South King County is one of the more active new construction markets in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, driven by a combination of factors that make building here practical and financially attractive. Land prices in Kent, Covington, Maple Valley, and the Cascade foothills east of the city are meaningfully lower than comparable buildable sites in Seattle or on the Eastside. The region’s strong transportation infrastructure — including Sounder commuter rail at Kent Station, Interstate 5, State Route 167, and State Route 18 — maintains connectivity to regional employment centers. And buyer demand from a diverse, growing South King County population creates consistent absorption for new homes across a wide range of price tiers.
For buyers who want to build, a One-Time Close Construction Mortgage Loan is the most efficient financing structure available. One closing before the build begins. One set of closing costs. A rate locked at origination — protecting against rate movement across a 6- to 12-month South King County construction cycle. Automatic conversion to permanent financing when the home is complete. No second application, no re-qualification, no second closing.
I offer One-Time Close Construction financing for Kent-area builds across all price tiers — from production homes in East Hill’s active subdivisions to custom acreage builds in Covington, Maple Valley, and the Black Diamond corridor.
A One-Time Close Construction Loan — sometimes called a Construction-to-Permanent loan — combines three phases of financing into a single loan product:
Land or Lot Acquisition — Financing for your homesite, whether a lot in an active South King County community or a standalone acreage parcel in the Cascade foothills
Construction Phase — Draw-based financing released as your builder hits defined milestones throughout the build
Permanent Mortgage — Automatic conversion to your long-term home loan at completion — no second closing, no re-qualification, no additional closing costs
Unlike traditional two-close construction financing, a One-Time Close loan locks your interest rate at origination — protecting you from rate movement during the build — and eliminates the cost and burden of a second closing.
Key Features:
Single closing — one set of closing costs
Rate locked at origination for the life of the loan
Interest-only payments during construction phase
Automatic conversion to permanent financing at completion
Works with all licensed Kent and South King County builders
Available at Jumbo-level amounts for upper-tier builds
30–45 day closing timeline for qualified borrowers pre-construction
For builds in the conforming range up to $1,063,750 (King County high-balance limit)
Fixed or adjustable permanent rate options
Works with all active South King County production and semi-custom builders
Physician-friendly versions available with 0-5% down and no PMI
For builds above $1,063,750 — Meridian Valley Country Club estates, upper Scenic Hill custom builds, and Covington and Maple Valley acreage properties with total project costs above the conforming limit
Portfolio and non-QM options for complex income profiles, including aerospace executive and retirement-based income
Extended construction timelines accommodated
Available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members
No down payment required for qualifying VA borrowers
Meaningful for South King County's veteran community — Kent is centrally located between Sea-Tac and JBLM, and the area has a significant veteran population
For buyers working with a licensed custom builder on an acreage parcel, rural lot, or private homesite
Covers land purchase and construction in a single transaction
Suited to homes designed around Mount Rainier views, Green River Valley settings, and the Cascade foothills character of Southeast King County
East Hill — Active Subdivisions — East Hill is Kent's primary residential growth area and the heart of its new construction market. Developments from the 2020s include landscaped, walkable subdivisions with contemporary single-family homes priced from $690,000 to $1.1 million. These homes feature modern floor plans, two-car garages, and HOA-managed common areas — production and semi-custom builds well-suited to standard One-Time Close programs within King County's high-balance conforming limit.
The Lakes — A master-planned community in southeast Kent built around several man-made lakes, walking trails, and parks. The Lakes offers resort-style living with a range of housing options, including single-family homes and townhouses. New construction activity continues in and adjacent to this community, drawing buyers who want a planned community environment with strong recreational amenities.
Covington — Just southeast of Kent, Covington is one of the most active new construction communities in Southeast King County. Newer homes on larger lots at generally accessible price points attract families who want more space than East Hill's denser subdivisions provide. Production builders are active here, and One-Time Close programs within the conforming limit are the standard tool.
Maple Valley — Southeast of Covington along SR-169, Maple Valley offers a mix of newer production homes and acreage custom build opportunities. The community sits at the edge of the Cascade foothills, with proximity to Lake Wilderness, Tahoma School District, and a growing retail and services base. Upper-tier custom builds on acreage parcels here occasionally cross into Jumbo territory.
Black Diamond and Enumclaw Corridor — East of Maple Valley and into the Cascade foothills, Black Diamond and the Enumclaw Plateau offer some of the region's most dramatic buildable parcels — acreage with mountain views, privacy, and a genuinely rural character within a reasonable commute of Kent's employment centers. Custom builds on larger acreage in this corridor represent South King County's most distinctive new construction opportunity.
Experienced in One-Time Close Construction financing with production, semi-custom, and fully custom builders throughout South King County
Knowledge of Kent's new construction landscape — East Hill subdivisions, The Lakes, Covington, Maple Valley, and acreage custom builds in the Cascade foothills
Jumbo One-Time Close programs for Meridian Valley Country Club, Scenic Hill, and upper-tier South King County custom builds
Physician One-Time Close programs available for healthcare professionals building in South King County
VA One-Time Close programs for eligible veterans in Kent and the surrounding South King County veteran community
Single point of contact from lot selection through move-in
20+ years of experience — NMLS #235295
Qualified Builder Required — Your builder must be licensed, insured, and approved through the loan underwriting process. National and regional builders active in South King County's communities are readily approvable; custom builders require additional credentialing documentation.
Construction Plans and Budget — Production and semi-custom builder purchases use standard contracts. Custom builds on acreage parcels, Meridian Valley lots, and other complex sites require full plans, permits, and a detailed budget before underwriting.
Strong Borrower Profile — Income, credit, and reserve requirements align with the appropriate conforming or Jumbo program tier depending on build cost. Aerospace professional income documented with W-2s, pay stubs, and employment verification. Retirement-based income handled through asset depletion programs.
Realistic Timeline — Production homes in South King County typically run 6-10 months. Custom builds on acreage parcels and complex sites run 10-18 months. One-Time Close programs are structured for both.
Pre-Qualification — Review your income, assets, builder, and site to identify the right program and loan tier.
Builder Approval — Your South King County builder is reviewed and approved as part of underwriting.
Single Closing — One closing covers lot, construction financing, and permanent loan — before a single foundation is poured.
Construction Draws — Funds released as your builder reaches milestones. I coordinate with the builder throughout.
Completion & Conversion — Your loan converts automatically at completion. No second closing. No re-qualification.
Yes. One-Time Close Construction programs cover custom builds on acreage parcels throughout Southeast King County — including land acquisition and construction in a single loan with rate locked at origination. Programs are available within the conforming limit for most Covington and Maple Valley builds, with Jumbo One-Time Close available for larger total project costs.
Yes. VA One-Time Close Construction loans are available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members for new construction in Kent and throughout South King County — with no down payment required. This is a meaningful option for the significant veteran community in the greater South King County area.
Yes. Physician One-Time Close programs allow qualifying healthcare professionals to build in Kent and throughout South King County with favorable terms, including low or no down payment and no PMI.
Traditional construction financing requires two closings — one before construction and one at completion — each with its own costs and qualification process. A One-Time Close loan eliminates the second closing, locks your rate upfront, and converts automatically at completion. In a market where build timelines run 6-18 months, rate protection and process simplicity are substantial benefits.
Building your new home in Kent starts here. Let’s talk through your builder, your site, and your timeline.
Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I moved to Phoenix to attend Arizona State University and have proudly called Phoenix home ever since.
My journey into the mortgage industry began with a friend’s encouragement, who saw how my energy and people-first mindset could make a difference. He was right — I found my calling.
I’ve always embraced what makes me different. With ADHD as my secret weapon, I thrive in fast-paced, detail-heavy environments. I’ve built my career on clear communication, creative problem-solving, and putting clients first, always.
Outside of work, my greatest motivation is my wife and three amazing kids. I’d be honored to help guide you through your lending journey with care, clarity, and commitment.
