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APR 2026 • VOL. 5, ISSUE 2
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 Resubmission Policy - Quick Reminder
Before requesting a file release in GUS, take a quick look at HB‑1‑3555 Chapter 5.3(M).
You MUST resubmit if:
• Applicants are added/removed
• Income, cash assets, or reserves decrease
• Loan amount or interest rate increase
• Cumulative debt amount changes exceed $50 per month
• Any change negatively affects repayment
You do NOT need to resubmit if:
• Loan amount, interest rate, or liabilities decrease
• Assets increase
• Cumulative debt amount changes are $50 or less per month
• Credit reports are updated due to expiration with no adverse changes (just retain updated report in file)
To request a file release: Email the appropriate production team (contact list), then update and resubmit in GUS.
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TOP NEWS
Help Shape the Future — Join the Delegated Authority Pilot!
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP)! On March 19, 2026, USDA published its long‑anticipated Final Rule amending 7 CFR 3555—officially paving the way for Delegated Lenders to approve loans and obtain Loan Note Guarantees, with limited to no Agency involvement.
What does this mean for you?
A faster, more efficient loan approval process and greater autonomy for eligible lenders participating in the SFHGLP.
Key Dates to Know:
• Final Rule Effective: June 17, 2026
• Pilot Program Effective: September 1, 2026
• Full Implementation: September 28, 2028
But that’s not all! USDA is also launching the Lender Interactive Test Environment (LITE) Delegated Authority Pilot Program, announced through a concurrent Federal Register Notice. This pilot will test replacing the Agency’s pre‑closing approval step with full delegated approval authority—aligned with the new Final Rule.
Mark your calendar! An informational session will be held on May 14, 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET. Register now to join us — all are welcome to attend and learn more about this pilot program!
Want to be part of this exciting opportunity?
Jump in and help shape the future of delegated lending! If you’d like to be considered for the LITE Delegated Authority Pilot Program, contact LITEPilot@usda.gov today.
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Before You Submit: Are You an Approved Lender or a TPO?
Follow the right path for training, Login.gov, and GUS access.
The process for submitting USDA Rural Development loan files depends on whether you are an Approved Lender or a Third‑Party Originator (TPO). Before getting started, all GUS users must complete required GUS training which can be found on the GUS page in the USDA LINC Training & Resource Library and set up their Login.gov credentials. Once your account is created, Approved Lenders will work with their Security Administrator to gain GUS access, while TPOs will provide their Login.gov ID to their partnering Approved Lender to be added as a Lender Agent. Helpful guides and training materials are available on the GUS page in the USDA LINC Training & Resource Library.
View the full guidance to ensure you’re set up correctly.
Think Big (Even for Tiny Homes): USDA Loans That Expand Your Market
Explore flexible features that help support rural communities and spark new possibilities.
USDA Rural Development offers a variety of creative loan features—Single‑Close Construction, Manufactured Housing, and Rehabilitation options—to help lenders reach more rural homebuyers and address the shortage of affordable housing. These products allow zero down payment, flexible financing of construction or repair costs, and streamlined one‑time closings that save borrowers and lenders both time and money. With options for new builds, manufactured homes, major or minor repairs, and even tiny homes, USDA gives lenders powerful tools to expand their market and support rural communities.
Click to discover all the details and unlock the full article!
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Lender Feedback Spotlight: Tell Us What You Think |
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Help Shape Future Training
The USDA LINC Training & Resource Library is your one stop shop for program information, required documents, and on demand training videos. Our Lender and Partner Activities (LPA) Team develops in depth training that covers many of the major topics within the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP).
But we want to make sure we’re meeting your needs.
If there are topics you’d like to learn more about—or areas where additional training would help you feel more confident—please let us know. Your feedback guides our future trainings, and we want to ensure you have the tools and knowledge to navigate the SFHGLP successfully.
We’re here to support you every step of the way!
If you have any ideas for additional training, please contact the LPA Team at sfhgld.lenderpartner@usda.gov.
Share Your Input on ADU and Proposed Seller Concession Updates
USDA is inviting public comments on two exciting proposed policy updates that could positively shape future lender operations.
Accessory Dwelling Units - This proposed rule would allow guarantees for properties that include income‑producing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), aligning the program with recent industry changes and expanding rural housing flexibility. Respond by June 1, 2026.
Seller Concessions - This proposed rule would amend the regulation to exclude real estate commission fees from the six percent limitation on interested party concessions. Respond by June 22, 2026.
We encourage all lending partners to review these proposals and submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal located at https://www.regulations.gov.
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Register for Our Next
Free Webinar
"Understanding USDA Ratio Guidelines"
Wednesday, May 13, 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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File-Specific Questions
Contact the appropriate Origination & Processing Division (OPD) team
Click here for OPD team contact information.
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