How does the process work? Order to the architect? Then bank / KFW / 1000 houses?

Hello everyone!
We bought a plot of land a few weeks ago. This plot was paid for a few days ago.
We have already been to an architect – now the whole thing should proceed quickly so that we can start next spring.
Now the question arises – how exactly do you proceed? We have already obtained financing offers from banks but have not signed anything yet.
Of course, I want to sign as late as possible since the availability is free of charge for a maximum of 12 months.
Therefore, we thought about commissioning the architect right now in order to make some progress at least; otherwise, we will have to wait again. If the architect issues a bill soon, this could be financed through equity...
The loan will not be a problem since our income is high enough and we will choose a relatively small installment given our income situation.
What do you think? We have little experience and do not know exactly how it should proceed.
So far, we have only had a short general appointment with the architect.
Regarding [Kfw applications] we also do not know yet which standard it will be, as this depends on the costs...
Thanks in advance for the support

I would not let myself be rushed. Equity capital should be used as a priority anyway. In any case, it would flow in the event of an emergency.

Well, if anyone is rushing, it's me myself :-) we just don't want to waste any more time because we've already waited over 2 years for the property. For me, it's a general question regarding the procedure - in other words, is it usually done this way or rather not start at all without the loan being signed.

You yourself say income conditions for the loan are great. Post your framework conditions if you want. Then you will get an assessment.

As always when building a house, many roads lead to Rome.

I personally think that the planning should be advanced first, because otherwise you don't know exactly how much the house costs and how much credit you need. In addition, many banks want an exact cost breakdown. I would only sign the financing agreement shortly before the start of construction. Everything incurred before that should be easily payable from equity.

We did exactly that. First, we bought the land and paid for it with our own funds. We then only had a brief conversation with the house bank to gauge an approximate maximum loan amount. After that, we commissioned an architect to plan the house (we are building with self-construction). We paid for the costs here again with equity. And now that the planning is largely completed, we are taking care of the loan. We also want to start building next spring.