source:
  type: regulation
  id: usda-hb-3555-12.9
  authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: "USDA HB-1-3555 §12.9 (Existing And New Dwellings). Gap-fill (verbatim). \n"
obligations:
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-0
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-0
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: ISTING 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 fo…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: ISTING 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      (SF Handbook; HUD Handbook 4000.1, also known as HUD Handbook) or as superseded by HUD.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.
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-1
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-1
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. Qualified appraisers are licensed or
      certified and can attest the property meets HUD Handbook 4000.1 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 4000.1 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. The appraiser must report all readily
      observable property deficiencies, as well as any adverse conditions discovered performing the research involved
      in completing the appraisal. 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: x Lenders must encourage applicants to obtain a detailed home inspection of the property
      independent of the inspection noted above. x 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. x 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. x Lenders are not required to collect an inspection report to confirm thermal
      standards for existing dwellings. x 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.'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-2
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-2
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. 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
      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: x Certified plans and specifications; x Required construction inspections; and x 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. The one year builder’s warranty must be fully executed and include the date of warranty,
      owner, warrantor name, location of property, signatures of all parties, and any other applicable information.
      This section will provide documentation options necessary to meet each of these'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-3
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-3
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. 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.
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-4
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-4
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. 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 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:'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-5
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-5
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. 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 is not required by the Agency for guaranteed loans. -OR- 2. Certificate
      of Occupancy issued by a local jurisdiction. -OR- 3. 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: x Licensed architects; x Professional engineers; x Plan reviewers
      certified by a national model code organization; x Local building officials authorized to review and approve
      building plans and specifications; or x 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.'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-6
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-6
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. -OR- 2. Three construction inspections
      performed when: x Footings and foundation are ready to be poured and prior to back-filling; x Shell is complete,
      but plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work is still exposed; x Final inspection of completed work prior
      to occupancy; and x 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- 3. Final inspection and a 10-year insured builder warranty. x 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. x 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.'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-7
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-7
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. 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'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-8
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-8
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. 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 is not required by the Agency for guaranteed loans. -OR- 2. Certificate of Occupancy
      issued by a local jurisdiction. -OR- 3. 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'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-9
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.9-9
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
  description: '12.9 Existing And New Dwellings: 05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
    law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely
    on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.…'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.9 — Existing And New Dwellings
    source_class: usda-handbook-hb-1-3555
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '05-05-25) PN 640 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized
      by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available
      through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. acceptable to Rural Development. -OR-
      2. Two construction inspections performed when: x Footings and foundation are ready to be poured and prior
      to back-filling; x Final inspection of completed work prior to occupancy; and x 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- 3. Final inspection and
      a 10-year insured builder warranty. x 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.
      x 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’'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.9 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
