Stephanie Caffee and Meghan Fetters | The Barndo Loan Pros
WHO’S ON WITH US TODAY?
Host: Randy Chaffee – “the Hybrid Road Warrior” and face of Building Wins Live
Producer/Director: Wes Wyatt
Guests:
Stephanie Caffee – Senior Barn-dominium Loan Specialist, First Federal Bank of Kansas City
Meghan Fetters – Barn-dominium Loan Specialist, First Federal Bank of Kansas City
ABOUT OUR GUEST(S)
Stephanie and Megan make up the dedicated Barndominium Lending Team at First Federal Bank of Kansas City. With a decade each in mortgage lending, they now focus exclusively on one-time close construction loans for post-frame, steel-frame, and stick-built barndos in 48 states. Their bank is known industry-wide for allowing owner-builders (DIY general contractors) and even on-site RV living during construction—unique flexibilities that have earned them the nickname “The Barndo Loan Pros.”
MAIN POINTS
Start With Financing First: Secure a pre-qualification (700+ credit score, ≤43 % DTI) before you buy land or pay an architect; many customers underestimate the true cost-per-sq-ft.
60/40 Livable-Area Rule: For Fannie Mae compliance, at least 60% of the total square footage must be living space; oversized garages must be detached (a breezeway can be added later).
Owner-Builder Friendly: Except in Texas, borrowers can serve as their own general contractor; subcontractors must handle everything from “dirt to drywall,” and then owners can DIY finishes.
Appraisal Strategy: The bank requires one barndo comp; the remaining comps may be stick-built homes to support value in areas with few barndominiums.
Timeline: After pre-qualification, borrowers have ~90 days to gather invoices, plans, and budgets; disclosures, rate lock, and appraisal follow once the documents are received.
COVID-Era Boom: Remote work, homesteading, and multi-generational “compound” living have driven demand; barndos fit the large-shop + open-plan aesthetic.
Common Missteps: Designing a single-bed/loft plan <1,200 sq ft, expecting $100/sq ft build costs, or paying for plans before confirming loan eligibility.
Contact & Scheduling: Discovery calls, initiated via a Calendly link (displayed on-screen), kick off the process for borrowers, builders, or lumberyard partners.
NOTABLE QUOTES
“Financing is step one—fall in love with a floor plan after you know the budget.” — Stephanie Caffee
“Anything from dirt to drywall needs a pro; after that, paint it purple if you want.” — Meghan Fetters
“Our job is managing expectations so clients don’t spend thousands on plans they can’t finance.” — Stephanie Caffee
“Barndominiums aren’t garages with beds—they’re custom homes that happen to have metal skin.” — Randy Chaffee