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 and USDA respectively, 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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April 9, 2021There are several different types of One-Time Close loans, also known as single-close construction loans. You can apply for an FHA One-Time Close construction loan, there is a VA equivalent, and even a USDA construction loan. Construction loans are available for any financially qualified borrower.
March 24, 2021In 2020, the FHA and HUD announced pending changes to the FHA Single-Family Home Loan Lender’s Handbook, HUD 4000.1. This was due to policy alterations in 2018 and 2019 which required the FHA and HUD to overhaul portions of HUD 4000.1 to accommodate the modified rules.
March 10, 2021If you are giving serious thought to becoming a home owner in 2021 you have picked a very good time to explore your options. FHA loan limits are higher in 2021 than they were in most areas during 2020, and there are options including the FHA One-Time Close construction mortgage.
