New Home Construction Loans Explained | What is a Construction Loan

January 26, 2023

New Home Construction Loans

A new home construction loans is a type of loan that is used to finance the construction of a new home. These loans typically have a shorter term than traditional mortgages and are typically interest-only during construction.

After the home is built and the construction is complete, the loan will typically convert to a traditional mortgage. To qualify for a new home construction loans, the borrower will typically need a good credit score and sufficient income to support the loan payments. Additionally, the borrower will need to provide plans and specifications for the home they plan to build, as well as a detailed construction budget.

The lender will also typically require a down payment, which is usually a percentage of the home's total cost.

What is a Construction Loan

A construction loan is a type of loan that is used to finance the cost of building a new home or making significant renovations to an existing one. These loans typically have a shorter term than traditional mortgages and are typically interest-only during construction.

The lender will disburse funds to the borrower in stages as the construction progresses, with the final disbursement being made when the construction is complete. Once the construction is finished, the loan will typically convert to a traditional mortgage. To qualify for a construction loan, the borrower typically needs a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget.

The lender will also typically require a down payment, which is usually a percentage of the total cost of the construction project.

Types of construction loans

There are several types of construction loans, including:

Single-Close Construction Loans: These loans combine the cost of the construction and the permanent mortgage into one loan, with one closing.
Two-Step Construction Loans: These loans involve two separate loans: one for the construction phase and a separate loan for the permanent mortgage. This type of loan requires two closing costs.
Stand-Alone Construction Loans: These loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans to finance the construction of a new home. Once the construction is complete, the borrower will need to refinance the loan into a traditional mortgage.
FHA Construction Loans: These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and are available to borrowers who meet the FHA's qualifications.
VA Construction Loans: These loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are available to eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Jumbo Construction Loans: These loans are used for projects exceeding the conforming loan limit of $510,400.
Owner-Builder Construction Loans: These loans are for individuals who plan to act as their general contractors for the construction project.
Renovation/Remodeling Construction Loans: These loans are used to finance home renovation loan and remodeling projects.

It's important to note that the type of construction loan that is right for you will depend on various factors, such as your credit score, income, and the specifics of the construction project.

Single-Close Construction Loans:

Single-close construction loans, also known as "all-in-one" or "one-time-close" loans, are a type of construction loan that allows borrowers to combine the cost of the construction and the permanent mortgage into one loan with one closing. That means the borrower only has to go through the process of applying for and closing on one loan rather than two separate loans. This can save time and money, as the borrower only has to pay one set of closing costs.

Single-close construction loans are typically interest-only during construction, with a fixed or adjustable interest rate. Once the construction is complete, the loan will convert to a traditional mortgage loan with a fixed or adjustable interest rate.

To qualify for a single-close construction loan, the borrower will typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget.

It's important to note that not all lenders offer single-close construction loans, and the terms and requirements can vary. It's recommended to shop around and compare the options and terms available before making a decision.

Two-Step Construction Loans:

Two-step construction loans, also known as "two-time-close" loans, involve two separate loans: one for the construction phase and a separate loan for the permanent mortgage. This type of loan requires two closing costs.

The construction loan is used to finance the costs of building the home and is typically a short-term, interest-only loan. Once the construction is complete, the borrower must apply for and close on a permanent mortgage loan. The permanent mortgage loan will be used to pay off the construction loan and provide long-term financing for the home. The permanent mortgage loan can have a fixed or adjustable interest rate.

To qualify for a two-step construction loan, the borrower will typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget.

It's important to note that two-step construction loans can be more complicated and time-consuming than single-close construction loans, as the borrower will have to go through the process of applying for and closing on two separate loans. Additionally, the borrower will have to pay two sets of closing costs. It's recommended to shop around and compare the options and terms available before making a decision.

Stand-Alone Construction Loans:

Stand-alone construction loans are a type of loan used to finance the construction of a new home and are typically short-term, interest-only loans. Once the construction is complete, the borrower will need to refinance the loan into a traditional mortgage.

Stand-alone construction loans are used for new construction projects where the borrower does not already own the land or does not already have a mortgage on the land. The loan is used to finance the land's cost and the home's construction.

To qualify for a stand-alone construction loan, the borrower will typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget.

It's important to note Stand-alone construction loans can be more complicated and time-consuming than single-close or two-step construction loans, as the borrower will have to go through the process of applying for and closing on a permanent mortgage loan after the construction is complete. Additionally, the borrower will have to pay closing costs twice, once for the construction loan and once for the permanent mortgage loan.

FHA Construction Loans:

FHA construction loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans. The loan is used to finance the construction cost and land. Once the construction is finished, the loan will typically convert to a traditional FHA-insured mortgage.

To qualify for an FHA construction loan, the borrower will typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget. The down payment can be as low as 3.5% for some borrowers.

It's important to note that FHA construction loans have specific requirements and restrictions. The property must meet certain conditions and standards, and the borrower must also meet specific credit and income guidelines. Additionally, the lender will typically require an appraisal and a certification from a licensed inspector that the home meets the FHA's minimum property standards.

VA Construction Loans:

VA construction loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are available to eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel. These loans are designed to make it easier for veterans to finance the construction of a new home or renovate an existing one.

VA construction loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans. The loan is used to finance the construction cost and land. Once the construction is finished, the loan will typically convert to a traditional VA-guaranteed mortgage.

To qualify for a VA construction loan, the borrower must be a qualified veteran or active-duty military personnel and have a valid VA certificate of eligibility. The borrower will also typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget.

It's important to note that VA construction loans have specific requirements and restrictions. For example, the property must meet certain conditions and standards, and the borrower must also meet specific credit and income guidelines. Additionally, the lender will typically require an appraisal and a certification from a licensed inspector that the home meets the VA's minimum property standards.

Jumbo Construction Loans:

Jumbo construction loans are a type of loan used for construction projects exceeding the conforming loan limit of $510,400. These loans are designed for borrowers who need to borrow more than the conventional loan limit to finance the construction of a new home or renovate an existing one.

Jumbo construction loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans. The loan is used to finance the construction cost and land. Once the construction is finished, the loan will typically convert to a traditional jumbo mortgage.

To qualify for a jumbo construction loan, the borrower will typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget. The down payment requirement for jumbo construction loans can be higher than conventional loans.

It's important to note that jumbo construction loans have stricter underwriting guidelines and may have higher interest rates and fees than conventional construction loans. Additionally, since the loan amount is higher, the lender may require a higher credit score, more reserves, or a higher down payment from the borrower.

Owner-Builder Construction Loans:

Owner-builder construction loans are specifically designed for individuals who plan to act as their general contractors for the construction of a new home or significant renovation of an existing one. These loans allow borrowers to manage and oversee the construction process themselves rather than hiring a general contractor to do it for them.

Owner-builder construction loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans. The loan is used to finance the construction cost and land. Once the construction is finished, the loan will typically convert to a traditional mortgage.

To qualify for an owner-builder construction loan, the borrower will typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed construction plan and budget. Additionally, the lender may require proof that the borrower has the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications to act as their general contractor.

It's important to note that owner-builder construction loans can be more complex and risky than traditional construction loans. The lender will generally require more oversight and documentation during the construction process. The borrower will be responsible for all aspects of the construction, including permits, inspections, and compliance with building codes. Additionally, if the borrower cannot complete the construction project on time or on budget, they may default on the loan.

Renovation/Remodeling Construction Loans:

Renovation/remodeling construction loans, also known as "rehab loans," are used to finance home renovation and remodeling projects. These loans allow homeowners to improve their existing homes by updating a kitchen or bathroom, finishing a basement, or adding a room.

Renovation/remodeling construction loans are typically short-term, interest-only loans. The lender will disburse funds to the borrower in stages as the renovation/remodeling project progresses, with the final disbursement being made when the project is complete. Once the renovation/remodeling is finished, the loan will typically convert to a traditional mortgage.

To qualify for a renovation/remodeling construction loan, the borrower will typically need a good credit score, sufficient income to support the loan payments, and a detailed renovation/remodeling plan and budget. The lender will also typically require a down payment, which is usually a percentage of the total cost of the renovation/remodeling project. Additionally, the lender may require an appraisal of the property before and after the renovation/remodeling to determine the property's value.

It's important to note that renovation/remodeling construction loans can be more complex and risky than traditional construction loans. The lender will generally require more oversight and documentation during the renovation/remodeling process. The borrower will be responsible for all aspects of the renovation/remodeling, including permits, inspections, and compliance with building codes. Additionally, if the borrower cannot complete the renovation/remodeling project on time or within budget, they may default on the loan.

Home Construction Loan Rates and Requirements

Home construction loan rates and requirements vary depending on the lender and the type of loan. Construction loan rates are typically higher than traditional mortgage rates because the loan is considered riskier. The interest rate on a construction loan may be fixed or adjustable and will typically be based on the prime rate plus a margin.

The requirements for a construction loan also vary depending on the lender but generally include the following:

A good credit score: Most lenders require a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a construction loan.
A sufficient income to support the loan payments: Lenders typically require proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
A detailed construction plan and budget: Lenders will typically require detailed plans and specifications for the construction project and a detailed construction budget.
A down payment: Lenders will typically require a down payment, which is usually a percentage of the total cost of the construction project. The down payment requirement can vary depending on the type of loan and the lender.
Collateral: The construction project serves as collateral for the loan.

It's important to note that the interest rate and requirements for a construction loan can change during the construction process as the market fluctuates. It's important to shop around and compare the options and terms available before deciding.

Credit score for a home construction loan

The credit score requirement for a home construction loan can vary depending on the lender, but generally, most lenders will require a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a construction loan.

A credit score of 620 is considered the minimum to qualify for most types of loans. However, some lenders may require a higher credit score, such as 680 or 700, to qualify for a construction loan. Additionally, borrowers with a lower credit score may be required to make a larger down payment or pay a higher interest rate to qualify for a construction loan.

It's important to note that a good credit score is not the only factor that lenders consider when approving a construction loan.

Lenders will also take into account the borrower's income, debt-to-income ratio, and the construction project details, such as the plans and budget, as well as the property's value.

To increase the chances of getting approved for a home construction loan, it's a good idea to improve your credit score, reduce any outstanding debt, and have a clear financial plan for the construction project. It's also recommended to shop around and compare the different loan options and terms available from various lenders before deciding.

Construction Loan Process

The construction loan process can vary depending on the lender, but generally, it involves the following steps:

Pre-qualification: The first step is to pre-qualify for a construction loan. This involves providing basic information to the lender, such as your credit score, income, and construction project details.
Application: Once pre-qualified, you can move on to the formal application process. The lender will also conduct a credit check and may require an appraisal of the property.
Approval Process: After the lender has reviewed your application, they will determine whether you are approved for the loan. If you are approved, the lender will provide you with a loan estimate outlining the loan terms and conditions.
Closing: Once the loan is approved, the next step is to close on the loan. This involves signing the loan documents and paying any closing costs. The lender will then disburse the funds to the borrower in stages as the construction progresses.

FHA construction loans

FHA construction loans are a type of loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and are available to borrowers who meet the FHA's qualifications. These loans are designed to make it easier for borrowers to finance the construction of a new home or make significant renovations to an existing one.

The FHA construction loan process typically involves the following steps:

Pre-qualification: The first step is to pre-qualify for an FHA construction loan. This involves providing basic information to the lender, such as your credit score, income, and construction project details. The lender will use this information to determine your loan eligibility and provide an estimate of the loan amount and interest rate you can qualify for.
Application: Once pre-qualified, you can proceed to the formal application process. This will involve providing more detailed information to the lender, such as proof of income, plans and specifications for the construction project, and a detailed construction budget.

For general inquiries:
* Email: [email protected]
* Phone: +1 (571) 544-6600

New Home Construction Loans Explained | What is a Construction Loan