(201) 749-1691
B2B Construction Lender

First-Time Builder Construction Loans.
Your GC's Experience Qualifies.

Most lenders require 2–3 prior builds on your record. We don't. If you have a licensed, experienced general contractor, you can qualify for a home builder construction loan today, even with zero completed projects.

90%
Max LTC
0
Prior Builds Req.
$5M
Max Loan
Days
Not Months
See If You Qualify ↓ Call Now

The Problem

Every Lender Wants 2–3 Prior Builds. You Have Zero.

You have the deal. You have the GC. You might even have the lot under contract. But when you call a lender, the first question is always the same: "How many ground-up projects have you completed?"

If your answer is zero, most lenders stop the conversation. They want a track record you haven't had the chance to build yet. It's a catch-22: you need experience to get a loan, but you need a loan to get experience.

Ledger Trade & Capital solves that problem.

The Solution

Your GC's Track Record Qualifies the Deal

We underwrite the project, not just the borrower. If your general contractor has the experience, that experience counts toward your qualification.

Your GC's experience stands in for yours

We evaluate the general contractor's completed projects, license history, and construction capability. If they have a proven track record building the type of project you're proposing, that satisfies our experience requirement.

Not a lowered standard — a smarter one

This isn't about lending to anyone with a pulse. We're looking at the actual risk: does the team executing this project know what they're doing? A first-time builder paired with a GC who has 50 completed homes is a strong deal.

You build the track record

Complete your first project with us, and now you have experience on your record. Future deals get easier. We're the lender that helps you get started, not the one that waits until you don't need help anymore.

How It Works

Three Steps to Your First Build

1

Apply & Submit Your Deal

Tell us about your project: the property, the budget, the timeline. Include your GC's info and their completed project history.

2

GC Review & Underwriting

We review your GC's license, insurance, and track record of completed builds. If the GC checks out and the deal pencils, you're approved.

3

Close & Start Building

Close in days, not months. Funds are disbursed on a draw schedule as construction milestones are completed. Your first build is underway.

Why First-Time Builders Choose Ledger

  • GC Experience CountsYour general contractor's completed projects satisfy our experience requirement. Zero prior builds on your record? That's fine.
  • Up to 90% Loan-to-CostFinance up to 90% of total project cost. Less capital out of pocket means more deals in your pipeline.
  • Close in Days, Not MonthsPrivate capital means fast decisions. No bank committee. No 60-day underwriting. Get to the job site faster.
  • SFR, Spec Homes & Small MultifamilySingle-family, townhomes, duplexes, and small multifamily. Build to sell or build to rent.
  • Flexible Draw SchedulesFunds released at construction milestones. Inspections are straightforward. No surprises mid-build.

See If You Qualify

Tell us about your project. We respond within one business day.

No obligation. No credit pull. Just a conversation about your project.

Loan Parameters

First-Time Builder Construction Loan Details

Max LTC
Up to 90%
Of total project cost
Loan Range
$150K – $5M
Prior Builds
0 Required
GC experience substitutes
Closing Speed
Days
Not months
Property Types
SFR • Multi
Spec homes, townhomes, 2-4 unit
Loan Type
B2B Only
Not a consumer/owner-occ loan

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Yes. To qualify using the GC pathway, you need a licensed, insured general contractor who will manage the construction. This isn't a DIY or owner-builder program. The GC is the key to your qualification, and their experience with similar projects is what we underwrite.
We look for a GC with a valid license, proper insurance, and a track record of completing projects similar to what you're building. A GC who has built 10+ single-family homes is a strong fit for a spec home deal. The key is that their experience is relevant to your project type and scope.
Having a GC license is great, but if you don't have completed projects on your record yet, you'd still benefit from partnering with an experienced GC for your first build. Once you have completed projects under your belt, future deals can be underwritten on your own track record.
Ledger Trade & Capital is a national lender. We fund ground-up construction loans across 40+ states. Visit our Where We Lend page for the full list.
No. This is a B2B (business-to-business) construction loan for builders and developers building properties to sell or rent. We do not finance owner-occupied homes, primary residences, or consumer mortgages. Borrowers typically hold title in an LLC or business entity.
Construction funds are released in draws tied to milestones (foundation, framing, rough-ins, etc.). When a milestone is reached, an inspection confirms the work is complete, and the next draw is released. This protects both you and us, and keeps the project moving on schedule.

Ready to Build Your First Project?

Tell us about your deal and your GC. No obligation, no credit pull — just a straight answer on whether we can fund it.

See If You Qualify ↑ (201) 749-1691