One-Time Close Loans | FHA and VA Construction Loans
Learn all about the VA and FHA versions of the One-Time Close Loan.

With a One-Time Close loan you cannot act as your own builder. Let us help you find the best builder to make your dream home a reality!

- Build a Home on Your Own Lot -
VA Loan - One-Time Close Construction Loan
FHA Loan - One-Time Close Construction Loan

Finding the Right Home Builder

Finding the right builder can be a challenge, especially for first-time buyers who don't know where to start. That's where we can help! Our lenders have created relationships with many contractors who are experienced in the One-Time Close process. They can help get you in touch with knowledgeable contractors who are not only familiar with this particular mortgage process, but can also help guide you to make the best choices, while keeping the vision you have for your new home!

However, if you're a homebuyer planning to find and employ your own contractor, it's important that you know the guidelines every builder must meet for FHA or VA Single Close Loans.

Apply Now for Your One-Time Close Constuction Loan
"As a homebuyer, you need to find and employ a contractor who meets the requirements of the FHA or VA lenders."

Do I Need to Hire a Builder?

Beaver talks about finding your builderFirst things first- you cannot act as your own builder, whether or not you have the experience. Nor can you be responsible for hiring any sub-contractors. The builder you select must be a separate party who acts as the general contractor or construction coordinator, meaning he is responsible for "turnkey" completion of the property and all site improvements. You cannot hire a contractor you are related to, either!

Note: Borrowers should know that while FHA and VA loan rules permit the borrower to act as their own builder, lender standards still apply. Seller, borrower, and/or family members cannot act as contractor or complete any work on the home. Just to be clear, you must use the licensed/approved builder from start-to-finish and cannot deviate from the plans whatsoever.

Connecting the Builder and the Lender

Any builder you select needs to be registered with your lender. While the guidelines may differ depending on the lender, your builder will typically need to send in certain documents to gain authorization, such as:

  • Complete Builder/Retailer Application package provided by your loan officer
  • Builder/Retailer State License
  • Certificate of insurance for inland marine coverage, or builder's risk/course of construction insurance will be required on every loan
  • Certificate of insurance for General Liability and Workers Compensation (or letter explaining why it is not required)
  • For site-built homes: 2 years federal tax returns and year-to-date profit/loss statement, current balance sheet or personal financial statement, and executive summary with overview of experience and history on company and principal
  • For VA approval, builders/retailers will need to be registered with the VA
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Articles, Updates, and Guidelines
OTC articles
When Are You Ready To Build Your Home?

If you are building a home using a single-close mortgage, you likely already know the process is more complex than buying an existing home. That shouldn’t stop you from building the house you want, but there are critical mistakes to avoid when planning your home. How do you know you are ready to start building your home?

Building Your Home On Your Own Lot: Questions To Ask

Are you ready for a construction loan? There are some simple questions to ask if you are not sure. Building your own home on your own lot or on land you buy for the project is an important investment, and you want to ensure you have covered all the following topics before committing to a One-Time Close lender.

Comparing Construction Loans And Lenders

In previous articles, we’ve noted that building a home is easier in some ways than buying an existing property and more complex in some other ways. But one thing these two processes have in common? They both include a need for the borrower to shop around for the right lender for the One-Time Close construction loan and the right terms and rates.


-- Find More Articles in the OTC Library --

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