HB-1-3550

CHAPTER 8: LOAN APPROVAL AND CLOSING

8.1 INTRODUCTION

Once the Loan Originator has completed all of the procedures described in Chapters 3
through 7 and has decided based on the qualifications of the applicant, the characteristics of the
property, and the results of the underwriting analysis that the loan should be made, the case file
is submitted to the Loan Approval Official for final review and approval. Section 1 of this
chapter describes the procedures used to notify the applicant of the Loan Approval Officials
decision and to obligate loan funds, if appropriate. Section 2 describes the steps the Loan
Originator and the closing agent must take to prepare the loan for closing. Section 3 describes
the steps required to actually obtain funds for the closing and ensure that the closing is
accomplished. Section 4 describes the process for administering construction loans.

SECTION 1: LOAN APPROVAL AND OBLIGATION

8.2 THE LENDING DECISION

If the underwriting analysis indicates that the loan

should be approved, the Loan Originator must submit a
complete case file to the Loan Approval Official. The Loan Prior to approval, the Loan
Approval Official must review the
Approval Official should review all of the documents applicant and loan information entered
contained in the case file to ensure that they are completed into loan origination and servicing
properly, and must confirm that the Loan Originators systems to ensure that it is accurate
underwriting decision is sound. The Loan Approval Official and complete. For 502 Direct Loans,
must approve or reject the loan within 30 days of receiving a this review should be done using the
502 Direct Loan Data Check Query,
complete case file. located in Hyperions canned report
section.
A. Rejection

If the loan is rejected, the Loan Originator should speak to the applicant directly to
explain the reasons for the rejection. This conversation offers an opportunity to counsel the
applicant about specific actions the applicant can take to permit the Agency to approve a loan in
the future. Handbook Letter 15 (3550), Standardized Adverse Decision Letter, will be sent as a
follow-up to the conversation, or as notification of the rejection if the applicant cannot be
______________________________________________________________________________
8-1
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.2 The Lending Decision

reached. Whenever applicants are denied credit, they must be advised of their review and appeal
rights, as described in Paragraph 1.9.

B. Approval
If the loan is approved, Form RD 3550-7, Funding Commitment and Notification of Loan
Closing, will be issued. Throughout the fiscal year, loans can be approved subject to an
appraisal. When this allowance is used, the This commitment is contingent upon RHS
obtaining an acceptable appraisal that adequately secures the loan and meets the requirements of
7 CFR Part 3550, section 3550.62 box of Form RD 3550-7 must be checked.
8.3 OBLIGATING FUNDS

A. Initial Obligation A loan must only be

A loan must be approved and obligated the same day. Form approved when funds are
available to obligate the
RD 3550-7 must be signed and dated by the Loan Official at the time loan.
of loan approval and obligation. Therefore, Form RD 3550-7or any
approval letter must not be issued to the applicant unless the loan has
been approved and obligated.

As soon as the Loan Approval Official approves the loan, the Loan Originator will
obligate funds through MortgageServ. If, after 15 days Form RD 3550-7 is not signed and
returned, the Loan Originator must deobligate the loan. Once the loan has been deobligated, the
application is withdrawn. Should the applicant express interest in another loan, a new
application must be filed, and would be processed based on the new application date.

Loan approval and funds obligation may also trigger re-disclosure of the Loan Estimate if
the interest rate and/or closing costs at loan approval are different than the ones disclosed on the
original Loan Estimate. If a revised Loan Estimate is required, it must be issued within 3
business days of loan approval/obligation but no later than 4 business days prior to loan
consummation (7 business days if the revised Loan Estimate is mailed to the applicant).

B. Changing the Loan Amount

If the loan amount must be increased or decreased prior to loan closing, any paperwork
that reflects or is affected by the loan amount must be revised. The closing agent and the
applicant must return any loan closing forms that have already been distributed so that they can
be revised appropriately. Exhibit 8-1 illustrates the steps for making changes to the loan amount.

If a loan amount must be increased or decreased for a prior fiscal year, the field office
should contact the Customer Service Center (CSC) Disbursement Unit. All requests to increase
the obligation amount for a direct loan with prior fiscal year funds are subject to the
_____________________________________________________________________________
8-2
 HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.3 Obligating Funds

availability of funds at the time for the request. The CSC Disbursement Unit will make the
required corrections to the obligation amount. NOTE: Although it is understandable that
errors sometimes occur when obligating and closing loans, field offices are required to
make every effort to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this handbook for correctly
obligating loans.
Exhibit 8-1
Steps for Changing the Loan Amount
Increase Amount of Loan Decrease Amount of Loan

Verify availability of funds. If the check has not yet been sent to the Field
Office, cancel the request. If the check has
If the check has not yet been sent to the Field Office, already been sent, void the check and return it
cancel the request. If the check has already been sent, to the CSC.
void the check and return it to the CSC.
Amend the original obligation in
MortgageServ.
Cancel the obligation for the loan in MortgageServ.
Update the new loan information in UniFi.
Update the new loan information in UniFi.
Request a new check through MortgageServ.
Reobligate the loan for the correct amount and
request a new check through MortgageServ.

C. Canceling a Loan

To cancel the entire loan prior to loan closing, the Loan Originator must
deobligate the loan and cancel the check request in MortgageServ. If the check has
already been sent to the Field Office, it must be voided and returned to CSC with
the completed Forms RD 1940-10, Cancellation of U.S. Treasury Check and/or Obligation, and
RD 3550-17, Funds Transmittal Report. The Agencys or applicants decision to cancel the
loan must be documented carefully. The following instructions are to be followed for returning
checks to CSC for cancellation:
Return Checks via FED-EX overnight to:

USDA, Customer Service Center

ATTN: FC-243 (Disbursement Unit)
4300 Goodfellow Blvd., Bldg 105E
St. Louis, MO 63120-1703

The required information for this packet is:

1) Form RD 1940-10, Cancellation of U.S. Treasury Check and/or Obligation;
2) Form RD 3550-17, Funds Transmittal Report; and
3) Check

______________________________________________________________________________
8-3
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.3 Obligating Funds

After the check has been returned, the Loan Originator must notify
the applicant and closing agent of the loan cancellation using Handbook
Letter 15 (3550), Standardized Adverse Decision Letter. In situations where the cancellation is
not the applicants choice, the Loan Originator must indicate on Handbook Letter 15 (3550) any
action that can be taken to correct or appeal the decision. It is the applicants responsibility to
notify the seller and any contractors of the cancellation.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
8-4
 HB-1-3550

SECTION 2: PREPARING FOR CLOSING

8.4 TITLE INSURANCE AND CLOSING AGENTS

For most loans, the Agency requires title insurance, and requires that the loan
closing be conducted by a closing agent who meets the Agencys standards. This
paragraph summarizes the Agencys requirements for title insurance and closing agents,
and the procedures for approving the individuals and firms that provide those services.
Details about these procedures can be found in RD Instruction 1927-B.

A. Title Insurance

Title insurance is required for most loans unless the State Director determines that the use
of title insurance is not possible, is not economically feasible for the type of loan involved, or in
the area of the State where the loan will be made. In these cases, an attorneys opinion can be
accepted. If the total outstanding balance of any combination of any unsecured Section 502 and
504 loans that is less than $7,500 title insurance is not required. Title insurance is required on
Section 504 loans only when the total outstanding balance is $7,500 or greater. Title insurance is
not required for loans made on tribal trust land when a certified Title Status Report is issued by
the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

B. Closing Agents

An attorney or title company may act as a closing agent and close Agency real estate
loans, provide necessary title clearance services, and perform other closing-related duties
prescribed by the Agency. A closing agent approved by the Agency is required for all section
502 and 504 loans of $7,500 or greater with the exception of a subsequent loan made for
minimum essential repairs necessary to protect the Governments interest. When feasible, loans
made on tribal trust land do not require a closing agent as they may be closed by the Agency in
conjunction with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

C. Approvals

State Offices maintain a list of title insurance companies that are authorized to
provide title insurance in the State. Each approved title insurance company may
provide a master list of title companies and attorneys that are covered by its closing
protection letter and are thereby authorized to perform closings on behalf of that title insurance
company. The State Office determines which title insurance companies will be authorized to
issue title insurance policies for Agency loans based on RD Instruction 1927-B.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
8-5
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.4 Title Insurance and Closing Agents

Since a title insurance company is not regulated by the State, the approval process will be
repeated at least every 5 years, or more often if adverse information becomes available, to insure
continued compliance by the title insurance company.

If an applicant selects a title company or attorney that is on the State Office list, no
further verifications are necessary. If the attorney or title company selected is not on the list,
they should provide an acceptable closing protection letter from an approved title insurance
company.

Alternatively, title companies may submit Form RD 1927-20, Certification of Title

Insurance Company and attorneys may submit Form RD 1927-19, Certification of Attorney, to
request Agency approval.

D. Procedures

If the applicant selects a title company or attorney that is not on the State
Office list, the Loan Originator must send the title company or attorney Form RD
1927-20 or Form RD 1927-19, whichever is appropriate. The title company or
attorney must return Form RD 1927-20 or Form RD 1927-19 to the Loan Originator for review.
Standards for evaluating a title company or attorneys qualifications are contained in RD
Instruction 1927-B.

To notify a title company or attorney of their selection and approval, the Loan Originator
should send Form RD 1927-4, Transmittal of Title Information and attach Form RD 1927-9,
Preliminary Title Opinion if an attorney is performing loan closing.

8.5 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLOSING AGENT/ATTORNEY

The Loan Originator must provide Form RD 3550-25, Loan Closing Instructions and
Loan Closing Statement to the closing agent/attorney. This form provides information about the
amount of personal funds required from the applicant, the appropriate disbursement of funds, any
remaining requirements that the applicant must meet, and the instruments and forms required for
loan closing. The Loan Originator also should attach all forms needed for loan closing as well as
copies of other documents to facilitate the closing agents/attorneys review (e.g., tax bills, legal
descriptions, or surveys). Closing documents may be sent via email IF THE EMAIL
ATTACHMENT IS ENCRYPTED WITH A SECURITY PASSOWRD TO PROTECT
THE APPLICANTS/BORROWERS SENSITIVE INFORMATION WHICH INCLUDES
THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, ADDRESS, DATE OF BIRTH, etc. Form RD
3550-25 need not be executed until loan closing, and must be returned, along with the other
closing documents.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-6
 HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.5 Responsibilities of the Closing Agent/Attorney

The closing agent/attorney is required to perform a number of tasks, including:

Provide a title insurance binder (or prepare Form RD 1927-9, Preliminary Title
Opinion) within 10 days of the date of the transmittal letter;

Secure a title insurance policy within 60 days of loan closing or a final title opinion
within 14 days of loan closing;

Establish a mutually convenient date for the loan closing;

Assess whether, after closing, the borrower will have an ownership interest in the
property that is of the priority required by the Agency and subject only to those
exceptions approved by the Agency;

Ensure that the applicant provides a copy of an acceptable hazard insurance policy or
insurance binder, and evidence that 1 years premium has been paid;

Confirm that the applicant has flood insurance, if applicable;

Collect any other information the Agency has instructed the applicant to provide;

Ensure that the applicant is aware of any funds that must be brought to closing; and

On the day of the loan closing, confirm that the applicant has no outstanding
judgments. If any additional entries of record are identified, the loan cannot be
closed until these entries are cleared or approved.

The closing agent/attorney must

complete the Closing Disclosure, which The Agency is responsible for meeting
itemizes the costs to be paid by the applicant the accuracy and timing requirements of
the Closing Disclosure.
and seller at closing. UniFi will provide much
of the information needed for the Closing
Disclosure, including the amount of the initial deposit to the escrow account. This information
should be provided to the closing agent/attorney. Real estate taxes and homeowners
association/condo fees must be prorated between the seller and borrower using the Closing
Disclosure to estimate the actual amount of cash needed for closing and to determine the actual
payment amount. The closing agent/attorney also must ensure that there are no outstanding
demands for payment from a contractor or supplier for construction or repair work. If required
by State Supplement, Form RD 1927-5, Affidavit Regarding Work of Improvement, must be
signed at closing by the seller or, in the case of a subsequent loan, by the borrower, to certify that
there are no outstanding claims.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8-7
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.6 Responsibilities of the Loan Originator

8.6 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOAN ORIGINATOR

The Loan Originator is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the process so that the
required pieces come together on the day of closing. Between the time the loan is approved and
the day of closing, the Loan Originator must: (1) work with applicants to be sure they understand
and carry out their obligations; (2) work closely with the closing agent and review his or her
work, as appropriate; (3) re-verify income, eligibility and validate the interest rate; and (4)
prepare the documents that the Agency must provide for closing.

A. Prepare the Applicant

Most applicants have never purchased a home before, and are unfamiliar with the details
of the Agencys loan requirements. The Loan Originator must work with applicants to ensure
that they understand the steps required to reach closing successfully, and that they are fully
aware of the responsibilities they will assume when the loan closes.

1. Applicant Orientation

Prior to loan approval, the Loan Originator typically conducts the applicant
orientation.

The applicant orientation is an

opportunity to introduce the applicant Under no circumstances can a loan be
closed without signed evidence that the
to the Agencys loan closing and
applicant orientation took place.
servicing guidelines, and to relay the
Agencys expectations of their borrowers. Form RD 3550-23, Applicant Orientation
Guide, ensures that all relevant topics are covered, including paper check processing
through electronic funds transfer (EFT) as required by Check 21. The applicant must
sign and date the document. Should the applicant want more information than Form RD
3550-23 offers, the Loan Originator can provide additional information. Loan closing
cannot take place unless Form RD 3550-23 has been completed.

2. Notification of Loan Closing

The Loan Originator must notify the applicant of the conditions to be met and

______________________________________________________________________________
8-8
 HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.6 Responsibilities of the Loan Originator

information to be provided at or before loan closing using Form RD 3550-7, Funding

Commitment and Notification of Loan Closing. The applicant must review, sign, and
return Form RD 3550-7 to the Loan Originator within 15 days from the date of the form.
The loan cannot be closed unless Form RD 3550-7 has been signed and all obligations
listed on the form have been met.

3. Closing Costs

The applicant may be required to bring funds to closing for a variety of purposes,
including assets that must be contributed as a down payment, funds to pay for closing
costs, or resources to fund the initial deposit to the escrow account. Borrowers receiving
a subsequent loan may be required to prepay interest at closing. An estimate of the
required amount, determined by the Loan Originator, is provided on Form RD 3550-7.
The closing agent/attorney makes the final determination of the actual amount required
from the applicant.

B. Review Title Insurance Binder (or Preliminary Title Opinion) and Other
Closing Documents
Exhibit 8-2
Upon receipt of a title insurance binder
(or Form RD 1927-9, Preliminary Title Reviewing the Title Insurance Binder
Opinion), the Loan Originator must carefully (or Preliminary Title Opinion)
review it and consider the issues identified in
After closing, the borrower must become the owner of
Exhibit 8-2. The Loan Originator should
record of the real property.
review any exceptions listed to determine if the
lien position is in jeopardy. If the exceptions Any liens or recorded claims that would prevent the
Agency from obtaining an enforceable mortgage must be
will adversely affect the propertys title, removed.
suitability, or security value, the loan cannot be
Outstanding judgments, bankruptcy, insolvency, or
closed. probate proceedings must be resolved.
All property rights intended to be taken as security must
If prior liens will be present as part of a
be available.
leveraging strategy, Form RD 1927-8,
Agreement with Prior Lien holder, must be If wetlands easements or other conservation easements
have been placed on the property, they must be acceptable
executed by the lien holder and recorded in the to the Agency.
appropriate real estate mortgage records.
If there are any exceptions of record, they must be
acceptable to the Agency.
If any required information is omitted, or
if the title insurance binder (or Form RD 1927-
9), is not satisfactory, the Loan Originator should return it to the closing agent/attorney for
corrections.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8-9
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.6 Responsibilities of the Loan Originator

The Loan Originator must also review the Closing Disclosure prepared by the closing
agent/attorney and, if correct, will proceed (or authorize the closing agent/attorney) to provide
the disclosure to the applicant at least three business days before loan consummation. If
revisions to the Closing Disclosure are needed after it has been provided to the applicant, an
additional three business day waiting period will be required.

C. Re-verifying Employment and Income

The Loan Originator must obtain an oral verification of employment (VOE)

within 10 business days prior to the closing date. A written verification of employment,
also dated within 10 business days prior to settlement, may be accepted in lieu of an oral
VOE. Documentation to re-verify the applicants income must be updated before loan
closing if: (1) the closing will occur more than 120 days after the date on the
employment verification documents; (2) there is evidence to indicate a change in
financial status; or (3) the applicants employment status had changed within 4 months prior to
submission of the application. All re-verification activity should be documented carefully.
If the income re-verification indicates a significant change in income, the Loan
Originator should take the following steps:

Verify that the applicant is still income-eligible. A program loan cannot be granted if
the applicants adjusted income exceeds the moderate-income level at closing.
Regardless of whether the applicants income decreases or increases to change their
status from very-low or low income, no changes are needed on the loan obligation.
(There are no income restrictions for non-program applicants.)

Determine whether the applicant is eligible for payment subsidy. Payment subsidy
may be granted if the applicants adjusted income is at or below the applicable
moderate-income limit.

Consider whether the applicant could obtain 100 percent private financing and refer
the applicant to a private lender, if appropriate.

Confirm that the applicant has adequate repayment ability.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8-10
 HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.6 Responsibilities of the Loan Originator

D. Re-verify Eligibility

The applicants circumstances may have changed since loan approval/obligation and
must be reviewed as part of closing preparations. Form RD 3550-7, Funding Commitment and
Notification of Loan Closing, should be reviewed to be sure all obligations are included on the
most recent Eligibility Summary. After all re-verifications have been completed, the Loan
Originator will print out and sign a new UniFi Eligibility Summary and place it in position 3 of
the applicant case file.

E. Validate the Interest/Note Rate

Before preparing the loan closing documents, the Loan Originator must validate the note
rate. The validation process involves reviewing the information in UniFi and
MortgageServ to ensure that both systems have the same and correct interest rate.

The Loan Originator should use the following process to validate the note rate.

Review the interest rate history to determine if an interest rate change occurred
between loan approval/obligation and loan closing.

Determine which of the interest rates is lower. The Loan Originator must use the
applicable interest rate in effect at loan approval or loan closing, whichever is
lower.

If the interest rate at closing is lower than the one in effect at the loan
obligation/approval date, both UniFi and MortgageServ must be updated to reflect the
lower rate.

Ensure that documents printed from UniFi, especially those affected by the interest
rate such as the Promissory Note, Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, Truth-in-
Lending (as applicable) and Form RD 410-4, are accurate, consistent with the
information in MortgageServ, and in compliance with program guidelines.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-11
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.6 Responsibilities of the Loan Originator

F. Prepare Loan Documents

The Loan Originator should assemble the forms needed for closing,
and forward them to the closing agent/attorney with Form RD 3550-25,
Loan Closing Instructions and Loan Closing Statement. Closing documents
may be sent via email IF THE EMAIL ATTACHMENT IS
ENCRYPTED WITH A SECURITY PASSWORD TO PROTECT THE
APPLICANTS/BORROWERS SENSITIVE INFORMATION WHICH INCLUDES THE
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, ADDRESS, DATE OF BIRTH, etc.
The closing agent/attorney is responsible for completing the appropriate forms, preparing
the security instruments, and obtaining signatures at closing, as needed. Attachment 8-A lists the
documents needed for loan closing.

In unusual circumstances, changes must be made to the text of a security instrument or

promissory note. For example, in the case of a non-program borrower, the clauses relating to
refinancing to other credit and prohibition on leasing will be stricken. The Loan Originator
should draw a line through only the specific language to be deleted, and alert the closing
agent/attorney of the deletions. All persons signing the security instrument or promissory note
must initial the changes in the margin.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8-12
 HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.6 Responsibilities of the Loan Originator

1. Special Documents for Assumptions

Whether new funds are obligated or existing loan funds are recycled through an
assumption is primarily an accounting function, and is largely transparent to the
purchaser and seller. However, there are 3 procedural differences that will affect the
purchaser and the seller. First, the purchaser must sign Form RD 3550-22, Assumption
Agreement Single Family Housing at closing. Second, the original note is not returned to
the seller. Instead, the note is amended to indicate that it has been assumed. The original
Promissory Note, with a copy of Form RD 3550-22 attached, is kept in a locked fire-
proof file. Copies are placed in the purchasers case file. Third, Form RD 3550-16,
Release from Personal Liability is provided to the seller at closing. The agreement is
executed to release the seller from all personal liability for the amount of debt being
assumed. In cases where the debt is not being assumed in full, CSC will handle the
settlement of the remaining debt and any release of liability for that portion of the debt
not being assumed.

2. Special Documents for Subsequent Loans

Applicants who are obtaining a subsequent loan have a legal right to cancel the loan
within 3 business days from whichever of the following activities occurs last:
(1) execution of the mortgage or deed of trust; (2) receipt by the applicant of the Closing
Disclosure at least 3 business days prior to consummation; or (3) receipt of Form RD
1940-43, Notice of Right to Cancel. The Loan Originator or closing agent/attorney
cannot disburse funds to the applicant until the 3 business days have passed, unless a
hardship exists and the applicant waives his or her right to cancel the loan in writing.

3. Special Instructions for Loans on Tribal Trust Land

Only the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has the legal authority to secure a recordings
on tribal trust land. The BIA serves as the recording office and title insurance guarantor
for all tribal trust lands. A Title Status Report (TSR) must be requested from the BIA for
which the Agency will need to provide certain lending documents such as the approved
lease agreement, mortgaging/deed, promissory note, etc. The Agency may close the loan
upon BIA approval and commitment to issue the Certified TSR which will show the
recorded Agency lien. Without a certified TSR issued from the BIA the Agency does not
have a secured lien.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-13
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550

SECTION 3: CLOSING

8.7 OBTAINING FUNDS FOR CLOSING

The Agency utilizes an automated process for the electronic disbursement of loan funds
known as the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. This process pertains only to initial
disbursements on section 502 loans. At the appropriate time, funds are released via ACH into
the closing agents/attorneys account in order to close the loan. Under no circumstances will
the loan closing proceeds be transferred from one closing agents/attorneys bank account to
another. In the event the funds were sent to the wrong closing agent/attorney, call CSC at the
Field Support/ACH Help Desk.

The ACH process is not utilized for subsequent disbursements on construction loans,
section 504 Loan and Grant combos, 504 grants, and 504 loans. Subsequent disbursements on
construction loans, section 504 Loan and Grant combos, 504 loans, and 504 grants only are
requested via the MortgageServ system.

Any loan that is closed in the Field Office will use a paper check, i.e. Native American
loans closed via Office of General Counsel (OGC) and section 502/504 Note only loans. Checks
are generated the day they are requested and are dated for 3 days later.

8.8 ESTABLISHING THE DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE

Some borrowers will be able to occupy their dwellings immediately, while others will
need to remain in other housing until construction or rehabilitation is complete. To avoid
requiring borrowers to repay an Agency loan while continuing to pay other housing costs,
borrowers who cannot occupy the property within 30 days are permitted to defer loan payments.

A. Permanent Loans

If the loan funds are used to purchase an existing dwelling or newly built house, or to
complete minor repairs, such as painting or carpeting, the borrower should be able to occupy the
property within 30 days. In these situations, a permanent loan is made and the borrowers
repayment obligation begins immediately. Funds for permanent loans are requested in a single
advance. In general, the loan funds are disbursed in full at closing. If funds for
repairs are not fully disbursed at loan closing, the undisbursed loan proceeds are
deposited into an escrow account supervised by the closing agent/attorney, or into a
supervised bank account and disbursed in accordance with RD Instruction 1902-A.

____________________________________________________________________________________________
8-14
 HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.8 Establishing the Disbursement Schedule

B. Construction Loans

If loan funds are to be used to build a new dwelling or Interest will always
to undertake repairs that will prevent the borrower from accrue at the subsidized rate
occupying the dwelling for more than 30 days, the loan is during the construction period.
made as a construction loan. Funds for construction loans are
disbursed in multiple advances that begin to accrue daily simple interest as of disbursement at
the borrowers Subsidized Rate and will not exceed the note rate. When activating the
construction loan, and to ensure that interest accrues at the subsidized rate during construction,
the Loan Originator must enter the subsidized rate into MortgageServ.

The Loan Originator will post each disbursement into MortgageServ. MortgageServ will
calculate and record the amount of the interest accrual during the construction period. The Loan
Originator must generate the Eligibility Summary from UniFi and place it in the borrowers case
file when the construction loan is activated. The construction loan is converted into a permanent
loan in MortgageServ when the final disbursement is made.

8.9 ESTABLISHING A REPAYMENT SCHEDULE

A. Monthly Installments

The Loan Originator must indicate the appropriate monthly payment schedule on Form
RD 1940-16, Promissory Note. Under no circumstances will a new loan be scheduled with an
annual installment.

Borrowers with existing loans specifying annual payments may request conversion to
monthly payments, and must convert to a monthly payment schedule before any subsequent loan
or new payment subsidy is approved.

B. Housing Assistance Program (HAP)

HAP payments made from the Housing Choice Voucher-Homeownership Program

should be handled in the following manner. The Loan Originator should:

Encourage the Public Housing Authority (PHA) to send the HAP (principal, interest,
taxes and insurance portion only) directly to Rural Development (via the appropriate
lockbox) or to the leveraged lender versus sending it directly to the family.
Notify the PHA of the appropriate lockbox address and inform the PHA that the
check must include the borrowers name and account number at a minimum.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-15
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (04-27-16) PN 485
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.9 Establishing a Repayment Schedule

If the PHA elects to use any other payment method, field offices will be responsible
for monitoring these accounts, which will require coordination with CSC to ensure
they remain current.
Accounts that use the Housing Choice Voucher should be designated a Yes in the
field called Section 8 Vouchers in the New Application Additional Set Up Screen
in UniFi.

8.10 ORIGINAL EQUITY

Original equity is calculated using the market value at the time of loan
approval/obligation for both new and existing properties. Original equity is the difference
between current market value and the total of all Agency and leveraged assistance (including
subordinate affordable housing products and/or grants). Prepaid taxes and insurance are not
considered original equity, nor are contributions toward closing costs. Form RD 3550-12,
Subsidy Repayment Agreement, contains the original equity amount. Only one agreement
should be executed by the subject borrower for the subject property. A new agreement should
not be completed when extending additional financing (i.e. subsequent loans) to an existing
borrower with an active agreement.
When an applicant is purchasing a program Real Estate Owned (REO) property and the
purchase price is less than the market value due to an administrative price reduction, the equity
to be credited to the borrower (if any) is any difference between the actual purchase price and the
loan amount. Administrative price reductions do not affect original borrower equity.

8.11 LOAN CLOSING

The closing agent/attorney should review the information provided during the applicant
orientation with the applicant again at loan closing. The closing agent/attorney also must review
each closing document with the applicant, obtain signatures, as appropriate, and collect and
disburse all required funds. Attachment 8-A provides a list of the documents that may be
required at closing.

A. Loan Closing Document Submission Special Loan Closing

Requirements
Many of the legal documents and other information
See Chapter 9 for condominiums,
used in underwriting the loan must be provided to CSC in community land trusts, planned unit
order to assist with quality assurance and servicing. developments, or manufactured
homes.
Prior to loan closing the Loan Originator must
See Chapter 10 for leveraged loans.
complete the following items to be submitted to the closing
agent/attorney:
______________________________________________________________________________
8-16
 HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.11 Loan Closing

1. Form RD 3550-19, Transmittal Closing Documents, with the appropriate

documents as indicated on the transmittal.

2. Form RD 3550-25, Loan Closing Instructions and Loan Closing Statement,

which includes the required forms to be signed by the borrower(s) at loan closing.

Once loan closing has occurred the closing agent/attorney will send to CSC via overnight
mail:

1. Form RD 3550-17, Funds Transmittal Report, and

2. A check for total fees collected as shown on Form RD 3550-17.

Clear signed copies of all pages of the applicable loan closing documents will be faxed to
CSC by the closing agent/attorney within 1 working day from loan closing or by the Rural
Development Field Office within 3 working days of loan closing, using Form RD 3550-19,
Transmittal-Closing Documents, as the fax cover sheet.

The closing agent/attorney should return all original documents to the loan originator to
be retained in the case file. However, the original Promissory Note must be retained in a
separate, secured storage area. The title insurance policy (or final title opinion) will be sent only
to the Loan Originator and applicant by separate envelope. CSC does not receive a copy of the
Final Title Policy.

The loan docket for construction loans should not be sent to CSC until the loan is
converted to a permanent loan and the Promissory Note is amended.

B. Review Closing Documents

The Loan Approval Official must review the closing documents to verify that the Agency
has received the proper lien priority. The Loan Approval Official also should check Form RD
3550-7, Funding Commitment and Notification of Loan Closing to confirm that the applicant
submitted all required information. The Loan Approval Official then signs Form RD 3550-25,
Loan Closing Instructions and Loan Closing Statement to certify that the loan was closed in
accordance with the instructions provided.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-17
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.11 Loan Closing

C. Activate the Loan

The Loan Originator activates the loan in MortgageServ after loan closing to signal CSC
that the loan has been closed, and that servicing should begin. CSC does not begin to service
construction loans until they are converted to permanent.

D. Record Mortgage or Deed of Trust

The closing agent/attorney must record Form RD 3550-14 after loan closing. The closing
agent/attorney should submit an unrecorded copy to the Loan Originator along with the other
closing documents. The recorded copy should be provided to the Loan Originator as soon as it is
completed. If the original is retained by the filing official, a conformed copy showing the date
and place of recordation must be provided.

E. Secure Title Insurance Policy

The closing agent/attorney must secure the title insurance policy and deliver it to the
Loan Originator and applicant. A copy of the binder/commitment letter must be faxed to CSC
with other closing documents.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-18
 HB-1-3550

SECTION 4: CONSTRUCTION LOANS

8.12 ADMINISTER CONSTRUCTION FUNDS

When funds are used for construction or rehabilitation, the Loan Originator must
supervise their use. The Loan Originator and the borrower must each inspect the work when the
contractor wishes to receive payment. If applicable, proper implementation of mitigation
measures required by the environmental assessment also should be reviewed. If the work is
acceptable, the Loan Originator must write Pay to the Order of (insert name of Contractor) on
the back of the check, and provide it to the borrower for endorsement and payment to the
contractor. The inspection and payment process can be expedited if the Loan Originator,
borrower, and contractor meet at the dwelling for the inspection.

The amount of each disbursement for construction loans is determined by the

draw schedule, which is developed based on the value of the work, according to
Marshall and Swift guidelines. To ensure that all work will be completed satisfactorily,
the Agency holds back 40 percent of each payment to the contractor, unless the
contractor has obtained a Surety Bond, Performance Bond, or Payment Bond, in which case only
10 percent is held back. Holdbacks are released with the final payment.

8.13 CONVERT CONSTRUCTION LOANS

When a construction loan is made, the promissory note is written at the promissory note
rate; however when the loan is activated, the subsidized rate the borrower will receive is entered
in MortgageServ as the note rate. This causes interest during the construction period to accrue at
the subsidized rate.

A construction loan is converted to a permanent loan once the house passes the final
inspection. When the loan is converted to a permanent loan, the Loan Originator must change
the note rate in MortgageServ to the note rate that was in effect when the construction loan was
made, so that it matches the borrowers note.

Loan conversion and the final inspection can occur on the same day provided the local
office receives a copy of the final occupancy permit or other equivalent inspection report prior to
the date of final inspection and funds have been fully disbursed.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-19
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Paragraph 8.13 Convert Construction Loans

A. Modify Note and MortgageServ

On the conversion date, the Loan Originator updates Form RD 1940-16, Promissory
Note, to reflect the new principal amount of the loan, including the interest generated during the
construction period. The borrower should initial the note to acknowledge the change. The Loan
Originator then amortizes the new principal amount over the remaining term of the loan. The
Loan Originator also must change the note rate in MortgageServ, which was entered at the
applicable subsidized rate, to reflect the note rate in effect when the construction loan was made,
and change the account number, as directed by CSC, to reflect the conversion from a
construction loan to a permanent loan. Conversion to the permanent loan number will signal
CSC to take over servicing responsibilities.

B. Update Payment Subsidy

If the borrower is eligible for payment subsidy, the Loan Originator must reverify income
if more than 120 days have passed since the last verification of employment or there is evidence
to indicate a change in financial status since the construction loan was made. Written
verifications may be valid for an additional 60 days with oral reverifications at the end of the 120
days. The Loan Originator must generate Form RD 1944-14, Payment Assistance/Deferred
Mortgage Assistance Agreement or Form RD 1944-6, Interest Credit Agreement and Form RD
3550-12, Subsidy Repayment Agreement and obtain the appropriate signatures. The appraisal
obtained in connection with the loan approval/obligation must be used to determine market value
on Form RD 3550-12, Subsidy Repayment Agreement, regardless of the length of the
construction process.

______________________________________________________________________________
8-20
 HB-1-3550
Attachment 8-A
Page 1 of 2
ATTACHMENT 8-A

DOCUMENTS TO BE SIGNED OR SUBMITTED AT LOAN CLOSING

RD 410-4 Uniform Residential Loan Application (printed from UniFi)
RD 3550-14 Real Estate Mortgage or Deed of Trust for (State)
RD 1940-16 Promissory Note
RD 1927-9 Preliminary Title Opinion or Title Insurance Binder
Document Evidence of Completion of Homeownership Education (if applicable)
RD 3550-7 Funding Commitment and Notification of Loan Closing
CFPB H-24 Loan Estimate (if applicable)
RD 1940-41 Truth in Lending Statement (if applicable)
RD 1940-43 Notice of Right to Cancel (if applicable)
CFPB H-25 Closing Disclosure
RD 1944-6 Interest Credit Agreement (if applicable)
RD 1944-14 Payment Assistance/Deferred Mortgage Assistance Agreement (if applicable)
RD 3550-12 Subsidy Repayment Agreement (if applicable)
Document Evidence of Insurance and receipt for 1st year premium
RD 3550-15 Tax Information
RD 3550-9 Initial Escrow Account Disclosure Statement
RD 1927-5 Affidavit Regarding Work of Improvement (within 45 days)
RD 1927-8 Agreement with Prior Lienholder (if applicable)
RD 3550-22 Assumption Agreement - Single Family Housing (if applicable)
RD 3550-16 Release from Personal Liability (if applicable)
RD 3550-17 Funds Transmittal Report
RD 3550-19 Transmittal-Closing Documents and Attachments listed on Form (if applicable)
RD 1955-49 Quitclaim Deed or Warranty Deed (if applicable)
RD 3550-10 Condominium Rider (if applicable)
RD 3550-11 Planned Unit Development Rider (if applicable)

______________________________________________________________________________
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Attachment 8-A
Page 2 of 2

RD 3550-25 Loan Closing Instructions and Loan Closing Statement

Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payments (if applicable)
RD 3550-29 Document Errors and Omissions Agreement
First payment coupon generated from UniFi

___________________________________________________________________________________________
 HB-1-3550
Attachment 8-B
Page 1 of 4

ATTACHMENT 8-B

UNLIQUIDATED OBLIGATION REVIEW

Obligation of funds should not occur until the loan or grant has been fully underwritten in
accordance with the procedures described in Chapters 3 thru 7 of this handbook. Once funds are
obligated, they must be disbursed in a timely manner. Loan approval and obligation implies that
the Agency has determined the applicant has an immediate need for and will promptly use the
funds. Therefore, it is imperative that unliquidated obligations are monitored to ensure that the
funds are still needed and will be used by the applicant.

Periodic reviews of obligations are important to the Agency in order to properly report
and certify the validity of obligation balances, prevent the loss of loan funds that expire at the
end of a fiscal year, make funds available that otherwise would not be used and reduce the risk of
fraud, waste and abuse.

1. State Office Monitoring

The National Office will post an Undisbursed Obligation report to SharePoint

each month so that the State Office can monitor undisbursed obligations on a monthly
basis. This report provides a detailed listing of all unliquidated obligations that are more
than 180 days old. The report of unliquidated obligations will contain a close code of
1, 4 or 9. An obligation with a close code of 4 is classified as an application,
indicating the loan has not yet closed, while obligations with a close code of 1 or 9
are classified as active accounts, signifying a closed loan.

The review officials sample must consist of all unliquidated obligations that have
been inactive for twelve months or more. In addition, at least half of the unliquidated
obligations that have been inactive for less than 12 months must be reviewed.
Obligations selected shall be reviewed to determine whether the intended purpose of the
loan or grant is expected to occur. The following review guide entitled, Single Family
Housing Unliquidated Obligations must be utilized for completion of the review. After
completion of the review guide, the review official will inform the Field Office if the
obligation may remain outstanding or if de-obligation is required.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Attachment 8-B
Page 2 of 4

This review is intended to disclose unliquidated obligations for loans or grants:

(a) That do not have a legal basis, or are not properly authorized and supported
by appropriate documentation;

(b) Which have been completed and have not been closed out; and

(c) Under which no future expenditures are expected.

Once a determination is made that an obligation can be deobligated, the Loan

Originator will take the applicable action as per the instructions in HB-1-3550, Chapter 8,
paragraph 8.3 B or C as appropriate.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
 HB-1-3550
Attachment 8-B
Page 3 of 5

Single Family Housing Unliquidated Obligation Review

State Office Reviewer STATE_______________________

Title Review Date___________________

Applicants Name: ________________________ Account Number: __________________

Date of Obligation: ____________________________________________________________

1. Has the loan/grant closed? Yes___ No___

2. If the loan/grant has not closed, has the applicant provided all the necessary information and
does the file contain documentation as to why the loan has not closed? Yes___ No___
NA___
----
3. Are legal or construction issues preventing disbursal of funds or the loan from closing?
Yes___ No___ NA___
4. Has the planned construction period expired? Yes___ No ____ NA ____
5. Have funds been spent consistent with percentage of construction completion?
Yes___ No___ NA___
6. Has the customer received any supplemental or subsequent loans or other additional funds?
Yes___ No___
7. If the answer above is yes, is there justification for increase in funding levels?
Yes___ No ____ NA ___
8. Is there a period of inactivity? Yes___ No___
If yes, explain and document the reasons below.
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492
HB-1-3550
Attachment 8-B
Page 4 of 5

9. Is the undisbursed obligation justified? Yes___ No___

If yes, explain justifications and basis to continue with loan below.
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
10. Should the obligation be canceled? Yes_____ No____
If no, establish a completion date for closing out the obligation below.
__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________
 HB-1-3550
Attachment 8-B
Page 5 of 5

2. National Office Monitoring

The National Office will periodically request loan/grant files to conduct reviews
of undisbursed obligations. The results of the review will be shared with the State
Offices. If the National Office review concludes the unliquidated obligation is not
justified, the State Office must inform the Field Office to de-obligate the funds and
follow-up to ensure that it is accomplished in a timely manner.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
(01-23-03) SPECIAL PN
Revised (01-06-17) PN 492