Build Your Understanding with Sarah Rosley & Roy Graves
Planning a new build, major renovation, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) raises a lot of questions, especially when it’s time for financing.
In this episode, Dani and Dominic sit down with Sarah Rosley, a mortgage loan officer, and Roy Graves, senior construction loan specialist at Savings Bank of Walpole. Listen in to learn how construction financing works and what borrowers should know before getting started.
Sarah and Roy explain the difference between a construction loan and a traditional mortgage, what kinds of projects qualify, and how planning, permits, and project details impact the timeline.
In this episode:
- How construction financing differs from a traditional mortgage, including the plans, specifications, budget, contract, and permits lenders may need to review
- Types of projects SBW finances, from stick-built, modular, manufactured, and kit homes to additions, major renovations, and ADUs
- How home equity may offer another way to fund a construction project
- The estimated timeline from application to breaking ground
- What modern borrowers should know about down payments, equity, and appraisals
- How financing works for ADUs and why families are considering them for multigenerational living and other needs
- The first step anyone considering a construction project should take
About Sarah Rosley NMLS #1722915
Sarah Rosley is a Mortgage Loan Originator with nearly a decade of lending experience. She’s passionate about helping individuals and families achieve homeownership with confidence. Since joining Savings Bank of Walpole in 2017, Sarah’s built her career on providing knowledgeable guidance, responsive communication, and exceptional customer service throughout the mortgage process. A graduate of Keene State College with a bachelor’s degree in Management, she proudly serves the community where she was raised. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, refinancing, or planning your next move, Sarah is committed to making every step clear, efficient, and tailored to your goals.
About Roy Graves
Roy Graves brings more than 25 years of community banking experience, with a career spanning consumer and commercial lending. Since discovering a passion for construction lending in 2013, he’s helped guide residential projects from early estimates and planning through completion. After joining Savings Bank of Walpole in 2022, Roy became a Senior Construction Loan Specialist with New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp in 2024, supporting construction lending across SBW, MVSB, and MCSB. Known for his straightforward approach and commitment to helping people make informed decisions, Roy takes pride in supporting housing projects that benefit the communities he serves.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, pass it on to another local community member, and let’s keep the impact growing. Local Interest is brought to you by Savings Bank of Walpole. As a mutual bank, SBW doesn’t have “shareholders,” we’re here for our customers.