Spec Home Loans 101: Financing New Builds Without Pre-Sales

September 9, 2025

Short answer:

Spec home loans allow investors and builders to finance new construction without having a buyer in place upfront. Private lenders like Silverton Capital provide these loans based on the deal’s numbers—not signed contracts—so you can break ground without waiting for a pre-sale.

Let’s explore how spec home financing works and when it makes sense.

What Is a Spec Home?

“Spec” stands for speculative.

A spec home is a new build constructed without a committed buyer. You, the builder or investor, are betting that the finished home will sell quickly in the current market once completed.

It’s a common strategy in growth markets like Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin counties, where housing demand remains strong and new construction can yield excellent returns.

But here’s the catch: banks don’t love risk. And to them, building without a buyer = risk.

Why Banks Don’t Fund Spec Homes Easily

Traditional lenders typically require one of two things before they’ll fund a new construction project:

  • A pre-sale agreement with a qualified buyer
  • Strong financials and a long track record as a developer

For many small-to-mid-size builders and solo investors, those requirements are out of reach. Maybe:

  • You don’t have a signed sales contract
  • You’re building in a new area
  • You’re not a licensed developer with 10+ builds under your belt
  • You need to close on the lot now

This is where hard money spec home loans come into play.

How Hard Money Funds Spec Homes Without Pre-Sales

Private lenders like Silverton Capital look at the numbers and the neighborhood, not just your resume or buyer list.

Here’s what we focus on instead:

  • Land value or lot cost
  • Total construction budget
  • Projected resale value (ARV)
  • Your contribution to the deal (equity or down payment)
  • Market demand in the build location

If you're planning a spec build in a solid North Texas neighborhood—say, McKinney, Frisco, Fort Worth, or Rockwall—and the numbers make sense, we can structure a loan that covers:

  • Lot acquisition
  • Construction draws (released in stages)
  • Interest-only payments during the build
  • A balloon payment at sale or refinance

And no, you don’t need a pre-sale contract to qualify.

Example: Financing a $525K Spec Home in Frisco

Let’s say you find a quarter-acre lot in Frisco listed at $150,000. You estimate construction will cost $300,000, and comps in the area show you can sell the finished home for $525,000.

You bring $75,000 in cash to cover part of the land and some of the early construction.

Silverton Capital reviews the lot, your building plans, contractor bids, and resale projections. Based on your plan and market demand, we approve a spec home loan that funds:

  • Lot purchase at closing
  • Construction in staged draws (foundation, framing, finishes, etc.)
  • Interest-only payments for 12 months
  • Final payoff when the house sells

You start construction in 2 weeks, list the home in 6 months, and close on the sale at $540,000. The loan is paid off, and you walk away with your profit.

No buyer needed upfront. No wasted months waiting for a bank to approve a contract they don’t like.

Who Should Consider a Spec Home Loan?

You should explore spec home financing if:

  • You’ve found a good lot in a high-demand Texas market
  • You have a clear construction plan and contractor support
  • You’re planning to build and sell within 6–12 months
  • You have equity or cash to contribute to the deal
  • You don’t want to wait around for a buyer to commit first

This loan is ideal for:

  • Custom home builders
  • Real estate investors diversifying from flips
  • Small developers expanding into new neighborhoods
  • Experienced GCs building their first personal project


What You’ll Need to Apply

We don’t make you jump through hoops—but we do need a few things to approve your deal:

  • Land details or contract
  • Construction budget
  • Contractor bids
  • Timeline for build
  • Projected ARV and exit strategy (sale or refinance)

If the deal looks right, we’ll move quickly. We’re based in Texas—and we know how fast the market moves here.

Apply now to see if your spec home project qualifies.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a buyer in-hand to build a home. With the right lender and the right plan, you can break ground on a new construction project and sell it when it’s done—on your terms.

Spec home loans give builders and investors the flexibility to act confidently in hot markets, without banking delays or pre-sale pressure.

Planning a spec build in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin County?

Apply with Silverton Capital for fast, flexible financing built around your project—not someone else’s checklist.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or investment advice. Please consult with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.

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