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Oakdale sits at the edge of Stanislaus County's growth corridor. Buildable lots here are still realistic — unlike the Bay Area.
New construction makes sense when existing inventory doesn't fit. A construction loan funds the build, then converts to a permanent mortgage at completion.
680+
Min Credit Score
20% of project cost
Typical Down Payment
Up to 12 months
Build Phase Term
Licensed contractor
Builder Requirement
Variable during build
Rate Type
Construction Loans in Oakdale
Most lenders want a 680+ credit score for construction loans. Some go lower, but expect stricter terms and higher reserves.
You'll typically need 20% down on the total project cost. That covers land plus construction. Lenders also want a signed contract with a licensed builder.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect construction loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Oakdale.
Oakdale sits at the edge of Stanislaus County's growth corridor. Buildable lots here are still realistic — unlike the Bay Area.
New construction makes sense when existing inventory doesn't fit. A construction loan funds the build, then converts to a permanent mortgage at completion.
Most lenders want a 680+ credit score for construction loans. Some go lower, but expect stricter terms and higher reserves.
Construction loans aren't offered by every lender. Fewer than half of our 200+ wholesale partners write them — but those who do are competitive.
Rate structures vary more here than on standard mortgages. Some lenders offer one-time-close programs. Others require a separate construction phase loan.
The biggest mistake I see: buyers lock a builder before securing financing. Get loan approval first. Builders in the Central Valley move fast.
Draw schedules matter. Your lender releases funds in stages as construction hits milestones. Know what those milestones are before you sign anything.
A bridge loan works when you're buying land and need short-term capital. Construction loans are built for the full build cycle — they're not interchangeable.
Hard money is faster to close but costs more. If your timeline allows it, a conventional construction loan saves significantly on interest.
Stanislaus County permit timelines affect your draw schedule. Factor local permitting into your construction timeline before locking a rate.
Oakdale is an agricultural community. Some parcels carry zoning restrictions. Confirm land use before applying — lenders won't finance ineligible lots.
Funds release in draws as your builder hits milestones. At completion, the loan converts to a standard mortgage.
No. Many construction loans include land purchase in the total loan amount. Existing land equity can also count toward your down payment.
Most lenders require 680 or above. Below that, options narrow sharply and rates climb. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Rarely. Most lenders in California require a licensed, vetted third-party builder. Owner-builder programs exist but are hard to find.
Typically 12 months for the build phase. Extensions are possible but usually cost extra. Plan your timeline with the contractor before closing.
It combines the construction loan and permanent mortgage into one closing. You avoid a second round of closing costs and rate uncertainty.