Build with Purpose

From blueprint to breakthrough—we guide you through financing, planning, and executing your dream build.

Builder Financing vs. Buyer Financing—What’s the Difference?

Not all builders offer the same financing flexibility—and not all lenders can match your builder’s timeline. We help bridge the gap between builder, lender, and buyer—offering:

Questions Most People Overlook When Building a Home

What loan type is best—Construction-to-Perm, Lot + Build combo, or one-time close?

How will draw schedules and interest-only periods affect your cash flow?

What happens if materials get delayed or costs increase mid-project?

Should you structure this in your name… or under an LLC or trust?

Will you be able to refinance into a traditional loan if the market changes?

Have you considered the full financial flow?

Building a home isn’t just about design—it’s about making smart financial decisions every step of the way.

From choosing the right loan structure to securing builder approvals, draw schedules, and managing costs—there’s a lot that can go wrong… or incredibly right. At Stairway Mortgage, we help you navigate the entire process: from raw land or teardown to move-in ready—with clarity, strategy, and trusted partners.

Your Custom Build Journey

Lot Selection

Loan Approval

Draw Schedule

Build Completion

Move-In + Refinance Option

Smart Construction Strategies—Beyond the Build

Building offers opportunities most don’t consider—like:

Find Your Ideal Build Loan Type

Build timeline, land status, down payment range

I'm building soon

Get a custom loan strategy based on your build timeline and project goals. Whether you’re 30 or 180 days out, we’ll show you smart ways to fund each phase without stress.

I already have land

Turn your land into leverage with better financing terms. You may qualify for lower costs or easier approvals—just because you already own the dirt.

I’m still exploring options

Not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Take our 90-second quiz to find the best loan structure based on your goals, budget, and timeline.

New brand. Same trusted leadership.

What Clients Say About Working with Jim & His Team

Built on Trust. Backed by Experience.

Alexis Kulick - via Faceook Director of Digital Campaign at UBS - CALIFORNIA

Easy and quick refinance with great rates and expert advice.
I recently refinanced my existing mortgage with Jim and his team, and I was so pleased with how easy and quick the whole process was. Jim and his team were very responsive to my questions, and I feel confident that I got the best rate and shaved 9 years off my mortgage. He is very knowledgeable and helped me determine the best option for myself and my family. Definitely recommend him.

Julian Einfrank - via Facebook Sr. Wealth Advisor Clifton Larson Allen - ILLINOIS

Complex loan scenario handled with expertise and care.
The process went smoothly. Jim Blackburn is a lending saint. He knows the market well and cares about his clients tremendously. The team made it really easy to do business, uploading documents and getting forms signed. Our situation is a bit complex. Rather than turn us away for some added work, they dug in to get it done right. They like the complexity, whereas other lenders don’t want to roll up their sleeves. Highly recommend Jim Blackburn for new loans and refinances!

Elizabeth Torres - via Facebook Senior Branch Mgr. at JP Morgan Chase - ILLINOIS

Closed in time for Thanksgiving! Jim and his team were amazing, and we got a much better deal than previous lender.
We closed our loan within 19 days. Just in time for Thanksgiving!! Jim and his team are amazing! We initially had gone with a different loan office and the interest rate and down payment was ridiculous. The owner of the company where my husband works referred us to Jim and we are very grateful for that. We had such an amazing experience with Jim and his team! Since our transaction, we’ve been referring Jim to anyone we know that are thinking of purchasing a house.

David Livermore - via Google Founder Cultural Intelligence - CALIFORNIA

Secured financing despite market challenges and self-employment.
Run, don't walk to work with Jim and his team. Jim helped us get financing when it seemed like an impossible feat. It was hard enough to be managing a home purchase 2000 miles away, but add to that an extremely competitive market and being self-employed, and it seemed impossible until Jim's team got involved. Jim was not only responsive; he consistently went above and beyond by making clear recommendations, working his magic, and ensuring that financing wasn’t a barrier for buying our dream house in one of the most competitive markets in the country.

Christina Curva Carrasco - via Facebook Owner at Curated Interiors - WASHINGTON DC

Smooth, fast, and hassle-free mortgage and refinance process.
Jim and his team are great to work with! We have used Jim twice with our home mortgage. Both times, the process was smooth and uneventful (which is what I wanted). He has kept in touch with us and contacted us when he felt it was the right time for us to refinance! I was amazed at our refinancing process – it took them about a little over two weeks to process all our information and close! I love the new online process of submitting all the information they require – it made it super easy for me to organize and gather all the documents.

Discover the Goals That Drive Your Financial Journey

When you build a home, you’re building more than walls — you’re building a financial blueprint.

Take the Discovery Quiz to align your design, your dollars, and your long-term goals with purpose and clarity.
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