What Can Delay Your Construction Loan
January 12, 2023
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.
Contact Us: Send Us Your Request – Spam Safe
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.
If you want to build on your own lot in 2023, you're naturally paying attention to mortgage loan interest rate trends, improvements in the housing market, and related issues. But there are other issues to be mindful of when you commit to building a home using a One-Time Close construction loan.
Some Credit Issues May Delay Your Loan
FICO scores are an obvious issue. But what having someone else’s data in your credit report? An error such as that is not uncommon, nor is having outdated information in your report that should have expired ages ago.
Don't be THAT borrower--one who looks at their credit reports too far into the planning stages only to discover a credit problem. For some, even getting started as soon as they find out means a full resolution might still be underway when your lender reviews your One-Time Close loan application.
Permits May Take Longer Than You Realize
Some hot housing markets are notorious for long permit processing times. You will NOT be able to begin a single-close construction loan project without getting the required permits.
If you are building in California, for example, some developers wait months to get their permits approved. Much depends on the nature and timing of the project but it is never a bad idea to talk with your loan officer or a professional contractor. Ask how long you should expect to wait once you have applied for the permits.
Supply Chain Problems May Cause Delays
COVID-19 pandemic supply chain problems aren't the only ones you may face. Railroad strikes are another potential issue, as are natural disasters that affect how retailers get new stock. Build in some extra time into your project to accommodate the realities of post-COVID supply chain issues.
Other Typical Delays
There are other problems that can delay either financing or the actual labor on your construction loan. Weather is one variable that affects how quickly the project will go, contractor availability is another.
But those aren't the only common issues. What if the lender pulls your credit report a second time--which is often done--there are substantial changes to your credit or employment. Your lender may requalify you for the loan, which may delay the entire process. Avoid ANY major changes in your finances or employment between the application and your closing day.
Some Credit Issues May Delay Your Loan
FICO scores are an obvious issue. But what having someone else’s data in your credit report? An error such as that is not uncommon, nor is having outdated information in your report that should have expired ages ago.
Don't be THAT borrower--one who looks at their credit reports too far into the planning stages only to discover a credit problem. For some, even getting started as soon as they find out means a full resolution might still be underway when your lender reviews your One-Time Close loan application.
Permits May Take Longer Than You Realize
Some hot housing markets are notorious for long permit processing times. You will NOT be able to begin a single-close construction loan project without getting the required permits.
If you are building in California, for example, some developers wait months to get their permits approved. Much depends on the nature and timing of the project but it is never a bad idea to talk with your loan officer or a professional contractor. Ask how long you should expect to wait once you have applied for the permits.
Supply Chain Problems May Cause Delays
COVID-19 pandemic supply chain problems aren't the only ones you may face. Railroad strikes are another potential issue, as are natural disasters that affect how retailers get new stock. Build in some extra time into your project to accommodate the realities of post-COVID supply chain issues.
Other Typical Delays
There are other problems that can delay either financing or the actual labor on your construction loan. Weather is one variable that affects how quickly the project will go, contractor availability is another.
But those aren't the only common issues. What if the lender pulls your credit report a second time--which is often done--there are substantial changes to your credit or employment. Your lender may requalify you for the loan, which may delay the entire process. Avoid ANY major changes in your finances or employment between the application and your closing day.
FHA, VA, and USDA: One-Time Close LoansWant 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.
Contact Us: Send Us Your Request – Spam Safe
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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Articles, Updates, and Guidelines
FHA Update New Construction Inspection Rules
October 12, 2024In 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.
Build On Your Lot in Texas with an FHA or VA Construction Loan
October 10, 2024Texas residents are finding out that they can utilize these low One-Time Close down payment programs in order to build a new home with the same underwriting guidelines and qualifications as if they were purchasing a resale. Now may be the time to start looking into building a home that suits your exact needs. Learn more about the One-Time Close construction mortgage.
Using Escrow For Your Construction Loan
October 7, 2024If you have started talking to construction lenders, escrow is likely a term you have encountered in your discussions. However, some aren't sure what escrow is or why it is necessary. Escrow is basically an account used in conjunction with an agreement between you and the lender.
