One-Time Close Construction | CMS Mortgage
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
$2MMax Loan

Down payment and credit requirements vary by loan program, credit profile, occupancy, and property type. All loans subject to credit approval and program eligibility.

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 date.

Build Your Home

We fund builder draws as work progresses. You pay interest only on amounts disbursed.

Move In

Construction completed! 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 9–12 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

During Construction

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

Rate you locked at 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 9–12 months
  • 5–10% contingency reserve recommended
  • Land can be included or already owned

One-Time Close vs Two-Time Close

  One-Time Close Featured 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: July 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 pay interest only on disbursed funds, not the full loan amount.
What if construction costs more than expected?
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.
Can I be my own general contractor?
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.
Can I include land purchase in the loan?
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.

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