Building a custom home involves many moving parts, but securing funding remains the biggest hurdle for most buyers. The loan process often causes long delays and creates unnecessary stress for property owners. Many projects stall before they even begin because clients struggle to align their construction timeline with bank approvals. Homebuyers need a simpler, more direct way to fund their builds.
SBC recently created its new Construction Financing Assistance Program to solve this exact problem. By bringing loan guidance in-house, the Florida contractor connects clients directly with vetted lenders to keep projects on track. We spoke with Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, Principal Contractor at SBC, to discuss the new program, the available loan options, and how managing finance and construction together benefits the client.
Q: Financing is often the most stressful part of building a home. What specific challenges led SBC to launch this new assistance program?
Jeri Goodkin: "For many clients, financing isn't just another step in the process—it's the step that determines whether a project moves forward or sits on hold. We repeatedly saw homeowners with great projects lose weeks or even months navigating the lending process on their own. Because we're involved from the earliest planning stages, we realized we could simplify that experience by connecting clients with experienced construction lenders who understand their project from day one. Our goal is to remove unnecessary delays so clients can focus on building their home instead of chasing financing."
Q: The new program offers six distinct loan options, including luxury ground-up and fix-and-flip loans. How do you help clients choose the right fit for their specific project?
Jeri Goodkin: "Every project starts with understanding the client's goals. Are they building a primary residence, a luxury custom home, renovating an existing property, or purchasing an investment? Each situation requires a different financing strategy. We work closely with our lending partners to match clients with loan programs that fit their budget, timeline, and long-term objectives. Because we also understand the construction process, we can help ensure the financing aligns with how the project will actually be built."
Q: Coordinating the loan draw process with construction schedules often causes delays. How does managing both ends under one roof speed up project starts?
Jeri Goodkin: "When construction and financing teams operate independently, communication gaps can slow everything down. By coordinating with both the client and the lender from the beginning, we help ensure documentation, budgets, inspections, and draw requests are prepared on schedule. That proactive coordination reduces avoidable delays and keeps construction moving forward as efficiently as possible."
Q: You now connect clients directly with vetted lender partners. How does this network improve the terms and options available to your buyers?
Jeri Goodkin: "We've built relationships with lending professionals who specialize in construction financing and understand Florida projects. Rather than clients spending weeks trying to find the right lender themselves, we can introduce them to financing partners with experience in projects similar to theirs. That saves time, provides more financing options, and gives clients confidence they're working with professionals who understand the complexities of construction lending."
Q: This program covers everything from primary residences to investment properties. How does your financing approach change depending on the client's end goal?
Jeri Goodkin: "The financing strategy should support the client's overall investment strategy. Someone building their forever home has very different priorities than an investor completing a fix-and-flip or rental property. We take the time to understand what success looks like for each client, then help connect them with financing solutions that support those goals while keeping the construction process efficient and predictable."
Q: What are the immediate next steps for a client who wants to start a build in Florida but needs help securing the initial funding?
Jeri Goodkin: "The first step is simply reaching out to our team. We'll discuss the project, the property, and the client's goals to determine the best path forward. If financing assistance is needed, we'll introduce them to one of our trusted lending partners who can evaluate the project and recommend the most appropriate loan options. From there, our team works alongside the lender throughout the process so financing and construction stay aligned from concept through completion."
These responses reinforce SBC's expertise while avoiding any implication that SBC is acting as a lender or providing financial advice directly. They position the company as a construction expert that helps facilitate financing through qualified lending partners.
Our discussion made it clear that combining construction and financing removes a major barrier for property buyers. SBC simplifies a complex loan process by guiding clients through every step. This direct approach prevents common delays and ensures the funding perfectly matches the building schedule.
The demand for custom homes and renovations in Florida will continue to grow. Construction firms that offer internal financial guidance provide a massive advantage to their clients. SBC offers a clear, direct path to turn property goals into completed projects.
To learn more visit www.SBCFL.com
