The "FHA" One-Time-Close Loan
Single Close Loans allow you to wrap up the financing of lot purchase, construction and permanent mortgage into one loan insured by the FHA. Under this option, you can apply for a 15- or 30-year loan with a fixed rate that’s locked in before construction on your new home begins.
With a Single Close Loan comes a single set of closing costs. These costs can be partially paid for you, since the FHA allows interested party contributions (sometimes referred to as seller concessions, although commonly paid by the builder in the case of a construction-to-permanent loan) up to 6 percent of the total acquisition cost.
What is an FHA Loan?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a government agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In an effort to stimulate America’s housing market and assist Americans in securing safe and affordable housing, the FHA insures mortgages on single and multifamily homes.
The FHA offers homebuyers a number of mortgage options, including the One-Time Close Construction-to-Permanent loan. The loan is provided by private, FHA-approved lenders and is backed by the FHA, giving lenders peace of mind about approving borrowers for large mortgages.
Who Can Apply
While only veterans and rural residents can apply for loans with the VA, securing a Single Close Loan with the FHA is easier for other homebuyers. It also allows you to take advantage of the FHA’s lenient borrower guidelines.
There is a low down payment requirement of 3.5 percent. If you already own the land on which your new home is being built and have equity in the land, the equity can be used towards the 3.5% down payment. Furthermore, the down payment can be paid for entirely with "gift funds."
Most lenders typically have a credit score requirement of at least 620. The FHA also requires proof of employment and income, and no late or missed payments in the last 12 months.
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December 20, 2022When planning to build a home with a One-time Close construction loan, there are some basic expectations you should have going into the process. For example, you should not assume it is possible to build a home without a down payment. But that's a very obvious issue. What about more complex aspects of building a home on your own lot?
December 15, 2022Government home loan limits are increasing in 2023 and there are indications that the housing market in general may become more favorable to buyers as the new year wears on. No, that won't happen overnight. But the predictions at press time seem to indicate better days are coming.
December 13, 2022The U.S. Chamber of Commerce describes non-bank lenders as a financial institution that lends money but doesn't operate with a full banking license. It does not offer deposit, checking, or savings services. This definition is important, because non-bank entities have become more common in the construction loan space over the years, and now the federal government is stepping up efforts to hold these companies accountable should they run afoul of the law.
