My property managers finally got cell service, albeit spotty, this evening and conveyed that to me.Heard even the Biltmore is ruined.

> Fannie Mae/Freddie MAC is not a lender and the final underwriter of the loan 2.

The best thing to do would be to consult an attorney, but likely, that is not an option for everyone starting out.I'm not an attorney, and this is not legal advice, but some of the information that we include in our contracts is:- A clear scope of work - Payment schedule / Milestones- Change order approval process- Allowances for finished materials- Reasons to terminate the contract- Expectations for start date (X amount of time after final plans /permits are received or X amount of time after the contract is executed)- General schedule and timeline (This is where you could specify an end date - however it may be better use incentives rather than liquidated damage if your general contractor is late - we've done both, but found General Contractors respond better to getting something if they get done early instead of being punished for being late. 

That would be fair, but instead, they make you shoulder all the risk.I complained twice, and they finally agreed to let me out of the deal but kept my $10,000.

The market is getting expensive and I’m worried it might be more difficult after I finally get current on my loan. 

if its second position I know @Beth Johnson  does those not sure if she works semi rural Oregon though

Extensions on downspouts 10 ft away from the building, grade the surface to slope away from the foundation at least 6 inches in 4 feet, provide positive surface drainage around the structure, and finally stop irrigating landscaping within 10 ft of the structure.

Finally, look at lenders that have been doing this a long time- they have insurance companies that they usually use (if the client agrees) that know exactly how to write it up based off of the lender's stringent guidelines.

The final problem I have with their style is the location selection.

Everyone is paid off of the final HUD/settlement statement direct from title.