Builder Benefits for FHA One-Time Close Loans
FHA Construction Loans for Building Homes

The FHA Construction-to-Permanent program is an avenue that many builders should explore when looking for additional business. By partnering with pre-approved homebuyers, contractors can take advantage of a smooth, start-to-finish process that allows consumers to purchase and build a home according to their liking, all in a single mortgage.
Builder Benefits
When building a home, most conventional mortgages require the borrower to qualify twice—once for the construction loan and again for the purchase. The FHA One-Time Close Loan, on the other hand, skips the tedious requalification process, which involves a second credit check and presentation of documents. Not only is this a cost and time saving step, but it also protects builders involved in the loan against unforeseen circumstances, such as buyers losing their jobs or taking a hit to their credit scores.
Sellers and builders can make contributions of up to 6 percent toward the homebuyer’s closing costs and prepaid items. Any contribution funds beyond that are reduced, dollar-for-dollar, from the loan amount. The high, 6-percent threshold allows buyers to receive the same financing without having to forfeit contributions.
Borrowers can take advantage of FHA’s lenient underwriting criteria, such as lower debt-to-income ratios compared to other conventional loan types. These perks make the FHA One-Time Close Loan appealing to many potential homebuyers, making it an opportunity for builders to gain contracts.
When financing with a Construction-to-Permanent loan, funds are drawn in phases, up to 5 times. A draw schedule is created by the lender, which the buyer and builder agree to. This ensures that all contractors are paid on time, as the project progresses.
Among the many advantages that come with an FHA loan, builders and buyers understand that the low down payment requirement is 3.5 percent. Additionally, the entire amount can be covered in gift funds which attracts more consumers.
There is a growing number of individuals that have an immediate need for small- to mid-size homes built from scratch. FHA.com works with licensed FHA lenders who specialize in the One-Time Close Loan process to pre-approve potential homebuyers looking for builders to do the job. Builders have an opportunity to be first in line to be paired up with these individuals and take on projects that would otherwise fly under the radar.
For Builders interested in receiving the FHA One-Time Close Builder registration approval form, please send your request to [email protected].

One-Time Close Construction Loans

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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
June 1, 2023 - If you use an FHA One-Time Close construction loan to build a house from the ground up and don’t have a plot of land, you’ll need to purchase the land in conjunction with the construction loan. It’s an expense that may push up the cost of the loan, but a necessary one.
May 23, 2023 - What kind of FHA home loan do you need to buy a home? Do you want to build a home on your own lot from the ground up? That’s the job of an FHA One-Time Close construction loan, which differs from the type of FHA mortgage you need to buy an existing property.
May 14, 2023 - FHA loan rules allow you to buy or renovate a home with up to four living units with an FHA Single-Family Mortgage. You are technically allowed, under FHA loan rules, to build a home with up to four living units with an FHA One-Time Close Construction Loan.
April 20, 2023 - Are you interested in buying a home? Building one? Your lender will ask for commitments from you in writing in the form of a sales contract and loan agreement. But you should be getting commitments from the lender, too.
April 12, 2023 - What must you know as a first-time home buyer considering your FHA loan options? There are several areas to know about as you plan and save for your mortgage. Not all FHA lenders offer all FHA mortgage products, so be sure to ask about loan type availability