Did You Know?

FHA loans are one of the best options for young, first-time home buyers who have not had as much time to save for a large down payment or establish a high credit score.

Get an FHA Refinance Loan
Get an FHA Purchase Loan
FHALoan.com
Get an FHA Refinance Loan
Get an FHA Purchase Loan
Click to Start Your Refinance or Purchase Loan

FHA One-Time Close Construction Loans: Issues to Consider


FHA One-Time Close Construction Loans: Issues to Consider
What do you need to know about FHA One-Time Close construction loans? This type of mortgage combines a construction loan and the mortgage itself into a single application, loan approval, and closing day.

It’s a great option to consider if you want to build your dream home on your own land instead of buying someone else’s already-lived-in house. FHA One-Time Close mortgages are also referred to as single-close construction loans--you’ll see these terms used interchangeably.

Down Payment Factors

Do you already own the land you plan to build your home on? If so you may be able to use some of your land equity for the down payment where applicable. You’ll want to discuss this option with your lender early in the process.

FHA One-Time Close construction loans have an advantage over conventional mortgages due to the low down payment requirement, but lender terms also apply and you’ll want to know what kind of down payment to get ready for as far in advance as you can.
 
That’s one reason why it’s smart to compare lenders based on the down payment issue as well as other factors. Can a conventional lender beat an FHA lender’s down payment rules?

Not Property Types Qualify

FHA lenders don’t offer all home loan products available in the FHA Single-Family Home Loan program, and not all lenders approve home loans for all housing types.

For example, properties having few comparables in the area, may be harder to get construction loan approval for. This is typically true of tiny houses, barndominiums, or other unique properties.

Borrowers get the best results in their single-close construction loan journey when  looking for a one-time close lender so you can build a single-family, one-unit home described in the mortgage industry as a “stick-built” home.

Third Party Labor Required

Typically you will find participating FHA lenders unwilling to approve a single-close construction loan for people who want to act as their own contractor. Borrowers should not expect to build their own home with their own tools, and you likely won’t be allowed to use family and friends to help out, either.

 Construction loans require licensed builders and specific completion timelines. Lenders know what can potentially happen with a self-build and they seek to avoid such complications. Expect to use licensed professionals only. You’ll need to compare contractors in the same way you shop around for a lender; review online reputation, customer feedback on the official site, and any peer-review sites that may mention your contractors such as Angi.com.

------------------------------

RELATED VIDEOS:
Get Your Questions Ready for Your Loan Officer
The Last Part of the Transaction Is the Mortgage Closing
Know What You Can Borrow With Prequalification
See Your Credit Scores From All 3 Bureaus
See Your Credit Scores From All 3 Bureaus

FHA Loan Articles

FHA Loans, New Borrowers, And Credit

If you are new to the home loan process, you may wonder how your loan officer will interpret your application data. How lenient is the lender with issues related to debt, credit utilization, and related factors? We examine some key points, but remember that what follows is not financial advice. Always consult a finance or tax professional for the most current information.
 

What You Need To Know About FHA Loans And Preapproval


Thinking about buying a home? One of the first things you'll want to consider doing is filling out forms to be pre-approved for your FHA mortgage. This means a lender takes a look at your finances to figure out how much they're willing to loan you. It's a smart move, but you might be wondering: "Will applying for pre-approval hurt my credit score?"
 

Take Equity Out Of Your Home In Cash With An FHA Refi Loan

FHA mortgages include a refinance option that allows you to pull equity from your home in cash. The FHA cash-out refinance loan allows the borrower to take the difference between what remains to be paid on the home and the amount of equity built up. 

The FHA loan program has some competition in this area, but how do your other government-backed refinance loan options measure up?

When Deciding To Rent Or Own Your Own Home

The dream of homeownership is with some from a young age. But in an uncertain housing market, some grapple with the question: Is buying a home the right move for me?

While renting offers relocation flexibility and lower upfront costs, homeownership provides a wealth of financial and personal benefits.

FHA Refinance Versus Conventional Loan Refinance

Refinancing your mortgage offers a way to cash in on your home equity, potentially reduce your interest rate, or modify your loan term. Borrowers ready to consider have options including FHA loans and conventional loans. 

While both provide avenues for refinancing, each loan type may be best for specific needs and financial circumstances. What are the differences between FHA and conventional refinance options?

FHALoan.com is not a government agency. We do not offer or have any affiliation with loan modification, foreclosure prevention, payday loan, or short term loan services. Neither FHALoan.com nor its advertisers charge a fee or require anything other than a submission of qualifying information for comparison shopping ads. We do not ask users to surrender or transfer title. We do not ask users to bypass their lender. We encourage users to contact their lawyers, credit counselors, lenders, and housing counselors.

SecureRights Advertiser Contact Information