🧱 5 Ways to Strengthen Your Conventional Loan Approval
🔁 Construction-to-Permanent Loans vs. Two-Time Close: What’s the Difference?
Build your dream home — with financing designed for every phase.
Buying an existing home isn’t the only way to achieve homeownership.
If you want to build your dream home from the ground up, a construction loan can help make it happen.
But construction financing isn’t quite like a regular mortgage — it’s more flexible upfront and more structured during the build.
👉 Let’s break down how construction loans work, what they cover, and how to go from blueprint to move-in without surprises.
✅ What Is a Construction Loan?
A construction loan is a short-term loan used to finance the cost of building a home, including:
- Land (if applicable)
- Labor and materials
- Permits, fees, and inspections
- Architecture and engineering costs
- Utilities and final touches
Think of it as a custom-tailored line of credit that funds your project in draws — based on work completed.
🔁 Two Common Construction Loan Structures
1. Construction-to-Permanent Loan (a.k.a. “One-Time Close”)
- One loan covers both construction and mortgage
- You lock your rate upfront
- Close once — fewer fees and paperwork
- Loan converts into a standard mortgage once the home is complete
2. Two-Time Close Construction Loan
- One loan funds the build
- A separate mortgage is secured after construction
- May offer more flexibility in rates or terms at completion
- Requires two closings (and potentially more cost)
📘 We’ll help you compare both to see which structure works better for your timeline and budget.
🧱 What Does a Construction Loan Cover?
A typical construction loan can cover:
- Purchase of the land (or refinance of existing lot)
- Site prep (grading, permits, clearing, utilities)
- Foundation, framing, plumbing, and roofing
- Interior finishes and final inspections
- Contingency budget (typically 5–10% for surprises)
💡 You’ll receive funds in “draws,” which your builder requests at specific stages of progress.
📋 What You’ll Need to Get Started
- Credit score: Usually 620+
- Down payment: Often 10–20% of the total project cost
- Builder approval: Licensed, insured, and experienced
- Plans and specs: Blueprints, materials list, project scope
- Appraisal: Based on future value of completed home
- Budget: Itemized costs for the entire build
We help manage this checklist for you — and work directly with your builder to keep things on track.
🛠️ When Construction Is Complete
Once the home is finished, you’ll:
- Move in
- Begin making standard mortgage payments
- (If two-time close) Requalify for your end mortgage and close
We’ll guide you from pre-approval to final walk-through — including inspections, title, and timeline reviews.
🏢 Why PRMI?
As a direct lender with in-house construction financing, PRMI helps you:
- Get pre-approved early (even if your land isn’t secured yet)
- Compare one-time close vs. two-time close
- Navigate builder paperwork and timelines
- Lock your permanent financing in early — or later, if rates drop
Whether you’re building your first home or creating a custom forever space, we’ll help make it a smooth, supported experience.
👇 Want to See What You Qualify For?
Let’s review your credit, budget, and building plans — and show you exactly how construction financing works for your goals.