March 29, 2021
Military members and veterans alike do well to explore their One-Time Close options to build a home instead of buying an existing house.
There is an FHA One-Time Close loan veterans can use, but there is also a VA One-Time Close construction loan that is more idea for military members and veterans due to the zero-down option for the VA construction loan.
Veterans and currently serving military members who are on the fence as to whether they should build or buy should explore their One-Time Close options in addition to looking for existing construction.
The VA One-Time Close construction loan, sometimes referred to as a single close construction loan, can provide a distinct financial advantage for military families, retirees, and those who are about to retire or separate from military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program features mortgages with no VA loan limit. For those who want to build rather than buy, this no money down loan is offered without a loan limit for first-time users and those who otherwise have full VA home loan entitlement.
A no-money-down VA home loan is ideal for anyone–active duty, veteran, etc,– who needs to save money up front on the mortgage.
No downpayment requirement means you can use money otherwise set aside for that down payment for other needs for the construction project.
For example, when it’s time to choose your design and materials, you could select less expensive standard features, or opt for pricier building materials such as granite kitchen countertops instead.
Borrowers already own the land they want to build on also have an option to use land equity as a down payment get a further advantage in their construction loan. This is another financial advantage because making a down payment on a VA mortgage means a reduction in the VA loan funding fee.
And that fee means freeing up even more funds for the borrower who can potentially use that money to upgrade the features in the home as mentioned above.
Veterans and currently serving military members who are about to retire or separate are perfect for a VA One-Time Close construction loan. If you are looking for a place to settle down or a place to build a forever home, VA construction loan options are perfect for these borrowers.
VA construction loans could run higher in 2021 and beyond, if you are interested in learning more about VA construction loans or their FHA counterparts, read the information below.
Want More Information About One-Time Close Loans?
One-Time Close Loans are available for FHA, VA and USDA Mortgages. These loans also go by the following names: 1 X Close, Single-Close Loan or OTC Loan. This type of loan allows for you to finance the purchase of the land along with the construction of the home. You can also use land that you own free and clear or has an existing mortgage.
We have done extensive research on the FHA (Federal Housing Administration), the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) 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 to one licensed construction 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 in an effort 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, VA and USDA One-Time Close Construction Program only allows for single family dwellings (1 unit) – and NOT for multi-family units (no duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes). You CANNOT act as your own general contractor (Builder) / not available in all States.
In addition, this is a partial list of the following homes/building styles that are not allowed under these programs: Kit Homes, Barndominiums, Log Cabin or Bamboo Homes, Shipping Container Homes, Dome Homes, Bermed Earth-Sheltered Homes, Stilt Homes, Solar (only) or Wind Powered (only) Homes, Tiny Homes, Carriage Houses, Accessory Dwelling Units and A-Framed Homes.
Your email to info@onetimeclose.com authorizes Onetimeclose.com to share your personal information with a mortgage construction lender licensed in your area to contact you.
- Send your first and last name, e-mail address, and contact telephone number.
- Tell us the city and state of the proposed property.
- 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.
- Are you or your spouse (Co-borrower) eligible veterans? If either of you are eligible veteran’s, down payments as low as $0 may be available up to the maximum amount your debt-to-income ratio VA will allow – there are no maximum loan amounts as per VA guidelines. Most lenders will go up to $1,000,000 and review higher loan amounts on a case by case basis. If not an eligible veteran, the FHA down payment is 3.5% up to the maximum FHA lending limit for your county.
Joe Wallace has been specializing in military and personal finance topics since 1995. His work has appeared on Air Force Television News, The Pentagon Channel, ABC and a variety of print and online publications. He is a 13-year Air Force veteran and a member of the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association. He was Managing editor for www.valoans.com for (8) years and is currently the Associate Editor for FHANewsblog.com.
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