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JAN 2026 • VOL. 5, ISSUE 1
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TOP TIPS CORNER
You Know Us, Let Us Know You Too!
Have you recently promoted someone?
Have any staff moved to a new department?
Has anyone joined or left your organization?
To best serve you as any and all needs arise, USDA strives to maintain the most current contact information for your organization. It’s equally important that only active and appropriate staff retain access to Rural Development systems.
Accurate contact information is critical for lender recertification, Quality Control Reviews, file questions, and other communication needs. We’ve found that many contacts in our system are outdated.
Continue reading to learn how your organization can ensure its contact information is up to date.
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TOP NEWS
Thank You, Joaquin Tremols: A Lasting Impact on the SFH Guaranteed Loan Program
After years of dedication, Joaquin retires, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and teamwork.
How does one begin to do justice in scribing the epilogue of the successful and influential career of a pillar to an Agency, and a long-standing mentor to so many in the Rural Development family? People retire from their professions every day, but few leave a void that is so genuinely noticed and truly felt, much less lamented by both employer and clientele alike. Joaquin Tremols is such a person and has led such a career.
Joaquin's efforts were key in some of the biggest SFHGLP accomplishments, including the econometrics model - which achieved a permanent subsidy neutrality, and the creation of our single close construction product. Capturing the essence of his remarkable career is no small task. His dedication, leadership, and vision have touched countless lives and strengthened Rural Development in ways that will endure for years to come. While millions of families may never know the name behind the progress, those of us who have worked alongside him will never forget his impact.
Continue reading this interview with Joaquin as he reflects on his journey from the private sector to public service, shares lessons learned, and offers his hopes for the future of the SFHGLP program.
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Maximum PITI Ratio Update
Between August 5, 2024, and November 3, 2025, USDA Rural Development temporarily allowed a maximum PITI ratio of 34%. Effective November 4, 2025, the maximum PITI ratio has returned to 29% of monthly repayment income. Ratio waivers are now available if:
- The application receives an “Accept” or “Accept Full Documentation” from GUS, or
- The application meets all of the following:
- PITI ratio ≤ 32%
- All applicants have credit scores ≥ 680
- At least one compensating factor per HB-1-3555, Chapter 11, Section 11.3
Continue reading to learn more about ratio requirements.
Time-Saving Tips for Lenders: Helping USDA Help You Faster
Following the end of the federal government shutdown, the USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program is fully operational. As we work through a backlog of Conditional Commitment and Loan Note Guarantee requests, please keep these key reminders in mind:
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No Expedited Requests: Applications are reviewed in the order received. Check current turn times.
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GUS Release Requests: Many changes don’t need resubmission — review HB-1-3555, Paragraph 5.3M before submitting.
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Do Not Close Loans Prematurely: Wait to receive a Conditional Commitment! Closing early may disqualify the loan.
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Use GUS for Document Uploads: Do not email documents. Refer to the Manual Submission Job Aid for guidance.
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Follow the 15-A Stacking Checklist: Upload appraisals as “appraisal” and all other documents as one combined “underwriting” file. Avoid uploading documents individually or scanning entire files.
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Submit Asset Statements: Required for all adult household members.
Continue reading to learn more about how you can help USDA speed up application reviews.
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Now Open: 2026 SFH Guaranteed Loan Program Training Registration!
Don't miss this year's training opportunities - mark your calendar NOW!
The Lender and Partner Activities team is excited to announce the training schedule for fiscal year 2026 has been posted in our LINC Library! Training is available to all USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed lending partners.
The courses are virtual, approximately an hour in duration, and cover a myriad of topics. Check out the schedule to find topics that you are interested in learning more about! You can register here.
Make sure you are signed up for our GovDelivery notices, as we send out training reminders and many important GRH updates. We look forward to connecting with you!
Perfecting the Closing Process
The process of closing your loan utilizing our Lender Loan Closing (LLC) application is a relatively simple process, but it does require an important focus during a few of the primary steps.
It is key that the “Holding Lender” and “Servicing Lender” fields are updated accurately (under the “SFH Add Loan Closing” tab), ensuring the Rural Development servicing staff has proper information about the program partners handling the loan. The Lender Loan Closing Guides , located in our LINC Library, will walk you through all of the loan closing screens - including the closing lender, holding lender and servicing lender.
Continue reading to learn more about how to accurately complete your loan closings.
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JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION!
"Submit Complete USDA Loan Applications with Ease"
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
Can't attend a session?
Access recordings of all live events on the
USDA LINC Training & Resource Library.
Schedule group training for your team by reaching out to the Lender & Partner Activities branch at sfhgld.lenderpartner@usda.gov.
Don't miss out on training notifications!
Be sure to subscribe to GovDelivery.
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Have a question? Reach out to us!
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GUS Technical Issues
GUS Helpdesk
or 800-457-3642 option 2, option 2 |
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