The Proto

The Proto

Greek for "first." The optimal starter home,designed for those ready to build equity from day one. Built by vetted local builders, independently contracted through our platform.

2

Bedrooms

2

Bathrooms

996

Square Feet

~$37,000

Cash to Start

See the details

Clean, modern finishes designed to feel good and stay that way. Every choice is made to reduce maintenance and maximize livability.

The Proto Front Exterior
The Proto Living Room
The Proto Primary Bedroom
The Proto Second Bedroom
The Proto Primary Bathroom
The Proto Bathroom
The Proto Rear Exterior

Floor Plan

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an open living area in an efficient 996 sqft layout.

The Proto Floor Plan

2

Bedrooms

2

Bathrooms

996

Sq Ft

1

Story

Designed for real life

Every decision in The Proto is intentional. The optimal starter home,nothing wasted, nothing missing.

Right-sized for starters

996 sqft designed to feel open and functional. Everything you need, nothing you don't.

Two full bathrooms

A primary suite with its own bath, plus a second full bathroom. Comfort without compromise.

Warm, minimal aesthetic

Clean lines and natural materials that feel calm and collected. A backdrop for your life, not a showroom.

Durable, low-maintenance finishes

Materials chosen to look good for years without constant upkeep. Spend your weekends living, not maintaining.

Transparent scope

We're upfront about what's included. When things change, we communicate quickly and guide you through.

A guided process

We walk you through each decision. You stay informed without getting overwhelmed.

Understand your numbers clearly

No guessing games. The Proto is offered as a complete package: lot, construction, and finishes. We walk you through the estimates so you understand the full picture.

Phase 1: Pre-Construction

Lot (cash purchase)$25,000
Feasibility deposit$2,500
Soft costs$5,000
Phase 1 Subtotal$32,500

Phase 2: At Loan Closing

Down payment + closing costs$21,664
Lot equity credit-$25,000
Gap$0
I/O reserve~$4,500
Phase 2 Subtotal~$4,500
Total cash to start~$37,000

*All figures are estimates. Costs vary based on lot, site conditions, and finishes. Equity projections are not guaranteed.

Estimated monthly payment*

Principal & Interest$1,286
Property Tax$191
Insurance$150
Bella Vista POA$45
PMI (~0.5%)$81 (removable when LTV hits 80%)
Total with PMI~$1,753/mo
After PMI removed~$1,672/mo

*Based on 7% interest rate, ~1% property tax rate, $150/mo insurance, $45/mo Bella Vista POA. Actual payment depends on your lender, rate, and lot.

What's included

  • Expert support for lot feasibility
  • Lot selection and coordination
  • Access to qualified realtors, lenders, and builders
  • Access to qualified inspectors
  • Cash lot purchase with construction-to-permanent financing through our lender partners
  • Permitting coordination and HOA navigation
  • Complete construction and finishes
  • Weekly progress updates
  • Dedicated point of contact throughout the process
  • 1-year warranty from your independent builder
  • Free access to Themelios Foundation OS (Coming Soon)

Start ahead, not just even

A conventional buyer purchasing a $229,000 home puts 10% down and finances the rest. A Foundation Home buyer purchases the lot with cash, then uses it as collateral for a construction-to-permanent loan. Here is how the two compare.

Conventional purchase

Cash needed~$34,900
Loan amount$206,100
Monthly (with PMI)~$1,843
Starting equity$22,900 (10%)

Foundation Home

Cash needed~$37,000
Loan amount$193,274
Monthly (with PMI)~$1,753
Starting equity$35,726 (15.6%)

A conventional buyer would need

5.3

years

$86,000

in mortgage payments

to reach the equity position a Foundation Home buyer has on move-in day.

Cash difference

$2,100 more

Monthly savings

$90/mo less

Equity advantage

+$12,826

Why does it take so long? A 30-year mortgage is front-loaded with interest. In the early years, most of each payment goes to the bank, not to building equity. The conventional buyer's equity grows slowly through principal paydown alone. The Foundation Home buyer started with $12,826 more equity on day one, without making a single mortgage payment to earn it.

How we build below market

Standardized plans

Proven designs that reduce guesswork

Trusted partners

Builders aligned with attainable housing

Streamlined process

Builds stay on track and on budget

Growing market

NWA has room to appreciate

What building below market means for you

A financial cushion if life changes

More options when ready to sell or refinance

A stronger foundation for building wealth

Lower monthly payments compared to a conventional purchase of an equivalent home

Built for life in Bella Vista

The Proto is designed for those ready to own their first home in Northwest Arkansas. With trails, lakes, and community nearby, your home becomes a launchpad for the life you want.

6-8*

months typical build time

1 yr

builder warranty

~$37K*

estimated cash to start

*All figures are estimates. Construction timeline upon approved permits. Actual costs vary based on lot, site conditions, interest rates, and lender requirements.

Ready to learn more?

Let's talk about your timeline, your lot options, and whether The Proto is the right fit for you.

Email Us

info@themelios.io | Bella Vista, Arkansas