in exchange for use of their equipment for your operation. Embracing community is essential when starting out as a beginning farmer.

Look into what local resources are available to help you succeed. Is there an agricultural co-op in your area? If so, it may be an opportunity for you to participate with local farmers who pool their resources and knowledge. If you need help finding a mentor, GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth mentorship program can connect you with an experienced farmer. The program also offers grants, educational resources, and more for young, beginning, and small farmers.

2. Set Goals that Match Your Vision

It’s important to define the “why” behind your farming goals. Where do you see yourself in a year? What about five or ten years? Don’t be afraid to ask if your goals for your farm are aligned with your lifestyle or what you want your lifestyle to look like. Are you planning on farming full-time? Are you comfortable with farming being your primary source of income? What level of risk are you comfortable with?

Consider how your plans for your farm align with your long-term vision. Remember, bigger isn’t always better! When it comes to planning for the future of your farm, prioritize efficiency over expansion. Just because you can increase your herd size or acres farmed, does it really make the most sense for your farm? Look into investments that could help improve your current processes while maximizing your output.
Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals to match your current capacity. As your circumstances evolve, so will your plans. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plans or change them entirely as your goals are accomplished, or change.

3. Use Financial Experts as a Resource

When it comes to looking at your farm’s financials, open communication with your lender is key. The more information you can provide up front, the more they will be able to help you determine the best solutions for your unique needs. Get started by working with a lender who understands the ins and outs of the agriculture industry.

It’s important to meet annually with your lender. This will provide a snapshot of your financial performance throughout the past year and help you evaluate anything that needs to be addressed. Are there any operating costs that can be improved upon or cut back? Your lender can help you review these metrics, so you can make more informed decisions that move you closer to your goals.

Your lender will likely ask to look over these three documents to get a better understanding of your financials:

1. Current balance sheet
2. Prior year’s tax returns
3. Financial projection for the upcoming year- if you do not have these documents completed, don’t worry! Bring in as much information as you can, and your lending team can help refine them.

4. Know Your Risk Tolerance

Part of preparing your farm’s finances for the year ahead is assessing your risk tolerance. Consider how a loss could impact your farm and your goals for the future, whether that be through damaged crops or a dip in market prices.

Many beginning farmers are not in a position to face a loss within their first few years of their operation. Working with a crop insurance agent to receive up to date evaluations on your risk and understand subsidy amounts will help mitigate your risk for unexpected losses or damage to your crops.

Crop insurance coverage can be more affordable than you might think. Through USDA, young, beginning, and small farmers are eligible for certain benefits designed to help start your operation. Crop insurance coverage can potentially save you from having to experience a major financial loss within your first few years of farming due to circumstances that are out of your control.

Financial planning for your farm may seem daunting when you’re just starting out. It’s important to know there are a wide range of resources and tools available to help you succeed. Connecting with the right community of mentors and financial experts will play a critical role in your progress. You’re not alone! GreenStone offers expertise, resources, and support to help you move forward with confidence and ensure your farm is positioned for continued success.

 

This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News.

The first step toward building a home in the country is purchasing land to build on. For some, construction begins immediately, for others life circumstances or finances could require purchasing land first and building down the road. When the time comes to build your dream home, here are some key things to consider when preparing for a home construction loan.

Start with pre-qualification

Starting with pre-qualification is always a good idea. Getting pre-qualified for a home construction loan provides financial clarity. It can be easy to lose sight of reality when planning a home. Pre-qualification provides you with an amount you are approved to borrow, informing your decisions whether you choose to work with a general contractor or manage construction yourself.

Pre-qualification also provides flexibility. Much like getting pre-qualified for a home loan for an existing home, getting pre-qualified for a home construction loan provides the ability to make decisions and move the project along more quickly. If for some reason you decide to delay your home build, you are prepared when the time comes.

Evaluate the site

Whether you purchased land in the past with the intention of building a home on the site in the future or would like to build on a property not originally intended for building, the same checklist applies.

Before starting construction, you will need to check local zoning and code requirements. Municipal rules differ widely across Michigan and Wisconsin. Every township is different, so it’s best to reach out to your township on these legal questions as soon as possible. Maybe you would like to build a barndominum on your property, only to find out your township doesn’t allow barndominums. Or maybe the dream home you are planning doesn’t meet your township’s square-foot requirements. The best way to avoid frustration is to make sure that you know your local requirements early in the process.

In most cases, a percolation (perc) test is required before building a home on a piece of land to ensure a septic system can be installed on the property. If electric and other utilities are not already accessible, it is crucial to establish a plan for getting them set up. These utilities can come at a substantial expense that can impact the budget of your construction project and its timeline.

Another consideration that can easily be overlooked is legal access. GreenStone encourages getting a survey of the property you intend to build your home on to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to property boundaries or access.

Leverage your land

GreenStone gives you options when transitioning from owning land to building a home on your land. If your land loan is with GreenStone, you can choose to keep your existing loan and take out a second loan for home construction. This option might make sense if you bought your property when interest rates were lower, allowing you to maintain a lower rate by keeping the two separate. However, you also have the option to roll your land loan into your construction loan, simplifying your payments.

Depending on the amount of equity you have in the land that you intend to build your home on, you may have the option to use the equity you have in your land towards a down payment on your construction loan. This can be a great option if you have built enough equity to satisfy the down payment requirements for the new loan.

Consider your construction approach

Unlike most lenders, GreenStone gives you options when it comes to how you want to manage the process of building your home. For those that choose to go the traditional route of working with a builder, GreenStone does not require you to only work with certain builders like many other lenders, giving you freedom to find the best builder for your project.

GreenStone also gives you the option to manage your home construction project yourself (do it yourself, or DIY), where you act as your own general contractor. Whether you have a construction background or simply want to be as hands on as possible, this is a great option for some. GreenStone is one of the only lenders that offers a DIY option.

A third option is to do a DIY loan but still work with a contractor for some aspects of the build.
This hybrid approach allows you to be hands on while still outsourcing certain aspects of the project as needed.

One thing to note is even if you choose the DIY option, you are still required to get third-party bids to ensure estimates for the project are accurate and competitive.

Budget wisely

Whether you choose to work with a builder, or go DIY, having a solid budget that entails all the various costs associated with your home construction project is very important. A good budget ensures you are working within the available funds you have for your project.

Construction costs fluctuate often based on the economy and other factors. GreenStone requires a 10% cost overrun fund for most projects to protect the borrower and ensure the project can be completed. If unused, the overrun can be reapplied to the loan balance, reducing monthly payments.

Know what to expect during construction

Once construction begins, borrowers enter a nine-to 12-month interest-only phase. This delays the need to pay principal on your loan until construction is completed.

Once the home is complete, the loan automatically converts to a traditional principal-and-interest mortgage—no refinancing required. If delays occur, GreenStone can extend the timeline for an additional fee, and we regularly work with customers to keep their projects moving.

One advantage of working with GreenStone is that throughout the construction process you’ll work with a dedicated construction disbursement specialist who handles draw requests, documentation, and coordination.

Start early and ask a lot of questions

When preparing for a construction loan, doing your due diligence at the beginning pays big dividends.

GreenStone’s team of experts is here to help by answering any questions you have and walking you through the construction loan process every step of the way. By pairing due diligence with GreenStone’s customized financing options and commitment to customer service, you can build your dream home with confidence.

At GreenStone, we realize the journey of turning your dream home into a reality can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the home building process, or you’ve already laid out your plans, navigating the numerous choices can be a daunting task. We are here to help you each step of the way!

To guide you through this intricate process and empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, we extend a warm invitation to join one of GreenStone’s complimentary home construction seminars!

Led by experienced construction loan experts, each seminar is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the flexible financing options available. Our experts will dedicate ninety minutes to walk you through the entire home construction process, covering crucial aspects such as:

• Loan Approval Timeline: Gain insight on the timeline for loan approval, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the necessary steps to secure your financing.
• Construction Timeline: Navigate the construction timeline with ease, from breaking ground to completion, ensuring a smooth progression of your project.
• Various Loan Options: Explore the diverse range of loan options available, tailored to suit your specific needs and financial preferences.
• Understanding the Draw Process: Delve into the intricacies of the draw process, giving you a comprehensive overview of how funds are disbursed throughout the construction phases.
• Do-It-Yourself vs. Contracted Projects: Assess the pros and cons of taking on aspects of the construction yourself versus hiring professional contractors, helping you make informed choices aligned with your vision for your home and your capabilities.

Registration for spring seminars is now closed. Be on the lookout for future seminars near you!