answers to our most frequently

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FINANCING

What is the resale value of American Ingenuity domes?
Will it be difficult to get a loan to build my dome?

FINANCING

Q: What is the resale value of American Ingenuity domes?
A: We know of only a few of our dome owners who have sold their dome; which is a compliment in itself. Therefore, we have no resale statistics on our dome, but we have heard of other domes being sold at a profit well above their initial building cost.

We can offer some insight that would apply:

1. Geodesic domes being unusual, they will not appeal to everyone and it will likely take longer to find a buyer.
2. Energy costs are certainly increasing and therefore a very energy efficient home will increase in value as energy costs increase.
3. A conventional home will show its age as styles change while a new coat of paint on our dome will still look ahead of its time.
4. Our sales of dome kits has constantly increased through the years and a quality dome that is completed would have the distinct sales advantage of showing the finished product.
5. The resale value of a dome or any other home, is improved when it:
   • matches the neighborhood in size and value
   • exhibits quality construction
   • is landscaped well
   • offers advantages over other homes.

Also, with the increasing popularity of domes and rising energy costs, the market for an exceptionally energy efficient, super strong, low maintenance home should be excellent. A large percentage of the home buyers cannot visualize a dome & do not want to be involved in the floor plan design & construction of their home. As a result a finished dome that can be touched and felt is a big plus to them. If you are thinking of resale, build at least a 40’ in diameter dome, have it built with quality workmanship & keep your utility bills.

Q: Will it be difficult to get a loan to build my dome?
A: Conventional mortgage lenders tend to be ultra conservative when considering a dome. Mortgage brokers or indirect sources for financing may be more flexible and quicker for you. Ask us for our list of possible lenders. Refinancing other property or acquiring loans from other sources may be easier while avoiding the restrictions and requirements of conventional construction loans. Another popular option is the pay-as-you-go method. Combined with partial financing, this can get you into your new dome. For a helpful, in depth look at financing, go to our home page and click on Free Downloads and click on Financing Booklet.

Why do lenders not like domes? Lenders determine how much they will loan based on what houses in that neighborhood sell for. The lender can usually get within three to four per cent of the value of a conventional house. But because we do not have resale statistics on domes they do not know what the resale price is. The lender has to be concerned with the worst case scinario. If the homeowner dies, they will have to resale the dome. So they are reluctant to loan as much money on a dome project. Typically they want 20% to 30% down based on the finished price of the dome. They will accept equity in the land towards the down payment. To learn more about financing American Ingenuity Domes, go to our Home Page and click on Financing.