HB-1-3555

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-1

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

CHAPTER 12: PROPERTY AND APPRAISAL

REQUIREMENTS

12.1 INTRODUCTION

Lenders must ensure the property to be purchased is eligible for the Single Family

Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP). The Agency’s minimum property 

requirements serve to protect the borrower’s interest, minimize the lender’s loss, and 

reduce the potential risk to the government in the event of liquidation. It is the lender’s 

responsibility to ensure that the property meets the Agency’s standards.

SECTION 1: UNDERWRITING THE PROPERTY [7 CFR 3555.201]

12.2 OVERVIEW

The lender must ensure the subject property meets the Agency’s site guidelines. In 

particular, sites must be located in eligible rural areas; meet community standards 

regarding utilities, including water and wastewater systems; meet street and road access 

and maintenance requirements; and contain other amenities essential to the continued 

marketability of the home. This section addresses each of these standards.

12.3 RURAL AREA DESIGNATION [7 CFR 3555.201(a)]

Only loans secured by properties located in areas designated by the Agency as rural 

are eligible to receive a loan guarantee. This section discusses rural areas designations, 

how lenders are notified of changes in rural area designations and clarifies rare situations 

in which loans for properties in areas no longer designated as rural may receive a loan 

guarantee.

A. Rural Area Definition

An area’s rural designation is determined by the Agency and may be changed as a 

result of periodic review or after the decennial census of population. The Agency 

conducts reviews every five years to identify areas that no longer qualify as rural. In areas 

experiencing rapid growth, and in eligible communities within Metropolitan Statistical 

Areas (MSAs), reviews take place every three years. Public notification will be given at 

least 30 days before the date of the final determination in order to give interested parties 

an adequate chance to comment. Refer to section 3550.10 of 7 CFR 3550 and HB-1-3550 

Chapter 5, for additional information regarding rural area designations.
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Paragraph 12.3 Rural Area Designation

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In general, rural areas are defined as:

• Open country that is not part of, or associated with, an urban area;

• Any town, village, city, or place, including the immediately adjacent densely 

settled area, which is not part of, or associated with, an urban area, and which:

o Is rural in character with a population of less than 10,000; or

o Is not contained within an MSA and has a population above 10,000 but below 

20,000 and has a serious lack of mortgage credit for lower and moderateincome families, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture and the 

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Any area classified as “rural” 

or a “rural area” prior to October 1, 1990, and determined not to be “rural” or 

a “rural area” as a result of data received from or after the 1990, 2000, 2010,

or 2020 decennial census, and any area deemed to be a “rural area” any time 

during the period beginning January 1, 2000, and ending December 31, 2020, 

shall continue to be so classified until the receipt of data from the decennial 

census in the year 2030 if such area has a population in excess of 10,000 but 

not in excess of 35,000, is rural in character, and has a serious lack of 

mortgage credit for lower and moderate-income families.

• Two or more towns, villages, cities, or places that are contiguous may be 

considered separately for a rural designation if they are not otherwise associated 

with each other, and their densely settled areas are not contiguous.

B. Notification of Rural Area Designation

The public website noted below provides an automated system to allow users to enter 

addresses and determine property eligibility. Users who utilize the public website will 

receive one of three property eligibility decisions when an actual address is entered –

“Eligible,” “Ineligible,” or “Unable to Determine.” In areas not clearly delineated, users 

will receive an “Unable to Determine.” With this type of determination, the lender must 

confirm with Agency staff the property is located in a rural area and eligible for a 

guarantee prior to requesting an appraisal.

USDA Rural Development Property and Income Eligibility Website: 

https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov.

Attachment 12-A of this Chapter provides guidance on utilizing the public website to 

determine eligible rural areas.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.3 Rural Area Designation 

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-3

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

C. Making Loans in Areas Changed to Non-rural

If an area’s designation changes from rural to non-rural, loans that meet the following 

criteria may be approved in that area:

• Purchase transactions are eligible if the following requirements are met:

o The application is dated and received by the lender prior to the area 

designation change;

o The Loan Estimate was issued within three days of the application date;

o The purchase contract is ratified prior to the date of the area designation 

change; and

o The applicant and property meet all other loan eligibility requirements.

• Existing conditional commitments that have been issued will be honored provided 

the commitment was issued prior to the area designation change;

• Existing direct and guaranteed loans that meet all requirements, as outlined in 

Chapter 6, remain eligible for refinance transactions;

• REO property sold from Agency inventory remain eligible for purchase 

transactions;

• SFHGLP REO property sales and transfers with assumption may be processed in 

areas that have changed to non-rural; and

• A supplemental loan may be made in conjunction with a transfer and assumption 

of a guaranteed loan.

12.4 SITE REQUIREMENTS [7 CFR 3555.201(b)]

A qualified property must be predominately residential in use, character, and design. 

Sites must be developed in accordance with any standards imposed by a State or local 

government. Therefore, the lender must verify that the following requirements are met at 

the time of application.
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Paragraph 12.4 Site Requirements

12-4

• Site size. There is no specific limitation to the size/acreage of the site. The 

appraiser must provide an explanation in the addendum of the appraisal to explain 

adjustments to comparable properties, how the subject compares to other single 

family sites in the area, etc.

• Income-Producing Buildings. The property must not include buildings 

principally used for income-producing purposes. Barns, silos, commercial 

greenhouses, or livestock facilities used primarily for the production of 

agricultural, farming, or commercial enterprise are ineligible. However, barns, 

silos, livestock facilities, or greenhouses no longer in use for a commercial 

operation, which will be used for storage, do not render the property ineligible. 

Outbuildings such as storage sheds and non-commercial workshops are permitted 

if they are not used primarily for an income producing, agricultural, farming, or 

commercial enterprise. A minimal income-producing activity, such as maintaining 

a garden that generates a small amount of additional income, does not violate this 

requirement. Home-based operations such as childcare, product sales, or craft 

production that do not require specific commercial real estate features are not 

restricted.

• Accessory Dwelling Unit. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) refers to a 

habitable living unit, within, or detached from a single family dwelling, which 

together constitute a single interest in real estate. The presence of a single ADU

does not automatically render the property ineligible. Design features such as 

converted portions of existing homes that include a kitchenette or additional 

attached living area (e.g., bedroom and/or bathroom) without a separate address or

independent utilities (e.g., water, gas, electricity) are not restricted, provided they 

function in support of only the household members. ADUs which function in 

support of the household members, such as multigenerational households are 

consistent with the objective of this program, however those designed to create a 

potential rental income stream are not. The appraiser will determine if the ADU 

represents a second single family housing dwelling unit. The appraiser must

document the highest and best use considering all property characteristics,

including the status of the utilities if they are separate, when making this 

determination. The appraiser will include their evaluation in the site analysis and 

highest and best use section of the appraisal report, as applicable. 

• Income-Producing Land. The site must not have income-producing land that 

will be used principally for income producing purposes. Vacant land or properties 

used primarily for agricultural, farming, or commercial enterprise are ineligible. A

residential site that houses a minimal income producing feature such as a

windmill, billboard, cell phone tower, etc. located on the property, does not render 

the site income producing. These features are typically maintained with a legal
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Paragraph 12.4 Site Requirements

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-5

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

agreement and generate a minimal amount of additional income. The lender will 

review the available documentation and income received in accordance with the 

requirements in Chapter 9 for the purpose of calculating annual household 

income, as applicable.

• Multiple Parcels. The lender will ensure the mortgage provides a valid first lien 

covering each parcel. Each parcel must be conveyed in its entirety and have the 

same basic zoning. The entire property will contain only one dwelling but may 

have non-residential, non-income producing buildings, such as a garage. An 

improvement that has been built across lot lines is acceptable. For example, a 

home built across both parcels where the lot line runs under the home. Parcels 

divided by a road, that would otherwise be contiguous, are acceptable. 

• Properties with Solar Panels. Dwellings with solar panels are not considered an 

income producing property. If the property owner (seller) is the owner of the solar 

panels and the solar panels will be included as part of the purchase transaction,

then standard eligibility requirements apply (i.e. appraisal, insurance, and title). If 

the solar panels are subject to a lease agreement, power purchase agreement 

(PPA), or similar type of agreement, the following requirements apply:

o Leases and contracts will vary by company and should be considered on a 

case by case basis to ensure all terms/regulations are met.

o First lien position, by the lender, should be protected and maintained.

o The property should maintain access to an alternative source of electric/gas 

power that meets community standards.

o The energy company or lessee should not block any foreclosure or servicing 

actions.

o If an agreement for an energy system lease or PPA could cause restriction 

upon transfer of the house, the property is subject to impermissible legal 

restrictions and is generally ineligible for the guaranteed loan.

o The lease agreement or PPA should indicate that any damage that occurs as a 

result of installation, malfunction, manufacturing defect, or the removal of the 

solar panels is the responsibility of the owner of the equipment and the owner 

is obligated to repair the damage and return the improvements to their original 

or prior condition.

o The lease agreement, PPA, or other agreement should indicate that the owner 
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Paragraph 12.4 Site Requirements

12-6

of the solar panels cannot be a loss payee on the homeowner’s insurance 

policy.

o If a lease includes payment for equipment, it should be considered a debt and 

included in the total debt ratio. See Chapter 11 for additional guidance.

o Leased solar panels are considered personal property and are not included in 

the appraised value.

o Properties with Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans or assessments 

are ineligible for a SFHGLP loan.

• Site Specifications. The site must be contiguous to, and have direct access from a 

street, road, or driveway. Streets and roads must be hard surfaced, or all weather 

surfaced, with public access or permanent recorded easements.

• Utilities. The site must be supported by adequate utilities and water and 

wastewater disposal systems.

• Zoning. The property must comply with applicable zoning requirements and 

restrictions. If an existing property does not comply with all current zoning 

ordinances but it is accepted by the local zoning authority, the appraiser must 

report the property as legal non-conforming. The appraisal must reflect any 

adverse effect of the legal nonconforming use on the value and marketability of 

the property.

SECTION 2: APPRAISALS [7 CFR 3555.107(d)]

12.5 RESIDENTIAL APPRAISAL REPORTS

Approved lenders must ensure appraisals are completed by a qualified appraiser that 

is independent and objective. Approved lenders are responsible to review all appraisals 

for integrity, accuracy, and thoroughness, prior to submission of a complete loan 

application package to USDA. The lender may pass the cost of the appraisal on to the 

borrower. The appraisal must have been completed within 180 days of loan closing. 

Appraisals that are older than 180 days prior to loan closing are eligible for an appraisal 

update as indicated in this Chapter.

A. Qualified Appraiser

Approved lenders must select qualified and competent appraisers that are properly 

licensed or certified, as appropriate, in the State in which the property is located. The 

appraiser must comply with the current edition of the Uniform Standards of Professional 
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Paragraph 12.5 Residential Appraisal Reports

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-7

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Lenders may verify that an appraiser is licensed or 

certified by checking the Appraisal Subcommittee website found at: https://www.asc.gov

B. Appraisal Report

All appraisals must comply with the reporting requirements of USPAP available at 

www.appraisalfoundation.org. All appraisal reports must meet the Uniform Appraisal 

Dataset (UAD) requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. To read

definitions of condition and quality ratings, refer to the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Uniform Appraisal Dataset Specification Version 3.6, located online at:

https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/delivering/uniform-mortgage-data-program/uniformappraisal-dataset.

The appraiser will determine the appropriate appraisal form for the subject property. 

Appraisers must utilize appraisal forms acceptable to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, or 

VA. Applicable forms may include:

• Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (Fannie Mae Form 1004/Freddie Mac

Form 70) for one-unit single family dwellings;

• Manufactured Home Appraisal Report and addendum (Fannie Mae Form 

1004C/Freddie Mac Form 70B) for all manufactured homes;

• Individual Condominium Unit Appraisal Report (Fannie Mae Form 1073/Freddie 

Mac Form 465) for all individual condominium units.

Appraisal considerations:

• Appraiser/client confidentiality under USPAP Ethics Rules does not permit the 

appraiser to discuss the appraisal with anyone other than the client, without the 

client’s permission. It is recommended, but not required, that USDA/RD be 

identified as an intended user with the lender in the appraisal report obtained.

• The market or sales comparison approach is required in all cases. No less than 

three comparable sales will be used unless the appraiser provides documentation 

that such comparable sales are not available. The appraiser must use their 

knowledge of the area and apply good judgment in the selection of comparable 

sales that are the best indicators of value for the subject property.

• The appraiser will determine if the cost approach is required. For example, the 

property is unique, or has specialized improvements, or is new manufactured 

housing, or if the client requests the cost approach to be completed, then the 
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Paragraph 12.5 Residential Appraisal Reports

12-8

appraiser will identify the source of the cost estimates and will comment on the 

methodology used to estimate depreciation, effective age and remaining economic

life.

• The income approach is only required if the appraiser determines that it is 

necessary to develop credible assignment results.

• An appraisal prepared for REO purposes, loan servicing consideration, or any 

other purpose other than the guaranteed purchase or refinance transaction is 

ineligible to be used in the origination of a guaranteed loan. A new appraisal with 

the intent to arrive at an opinion of value for a purchase transaction must be 

obtained.

Photographs. Photographs in the appraisal report must be in color and be clear and 

descriptive to identify the property’s condition and quality. Photographs must clearly 

represent the improvements, any physical deterioration of the property, amenities, 

conditions and external influences that may have a material effect on the market value or 

marketability of the subject property. Lenders will upload the appraisal report at the 

Application Documents page in the Agency’s automated underwriting system, GUS, by 

selecting 10002 Appraisal Report and uploading as an individual document. An appraisal 

report with interior and exterior inspection of the subject property must include at least 

the following:

• A front view of the subject property;

• A rear view of the subject property;

• A street scene identifying the location of the subject property and showing 

neighboring improvements;

• The kitchen, main living area, bathrooms, bedrooms;

• Any other rooms representing overall condition, recent updates, such as 

restoration, remodeling and renovation;

• Basements, including all finished and unfinished rooms

• Attic and/or crawl space when it can be safely accessed without disturbing or 

moving items that obstruct access or visibility;

• Comparable sales, listings, and/or pending sales utilized in the valuation analysis 

must include at least a front view of each comparable utilized;
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.5 Residential Appraisal Reports

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-9

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

• The HUD Data Plate and the HUD Certification Label(s) for manufactured homes; and

• Condominium projects should include additional photographs of the common 

areas and shared amenities.

Appraisal transfer. An appraisal ordered by another lender for the applicant can be 

transferred to the lender who will complete the purchase transaction. The initial lender 

must agree to the transfer of the report. A letter from the initial lender who ordered the 

appraisal report must be retained in the permanent loan file as evidence the initial lender 

transferred the report to the lender completing the purchase transaction. The receiving 

lender must assume full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy and thoroughness of the

appraisal report, including the methods that the original lender used to acquire the 

appraisal. The appraisal report must be no older than 180 days at loan closing to be valid.

Appraisal update. The validity period of an appraisal report can be extended only 

one time with an Appraisal Update Report. The appraisal may be expired at the time the 

appraisal update is requested. However, when the original appraisal is subsequently 

updated, the appraisal is valid for no greater than one year from the effective date of the 

original appraisal report at loan closing. The purpose of an appraisal update request is to 

determine if the property has declined in value since the effective date of the original 

appraisal. An update is not eligible to support a higher appraised value of the property.

USPAP considers the term “Appraisal Update” as a business term, but regardless of 

the nomenclature used, when a client seeks a more current value or analysis of a property 

that was the subject of a prior assignment, this is not an extension of that prior 

assignment that was already completed; it is simply a new assignment. Refer to USPAP 

Advisory Opinion 3 for additional clarification available at 

www.appraisalfoundation.org.

USPAP (Advisory Opinion 3) states that there are three ways that the reporting 

requirements can be satisfied for this type of assignment:

1. Provide a new report that contains all the necessary information/analysis to satisfy 

the applicable reporting requirements, without incorporation of the prior report by 

either attachment or reference.

2. Provide a new report that incorporates by attachment specified 

information/analysis from the prior report so that, in combination, the attached 

portions and the new information/analysis added satisfies the applicable reporting 

requirements.

3. Provide a new report that incorporates by reference specified information/analysis 

from the prior report so that, in combination, the referenced portions and the new 

information/analysis added satisfies the applicable reporting requirements.
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Paragraph 12.5 Residential Appraisal Reports

12-10

The appraiser may use a pre-printed form or a narrative report to provide the appraisal 

update, but whichever reporting format is used, it must be in compliance with USPAP.

Fannie Mae Form 1004D/Freddie Mac Form 442, Appraisal Update and/or 

Completion Report, may be utilized by the lender to report the completion of a repair 

and/or satisfaction of requirements and conditions noted in the original appraisal report.

Property flipping. It remains the lenders responsibility to ensure any recently sold 

property’s value is strongly supported when a significant increase between sales occur. 

The lender must perform a thorough review of the appraisal report to validate and support 

the property’s value and protect the applicants from possible predatory real estate 

lending.

C. Agency Review

The Agency will review appraisals for all guarantee loan requests by completing 

Form RD 1922-15, Administrative Appraisal Review. If the Agency reviewer detects 

concerns, the appraisal will be referred to an Agency Review Appraiser for a technical 

desk or technical field review. Should the Agency licensed appraisers determine the 

appraisal is not adequate, the lender will be informed of corrections needed prior to 

issuance of the conditional commitment for loan guarantee. The lender will be required to 

correct or complete any appraisal returned by the Agency for corrective action. The 

lender is responsible to communicate and initiate corrective action with the appraiser. 

The corrected appraisal will be subject to the same review process described in this 

section. The Agency retains the right to determine an appraiser is ineligible based upon 

their failure to comply with requirements of this section. The Agency will notify the 

lender when appraisals completed by ineligible appraisers will no longer be accepted for 

the SFHGLP.

D. Directors of the Origination and Processing Division Responsibilities

A director of the Origination and Processing Division (OPD) will designate or 

delegate authority to the supervisory staff of the unit or other qualified personnel to 

conduct administrative appraisal reviews. Technical appraisal reviews must be completed 

by an Agency certified or licensed appraiser and need only be licensed or certified in one 

State or territory to perform real estate appraisal duties as Federal employees in all states 

and territories. Review appraisers must have recent, documented appraisal experience or 

other factors which clearly establish their qualifications as a reviewer.

A director of the OPD will determine and establish the training needs for Rural 

Development OPD staff completing appraisal reviews. A director of the OPD will also 

assure that an adequate number of reviews are being completed.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.5 Residential Appraisal Reports

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-11

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

E. Types of Agency Reviews

There are three types of reviews for appraisals; “Administrative,” “Technical Desk”

and “Technical Field.” An administrative review will be completed for all transactions 

involving the submittal of an appraisal report. A sufficient number of technical desk and 

technical field reviews will be completed to ensure the Agency is getting quality 

appraisals for the Guaranteed Loan Program. An explanation of the review types are as 

follows:

1. Administrative Reviews

Administrative reviews are performed by the Agency loan approval official or 

qualified designee on all appraisals prior to issuance of the Conditional Commitment. 

This review determines if there are inconsistencies in the appraisal report that may 

have to be addressed, or if a technical review should be completed by the Agency 

staff appraiser prior to issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee. Indicators that a 

technical review may be required will be documented on Form RD 1922-15.

• Administrative reviews are completed by the Agency on Form RD 1922-15. 

This form will be signed, dated, and retained in the Agency file for uploading. 

This review should be completed prior to issuance of the Conditional

Commitment.

• If there is a deficiency with an appraisal, the loan approval official should 

communicate the deficiency to the lender. These deficiencies should include 

items that affect loan security, value conclusions, or unacceptable property 

conditions.

2. Technical Desk Reviews

A technical desk review is performed to determine whether the appraisal was 

complete, was clearly reasoned, and had adequate support for the conclusion of value. 

Technical reviews are performed by the Agency Appraiser. Technical reviews 

completed by Agency appraisers must follow current USPAP.

• Technical desk reviews may be documented in any format that complies with 

USPAP and is acceptable for use by RD. Technical reviews should be selected 

in a random method. The percent of files randomly selected will be set by the 

direction of the SFHGLD. 
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Paragraph 12.5 Residential Appraisal Reports

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A director of the OPD, the Quality Assurance and Lender Oversight Division, or 

designated supervisory staff, will coordinate with Program Support Staff (PSS) in 

National Headquarters to establish internal management controls and systems to 

document and substantiate residential appraisal compliance activities, which will be 

evaluated during Internal Control Reviews, Single Family Housing program reviews, 

and other similar types of reviews. Technical desk reviews of appraisals received by 

the Agency provide a method of internal control by the appraisal review staff and 

ensure that appraisals received by the Agency are in compliance with USPAP and 

Agency regulations. A Director of the OPD, or designated supervisory staff, will 

support completion of technical desk reviews in coordination with PSS to achieve the 

appraisal quality control requirements of the Agency.

A technical review may also be requested by OPD staff when problems are 

detected on the administrative review that cannot or will not be addressed by the 

submitting lender or original appraiser. These problems must be significant and 

result in an appraisal which does not support the value conclusion. OPD staff will 

document the nature of their concerns on Form RD 1922-15. The appraisal will then 

be forwarded to the Appraisal Services Branch for a technical and/or field review 

prior to approval of the loan.

3. Technical Field Reviews

Field reviews will involve on-site visits to the subject property and the 

comparable properties used in the report. Field reviews are completed by Agency 

Appraisal staff on a random, spot-check basis to determine if the appraiser has 

followed accepted appraisal techniques and arrived at a logical conclusion.

• USPAP Standard 3 Review is used for technical field reviews. The reviewer 

may use any reporting format that complies with USPAP and is acceptable for 

use by RD. A director of the OPD, or designated supervisory staff, and the 

appraisal review staff are responsible for the administration of residential 

appraisal compliance and training. Appropriate actions will be initiated by a 

director of the OPD, or designated supervisory staff, and appraisal review 

staff to ensure compliance with USPAP and SFHGLP policies governing the 

residential appraisal process.

F. Appraisals in Remote Rural Areas, on Tribal Lands, or in Areas Lacking 

Market Activity

In remote, rural areas, on Tribal lands, or areas with a lack of market activity, as 

identified by the agency, it may be difficult to obtain adequate comparable sales to 

appraise a property. When the sales comparison approach cannot be developed for a 

credible opinion or conclusions regarding value, the lender’s appraiser may use other 
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Paragraph 12.5 Residential Appraisal Reports

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-13

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

methods in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice 

(USPAP) and perform an appraisal without completing the sales comparison approach to 

value. Appraisers must explain the exclusion of the sales comparison approach to value 

and document their efforts to obtain comparable market data along with an explanation 

for any sales data not used. The primary method that the appraiser is relying on should 

be summarized to the extent that the user or a review appraiser can understand the 

reasoning and support of the valuation and conclusions.

Remote rural areas are identified by the agency and are defined as areas with all the 

following characteristics:

• Scattered population;

• Low density of residences;

• Lack of basic shopping facilities;

• Lack of community and public services and facilities; and

• Lack of comparable sales data.

If the appraiser is using the cost approach, external depreciation based on the 

remoteness of the site must not be considered; however, factors that impact the site such 

as immediate proximity to a feedlot, factory, or other similar considerations should be 

included. If the appraiser is using the income approach, they must explain why the 

income and expenses used are comparable to the subject property. When a market is 

established in these areas, the Agency will again require the sales comparison approach to 

be used.

12.6 WATER AND WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMS [7 CFR 3555.201]

The site must have acceptable water and wastewater disposal systems to ensure the 

property is decent, safe, sanitary, and meets community standards. Public water and 

wastewater disposal systems are presumed to meet state and local requirements with no 

additional documentation or inspections. Private well and wastewater systems that meet 

the requirements in HUD Handbook 4000.1 or meet the requirements of local and/or state 

health authority do not require additional inspections other than water purity tests as 

discussed in this section. Evidence will be retained in the lender’s permanent loan file.

A. Water

Water systems, for existing or new construction, that require continuous or repetitive 
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Paragraph 12.6 Water and Wastewater Disposal Systems

12-14

treatment to be safe bacterially or chemically may be used if the individual water system,

with purification, meets the requirements of the state department of health or other 

comparable reviewing and regulatory authority.

1. Individual Privately Owned

• Individual water systems are owned and maintained by the homeowner and 

subject to compliance with all requirements of the local and/or State Health 

Authority codes. Water quality tests are required as follows:

o The water quality of the well must meet the requirements of the state or 

local authority. If the state or local authority does not have specific 

requirements, the maximum contaminant levels established by the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will apply.

o The local health authority or a state certified laboratory must perform a 

water quality analysis. The Safe Water Drinking Act does not apply to 

private wells. Contact the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 

426-4791 for referral to certified labs and other inquiries.

o The water analysis report must be no greater than 180 days old at loan 

closing. If the Agency is aware of any recent environmental impacts that 

may render the previous analysis invalid (for example – chemical spills, 

natural disasters, etc.) a new report may be required.

• The well location for individual water supply systems must be measured to 

establish the distance from the septic system. The separation distance between 

the well and septic systems must meet the SF Handbook (HUD Handbook 

4000.1) or be found acceptable by the Local and/or State Health Authority.

• Individual water systems/wells should be located on the subject property site. 

If located on an adjacent property, evidence of water rights and recorded 

maintenance agreement must be retained in the lender’s permanent loan file as 

acceptance of the well as the primary source of water.

2. Individual Privately Owned Shared

If the property is served by a shared well or off-site facility, the lender must 

ensure the private system will provide a continuous and adequate supply of safe and 

potable water. The following requirements must also be met:
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Paragraph 12.6 Water and Wastewater Disposal Systems 

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-15

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

• The well serves properties that cannot feasibly be connected to an acceptable 

public or community water supply system. It is the lender’s responsibility to 

make this determination.

• A shared well must have a valve on each dwelling.

• The water supply is adequate for all families served. A shared well must 

service no more than four living units or properties unless approved and 

enforced by the local code authority.

• The water quality of the well must meet the requirements of the state or local 

authority. If the state or local authority does not have specific requirements, 

the maximum contaminant levels established by the Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) will apply.

• The well must have an agreement that meets the following requirements:

o Is binding upon all signatory parties and their successors in title;

o Is recorded or will be recorded no later than the closing date; and

o Makes provisions for maintenance and repair of the system and the 

sharing of costs to do so. These provisions must include a permanent 

easement that allows access for maintenance and repair.

3. Community Owned

If the property is served by a community water system operated by a private 

corporation or nonprofit property owner’s association, the lender must ensure the 

following conditions are met:

• The system and the water supply meet all applicable federal, state and local 

requirements.

• The system has the capacity to provide a sufficient water supply during 

periodsof peak demand.

• The system is operated under a legally binding agreement that allows 

interested third parties to enforce the obligation of the operator to provide 

satisfactory service.
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Paragraph 12.6 Water and Wastewater Disposal Systems

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4. Required Inspections and Documentation

The lender must obtain documentation the water quality meets state and local 

standards as discussed in this section. Lenders will retain all documentation in their

permanent loan file. Inspection and documentation requirements are discussed later in 

this chapter.

5. Individual Water Systems in Hawaii and the Western Pacific Region

Due to the limited regulation provided by local ordinances and/or regulations of 

each jurisdiction in Hawaii and the Western Pacific Region regarding individual 

water systems (IWS), including rainwater catchment systems, the Agency has 

determined that an IWS is considered an eligible water system if the following 

conditions are met:

• The property is located in Hawaii or the Western Pacific Region;

• Property does not have an available affordable connection to a public or 

private community water system;

• The alternative water supply system, rainwater catchment system, complies 

with and/or is not prohibited by ordinances and/or regulations of the local 

jurisdiction in which the property is located;

• Water quality tests are not required if the state or local authority does not have 

specific requirements and EPA testing is not available;

• Reliance upon the rainwater catchment system, does not diminish the 

marketability or value of the property within its marketplace. The system must 

be typical for the area as described by the appraiser; and

• The applicant is required to acknowledge and certify of their responsibility to 

maintain the rain catchment system.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.6 Water and Wastewater Disposal Systems

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-17

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

B. Wastewater

1. Individual Privately Owned

The lender is required to obtain a septic evaluation. A qualified appraiser who 

certifies the property meets required HUD’s Single-Family Housing Policy 

Handbook, a government health authority, a licensed septic system professional, or a 

qualified home inspector may perform the septic evaluation. The septic evaluation 

may require additional inspections as a result of the inspection. The septic system 

must be free of observable evidence of failure. 

Existing dwellings appraised by a qualified appraiser, who indicates the dwelling 

meets the required HUD handbook policy does not require further septic certification; 

however, water supply systems must be measured to establish the distance from the 

septic system. The separation distance between the well and septic systems must meet 

the SF Handbook (HUD Handbook 4000.1) or be found acceptable by the local 

and/or State Health Authority.

If the property is served by an individual sewage disposal system, the lender must 

ensure the system:

• Meets any applicable requirements of the state or local health authority with 

jurisdiction;

• Is located entirely on the subject property. If any part of the system is located 

on an adjacent property (for example leach lines), evidence such as a 

perpetual encroachment easement must be recorded to establish the rights of 

the property owner’s permitted use; and

• Is operating properly and has the capacity to dispose of all domestic wastes in 

a manner that will not create a nuisance or endanger public health.

2. Community Owned

If the property is served by a community wastewater system operated by a private 

corporation or nonprofit property owner’s association, the lender must ensure that the 

system:

• Meets any applicable requirements of the state or local health authority with 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.6 Water and Wastewater Disposal Systems

12-18

jurisdiction;

• Is licensed, operating properly and has the capacity to dispose of all domestic 

wastes in a manner that will not create a nuisance or endanger public health;

and

• Is subject to a legally binding agreement that allows interested third parties to 

enforce the obligation of the operator to provide satisfactory service.

3. Required Inspections and Documentation

The lender must obtain documentation the wastewater system meets state and/or 

local standards. Lenders will retain all documentation in their permanent loan file. 

Inspection and documentation requirements are discussed later in this chapter.

12.7 STREET ACCESS AND ROAD MAINTENANCE [7 CFR 3555.201]

A. Access

The site must be contiguous to, and have direct access from, a public or private street, 

road, or driveway. Private roads or streets are acceptable provided each property has

vehicular or pedestrian access. Private roads or streets must be protected by permanent 

recorded easement (non-exclusive and non-revocable easement without trespass from the 

property to a public street) or the street must be maintained by a homeowner’s association 

(HOA). Shared driveways must also meet these requirements requiring a permanent 

recorded easement for ingress and egress. This agreement must be binding to successors 

and title. A copy of a title report, retained in the lender’s loan file, may be used to 

evidence the easement. Private streets must have a permanently recorded easement or be 

owned and maintained by a HOA. All evidence of recorded easements or maintenance 

agreements must be reviewed and approved by the approved lender’s underwriter and 

documented in the lender’s permanent loan file.

B. Maintenance

Streets and roads must be hard surfaced or all-weather surfaced. An all-weather 

surface is a road surface over which emergency and the area’s typical passenger vehicles 

can always pass. A publicly maintained road is automatically assumed to meet this 

requirement. If a HOA is responsible for maintaining streets and roads, it must meet the 

criteria set forth by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development (HUD), or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
HB-1-3555

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-19

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

SECTION 3: DWELLING REQUIREMENTS [7 CFR 3555.202]

12.8 MODEST HOUSING

There are no maximum mortgage limits for properties financed under the SFHGLP. 

Modest housing is defined as a new or existing dwelling that a low- or moderate-income 

borrower can afford based on their repayment ability. The property must not be primarily 

designed for income producing activity.

12.9 EXISTING AND NEW DWELLINGS

A. Existing Dwellings [7 CFR 3555.202(b)]

The objective of the SFHGLP is to assist eligible rural households in obtaining an

adequate, safe, and sanitary single-family home. Information regarding financing 

existing manufactured and modular homes may be found in Chapter 13 of this Handbook.

An existing dwelling may be attached, detached or semi-detached dwellings and must 

be inspected to determine the dwelling meets the current minimum property requirements 

of the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook (SF Handbook; HUD Handbook 4000.1, 

also known as HUD Handbook) or as superseded by HUD. An existing dwelling is 

defined as been completed for more than 12 months or has been completed less than 12 

months but has been previously occupied.

Qualified appraisers are licensed or certified and can attest the property meets HUD 

Handbook standards. It remains the lenders responsibility to determine if the appraiser is 

thoroughly familiar with the HUD Handbook. The appraiser may certify the requirements 

of the HUD Handbook have been met on page three of the appraisal form in the 

“comment” section, or in an addendum to the appraisal. 

Appraisers who are unfamiliar with the HUD Handbook standards should not certify 

that a property meets those standards and doing so constitutes a misrepresentation. If the 

qualified appraiser is unfamiliar with the HUD Handbook standards, the lender should 

obtain a home inspection report provided by a home inspector deemed qualified by the 

lender. Regardless of whether the appraisal is performed by a qualified appraiser or not, 

the appraiser must report all readily observable property deficiencies as well as any 

adverse conditions discovered performing the research involved in completing the

appraisal. 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

12-20

Required repairs under the noted handbooks are limited to those repairs necessary to 

preserve the continued marketability of the property and to protect the health and safety 

of the occupants. A property in which a qualified appraiser indicates is in average or 

good condition may be considered in good repair, though repairs may still be required 

by the lender. Lenders are responsible for ensuring the following guidelines are met:

• Lenders must encourage applicants to obtain a detailed home inspection of the 

property independent of the inspection noted above.

• All repair items required by the appraiser or underwriter must be inspected and 

the clearance documented and retained in the lender’s permanent loan file. As 

stated in the HUD Handbook, the responsibility for enforcing code rests with the 

local municipalities.

• Termite/pest inspections are required if the lender, appraiser, inspector, or State 

law requires the inspection to confirm the property is free of active infestation. 

• Lenders are not required to collect an inspection report to confirm thermal 

standards for existing dwellings. 

• Lenders must provide applicants with Form HUD-92564-CN, For Your 

Protection: Get a Home Inspection, with evidence maintained in the lender’s 

permanent loan file.

Lenders are responsible to determine if any repairs will be required to meet HUD 

Handbook standards. Lenders are reminded they are responsible for the acts of their 

agents, including appraisers. When lending to low- and moderate-income borrowers 

under the SFHGLP, lenders are expected to use professional judgment and rely upon 

prudent underwriting practices in determining when a property condition requires 

additional inspections or repairs.

Conditions that would warrant additional repairs include those that pose a threat to 

the safety of the occupants, jeopardize the soundness and structural integrity of the 

property, or adversely affect the likelihood of a low- or moderate-income borrower from 

becoming a successful homeowner.

HUD Handbooks and forms are located at:

https://hud.gov/program_offices/administration/handbks_forms
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings 

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-21

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

B. New Dwellings [7 CFR 3555.202(a)]

New dwellings must be designed and constructed in accordance with certified plans 

and specifications. Evidence of all of the items below must be retained in the lender’s 

permanent loan file:

• Certified plans and specifications

• Required construction inspections

• Thermal standards are met

Certifications may be accepted from individuals or organizations trained and 

experienced in the compliance, interpretation, or enforcement of the applicable 

development standards for drawings and specifications. One year builder warranties are 

deemed acceptable to the Agency when the policy is non-refundable or cancellable, the 

policy is from an insurance company licensed to do business in the state where the 

property is located, and the coverage includes (from effective date) at least one year for 

any defects caused by faulty workmanship or defective materials. This section will 

provide documentation options necessary to meet each of these requirements for both 

stick built and manufactured homes.

Information regarding financing new manufactured and modular homes may be found 

in Chapter 13 of this Handbook.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

12-22

1. Documentation Requirements for New Construction Stick Built Homes: 

Evidence of 

Certified Plans and Specs

Evidence of 

Construction Inspections

Evidence of

Thermal Standards

OPTION 1

Copy of the certification from 

a qualified individual or 

organization that the reviewed 

documents comply with 

applicable development

standards; OR

OPTION 1

Certificate of Occupancy issued 

by a local jurisdiction showing 

that it has performed at least the 

3 construction phase inspections, 

as identified in Section 12.9(B),

and an acceptable 1 year builder 

warranty; OR

OPTION 1

A qualified, registered 

architect or a qualified,

registered engineer may 

certify confirmation with

IECC standards;

OR

OPTION 2

Certificate of Occupancy 

issued by a local jurisdiction;

OR

OPTION 2

Three construction phase 

inspections performed at each of 

the phases identified in Section 

12.9(B), and an acceptable 1 

year builder warranty;

OR

OPTION 2

Builder may certify

confirmation with the IECC 

standards; 

OR

OPTION 3

Building Permit (or equivalent) 

issued by local jurisdiction.

OPTION 3

Final inspection and a 10-year

insured builder warranty. Builder 

backed 2/10 warranty fulfills the 

10-year warranty requirement.

OPTION 3

The final inspection,

or Certificate of

Occupancy issued by

a local jurisdiction.

The lender is responsible for obtaining one form of required evidence from the list of 

available source options in each category. This evidence must be kept in the lender's permanent 

loan file.

New Construction Certified Plans and Specifications for Stick Built Homes

The lender’s file must contain evidence the plans and specifications comply with all 

development standards* applicable to the new construction. Acceptable evidence 

includes:

1. Copy of the certification from a qualified individual or organization that the

reviewed documents comply with applicable development standards. Form RD 

1924-25 is an acceptable format but may not be required by the Agency for 

guaranteed loans.

-OR2. Certificate of Occupancy issued by a local jurisdiction.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-23

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

-OR3. Building Permit (or equivalent) issued by local jurisdiction.

The lender may accept certifications from individuals or organizations trained and 

experienced in the compliance, interpretation or enforcement of the applicable 

development standards* for drawings and specifications. Plan certifiers may be any of 

the following:

• Licensed architects;

• Professional engineers;

• Plan reviewers certified by a national model code organization;

• Local building officials authorized to review and approve building plans and 

specifications; or

• National codes organizations.

*Applicable development standards. The current International Code Council (ICC) 

standards or current state adopted ICC code(s) for residential construction.

Evidence of Construction Inspections for Stick Built Homes

The lender’s file must contain copies of the documents described in one of the 

following three options:

1. Certificate of Occupancy issued by a local jurisdiction showing that it has 

performed at least 3 construction phase inspections, including inspections noted in 

option 2 below and a 1-year builder warranty plan acceptable to Rural

Development.

-OR2. Three construction inspections performed when:

• Footings and foundation are ready to be poured and prior to back-filling;

• Shell is complete, but plumbing, electrical and mechanical work is still

exposed;

• Final inspection of completed work prior to occupancy; and

• A 1-year builder warranty plan acceptable to Rural Development. Builders 

may utilize their own warranty form, HUD-92544 or Form RD 1924-19. 

Applicants who build their own homes cannot provide a self-warranty.

-OR-
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

12-24

3. Final inspection and a 10-year insured builder warranty.

• Final Update and/or Completion Report (Fannie Mae Form 1004D/Freddie 

Mac Form 442) is acceptable as a final inspection, provided the appraiser is 

deemed qualified by the lender. 

• Builder backed 2/10 warranty fulfills the 10-year warranty requirement.

Evidence of Thermal Standards for New Construction Stick Built Homes

The lender’s file must contain evidence thermal standards meet or exceed the 

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in effect at the time of construction. 

Evidence of thermal standards are typically included in the plans and specs to which the 

dwelling is built. 

Documentation of conformance may be met by one of the following options:

1. A qualified, registered architect or a qualified, registered engineer may certify 

confirmation with IECC standards; or

2. The builder may certify confirmation with the IECC standards; or

3. The final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy issued by a local jurisdiction 

meets this requirement.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-25

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

2. Documentation Requirements for New Construction Manufactured Homes:

Evidence of 

Certified Plans and Specs

Evidence of 

Construction Inspections

Evidence of

Thermal Standards

OPTION 1

Copy of the certification from 

a qualified individual or 

organization that the reviewed 

documents comply with 

applicable development

standards; OR

OPTION 1

Certificate of Occupancy issued 

by a local jurisdiction showing 

that it has performed at least the

footing and final inspections, as

identified in Section 12.9(B), 

and an acceptable 1 year builder 

warranty; OR

OPTION 1

HUD Data Plate confirmation 

with IECC standards;

OR

OPTION 2

Certificate of Occupancy 

issued by a local jurisdiction;

OR

OPTION 2

Footing and final inspections 

performed by a qualified 

inspector as identified in Section 

12.9(B), and an acceptable 1 

year

builder warranty;

OR

OPTION 2

Builder may certify

confirmation with the IECC 

standards; 

OR

OPTION 3

Building Permit (or equivalent) 

issued by local jurisdiction.

OPTION 3

Final inspection and a 10-year

insured builder warranty. Builder 

backed 2/10 warranty fulfills the 

10-year warranty requirement.

OPTION 3

The final inspection, or

Certificate of Occupancy 

issued by a local jurisdiction.

The lender is responsible for obtaining one form of required evidence from the list of 

available source options in each category. This evidence must be kept in the lender's permanent 

loan file. Warranty documents for manufactured homes must include the serial number.

New Construction Certified Plans and Specifications for Manufactured Homes

The lender’s file must contain evidence the plans and specifications comply with all 

development standards* applicable to the new construction. Acceptable evidence 

includes:

1. Copy of the certification from a qualified individual or organization that the

reviewed documents comply with applicable development standards. Form RD 

1924-25 is an acceptable format but may not be required by the Agency for 

guaranteed loans.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

12-26

-OR2. Certificate of Occupancy issued by a local jurisdiction.

-OR3. Building Permit (or equivalent) issued by local jurisdiction.

The lender may accept certifications from individuals or organizations trained and 

experienced in the compliance, interpretation or enforcement of the applicable 

development standards* for drawings and specifications. Plan certifiers may be any of 

the following:

1. Licensed architects;

2. Professional engineers;

3. Plan reviewers certified by a national model code organization;

4. Local building officials authorized to review and approve building plans and 

specifications; or

5. National codes organizations.

*Applicable development standards. The current International Code Council (ICC) 

standards or current state adopted ICC code(s) for residential construction.

Evidence of Construction Inspections for Manufactured Homes

The lender’s file must contain copies of the documents described in one of the 

following three options:

1. Certificate of Occupancy issued by a local jurisdiction showing that it has 

performed at least 2 construction phase inspections, which must include the

inspections noted in option 2 below and a 1-year builder warranty plan 

acceptable to Rural Development.

-OR2. Two construction inspections performed when:

• Footings and foundation are ready to be poured and prior to back-filling;

• Final inspection of completed work prior to occupancy; and

• A 1-year builder warranty plan acceptable to Rural Development. Builders 

may utilize their own warranty form, HUD-92544 or Form RD 1924-19. 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-27

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

Applicants who build their own homes cannot provide a self-warranty.

-OR3. Final inspection and a 10-year insured builder warranty.

• Final Update and/or Completion Report (Fannie Mae Form 1004D/Freddie 

Mac Form 442) is acceptable as a final inspection, provided the appraiser is 

deemed qualified by the lender. 

• Builder backed 2/10 warranty fulfills the 10-year warranty requirement.

Evidence of Thermal Standards for New Construction Manufactured Homes

The lender’s file must contain evidence thermal standards meet or exceed the 

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in effect at the time of construction. 

Evidence of thermal standards are typically included in the plans and specs to which the 

dwelling is built. 

Documentation of conformance may be met by one of the following options:

1. A HUD Data Plate confirmation with IECC standards; or

2. The builder may certify confirmation with the IECC standards; or

3. The final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy issued by a local jurisdiction 

meets this requirement.

In general, the lender has primary responsibility for all loan origination activities. The 

Agency has primary responsibility to review lenders’ actions and monitor participants’ 

compliance with program requirements. The Agency will not require the lender to 

routinely submit documentation maintained in the lender’s file regarding new 

construction that is not required to be submitted under program guidelines, such as:

• Copies of plans, drawings, and specifications;

• Certifications regarding the plans, drawings, and specifications. Although lenders 

may voluntarily elect to use Form RD 1924-25, this form is not a required form 

for the SFHGLP. The certification may be on the plans and drawings, a separate 

form, or on any document that conveys the necessary information;

• Building permits;
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

12-28

• Copies of new construction inspections, including pest and termite inspections

that the lender may opt to collect as part of state laws or investor requirements;

• Occupancy certificates; and

• Copies of construction warranties.

The Agency has the option to request any of these documents in appropriate 

situations such as:

• The Agency is performing a processing review of a newly approved lender;

• The Agency is performing a periodic review of the lender’s compliance with 

program regulations;

• The Agency believes the lender is not fulfilling the obligations of the Lender 

Agreement and/or program guidelines; or

• The Agency is reviewing a loss claim.

New home purchase transactions that cannot meet the minimum required plan 

certification, inspections, and warranty document requirements outlined in this paragraph 

are limited to a 90 percent loan to value (LTV). The lender may loan the one-time upfront 

guarantee fee in addition to the limiting 90 percent LTV.

C. Repair Escrows for Existing and New Dwellings, Post Issuance of the LoanNote 

Guarantee [7 CFR 3555.202(c)]

Repair escrows, post issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee, are acceptable provided 

the home is habitable, as determined by the lender. All items of new construction or 

repairs must be 100 percent (100%) complete in accordance with plans and 

specifications, except for minor items not affecting the livability of the structure or that 

cannot be completed due to weather conditions. This section does not apply to the Single 

Close Combination Construction to Permanent Loans or Rehabilitation or Repair Loans. 

The lender assumes responsibility for completion of repairs in accordance with the 

conditions set forth in this Section for any repair escrow established. Lenders may utilize 

Attachment 12-E, Repair Escrow and Rehabilitation & Repair with Purchase 

Comparison, when determining how repairs or rehabilitation may be financed.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-29

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

Repair items will be required to be completed within 180 days of loan closing. This 

period may be extended, at the discretion of the Agency, for homes that need exterior 

repairs but are in an area experiencing inclement weather conditions. The maximum 

exterior repair escrow period when an extension is granted is limited to 240 days.

Extensions may be granted beyond 180 days for exterior escrows only.

The Agency may issue a Loan Note Guarantee prior to the completion of interior or 

exterior repairs provided all the following conditions are met:

• The incomplete work does not affect the livability of the dwelling, nor the health 

or safety of the occupants;

• A signed contract between the borrower and the contractor is in effect for the 

proposed work;

• The funds to be escrowed are not less than 100 percent of the repair cost contract. 

The loan underwriter may determine the escrow amount, which could exceed the 

repair cost;

• The Closing Disclosure reflects the holdback;

• The development will be complete within 180 days of closing, unless an 

extension is granted by the Agency for inclement weather conditions;

• The escrow account is established in a federally supervised financial institution; 

and

• An inspection report certifying the defect/repair has been properly repaired. 

Certification of completion is required to verify the work was completed and 

must:

o Be completed by the appraiser;

o State that the improvements were completed in accordance with the 

requirements and conditions in the original appraisal report;

o Be accompanied by photographs of the completed improvements; and

o The individual performing the final inspection of the property must sign the 

completion report.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.9 Existing and New Dwellings

12-30

The lender is responsible for monitoring the completion of the work and the release of 

funds to pay for the work. All documentation supporting the development and

confirmation of the completion will be retained in the lender’s permanent loan file and is 

subject to the certification of Form RD 3555-18/18E. Funds that remain in the escrow 

account, after the completion of all required repairs, must be utilized for an eligible loan 

purpose or applied to the principal balance of the permanent loan. Personal funds of the 

borrower utilized to fund the repair escrow (excluding loan funds or a seller concession) 

may be returned to the borrower. A seller’s personal funds utilized to fund the repair 

escrow (excluding a seller concession as part of the sales contract) may be returned to the

seller.

Escrow completion for interior or exterior repairs on an existing dwelling – without 

the assistance of a contractor

When a borrower will complete the planned interior or exterior development on an 

existing dwelling without the services of a contractor, the requirement for an executed 

contract noted in this section is waived when these three conditions are met:

• The estimated cost to complete the work is not greater than 10 percent of the total 

loan amount;

• The escrow amount is less than or equal to $10,000; and

• The lender has determined the borrower has the knowledge, skills and time 

necessary to complete the work within the maximum 180-day limit.

All remaining requirements as noted at Paragraph 12.9 C are applicable. The lender is 

responsible for monitoring the completion of the work and the release of funds for 

payment of the work. All documentation supporting the planned development and 

completion will be retained in the lender’s permanent loan file and is subject to the

certification of Form RD 3555-18/18E. Funds remaining in the escrow account upon 

completion of the work, that are representative of loan funds or a seller concession, as 

part of the sales contract, will be used to reduce the unpaid principal balance of the 

mortgage or utilized for an eligible loan purpose. Personal funds of the borrower utilized 

to fund the repair escrow (excluding loan funds or a seller concession) may be returned to 

the borrower. A seller’s personal funds utilized to fund the repair escrow (excluding a 

seller concession as part of thesales contract) may be returned to the seller.
HB-1-3555

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-31

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS [7 CFR 3555.5]

12.10 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

A. Due Diligence

Lenders are required to utilize due diligence regarding potential environmental 

hazards to ensure the property is safe, sanitary, and has sufficient value to adequately 

secure the loan. The property must be free to the maximum extent possible of any known 

hazards that may have adverse effects on the health and safety of the occupants. The 

structural soundness of the dwelling must ensure customary use and enjoyment of the 

property by the occupants. While the Agency does not specify how the lender’s due 

diligence must be conducted, the level of review must be equivalent to the standards 

established by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), or the 

United States Veterans Administration (VA).

Appraisers play an important role in identifying potential environmental hazards by 

notifying the lender of concerns identified during their visit to the property. The appraiser 

is required to note readily observable conditions. If the lender knows or is informed by 

another party of a potential hazard, the information must be disclosed to the appraiser. 

Lenders must follow up on all potential environmental hazards identified by an appraiser 

to determine the nature and scope of the problem, and the impact the problem is likely to 

have on the property’s value. If potential environmental hazards are noted, the lender 

must carefully document the suspected problem and the findings of its investigation.

If the lender’s investigation reveals an environmental hazard does exist, the lender 

must ensure the hazard is mitigated before requesting the loan guarantee.

B. Flood Hazards

The lender must complete, or arrange for a contractor to complete, FEMA Form FF206-FY-21-116, Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form (SFHDF), to determine 

whether the dwelling is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) in accordance with the 

National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994.

Existing dwellings located in a SFHA are eligible for the SFHGLP when flood 

insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available for the 

community and flood insurance, whether NFIP, “write your own,” or private flood 

insurance, is purchased by the borrower. Lenders are required to accept private flood 

insurance policies that meet the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 4012a (b)(1)(A) and remain 

responsible for ensuring private policies continue to meet this requirement. Insurance 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.10 Hazard Identification

12-32

must be obtained as a condition of closing and maintained for the life of the loan for 

existing residential structures when any portion of the structure is determined to be in a 

SFHA, including decks, carports, etc. However, according to the Homeowner Flood 

Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) of 2014, flood insurance is not required for any 

additional structures that are located on the property but are detached from the primary 

residential structure and do not serve as a residence, such as sheds, garages, or other 

ancillary structures. Existing dwellings financed through the SFHGLP are not subject to 

the requirement within RD Instruction 1970, Subpart F,which requires a search for 

practicable off-site alternatives to purchasing an existing dwelling within the SFHA.

New or proposed construction in an SFHA is ineligible for a loan guarantee unless:

• A final Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or final Letter of Map Revision 

(LOMR) that removes the property from the SFHA is obtained from FEMA;

• The lender obtains a FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Elevation 

Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152). The flood elevation certificate 

must document that the lowest floor (including the basement) of the residential

building, and all related improvements/equipment essential to the value of the 

property, are built at or above the 100-year flood elevation in compliance with 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) criteria. The flood elevation certificate 

must be prepared by a licensed engineer or surveyor; or

• Documentation is included in the file in accordance with RD Instruction 1970 

Subpart F, that there is a demonstrated need for the SFHGLP and there are no 

practicable alternatives to new construction within the SFHA that are acceptable 

to the applicant(s). Examples include but are not limited to the following: the 

entire community is located within the SFHA, there are no comparable homes to 

the proposed new dwelling, the existing housing stock is unacceptable to the 

applicant, etc.

Note: Part of the site may be in the SFHA without triggering these requirements if no 

part of the dwelling is in the SFHA. At the lender’s discretion they may require flood 

insurance even if the residential building and related improvements to the property are 

not located within the SFHA, but the lender has reason to believe that the building and 

related improvements to the property may be vulnerable to damage from flooding.

Existing dwellings and newly constructed dwellings located within the SFHA which 

are not served by public sewer systems and have on-site septic or sewage treatment 

systems must have a drinking water supply which is protected from cross contamination 

from the onsite septic/sewage treatment during flooding. A property serviced by an onsite septic or sewage treatment system is eligible under this Section, provided one of the 

following can be met:
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.10 Hazard Identification 

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-33

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

• The property is served by a publicly provided water supply.

• The property is serviced by a private drinking water well/supply with a fitted 

sanitary well cap which prevents backflow floodwater from entering the drinking 

supply well.

• The property is served by a private drinking water well/supply whose opening is 

located above the base flood elevation of the SFHA. Additional documentation, 

such as an elevation certificate, will be required to verify this type of property.

Flood insurance is not required for properties located in unmapped communities. 

Since these are often newly developed areas where the potential for flooding is unknown, 

lenders have the discretion to require flood coverage as a condition of the loan.

SECTION 5: CONDOMINIUMS [7 CFR 3555.205]

12.11 CONDOMINIUMS AND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS

A. General Condominium Project Requirements

Condominium projects typically consist of multi-unit buildings governed by a

Homeowner’s Association (HOA). Each condominium unit is a single family dwelling 

that is individually owned, and the common areas such as hallways and recreational 

facilities are owned by all the unit owners. Condominium projects may consist of 

attached, semi-detached, detached or manufactured housing units.

Lenders may request a Conditional Commitment for Loan Note Guarantee for a 

condominium unit if the condominium project:

• Can be approved in accordance with HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie 

Mac, as applicable; or

• Has been approved or accepted by HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.11 Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments

12-34

A Condominium Rider must supplement the Mortgage or Deed of Trust. HOA dues 

for dwellings in a condominium project must be included in total debt-to-income. Aside 

from the lender certification to Rural Development, all condominium documentation 

should remain in the lender’s permanent loan file and should be available upon request. 

Full documentation will be requested if the lender fails to certify the condominium unit 

meets the requirements of HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac project approval 

or acceptance.

When there is an indication that a condominium unit or project does not meet the 

requirements of HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the Agency will request 

additional documentation from the lender. If the condominium unit or project does not 

meet the stated requirements as certified or warranted by the lender, the Agency may 

refuse to issue a conditional commitment or loan note guarantee. 

1. Ineligible Condominiums

Condominium projects with ineligible characteristics listed under HUD/FHA,

VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac guidelines are not eligible for guarantee. Lenders 

are responsible for verifying eligibility at the time of loan underwriting.

2. Acceptability of a Non-Approved Condominium Project

Lenders who meet the conditional authority and who have staff with knowledge 

and expertise in reviewing and approving condominium projects in accordance with 

HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, as applicable, may determine the 

acceptability of the condominium project. Lenders may refer to HUD/FHA, VA, 

Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac for additional guidance in performing their approval 

review of the condominium project. Lender representation and certification of project 

approval may be accepted as long as the lender meets the self-certification criteria set 

forth by HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is done so consistently with 

standards and regulations set forth by each entity. By submitting the request for 

Conditional Commitment for Loan Note Guarantee, the lender represents the

condominium project meets the requirements set forth by HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie 

Mae or Freddie Mac. 

Lenders must retain evidence they have reviewed condominium documentation 

that supports the project’s approval or acceptance by HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or 

Freddie Mac and that the documentation remains available in the lender’s permanent 

loan file for verification purposes. When requested, the lender must provide such 

documentation to Agency staff for verification of compliance with HUD/FHA, VA, 

Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac regulations.
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.11 Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-35

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

3. Underwriting a Condominium Unit in an Approved Condominium Project (by 

HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac)

Units in a condominium project are eligible for a guarantee if the condominium 

project has been approved or accepted by HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie 

Mac. For all loans secured by a condominium unit, in a condominium project, the 

lender must perform an underwriting review of the condominium project to ensure the

unit is approved or accepted by HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. 

Participating lenders may certify to Rural Development that they have reviewed the 

condominium documentation that supports project approval or acceptance, and that 

the condominium is in compliance with HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac 

guidelines. The lender may indicate compliance by stating the project classification 

on the Uniform Underwriting and Transmittal Summary (Fannie Mae Form 1008, 

Freddie Mac Form 1077). The lender may utilize Rural Development’s Attachment 

12-B, to this Chapter, “Rural Development Condominium Certification.” Use of the 

Condominium Certification Form is optional. Lenders who receive an “Accept” 

underwriting recommendation through GUS, may be requested to present 

documentation confirming the condominium unit meets the eligibility criteria of this 

section.

Lenders may refer to HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac for additional 

guidance in performing their underwriting review of the condominium project. In

addition, the lender must ensure that the condominium meets all the applicable 

requirements for units in approved condominium projects at the time of underwriting. 

Lenders may use Form HUD-9991, FHA Condominium Loan Level/Single-Unit 

Approval Questionnaire, or similar, to document these requirements.

a. Insurance 

The lender is responsible for ensuring the condominium project and the unit 

are adequately insured. 

(i) Walls-In (HO-6) Insurance: Applicants remain responsible for obtaining 

individual homeowners’ insurance to cover the interior of the unit and 

personal property inside the unit. The lender must verify the applicant has 

obtained a Walls-In (HO-6) policy if the condominium project’s master or 

blanket policy does not include interior unit coverage.

(ii) Hazard Insurance: The HOA must obtain and maintain adequate hazard 

insurance for the entire condominium project. Lenders must verify that 

the HOA has a master or blanket hazard insurance policy for the entire 

condominium project that provides coverage and compensation for 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.11 Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments

12-36

physical damage resulting from fire, wind, or natural occurrences.

(iii)Flood Insurance: The lender must verify if the unit in the condominium 

project is located in a SFHA and ensure that the HOA obtains and 

maintains adequate flood insurance for buildings in a condominium 

project located within the SFHA. 

A Condominium Rider must supplement the Mortgage or Deed of Trust. HOA 

dues for dwellings in a condominium project must be included in total debt-toincome. Aside from the lender certification to Rural Development, all condominium 

documentation should remain in the lender’s permanent loan file and should be 

available upon request. Full documentation will be requested if the lender fails to 

certify the condominium unit meets the requirements of HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae 

or Freddie Mac project approval or acceptance.

When there is an indication that a condominium unit or project does not meet the 

requirements of HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the Agency will 

request additional documentation from the lender. If the condominium unit or project 

does not meet the stated requirements as certified or warranted by the lender, the 

Agency may refuse to issue a conditional commitment or loan note guarantee.

B. Planned Unit Developments [7 CFR 3555.207]

A planned unit development (PUD) is a project or subdivision that includes common 

property that is owned and maintained by a homeowner’s association (HOA) for the 

benefit of use by the individual PUD unit owners. All homeowners in the PUD must be 

part of the HOA and pay lien supported assessments. A PUD can consist of 

condominiums, townhomes or detached single family homes that are served by a HOA.

HOA dues for dwellings in a PUD must be included in total debt-to-income 

calculations. Condominium projects located within a PUD may have a separate 

condominium HOA fee in addition to the PUD HOA fee. In this case, both HOA fess 

must be included in total debt-to-income calculations.

The mortgage industry, including other Government housing programs like FHA, 

now recognize that PUD dwellings do not pose any more risk than single family 

dwellings not part of a PUD. Loans may be guaranteed for PUD single family dwellings 

the same as for single family dwellings not in a PUD.
HB-1-3555

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-37

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

SECTION 6: COMBINATION CONSTRUCTION TO PERMANENT LOANS

[7 CFR 3555.105]

A combination construction to permanent loan, also known as a “single-close loan,” 

can be offered to eligible applicants by approved lenders with appropriate construction 

lending experience and adequate controls for interim construction cost disbursements. 

The criteria for this type of loan are described in the following sections below.

12.12 SINGLE-CLOSE FEATURES

A single-close loan combines the features of a construction loan, which is a shortterm interim loan for financing the cost of construction, and the traditional long-term 

permanent residential mortgage. The approved lender makes the loan to an eligible 

applicant. There is a one-time closing prior to the start of construction. At closing, funds 

are disbursed to cover the cost of land and applicable closing costs, subject to the 

maximum loan to value. The lender will be responsible for managing the disbursement of 

the loan proceeds during construction to the builder/contractor from custodial account 

known as the "lenders construction holdback". Written approval from the borrower must 

be obtained prior to each draw payment. In GUS, the lender will select Purchase as the

loan purpose type on the Loan and Property Information page. On the Lender Loan 

Information page, the lender will identify the transaction detail as ConstructionConversion/Construction-to-Permanent and select the Single-Closing radio button.

If the applicant is currently renting, the rent payment may be excluded from the total 

debt ratio if the lender obtains documentation verifying the applicant will no longer be 

liable for rent payments under the lease agreement once the financed single-close 

construction home is completed. If the applicant is currently renting and will remain

liable for rent payments under the lease agreement even after the single-close 

construction home is completed, the rent payment must be included in the total debt ratio.

If the applicant’s current principal residence is pending sale, but the transaction will 

not be complete prior to the commencement of the applicant’s new SFHGLP construction 

loan, the existing PITI payment and the proposed PITI payment must be used in 

qualifying the applicant for the new guaranteed mortgage loan. The lender may exclude 

the existing PITI payment under the following conditions:

• The new loan is a SFHGLP single close construction loan;
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.12 Single Close Features

12-38

• The lender can document an executed sales contract for the current residence; a

• The lender can confirm that any financing contingencies have been cleared.

The permanent mortgage loan interest rate, which is used for underwriting, is 

established at closing.

The Loan Note Guarantee may be issued once the interim construction loan is closed 

without waiting for completion of the subject property. An optional checklist, Attachment

12-C of this Chapter, has been developed to assist lenders with their project review.

12.13 LENDER REQUIREMENTS

Approved lenders will be responsible for monitoring construction of the subject 

property, overseeing disbursement of mortgage proceeds, and obtaining documentation 

that confirms the construction of the subject property is complete. By submitting the 

request for the Conditional Commitment, the lender is self-certifying that they have staff 

with two or more years’ experience making and administering construction loans, or 

employ a construction loan management company with two or more years' experience as 

their agent. Lenders are responsible to ensure that builders’ experience is relevant to the 

loan type. Repair and renovation experience is not a substitute for experience making and 

administrating new construction loans. The lender must meet the following conditions to 

offer this loan feature:

• Lenders will ensure the utilization of a fixed price construction contract;

• Conduct investigations and obtain documentation to confirm the eligibility of 

construction contractors/builders, and their construction loan management 

company if they contract one;

• Approve construction contractors, construction loan management companies, or 

builders upon submittal and review of evidence the contractor/builder meets 

requirements set forth in Paragraph 12.14 of this Chapter;

• Agree to retain evidence of contractor/builder/construction loan management 

company approval for future review by the Agency;

• For loans closed prior to commencement of construction:

o Loans securitized individually may disburse proceeds for the cost of the land, 

or the balance owed on the land, and Agency allowed closing costs. Any 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.13 Lender Requirements 

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-39

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

o balance of the mortgage proceeds, including the “custodial reserve account,” 

must be placed into a reserve account.

o Lenders utilizing a warehouse line of credit will not be required to disburse all 

funds at closing nor required to reserve all funds prior to the commencement 

of construction.

• Approve and disburse mortgage proceeds in accordance with the construction 

loan agreement, with prior written approval by the borrower and confirmation of 

work completion prior to disbursement. The lender must maintain a draw and 

disbursement ledger for each single close loan.

The lender is representing they meet the criteria of this section when requesting a 

commitment for loan note guarantee.

12.14 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR-BUILDER REQUIREMENTS

A key to the success of the loan feature will be the financial stability and reputation of 

the builder constructing the home. The approved lender and their agent, if any, will be 

responsible for approving participating builders. Each builder seeking to participate will 

be subjected to a process that involves license verification, insurance validation, and 

reference verification. Owner-builders are ineligible for this loan feature. Lenders are 

required to document their determination for eligibility of the builder to participate in the 

Rural Development mortgage transaction as further described in Chapter 15.

Construction contractors or builders of homes financed with the single close loan 

must have:

• Two or more years of experience building and constructing all aspects ofsinglefamily dwellings similar to the type of project being proposed;

• Evidence of a state-issued construction or contractor license, as required by state 

law or local law; and

• Evidence of commercial general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of

$500,000.

Contractors or builders who are constructing their own residence are ineligible. The 

lender is representing the builder meets the criteria of this paragraph when requesting a 

commitment for loan note guarantee. 
HB-1-3555

12-40

12.15 ELIGIBLE LOAN COSTS

The loan will be used to finance the construction of a new single-family housing 

residence, which can include modular and manufactured home construction. 

Condominiums, including detached condominiums and site condominiums, are ineligible 

for this type of loan feature.

Any item included in the cost to construct the home must be commonly and 

customarily included in the cost to construct other homes in the area where the subject 

property is located. A contingency reserve to cover eligible expenses associated with

unplanned problems with construction or change orders may be utilized. If used, the 

reserve is limited to 10% of the cost of construction (including labor, materials and soft 

costs). Reserve funds must be deposited into the construction reserve account. The cost to 

construct must not include items such as furniture, electronic and home entertainment 

equipment, or other personal items.

Loan costs which may be included in the loan amount are subject to the maximum 

loan to value and will be reasonable and customary construction costs such as:

Land

• Acquisition cost of the land;

• Payoff the balance of land to be utilized in the construction of the dwelling.

Construction Hard Costs

• Costs inside the contract to be detailed on the construction budget agreed upon by 

the builder and borrower; and

• Costs outside of the contract, paid to subcontractors, for contributive work such as

well and septic installation, roads/driveways, utility hookups, landscaping, etc.

Construction Soft Costs

• Appraisal fees

• Inspection fees

• Survey

• Permit plan review fees
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.15 Eligible Loan Costs

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-41

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

• Architecture or design fees

• Engineering fees

• Title updates

• Lender construction administration fees

• Contingency reserve

• Interest reserve including interim interest as accrued, during the construction 

period, on a warehouse line of credit up to 12 months

• Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) payment reserve up to 12 months

• Project review fees

• Builder acceptance or review fees

• Tax and insurance reserve

Other reasonable and customary closing costs are allowable as defined in Chapter 6 

of this Handbook, as long as the costs do not exceed the maximum loan to value 

described in Chapter 7.

12.16 PLAN AND THERMAL CERTIFICATION

Certification of plans and confirmation of thermal requirements are required in 

accordance with Paragraph 12.9B.

12.17 APPRAISALS

The fair market value, as determined by a licensed or certified appraiser in 

accordance with regulation 3555.107(d), of the proposed (to-be constructed) subject 

property will be utilized to establish the maximum loan amount. 
HB-1-3555

12-42

12.18 BUILDER WARRANTY

A builder’s warranty will be provided to the borrower in accordance with Paragraph

12.9B.

12.19 LOAN APPROVAL PROCESS

Issuance of a Conditional Commitment will be in accordance with Chapter 15 of this 

Handbook. The approved lender must submit the construction contract executed by the 

applicant and builder with each single-close request.

12.20 LOAN CLOSING

Standard industry closing documents are utilized when closing a single-close loan. 

The lender is responsible for ensuring all applicable security documents, including a valid 

and enforceable Note, are completed at loan closing. The lender is responsible for any 

state specific construction related requirements that may influence the validity of the first 

lien or the construction disbursement process. The date of closing will be the date the 

interim construction loan is closed. These construction documents may be in any form 

acceptable to the lender.

At closing, the term of the loan is for thirty years. During construction, interest on 

the construction loan is payable monthly, either directly from the borrower or indirectly 

drawn from an established reserve account. If the lender elects not to establish a reserve 

account and the borrower will pay these expenses directly, clear documentation that they

possess the ability to do so must be demonstrated in the application package. The interest 

rate during the construction period must be a fixed rate. Adjustable interest rates during 

construction are not allowed.

• Warehouse line of credit lenders may opt for dual loan disclosures to the borrower 

disclosing the terms of the interim construction period and a separate disclosure 

for the terms of the permanent loan, or they may choose a single disclosure 

method that blends the terms of the construction portion and the permanent loan. 

Lenders may establish an interest only or PITI reserve account. If the lender

elects not to collect a PITI reserve account to make the regularly scheduled PITI 

payment during the construction period, only interest payments on the advanced 

construction loan balance will be due and paid during the construction phase. 

Once construction has been completed, excess funds from the contingency reserve 

account, if any, will be applied as a principal curtailment. The loan may be 

reamortized to achieve full repayment for the remainder of the loan term. When a 

loan is reamortized via a modification, the lender can also reduce the permanent 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.20 Loan Closing

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-43

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

interest rate. In such cases, the lender must provide an executed loan 

reamortization agreement (modification agreement) to confirm the existence of 

the permanent loan and the corresponding amortizing interest rate on the 

mortgage loan. Amortization must begin no later than the first of the month, 60 

days from the final inspection.

• Lenders who securitize the loan immediately after loan closing may elect to 

establish a reserve account for the borrower’s regularly scheduled PITI payment 

from the original loan closing. The established PITI reserve account will then be 

utilized to make the monthly loan payments on the amortized loan during the 

construction period. This alleviates the requirement for a loan modification or 

reamortization at the end of the construction period and allows the lender to 

securitize the loan prior to the completion of construction. Once construction has 

been completed, excess funds from the contingency reserve account, if any, will 

be applied as principal curtailment.

Annual guarantee fees will begin to accrue upon loan closing and will be due and 

payable each year upon the anniversary of the initial loan closing.

At the completion of construction, the lender should obtain the appraiser’s final 

inspection, a certificate of occupancy, a final endorsement to the title policy clear of all 

liens and retain evidence in the lender’s permanent loan file. The approved lender 

monitoring the construction of the subject dwelling should retain a certification stating 

the dwelling has been completed and ready for occupancy, construction phase inspections

have been conducted and the required warranty coverage has been obtained. Attachment 

12-D of this Chapter is an example of a lender certification.

The approved lender (i.e. the lender identified on the Loan Note Guarantee) will 

finalize the single-close transaction by completing the Single Close Construction/Rehab

page in the Lender Loan Closing (LLC) system. Users must have security permissions to 

access the LLC. Upon logging into the system, the user will be routed to the Single 

Family Housing Lender Administration List page. The loan can be found by searching on 

USDA Borrower ID, Borrower SSN, Borrower Name/Property State or Lender Loan 

Number. Note: User will need to toggle the default selection for Request Type from

Obligations to Loans in order to find the borrower/loan. Once the loan is found, user 

must select Single Close Construction/Rehab from the Action dropdown menu and then 

select the hyperlinked Borrower ID associated with the request. In the 

Construction/Rehab Completion Information section of the page, the user will choose 

from the following options for Completion Type: Principal Reduction Only, Principal 

Reduction with Loan Modification, or Construction Complete (No Principal Reduction or

Loan Modification). The page will dynamically display fields necessary for completion 

based on the Completion Type selected. 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.20 Loan Closing 

12-44

Document upload is required to process the transaction when Completion Type is 

either Principal Reduction Only (requires evidence of the principal reduction) or 

Principal Reduction with Loan Modification (requires evidence of the principal reduction 

and a copy of the Loan Modification Agreement). Documents are to be uploaded via the 

Lender Upload Document(s) pushbutton located on the SFH Construction/Rehab page. 

When more than one type of document is to be uploaded, the user must upload each 

document separately using the Type of Document dropdown to uniquely identify each 

document being uploaded. Once the page has been completed, the user must select the 

Submit pushbutton at the bottom of the page to transmit the information to USDA. 

12.21 AGE OF DOCUMENTS

Credit and verification documents must be dated within 120 days of the original 

closing date to be valid. If the documentation exceeds the condition time frame, the 

lender must obtain updated credit and/or appraisal documents and re-qualify the borrower 

before the loan note guarantee can be requested and/or issued.

12.22 ISSUANCE OF THE LOAN NOTE GUARANTEE

The loan guarantee may be issued by Rural Development prior to the construction of 

the home being complete. The loan guarantee will be for the full amount of the loan 

closed. The guarantee fee structure for a single-close loan will be equal to a purchase 

transaction. Prior to requesting the guarantee, the lender is responsible for ensuring that 

the loan is properly closed, closing conditions are met and the guarantee fee is collected

Loan closing instructions in accordance with Chapter 16 and Electronic Status 

Reporting (ESR) in accordance with Chapter 17 of this Handbook are applicable.

12.23 CONSTRUCTION DRAWS

Draws and disbursements will be managed by the approved lender. The lender is 

required to maintain a draw and disbursement ledger for any loan guarantee request. The 

borrower and lender will be jointly responsible for approving disbursements to the 

builder during the construction phase. Total disbursements should not exceed the value of 

the realized material cost and the percentage of work in place with the exception of an 

initial disbursement to commence construction. When funds are disbursed, the lender is 

warranting to Rural Development the work was done as specified. The lender will 

maintain documentation in their file evidencing the work was completed for the draw 

which was disbursed. At a minimum, documentation should include evidence of a thirdparty inspection, signed conditional lien waiver from the contractor/builder, and a title 

insurance endorsement for each draw.
HB-1-3555

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-45

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

12.24 CHANGE ORDERS

Lenders will approve any change orders during construction. The borrower(s) will be 

responsible for any costs related to change orders that exceed available funds in the 

contingency reserve account, or for ineligible loan purposes that occur post loan closing. 

Proposed changes, during the course of construction, should not affect the scope of the 

project and/or affect the appraised value.

12.25 CASH BACK TO BORROWER

The borrower is not to receive funds after closing. Lenders must apply any excess

funds from the construction proceeds to reduce the principal balance of the permanent 

loan. In the event funds remain after closing from unused prepaid expenses including, 

but not limited to, per diem interest to the end of the month on the new loan, hazard 

insurance premium deposits, and/or real estate tax deposits needed to establish the escrow 

accounts, the borrower may receive cash back if the borrower paid these items from their 

personal funds and they do not represent loan funds. Funds that remain in the 

contingency reserve account, after the completion of construction, may be utilized for an 

eligible loan purpose or applied to the principal balance of the permanent loan.

12.26 MORTGAGE FILE DOCUMENTATION

The lender’s permanent loan file must contain the following information to support 

the single close transaction, in addition to documentation outlined in this Handbook:

• Sufficient documentation to validate the actual cost to construct the subject home. 

(For example, purchase contracts with the builder, Construction Loan Agreement, 

plans and specifications, receipts, invoices, lien waivers, etc.);

• All closing disclosures and closing documents executed by all parties to the 

transaction and evidencing all costs to the homebuyer and property seller at the 

time of loan closing;

• A final title insurance policy endorsement ensuring the lender remains in a first 

lien position and that no junior liens exist against the property

• All canceled checks, paid receipts, draw requests, lien waivers, change orders, 

title endorsements, etc. for all property-related requirements for new construction;

• The appraiser’s certificate of completion and a photograph of the completed 

property; and
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.26 Mortgage File Documentation

12-46

• All third-party inspections and warranties as defined in this Chapter

12.27 UNPLANNED CHANGES DURING CONSTRUCTION

Should a life change occur with the borrower, such as loss of job or death occurs, the 

lender remains responsible to work with the builder to complete the home. The loan will 

be serviced in accordance with Chapters 18 through 20 of this Handbook, as applicable.

12.28 REHABILITATION AND REPAIR WITH PURCHASE OFEXISTING 

DWELLINGS

The rehabilitation and repair feature of the SFHGLP allows borrowers to finance the 

cost of repairs to improve an existing dwelling at the time of purchase. The maximum 

loan amount cannot exceed the cost of acquisition plus the cost of repairs up to the asimproved market value, plus the guarantee fee, if financed. The borrower obtains one 

loan at a fixed interest rate to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the 

property. The loan is guaranteed after the loan has closed, prior to the completion of the 

repairs which minimizes the risk to the lender. In GUS, the lender will select Purchase as 

the loan purpose type on the Loan and Property Information page. On the Lender Loan 

Information page, the lender will identify the transaction as Renovation, ConstructionConversion/Construction-to-Permanent and select the Single-Closing radio button. On 

the Additional Data page, “Purchase is” field equals Existing. 

Unless otherwise specified, the rehabilitation and repair construction loan process 

should be closed and managed following the same procedures described in the singleclose feature for new construction.

Lenders may utilize Attachment 12-E, Repair Escrow and Rehabilitation & Repair 

with Purchase Comparison, when determining how repairs or rehabilitation to properties 

may be financed.

A. Type of Loans

1. Non-Structural Repairs up to $35,000

This feature allows borrowers to finance up to $35,000 for repairs such as those 

identified by a home inspector or appraiser. There is no required minimum repair 

amount. The repairs must be non-structural, and the home must be considered 

habitable at the time of closing to be eligible for this feature. Since the dwelling is 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.28 Rehabilitation and Repair with Purchase of Existing Dwellings 

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-47

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

habitable, the loan is not eligible for reserve accounts for PITI payments during the 

construction period.

2. Structural Repairs and Repairs Exceeding $35,000

This feature allows borrowers to finance structural repairs or improvements 

greater than $35,000 for extensive rehabilitation. If the dwelling is not habitable at the 

time of closing, reserves for principal, interest, taxes and insurance may be 

established to cover the mortgage payments for up to 6 months, or until the home is 

determined to be habitable by a third-party inspector deemed qualified by the lender 

during the construction period.

B. Property Eligibility

New construction or incomplete constructions are not eligible. Evidence that the 

home has been completed for 12 months or older must be obtained. Evidence of 

completion such as a Certificate of Occupancy or documentation from local taxing 

entities is acceptable.

If the dwelling must be demolished as part of the rehabilitation, the complete existing 

foundation must still be in place and will be used. Properties where the foundation has 

been demolished or where only the footings remain, are not eligible. Evidence by a 

licensed engineer that the existing foundation is structurally sound and supports the 

proposed construction will be required.

1. Prohibited Loan Purposes

• Installation of new inground swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas;

• Repairs to new or existing manufactured homes;

• Repairs to condominiums;

• Converting structures to SFH dwellings (barns, schoolhouses, etc.);

• Alterations that allow income-producing features;

• Installation of luxury items (exterior fireplaces and kitchens, etc.); and

• Repairs or improvements to common space areas (community meeting rooms, 

playgrounds, etc.).
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.28 Rehabilitation and Repair with Purchase of Existing Dwellings

12-48

2. Eligible Loan Costs

Loan proceeds must be used for the acquisition of the land and dwelling plus the 

total amount for repairs that include but are not limited to:

• Removing safety and health hazards;

• Making the dwelling accessible to persons with disabilities;

• Repair or installation of septic system and water wells;

• Additions, structural alterations or reconstruction of an existing;

• Addition of a garage, attached or detached;

• Modernizations (kitchens and bathrooms, interior floor cover, exterior siding, 

etc.);

• Installation of energy conservation or weatherization features;

• Repairs to existing swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas; and

• Repairs to accessory dwelling units.

Applicable soft costs as defined in Paragraph 12.15 are allowable in addition to:

• Contingency reserves; 10% when utilities are on, 15% when they are off for 

all transactions;

• Principal, Interest, Tax and Insurance payments for up to six months for 

reserves, when applicable; and

• Inspection/Consultant fees, if applicable.

C. Managing Construction

Originating lenders do not need to have construction experience if the servicing 

lender will administer the construction phase. Servicing lenders must meet the 

requirements outlined in Paragraph 12.13. Builder/contractors must meet the requirement 

outlined in Paragraph 12.14. The borrower may not act as the general contractor. A pre-
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.28 Rehabilitation and Repair with Purchase of Existing Dwellings 

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 12-49

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

construction conference with all parties is strongly encouraged.

The lender may engage any inspector or consultant deemed qualified by the lender to 

evaluate the property, write up the necessary improvements, conduct periodic 

inspections, and to act as a liaison between the borrower, builder, and lender.

• Inspector/Consultant fees: For structural repairs and those exceeding $35,000, 

an inspector will perform a thorough inspection of the property and prepare a 

detailed write-up of the work to be repaired and include estimated costs for labor 

and materials and associated fees that are customary and typical for the area. This 

write-up will be used to obtain cost estimates from contractors. Inspectors or 

consultants are selected by the lender. An inspector or consultant is not required 

for non-structural repairs of $35,000 or less.

• Cost Estimate: The borrower must obtain a detailed and fixed cost estimate that 

fully describes the work being performed to include itemized costs for labor and 

material. The cost estimate must identify the borrower’s name, subject property 

address, contractor’s name, contact information, and license number, where 

applicable. For work repairs $35,000 or less, the cost estimate must indicate that 

the repairs are non-structural.

• Appraisals: The appraisal report must support the “As Improved” market value 

of the property with the assumption that all repairs are completed. A copy of the 

original write-up, or the cost estimate including reserves will be provided to the 

appraiser.

• Construction Period: The Construction period should typically not exceed 6

months from the date of closing for all transactions. However, contract deadline 

extensions may be approved at the lender’s discretion.

• Construction Contract: The lender must ensure the utilization of a fixed price 

contract. The total amount in the construction contract must match the total cost 

breakdown of the bid proposal, must have a start and end date, must be signed by 

the contractor and borrower(s) and must be referenced and made part of the 

Security Instrument.

• Additions: New structures or additions to the existing dwelling must comply with 

local codes and applicable national codes.

• Unpermitted work: When unpermitted work is discovered in the existing 

dwelling, the lender must ensure that the owner and/or contractor contact the 
HB-1-3555

Paragraph 12.28 Rehabilitation and Repair with Purchase of Existing Dwellings

12-50

appropriate code enforcement office to obtain retroactive permitting or devise a 

plan to permit the previous construction. The lender must ensure that the borrower 

obtains a rehabilitation loan permit certification prior to the loan closing so that 

all permit fees associated with the new and/or previous construction are included 

in the total bid.

• PITI Reserve: The lender will be responsible for making the borrower’s monthly 

PITI payments during the period of rehabilitation, up to a maximum of 6 months 

or when the dwelling is determined to be habitable by a qualified third-party

inspector.
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-A

Page 1 of 5

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN

Revised (11-29-22) SPECIAL PN

ATTACHMENT 12-A

Determining Eligible Areas Using the Public Website

https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov

Select “Single Family Housing Guaranteed” from the menu.

The additional menu options for the guaranteed loan program will be available. The “Property 

Eligibility Disclaimer” will be displayed. Read the disclaimer and select “Accept.”

Enter the address of the property to determine if it is located in an eligible rural area. Every effort 

is made to ensure eligible rural areas inquiries are provided an accurate response. If a property is 

deemed “Ineligible” or “Unable to Determine”, lenders can obtain assistance by contacting the 

Guaranteed Policy, Analysis and Communications Branch at sfhgld.program@usda.gov.
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-A

Page 2 of 5

The eligibility determination is returned. It may be Eligible, Ineligible, or Unable to Determine. 

In the example below the property is eligible.

The map view may be changed by selecting the “Switch Basemap” option.
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-A

Page 3 of 5 k

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN

Revised (05-17-17) PN 498
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-A

Page 4 of 5

If an exact address is unknown, the user may click on a State from the U.S. map to review 

eligible and ineligible areas.
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-A

Page 5 of 5

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN

Revised (03-01-21) PN 548

This is a closer look at Texas. A double click will enhance zoom. The darker colored 

areas will provide users with a good idea of eligible and ineligible areas.

All property eligibility determinations will be made by USDA. Questions regarding property 

eligibility determinations made from this online tool should be directed to the Policy, Analysis 

and Communications Branch at sfhgld.program@usda.gov to obtain additional clarification.
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-B

Page 1 of 1

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN

Revised (11-29-22) SPECIAL PN

ATTACHMENT 12-B

RURAL DEVELOPMENT CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATION

This warranty certifies the dwelling served by the homeowner’s association and 

identified below has been approved or accepted by HUD, VA, Fannie Mae, or 

Freddie Mac. Documentation supporting this certification will be maintained in 

the lender’s permanent loan file and will be available for inspection by Rural 

Housing Service, United States Department of Agriculture upon request.

Borrower(s): 

Property 

Address:

Lender:

Lender

Representative

Name:

Representative

Signature:

Date:
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-C

Page 1 of 2

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

ATTACHMENT 12-C

PROJECT REVIEW

*This optional checklist is not an exhaustive list of requirements for the Single Close 

Construction loan product. Details on key points referenced in this checklist, along with 

full program details, can be found throughout Chapter 12 of this Handbook.

 Documentation of lender requirements

See Paragraphs 12.13 and 12.19-12.27 of Chapter 12 for construction oversight, loan 

management, and experience requirements.

 Documentation of contractor-builder requirements

See Paragraph 12.14 of Chapter 12 for licensure, insurance, and experience 

requirements.

 Budget – Cost Breakdown (See Paragraph 12.15)

• Must match construction contract.

• Must be for eligible loan costs, including change orders.

• Contingency reserves are limited to 10% of new construction costs and 15% when 

repairing an existing dwelling with disconnected utilities.

 Plans, Drawings and Specifications (See Paragraph 12.9B)

• Must be certified in accordance with Paragraph 12.9B.

• Must fully describe work to be completed.

• Lender may use optional Form RD 1924-25 or an alternative source that 

documents the necessary information.
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-C

Page 2 of 2

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 Construction Contract

• Evidence of all pages of the fixed price contract.

• Must contain a time frame for work to be completed (start/end).

• Change order fees that exceed what is available in the contingency reserve 

account will be the responsibility of the borrower.

• Must be signed by the contractor-builder and borrower.

• Amount must match the total amount of budget-cost breakdown.

 Rehabilitation and Repair with the Purchase of Existing Dwellings (See Paragraph 

12.28)

• Construction period should not exceed six months from date of closing.

• Appraisal report should support the “As Improved” market value.

• An inspector/consultant is not required for non-structural repairs of $35,000 or 

less.

• The lender administering the construction phase must meet the experience 

requirements in Paragraph 12.13.

• Fees associated with bringing previously unpermitted repairs up to code must be 

included in total bid prior to the loan closing.

 Loan Closing (See Paragraph 12.20)

• Lender will ensure all security documents are completed at loan closing and may 

use industry standard documents, as USDA does not maintain a list of required 

forms.

• May not exceed 30-year term, including construction period.

• Interest on loan is payable monthly. Lender will determine payor based on how 

the loan is structured.
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-D

Page 1 of 2

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(03-09-16) SPECIAL PN

Revised (04-01-24) PN 609

ATTACHMENT 12-D 

APPROVED LENDER CERTIFICATION

Completion of New Construction

 

In accordance with Paragraph 12.20 of Chapter 12, HB-1-3555, I have included a 

copy of the loan amortization agreement if the loan was reamortized or modified after 

construction. In addition, whether the loan was reamortized or not, I certify the 

following:

1. Construction is complete in accordance with approved plans, specifications 

and change orders.

2. The property can be occupied by the borrower.

3. The following is complete. Evidence is retained in our permanent loan file 

for further review by Rural Development:

a. Plans, drawings and specifications have been certified in accordance 

with Paragraph 12.9B of Chapter 12, HB-1-3555. 

b. Required construction phase inspections have been completed in 

accordance with Paragraph 12.9B of Chapter 12, HB-1-3555;

c. Thermal standards meet or exceed the 2021 International Energy 

Conservation Code (IECC) or subsequently issued code;

Borrower: Co 
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-D

Page 2 of 2

___________________________________________________________________________________________

d. Construction warranties have been issued to the borrower; and

e. Evidence of the construction contract, cost breakdown and 

construction ledger related to the construction of this home.

Approved Lender Certification:

I am duly authorized to represent this organization. I certify that we have 

originated, underwritten, closed and monitored the completion of new construction 

of the above loan in accordance with all Agency loan requirements of 7 CFR 3555.

Lender’s Signature

Title of Lender’s Representative

Date Executed

Name of Approved Lender
HB-1-3555

Attachment 12-E 

Page 1 of 1

(03-16-16) SPECIAL PN 

Added (11-29-22) SPECIAL PN

Repair Escrow and Rehabilitation & Repair

with Purchase Comparison 

Lenders should follow the guidance in 12.9 C. Repair Escrows for Existing and New 

Dwellings, Post Issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee [7 CFR 3555.202(c)] as well as 12.28 

Rehabilitation and Repair with Purchase of Existing Dwellings. 

1. New construction must be 100% complete, except for minor work not affecting livability that cannot be 

completed due to weather conditions.

2. The maximum loan amount cannot exceed the cost of acquisition plus the cost of repairs, up to the as-improved 

market value, plus the guarantee fee, if financed. 

3. Extensive rehab over $35,000 allows for up to 6 months PITI reserves, or until lender deems property habitable.

4. Borrower may complete their own repairs if lender determines borrower has knowledge, skills, and time to 

complete work within 180 days.

5. Repair work can be escrowed for and completed post Loan Note Guarantee, provided the work does not affect 

the livability of the dwelling, and all requirements of Section 12.9C are met.

REQUIREMENT Repair Escrow: 

Minor

Borrower 

Completed 

Repairs 

Repair Escrow: 

Contractor 

Completed 

Repairs

Rehab and 

Repair 

Program: 

Minor Rehab

($35,000 or less)

Rehab and 

Repair 

Program: 

Extensive 

Rehab (greater 

than $35,000)

Property Type New or 

Existing1

New or 

Existing1

Existing Existing

Repair Amount Up to $10,000 

and not greater 

than 10% of the 

loan amount

No limit, lender 

must escrow at 

least 100% of 

repair amount

Not to exceed 

$35,0002

Greater than 

$35,0002

Timeframe 180 days 180 days 6 months Typically 6 

months 

Property to be 

habitable at close

Yes Yes Yes No3

Contract 

Required

No4 Yes Yes Yes

Loan Note 

Guarantee Issued

At Close5 At Close5 At Close At Close