Overview
USDA Rural Development’s Guaranteed Loan Program assists approved lenders in providing up to 100% financing for eligible borrowers (households that do not exceed 115% of the Median Household Income ) purchasing homes in eligible rural areas. Automated underwriting assistance through GUS (Guaranteed Underwriting System) allows for expanded ratios and flexible credit. Download the Guaranteed Rural Housing Lender fact sheet.
We now have Single Close Construction-to-Permanent Financing! A single-close loan combines the features of a construction loan and a long-term permanent mortgage. Since there is only one closing, which can save considerable closing costs, the loan is considered a purchase transaction by the agency. The loan note guarantee may be issued once the interim construction loan is closed without waiting for the completion of the property.
SFHGLP Team – How to Contact Us:
Download the Full GRH Contact Sheet
CALL USDA at (833) 314-0168
The SFHGLP now has a toll-free Customer Access Lender Line (CALL). The CALL USDA system is available to provide turn time updates, as well as access to specialists and analysts who are available to answer your questions on:
- Specific Files
- Lender Recertification and Approval
- Policies and Scenarios
- GUS Technical Questions
Have a general policy question? Reach out to the Loan Policy team at sfhgld.program@usda.gov or
*833-314-0168, ext. 4.
Have a question on a specific application submitted to USDA? File-specific questions should be emailed to the production team responsible for the state. For example, if you had a question regarding a guaranteed loan application in Nebraska, you would email SFHGLPTWO@usda.gov to contact Team Two. You may also call *833-314-0168, ext. 2 for assistance.
In most cases, our staff can provide a response within 24 hours during normal business days. We can answer faster if you:
- Identify the state the application is located; if applicable;
- Provide applicant’s name, if applicable;
- Include contact information; and
- Indicate if you would like a call back (otherwise you will receive an email reply)
| Production Teams | States |
|---|---|
| Production Team One SFHGLPONE@usda.gov | AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, GU, HI, IA, ID, KS, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WP, WY |
| Production Team Two SFHGLPTWO@usda.gov | AR, KY, LA, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, NJ, NY, OK |
| Production Team Three SFHGLPTHREE@usda.gov | CT, DE, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, RI, SC, VT, WV |
| Production Team Four SFHGLPFOUR@usda.gov | FL, IN, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, VI |
*Phone System Availability: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm ET
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Want to become a new program lender?
To get started, we recommend you:
- Watch our Webcast: Become an Approved Lender (16 minutes)
- Review Chapter 3 of our 3555 Guaranteed Loan Program Technical Handbook
Questions on lender approval or recertification?
Please direct any questions to our Servicing Team at: sfhgld.compliance@usda.gov
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- Link to “Procedure Notice” describing recent Handbook changes.
- USDA RD Forms: USDA Service Center Agencies e-forms site.
- Lender Interactive Network Connection (LINC): GUS and ESR Access
- LINC Library: Training, Documents, and Resources
- 3555 Handbook
- FAQ Loan Origination
- Investors Currently Purchasing SFHGLP Construction-to-Permanent Loans
- Sign up to GovDelivery using this link.
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USDA ITS Service Desk Support Center
For e-Authentication assistance
E_Authentication FAQs: (https://www.eauth.usda.gov/eauth/b/usda/faq)
E-Authentication Contact Us: (https://www.eauth.usda.gov/eauth/b/usda/contactus)Rural Development Help Desk
For GUS system, outage or functionality assistance
Email: RD.HD@USDA.GOV
Phone: 800-457-3642, option 2 (USDA Applications); then option 2 (Rural Development)