source:
  type: regulation
  id: usda-hb-3555-12.26
  authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.26 — Mortgage File Documentation
  description: "USDA HB-1-3555 §12.26 (Mortgage File Documentation). Gap-fill (verbatim). \n"
obligations:
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.26-0
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.26-0
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.26 — Mortgage File Documentation
  description: '12.26 Mortgage File Documentation: RTGAGE FILE DOCUMENTATION The lender’s permanent loan file must
    contain the following information to support the single close transaction, in addition to documentation outlined
    in this Handbook: x Sufficient documentation to validate the actual cost to construct the subject home'
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - gap-fill
  - usda-hb-3555
  - section-complete
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 §12.26 — Mortgage File Documentation
    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: 'RTGAGE FILE DOCUMENTATION The lender’s permanent loan file must contain the following information
      to support the single close transaction, in addition to documentation outlined in this Handbook: x Sufficient
      documentation to validate the actual cost to construct the subject home'
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.26 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
- id: usda-hb-3555-12.26-1
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-12.26-1
  section: USDA HB-1-3555 12.26 — Mortgage File Documentation
  description: '12.26 Mortgage File Documentation: 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 §12.26 — Mortgage File Documentation
    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. (for example, purchase contracts with
      the builder, Construction Loan Agreement, plans and specifications, receipts, invoices, lien waivers, etc.);
      x All closing disclosures and closing documents executed by all parties to the transaction and evidencing
      all costs to the homebuyer and property seller at the time of loan closing; x A final title insurance policy
      endorsement ensuring the lender remains in a first lien position and that no junior liens exist against the
      property; x All canceled checks, paid receipts, draw requests, lien waivers, change orders, title endorsements,
      etc. for all property-related requirements for new construction; x The appraiser’s certificate of completion
      and a photograph of the completed property; and x All third-party inspections and warranties as defined in
      this Chapter.
    drafter_attestation: Verbatim from HB-1-3555 §12.26 body (max-gap occurrence), snapshot 0466acd1ea2d17a4; substring-verified.
  judgment: false
