Home Construction Q&A
Charlie, Melanie, and Jonah Mourot are building their forever home on family land near Morrilton, Arkansas. In this Q&A, learn more about their planning, construction, and lending process.
What was the most rewarding part of the home-building process for you?
Designing our forever dream home and seeing our vision come to reality has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. Another uniquely rewarding aspect of our house and our land is that it has been a part of our family for over 100 years. It’s where my grandfather, Herb Kordsmeier, grew up on the farm, climbing the same trees that are still there today, and where he brought my mom and her siblings to enjoy.
How did you choose your builder, and what factors were most important in your decision?
We have known our builder for most of our lives. He actually used to be in a small band and played at our wedding! 21 years later, it was so special to have him help build our home that we will hopefully have the opportunity to grow old in together.
What were the most important features you wanted in your home, and why?
My dream was to always have a sunroom with windows overlooking the lake. Other things we really wanted were a concrete safe room, a walk-up storage/attic space, walk-in showers with rain heads, a big back porch overlooking the lake to sit and enjoy a glass of tea, more storage so everything has a place, and a big open floor plan with a common space for us to spend time and make memories with our families and friends.
If you could go back and change one thing about your home’s design or build process, what would it be?
We spent so much time planning that I don’t think I would change anything. Maybe to get it done quicker so we could enjoy it sooner!
What made you choose Farm Credit to finance your home?
I called at least 3 different lenders and from the minute I talked to Shelby Bradley, I knew I wanted to use Farm Credit. I felt like she was 100% honest with me and genuinely happy to help my family fulfill our dream. Hank, Donna and Alison at the Morrilton branch have all been amazing to work with as well. There is no delay in payment to our subcontractors and it’s been so easy. It’s definitely been the best decision we could have made.
The Mourots’ home building tips:
- Research!
- Don’t build until you are really ready.
- Try to stay on budget, or in our case try to always shoot for under what was budgeted.
- Get advice from others who have built a home.
- Use reliable subcontractors even if they cost a little more in the long run.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything and everything because that is how you learn.
- Make sure you use Farm Credit because they care about you and your build!
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