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Century Communities: Preferred Lender

Contract clause analysis

How Century Communities Uses This Clause

Century Communities purchase agreements have been documented to include affiliated lender incentive steering provisions. Century Communities may offer financial incentives contingent on using its wholly owned mortgage subsidiary, Inspire Home Loans. In 2024, 82% of Century buyers financed through Inspire. Buyers should compare rates and terms with independent lenders before committing. (Source: SEC 10-K, FY 2024)

This provision typically appears within the purchase agreement alongside other terms that may limit buyer remedies. This provision is closely connected to Century Communities's affiliated lending arm, Inspire Home Loans (wholly owned subsidiary); 82% buyer capture rate in 2024 (source: SEC 10-K, FY 2024). Because Century Communities operates across multiple states, the enforceability and practical impact of this clause varies depending on where the home is located.

Century Communities's scale means contract templates are largely standardized across its operations. A clause identified in one market's contract is likely present in other markets' contracts, though local addenda may modify the terms.

Builder-Specific Details

Combined with Deposit Forfeiture

Incentives tied to using the preferred lender may be lost if the buyer switches lenders, and the deposit terms may reflect this.

Standardized Across Markets

Century Communities's scale means contract templates are largely standardized across its operations. This clause identified in one state's contract is likely present in other states' contracts, though local addenda may modify the terms.

Connection to Inspire Home Loans (wholly owned subsidiary); 82% buyer capture rate in 2024 (source: SEC 10-K, FY 2024)

Century Communities operates Inspire Home Loans (wholly owned subsidiary); 82% buyer capture rate in 2024 (source: SEC 10-K, FY 2024) as an affiliated lending arm. The builder may offer financial incentives for buyers who use this lender, which creates a direct connection between the lending relationship and the terms of the purchase agreement.

State-by-State Enforceability

Enforceability of this clause varies by state. The following reflects Century Communities's operating states.

StateStatusNote
TexasLikely EnforceableTexas generally permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender,...
ColoradoLikely EnforceableColorado permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
CaliforniaUncertainCalifornia permits preferred lender arrangements subject to RESPA requirements, but the California...
ArizonaLikely EnforceableArizona permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
NevadaLikely EnforceableNevada permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
FloridaLikely EnforceableFlorida permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
GeorgiaLikely EnforceableGeorgia permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
North CarolinaLikely EnforceableNorth Carolina permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject...
South CarolinaLikely EnforceableSouth Carolina permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject...
TennesseeLikely EnforceableTennessee permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
UtahLikely EnforceableUtah permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
WashingtonUncertainWashington permits preferred lender arrangements subject to RESPA requirements, but the Washington...
OregonUncertainOregon permits preferred lender arrangements subject to RESPA requirements, but Oregon's Mortgage...
IndianaLikely EnforceableIndiana permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
OhioLikely EnforceableOhio permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
VirginiaLikely EnforceableVirginia permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
IdahoLikely EnforceableIdaho permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...
AlabamaLikely EnforceableAlabama permits builders to offer incentives conditioned on using a preferred lender, subject to...

Related Clauses in Century Communities Contracts

This clause often works in combination with other provisions in Century Communities's purchase agreements.

DEP-001Deposit Forfeiture

Incentives tied to using the preferred lender may be lost if the buyer switches lenders, and the deposit terms may reflect this.

What Buyers Can Do

  • Compare rates with independent lenders. Inspire Home Loans (wholly owned subsidiary); 82% buyer capture rate in 2024 (source: SEC 10-K, FY 2024) may offer closing cost credits or other incentives, but the overall loan terms may not be the most competitive available.
  • Calculate the true cost of lender incentives. A closing cost credit of several thousand dollars may be offset by a higher interest rate over the life of the loan. Run the numbers for your specific situation.
  • Have the full contract scanned before signing. This clause is often one of several interconnected provisions in Century Communities contracts that collectively limit buyer remedies. A contract scan can identify all of them.
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This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.