Upper Valley Home Loans
Allison Childs
AVP and Loan Originator
[email protected]
Phone: 603-690-2758
NMLS Registry ID: 1022839
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Allison began her career in mortgage lending in 1997. She first worked in lending support, making loans happen behind the scenes, to making loans happen in her current role as a mortgage loan originator. Allison has been at Claremont Savings Bank for 5 years. She enjoys working with homebuyers, new and seasoned. Allison is driven to provide excellent customer service. Her only goal is to have happy, well-informed customers, who arrive at closing with the best product and program available that aligns with their financing needs.
Allison has a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Liberal Arts) with a concentration in history, social and cultural studies, from Vermont College/Union Institute and University. She has a Residential Mortgage Lender Certificate from the Center for Financial Training & Educational Reliance; and Certificates of Achievement from the New Hampshire Mortgage Bankers & Brokers Association for Principals of Mortgage Banking I & II.
Allison’s community involvement extends to Vice Chairperson of the Hartford Parks & Recreation Board, Hartford, VT. She also serves as the Affiliate Liaison to the Upper Valley Board of Realtors and Chairperson of the Upper Valley Board of Affiliates. You can find her volunteering as a coach for pre-school and kindergarten sports as well as participating at other recreational events hosted by the Town’s recreation department.
Allison lives with her husband, Kevin, and her Jack Russell, Maggie, in Wilder, VT. She has two grown daughters who live out of the area, one in New Market, NH and one in Pittsburg, PA. Allison loves sports, knitting, and is an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction books.
- Competitive fixed and adjustable rates for home purchase, refinance, or construction
- Convenient terms customized to your situation
- A wide range of financing programs available:
- Fixed Rate Mortgages
- Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
- Jumbo Mortgage Loan*
- Rural Development Loans
- First-time homebuyer specials
- Construction loans
- Helpful loan advisors with working knowledge of the Connecticut River Valley real estate market
- Free pre-qualification for extra confidence when it comes to securing financing
- Refinance your current home to potentially lower your rate
- Local decision-making and processing
- Attentive, friendly service from start to finish
Save Time on Your Application
Download our Mortgage Checklist.
Homeowners Insurance Information
Proper coverage is necessary on the collateral that is used to secure your loan at Claremont Savings Bank. Learn what insurance information we require.
Genworth Homebuyer Privileges®
We participate in the Genworth Homebuyer Privileges program. Learn how Genworth’s discounts can fill a home — top to bottom! Download the instruction sheet and sign up for this program to take advantage of this exclusive discount program.
*Jumbo Loan: loans >$647,200. APR based on loan amount of $647,200 including a $495.00 processing fee and $250.00 underwriting fee. 30 year fixed rate. Single family primary residence. 80% LTV, 20% down payment required. Credit score of >700. Payments do not include taxes and insurance. Interest rates and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to credit and underwriting approval. Certain restrictions may apply.
DOWNLOAD YOUR HOME CONSTRUCTION GUIDE TODAY!
UNDERSTANDING A CONSTRUCTION LOAN
When you apply for a loan to build a home, the lender doesn’t have a complete home as collateral, so qualifying for a loan can be more challenging. The lender will want details about the home’s size, the materials used and the contractors and subcontractors who will do the work. The general contractor can pull all this information together with their estimates. All contracts must be signed by borrower and contractor.
The bank will not only look at the information above to qualify you, but will also review your credit history and your debt-to-income ratio (this includes mortgage payment, estimated property taxes, Homeowners Insurance and any Association fees) to ensure affordability.
SELECTING THE RIGHT LOAN
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Construction-to-permanent loan |
Construction only loan |
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Borrow to pay for the construction Only pay interest on outstanding loan balance during construction phase Loan balance converts into a permanent mortgage upon completion of construction Lock mortgage rate at beginning of construction Typically a 20% down payment is required to begin construction (lower down payment options may be available) May be able to use land value toward down payment One set of closing costs and fees |
Borrow to pay for construction, then get a mortgage to pay off construction debt Can’t lock maximum mortgage rate at beginning of construction May allow smaller down payment based on construction loan value If your financial health changes during construction, may limit options and rates for mortgage Two sets of closing costs and fees: one for construction loan, one for complete home mortgage |
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUILDER
Find a builder that has built the kind of house you want in terms of price, style and size. Look into the builder’s credentials with the local homebuilders association and ask for references from previous clients. Ask your builder for proof of insurance and check with the Better Business Bureau to see whether there are any complaints against the builder.
APPLYING FOR BUILDING PERMITS
It’s essential that you get the right building permission and the necessary permits required to build your various structures. By getting the right permits, you will avoid fines and work delays. If you proceed to build without the proper permits, you expose yourself to penalties, including having to take the structure down after you’ve built it. The right permits for construction projects will also ensure that safety standards are met. It’s important to adhere to building regulations because these codes are in place for a reason and public safety is one of them.
The method of applying for building and construction permits will vary depending on the state that you live in. You can get all the information necessary at your state government’s website. Leave ample time for the permit process, because it can take weeks or months for your permits to come through. Most lenders will require a copy of your building permits before the loan can close.
BUILDING PROGRESS INSPECTIONS
Lenders will conduct routine inspections as the home is built. During this period, the lender pays the builder in stages, called “draws,” and usually sends an appraiser or inspector to make sure that construction proceeds as planned. This process keeps the construction draw amount and completion percentage in line.
PLANNING FOR UNEXPECTED COSTS
Cost overruns can occur when borrowers change their minds during the construction process or if the price of materials increase. It is recommended to have a 10% overrun budget available.
Home Equity Loans
- Competitive rates for short-term or one-time needs:
- Major life events
- Home improvements
- Debt consolidation
- And much more
- The existing equity in your home is used as collateral backing
- Convenient terms customized to your situation
- The interest paid may be tax deductible (consult a tax advisor)
- Local decision-making, processing, and servicing
- Attentive, friendly service from start to finish
Home Equity Lines of Credit
- Competitive rates for ongoing or seasonal needs:
- Education expenses
- Home remodel projects
- Emergency reserve
- And much more
- The existing equity in your home is used as collateral backing
- Convenient terms customized to your situation
- Funds available anytime without reapplying; apply once, then use repeatedly thereafter
- Revolving credit – as principal is repaid, more becomes available for use
- Funds are easily accessible in person, online, or by check
- The interest paid may be tax deductible (consult a tax advisor)
- Set up automatic payments to be deducted from your account monthly
- Local decision-making, processing, and servicing
- Attentive, friendly service from start to finish
- Competitive rates for home improvements
- Convenient terms customized to your situation
- No collateral required
- Rate discount with preauthorized loan payments from a Claremont Savings Bank account*
- Local decision-making, processing, and servicing
- Attentive, friendly service from start to finish
*Rates and programs are subject to change without notice. Additional fees may apply. Offer of credit is subject to approval. Certain restrictions may apply.
Start the house hunting process well prepared. Order your homebuyer kit today!
Offering special financing options for Dartmouth College and DHMC employees*. Full-time employees purchasing a primary residence in New Hampshire or Vermont may be eligible for this program.
Special financing option includes:
- 0.125% discount on our portfolio home loan mortgage rates
- Personalized service with a lender in the Upper Valley
- Mobile and Online banking
SAMPLE RATE REDUCTION SAVINGS SCENARIO1
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Without rate reduction: $100,000 mortgage amount |
With rate reduction: $100,000 mortgage amount $2,571 TOTAL SAVINGS over the life of loan |
Please contact a member of our lending team for details, specific rates and terms.
*Payroll must be directly from DHMC and Dartmouth College