Construction Loans | One-Time Close | GT Home Lending | NMLS# 2832362
One-Time Close · Fannie Mae · FHA · Ground-Up Construction · NMLS# 2832362

Build it once.
Close once.

One-time close construction-to-permanent loans combine your construction financing and permanent mortgage into a single transaction. One application, one approval, one set of closing costs — from groundbreak to move-in.

1xCLOSING COSTS
NoRE-QUALIFICATION
Conv & FHAPROGRAM OPTIONS
IDEAL FOR

Buyers building a new home who want simplicity from start to finish.

Buyers working with a licensed general contractor or builder
Lot owners ready to build a primary residence or second home
Buyers purchasing lot and construction simultaneously
Borrowers who want to avoid two closings and two sets of fees
FHA borrowers qualifying with lower down payment on new construction
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Licensed Mortgage Broker — Florida
NMLS# 2832362 · Alex Pinacho NMLS# 647053
Fannie Mae & FHA Construction Programs
Bilingual EN/ES
Equal Housing Opportunity
Reviewed by Alex Pinacho, NMLS# 647053 · GT Home Lending Updated May 2026

One loan. Two phases.
Zero double-closing.

The traditional approach to building a home requires two loans: a short-term construction loan to fund the build, then a permanent mortgage once the certificate of occupancy is issued. That means two applications, two appraisals, two sets of closing costs, and a re-qualification at the end — at whatever rates exist when construction finishes.

One-time close construction loans eliminate the second transaction entirely. You lock your permanent rate and terms at the start, before a single nail is driven. The loan converts automatically from construction to permanent financing when your home is complete — no re-qualification, no second closing, no rate uncertainty.

"We locked our rate in January and broke ground in March. The market moved. We didn't care — our rate was already set."

During construction, you pay interest only on the funds drawn — not the full loan amount. Once complete, the loan converts to your permanent mortgage on the terms locked at closing.

01

Builder and plans approval

Your licensed general contractor, construction plans, and budget are submitted for lender approval. We advise on what documentation builders need to prepare upfront.

02

One-time close and rate lock

You close once — before construction begins. Your permanent rate and terms are locked at this closing. Interest-only payments begin on disbursed funds.

03

Draw schedule during construction

Funds are released in draws tied to construction milestones — foundation, framing, rough-in, drywall, completion. Inspections required before each draw release.

04

Construction inspections

The lender orders periodic inspections to verify work completed before releasing each draw. Your contractor bills against the draw schedule as work progresses.

05

Automatic conversion at certificate of occupancy

When construction is complete and the CO is issued, the loan automatically converts to permanent financing. No new application, no re-qualification, no second closing.

Conventional or FHA —
built for your situation.

Two primary one-time close programs — each with different qualification thresholds, loan limits, and down payment requirements.

Conventional One-Time Close

Fannie Mae guidelines. Conforming and high-balance loan amounts. Typically 5–10% down for primary residence. No mortgage insurance at 20%+ down. Best for strong credit and income profiles.

FHA One-Time Close

FHA-insured construction-to-permanent loan. 3.5% down with 580+ credit score. MIP applies. Best for buyers with lower down payment or less-than-perfect credit building their primary residence.

Lot + Construction Financing

If you don't yet own the lot, some programs allow you to finance the land purchase and construction simultaneously in the same one-time close transaction.

Custom Home Builds

Working with your own architect and general contractor to build from your own plans. The lender approves your contractor and plans — you manage the build.

Builder Spec & Semi-Custom

Buying from a builder who allows customization of plans and finishes. One-time close financing works with most licensed Florida builders.

Second Home Construction

Conventional one-time close programs are available for second home construction — not just primary residences. Slightly higher down payment requirements apply.

What to expect.

Loan Amounts

  • Conventional: up to conforming / high-balance limits
  • FHA: up to FHA county limits
  • Jumbo construction available through select lenders

Down Payment

  • Conventional: 5% primary, 10% second home
  • FHA: 3.5% with 580+ credit score
  • Land equity may count toward down payment

Construction Period

  • Typical construction period: 6–12 months
  • Interest-only payments on drawn funds during construction
  • Extensions available for most programs

Builder Requirements

  • Licensed Florida general contractor required
  • Builder must be approved by lender
  • Fixed-price contract required for most programs

Credit Requirements

  • Conventional: 620+ (better pricing at 700+)
  • FHA: 580+ for 3.5% down
  • Reserve requirements typically higher than purchase loans

Rate Lock

  • Rate locked at initial closing — before construction begins
  • Protects against rate increases during build period
  • Extended lock options available for longer builds

Construction loan programs, requirements, and guidelines vary by lender. All loans subject to underwriting and lender approval. Not a commitment to lend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a construction-to-permanent loan work?
A construction-to-permanent loan finances the construction phase and then converts to a standard mortgage once the home is complete. This may eliminate the need for two separate closings. Terms and program availability are subject to lender guidelines.
What is required to qualify for a construction loan?
Construction loans typically require qualified builder contracts, approved plans and permits, construction timelines, and standard underwriting documentation including credit, income, and down payment. Requirements vary by lender.
Who manages the construction draw disbursements?
Lenders typically disburse funds in stages (draws) based on construction milestones verified by inspections. The borrower and builder coordinate draw requests. Specific draw schedules and requirements are set by the lender.

Have questions about this program?

Alex reviews every file personally. Schedule a call and get direct answers.

Schedule a Strategy Call →

One closing from
groundbreak to move-in.

Construction loans require early planning. Book a strategy call now and Alex will walk you through what lenders need — before your builder breaks ground.