What is a Construction Loan?
A construction loan is a short-term loan used to finance the building of a home or real estate project. Unlike a traditional mortgage, funds are disbursed in stages as construction progresses.
Our one-time close construction loans convert to a permanent mortgage upon completion, saving you time and the cost of a second closing.
Key Benefits
- One-time close construction-to-permanent loans
- Draw schedule aligned with construction milestones
- Interest-only during construction phase
- Custom home builds and major renovations
- Available for primary residences and investment properties
- Up to 90% LTC (loan-to-cost) for qualified borrowers
Who This Loan Is For
Borrowers building a custom home or completing a major renovation, plus investors using ground-up or rehab strategies. One-time-close options convert to permanent financing once construction is complete.
Typical Requirements
- • Licensed contractor and approved plans
- • Detailed construction budget and appraisal
- • Down payment of 10–20% (up to 90% LTC)
- • Interest-only payments during the build phase
- • Funds released in draws tied to milestones (subject to underwriting)
Key Terms to Know
- Loan-to-Cost (LTC)
- The loan amount divided by the total project cost (land + construction). LTC governs how much of the build a lender will finance.
- Draw Schedule
- The timeline of fund releases tied to construction milestones — e.g., foundation, framing, drywall, completion.
- Construction-to-Permanent
- A single loan that funds the build and then converts to a standard mortgage on completion, avoiding a second closing.
- After-Repair Value (ARV)
- The estimated property value after construction or renovation is finished. Used to size rehab and fix-and-flip loans.
- Takeout Loan
- The permanent financing that pays off the construction loan once the project is complete.
See our FAQ and loan resources for more definitions and checklists.
Related Loan Programs & Resources
Ready to Break Ground?
Talk to a construction loan specialist and get your project financed today.