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    3. One-Time Close Construction
    Specialty

    One-Time Close Construction

    "Build your dream. One loan. One closing."

    Finance land purchase, construction, and permanent mortgage all in one loan with one closing. Lock your rate before breaking ground.

    10-20%

    Min Down

    680+

    Min Credit

    $2M

    Max Loan

    Check My EligibilityTalk to a Specialist
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Building a custom home from the ground up
    • Own a lot or buying a lot with the loan
    • Have a licensed, insured builder selected
    • Want to lock your rate before construction
    • Have 10-20% down payment available

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • Buying an existing home (not building)
    • Doing speculative/spec building without pre-sale
    • Want to be your own contractor (owner-builder)
    • Builder is not licensed or properly insured
    • Need to close in under 60 days

    One-Time Close Construction Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    Rate Locked from Day One

    Your permanent rate is locked before the first shovel hits dirt

    One Closing, One Set of Fees

    Save thousands by avoiding a second closing

    No Requalification

    You will not need to qualify again when construction ends

    Interest-Only During Build

    Only pay interest on funds disbursed, not the full loan

    We Manage Draws

    We handle builder payments at each construction milestone

    Seamless Conversion

    Loan converts to permanent mortgage automatically

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    Get Pre-Qualified

    Submit plans, builder info, and financials. We will confirm your borrowing power.

    Lock Your Rate

    Secure your permanent rate before construction begins. One closing, one rate.

    Build Your Home

    Your builder draws funds as work progresses. You pay interest-only on amounts disbursed.

    4

    Move In

    Construction complete! Your loan automatically converts to a permanent mortgage.

    Get Pre-Qualified

    Submit plans, builder info, and financials. We will confirm your borrowing power.

    Lock Your Rate

    Secure your permanent rate before construction begins. One closing, one rate.

    Build Your Home

    Your builder draws funds as work progresses. You pay interest-only on amounts disbursed.

    4

    Move In

    Construction complete! Your loan automatically converts to a permanent mortgage.

    Important to Know

    Things to Consider

    A reverse mortgage is a significant financial decision. Here's what you should understand before proceeding.

    Licensed Builder Required

    Your builder must be a licensed general contractor with proper insurance. Owner-builder options are limited.

    Cost Overruns

    Overruns beyond your contingency reserve may require out-of-pocket payment. Build in a 5-10% buffer.

    Timeline Planning

    Construction loans typically allow 6-12 months to build. Discuss your timeline with your loan officer.

    HUD-approved counseling is required to ensure you fully understand these factors before proceeding.

    Build Process

    How Your Loan Works During & After Construction

    From groundbreaking to move-in day, here's what to expect at each phase

    Typical Draw Schedule

    FoundationFramingSystemsInteriorFinal

    After Construction

    Your new home is ready

    Automatic Conversion

    Loan seamlessly converts to permanent mortgage—no second closing

    Permanent Mortgage

    Standard principal & interest payments on your completed home

    Same Great Rate

    Keep the rate you locked at the start of construction

    No Additional Fees

    Avoid the costs of a second loan and closing

    One Loan. Done.

    No second closing required

    Loan Details

    Documentation Required

    • Architectural plans and specifications
    • Fixed-price construction contract
    • Builder license and insurance
    • Builder cost breakdown / budget
    • Standard income and asset documentation

    Eligible Property Types

    • Custom single-family homes
    • Second homes / vacation properties
    • Primary residences

    Additional Info

    • Builder must be licensed general contractor
    • Construction timeline typically 6-12 months
    • 5-10% contingency reserve recommended
    • Land can be included or already owned

    One-Time Close vs Two-Time Close

    One-Time Close(This loan)Two-Time Close
    Number of Closings1 ✓2
    Closing CostsPaid once ✓Paid twice
    Rate LockUpfront ✓At conversion
    Requalification RequiredNo ✓Yes
    Rate UncertaintyNone ✓Risk of higher rate
    Total Fees Saved$5,000-$15,000+ ✓—

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about One-Time Close Construction

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    How does a one-time close construction loan work?

    A one-time close loan combines land purchase, construction financing, and permanent mortgage into a single loan with one closing. You lock your rate upfront, make interest-only payments during construction, and the loan automatically converts to a permanent mortgage when building is complete—no second closing or requalification needed.

    What is the difference between one-time and two-time close?

    With two-time close, you close twice: once for construction, then again for the permanent mortgage. This means two sets of closing costs, two underwriting reviews, and rate uncertainty. One-time close eliminates all of that—one closing, one rate lock, no requalification.

    How do builder draws work?

    We release funds to your builder in stages as construction progresses (typically 4-6 draws). An inspector verifies work completion before each draw. You only pay interest on disbursed funds, not the full loan amount.

    Cost overruns come from your contingency reserve (typically 5-10% of the construction budget). If overruns exceed your contingency, you may need to cover the difference out of pocket. That is why accurate budgeting is crucial.
    Owner-builder loans have very limited availability and stricter requirements. Most construction lenders require a licensed, insured general contractor. If you are experienced and licensed yourself, ask about owner-builder options.
    Yes! If you are buying a lot, the land purchase can be part of the one-time close loan. If you already own the lot, its equity may count toward your down payment.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how One-Time Close Construction stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop One-Time Close Construction next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

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    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with One-Time Close Construction See Today's Rates
    Top 50 National Brokerage•NMLS #212405

    Ready to Build Your Dream?

    Let us discuss your construction project and financing options

    Check My EligibilityTalk to a Specialist

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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