Five Things To Know About One-Time Close Construction Loans

Things To Know About Single-Close Construction Loans #5: Land Equity
If you already own the land you plan to build your home on, it may be possible to use the equity built up in the land as part of your down payment. Much will depend on the type of construction loan you use (VA, FHA, conventional) and the lender issuing the loan. Be sure to ask about this option when comparing lenders--and you WILL want to compare lenders for a construction loan.
Things To Know About Single-Close Construction Mortgages #4: Property Types Count
Your lender may not approve financing for certain property types. Typically these properties have few (if any) comparables in the area, they are often unique or unusual enough to make them a liability for a lender--a barndominium or a tiny house isn’t typically allowed with this type of construction mortgage. You will have the best results looking for a one-time close lender if you want to build a single-family, one-unit home described in the industry as a “stick-built” house.
Things To Know About Single-Close Construction Mortgages #3: No Self-Build
We write about this a lot, but it’s a question that gets asked a lot. Typically you will find lenders unwilling to approve a single-close construction loan for people who want to build the house themselves. This “self-build prohibition” is common enough in the industry that it’s safe to assume you won’t be permitted to act as your own contractor on an OTC construction mortgage.
Things To Know About Single-Close Construction Mortgages #2: Owning Land With A Lien
Some lenders may be willing to pay off a lien on the land you own and add that to the loan amount. You may also have the option to put a land contract into the construction loan prior to making your down payment. You will need to discuss such options with each lender you compare to learn what’s possible in your circumstances.
Things To Know About Single-Close Construction Mortgages #1: Check Your Permit Times
What we mean by this is to know in advance how long it may take you to get the required permits for your construction project. Some housing markets experience significant delays in approving or issuing permits and this can be a factor that affects the timing of the construction and completion of the project. If you have no idea how long it takes to get permits in your housing market, be sure to learn before you commit to the loan.
FHA, VA, and USDA: One-Time Close Loans
Want More Information About One-Time Close Loans?We have done extensive research on the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) One-Time Close Construction loan programs. We have spoken directly to licensed lenders that originate these residential loan types in most states and each company has supplied us the guidelines for their products. We can connect you with mortgage loan officers who work for lenders that know the product well and have consistently provided quality service. If you are interested in being contacted by a licensed lender in your area, please send responses to the questions below. All information is treated confidentially.
OneTimeClose.com provides information and connects consumers to qualified One-Time Close lenders to raise awareness about this loan product and to help consumers receive higher quality service. We are not paid for endorsing or recommending the lenders or loan originators and do not otherwise benefit from doing so. Consumers should shop for mortgage services and compare their options before agreeing to proceed.
Please note that investor guidelines for the FHA and VA One-Time Close Construction Program only allows for single family dwellings (1 unit) – and NOT for multi-family units (no duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes). In addition, the following homes/building styles are not allowed under these programs, including but not limited to: Kit Homes, Barndominiums, Log Cabin Homes, Shipping Container Homes, Stilt Homes, Solar (only) or Wind Powered (only) Homes, Dome Homes, Bermed Earth Sheltered Homes, Tiny Homes, Accessory Dwelling Units, or A-Framed Homes.
All known FHA/VA One-Time Close Lenders known to our company will not allow a borrower to act as their own contractor, whatsoever. There cannot be self-builds, relative builds, or employer builds.
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Please send your email request to [email protected] which authorizes OneTimeClose.com to share your personal information with one mortgage lender licensed in your area to contact you. No SSN required • No credit check • 100% free to get started
1. Send your first and last name, e-mail address, and contact telephone number.
2. Tell us the city and state of the proposed property.
3. Tell us your and/or the Co-borrower’s credit profile: Excellent – (680+), Good - (640-679), Fair – (620-639) or Poor- (Below 620). 620 is the minimum qualifying credit score for this product.
4. Are you or your spouse (Co-borrower) eligible veterans? If either of you are eligible veterans, down payments as low as $0 may be available up to the maximum amount your debt-to-income ratio per VA will allow – there are no maximum loan amounts as per VA guidelines. Most lenders will go up to $1,500,000 and review higher loan amounts on a case-by-case basis. If not, the FHA down payment is 3.5% up to the maximum FHA lending limit for your county.

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November 9, 2023At the time of this writing, the FHA is preparing to release 2024 FHA loan limits for purchase loans, construction loans, and renovation mortgages. If you are building a home and are unsure what loan limits may apply to you, keep reading. We address this issue below. Some might wonder if delaying their loan application until the new year is a good idea, assuming loan limits will be higher.
November 3, 2023If you are building a home for the first time, finding the right construction loan lender for you might seem daunting, especially when comparing lenders and deciding which one has the best options. Shopping around for the right construction loan means comparing several online reputations, user reviews, and even Better Business Bureau reports in cases where you are not sure about one company or another.
October 25, 2023What do you need to know when comparing contractors on your journey to build a dream home from the ground up? If you want a One-Time Close construction loan, you will need to take a few steps in the planning stages to make sure your project is as hassle-free as possible.








