The First Decision in Building Your Dream Home Isn't the Floor Plan

By: Richard Mantyla, MLO, Residential Mortgage, NMLS #196418

Each fall, the Parade of Homes gives Alaskans an opportunity to explore beautiful homes, discover the latest design trends and imagine the possibilities of building a home that's uniquely yours. It's easy to be inspired by gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms and thoughtfully designed living spaces showcased by Alaska’s incredible local builders. 

While it’s easy to get lost envisioning yourself in your new home, there is one decision that deserves your attention first: creating your financing plan.  

Start With a Solid Foundation

While it may not be the most exciting part of the journey, a well-structured financing plan is the key to making every other step easier. Building a home differs significantly from buying an existing one, often requiring specialized construction loans or one-time-close construction-to-permanent financing. 

Taking the time to understand your options early on allows you to move forward with confidence and focus on the creative decisions that make homebuilding so rewarding. 

Why Experience Matters in Alaska

Building in Alaska offers unique advantages, such as incorporating the latest in energy-efficient construction methods to maximize comfort and reduce utility costs. Furthermore, navigating local programs—like those offered through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation—can make homeownership significantly more affordable. 

Because the landscape is unique, you need more than just a lender; you need a partner. With almost 70 years of combined experience, our team at Residential Mortgage—The Mantyla-Jonas Team—brings a depth of local knowledge that turns the complexity of financing into a clear, predictable roadmap. We specialize in taking the uncertainty out of the process, ensuring you understand your budget and financing options long before you break ground. 

Keeping Your Vision on Track

Success depends on having the right professionals working together: your builder, your title company and your mortgage team here at The Mantyla-Jonas Team of Residential Mortgage. Once construction begins, our role continues by helping you maintain the financial understanding necessary to keep your project running smoothly. We will guide you on how to navigate major financial decisions—like financing a new vehicle or changing jobs—so you avoid last-minute surprises before your closing date. 

Your Journey Starts Here

As you tour this year's Parade of Homes, enjoy the craftsmanship, creativity and innovation on display. Gather ideas, compare floor plans and dream big. But before you make your first building decision, schedule a conversation with us at The Mantyla-Jonas Team. 

A quick, collaborative planning meeting is all it takes to establish a realistic budget and align your financing with your long-term goals. When your financial plan is as well-designed as your future home, you can enjoy the building journey with total confidence from the very first step. 

Ready to start building? Contact The Mantyla-Jonas Team.

Information subject to change without notice. Qualified borrowers only. This is not a commitment to lend.  Please call for details. Residential Mortgage, LLC. NMLS 167729. Nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender