Build your home. Close once.
The plain-English guide to building a new home in Central Texas with one loan, one approval and one closing. Land, construction and your permanent mortgage, all wrapped together.
- How a one-time close works, step by step
- Conventional, USDA, FHA and VA construction loans side by side
- How your builder gets paid (and why you never pay for unfinished work)
- The checklist of what to gather before you sign with a builder
Get the free guide
Tell us where to send it. It downloads right away, and a copy of your request goes to Brad and Buddy.
Five pages. Every question answered.
What a one-time close construction loan is and why one closing saves you money.
Five steps from approval to move-in, plus how payments work while you build.
Conventional, USDA, FHA and VA compared in plain English, row by row.
The rules every build follows and exactly what you will need to get started.
Draws, holdbacks, contingency and the rest, explained in one line each.
This guide is for you if…
- You want to build instead of buy
- You own land, or want to buy a lot
- You want one closing, not two
- You are comparing builders and want to know what lenders need
Local lenders who teach first
Brad Robbins and Buddy Michna are branch managers at Top Notch Mortgage, with offices in Austin and Taylor. They listen first, explain every option in plain English, and then recommend the loan that fits you, not the other way around.
Read the guide, then call or text either of them directly: Brad 512-269-5278 or Buddy 512-595-6220.
Before you download
Is the guide really free?
Yes. Download it instantly. Brad or Buddy may follow up to answer questions, and there is no obligation and no credit pull.
Do I need to own land first?
No. The lot can be owned by you, your builder or someone else. The guide explains how each one works.
Can I use USDA, FHA or VA to build?
Yes. The guide compares all four loan types for a one-time close construction loan, including what each one requires.
Program guidelines as of October 2026 and subject to change without notice. All loans subject to credit approval, underwriting, appraisal and property eligibility. Not all applicants will qualify. This is not a commitment to lend.
Grab the other two while you're here
Top Notch Down Payment Assistance Guide
The plain-English guide to down payment assistance that works with FHA, USDA and HUD 184 home loans. You don't have to be a first-time buyer.
Get the free guide →
Top Notch Open Range™ Guide
For the self-employed, real estate investors and homeowners who want cash without giving up a low rate. Qualify on how you actually earn, not on a bank's checklist.
Get the free guide →