Direct answer

It depends on the builder contract. Some selections are added to the contract price and become part of the completed home's appraised value and financing calculation. Other upgrades require a separate non-refundable deposit or full payment outside the mortgage.

An upgrade that increases the price can also increase the required down payment and affect appraisal risk. Review the financing impact before signing the final option package.

What does this mean for a Northeast Florida buyer?

In Northeast Florida, the answer should be tested against the builder's actual contract, community, expected completion range, taxes, insurance, HOA or CDD obligations, and the buyer's current approval. Jacksonville, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, and Flagler County transactions do not share one universal cost or timeline.

Primary sources

Where can you verify the framework?

  1. Loan Estimate explainerConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · Accessed August 13, 2026
  2. Compare and negotiate your loan offersConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · Accessed August 13, 2026