[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 227 (Friday, November 22, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59762-59802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29777]



[[Page 59761]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part V





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________
Rural Housing Service

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Rural Utilities Service

Farm Service Agency
_______________________________________________________________________



7 CFR Part 1806, et al.



Reengineering and Reinvention of the Direct Section 502 and 504 Single 
Family Housing (SFH) Programs; Interim Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 227 / Friday, November 22, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 59762]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Utilities Service
Farm Service Agency

7 CFR Parts 1806, 1910, 1922, 1944, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1965, and 
3550

RIN 0575-AB99


Reengineering and Reinvention of the Direct Section 502 and 504 
Single Family Housing (SFH) Programs

AGENCIES: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 
Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service Agency, USDA.

ACTION: Interim final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS), formerly Rural Housing and 
Community Development Service (RHCDS), a successor Agency to the 
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA), is streamlining and reengineering 
its regulations and will be utilizing private sector processes and 
techniques in the administration of its direct SFH portfolio. This 
action is taken to reduce unnecessary federal regulations, improve 
customer service, and improve the agency's ability to achieve greater 
efficiency, flexibility and effectiveness in managing its SFH 
portfolio. The intended effect of this action is to improve service to 
rural America and comply with the National Performance Review's (NPR's) 
goal of reducing unnecessary federal regulations.

DATES: The effective date of this interim final rule is December 26, 
1996.
    Written comments are requested on Secs. 3550.53(g), 3550.57(a), 
3550.63, and 3550.68. Comments are due on or before December 26, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments in duplicate to the Director, 
Regulations and Paperwork Management Division, Rural Housing Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 6348, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, 
Washington, D.C. 20250-6348. Comments may be submitted via the Internet 
by addressing them to ``comments'rus.usda.gov'' and must contain the 
word ``DLOS'' in the Subject. All comments made pursuant to this notice 
will be made available for public inspection during regular work hours 
at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David J. Villano, Special Assistant to 
the Administrator for Regulatory and Policy Development, Rural Housing 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0781, 1400 Independence 
Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0781, telephone (202) 720-1628.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Classification

    This rule has been determined to be significant, but not 
economically significant, and was reviewed by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866.

Congressional Review

    In accordance with section 251 of the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), this rule was 
determined to be a major rule by OMB and has been submitted to Congress 
and the Comptroller General. The aforementioned Act stipulates that a 
major rule may not take effect until the later of: submission of a 
report to Congress on the rule; or 60 days after publication in the 
Federal Register unless the Agency finds good cause that such timeframe 
is impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.
    As discussed in this rule, this regulatory action is taken to 
consolidate, streamline and simplify existing regulations, make them 
clearer and easier to understand, improve the delivery of service to 
our customers, and save the Government $250 million over the next five 
years. A delay in implementing these regulations would forestall these 
savings to the public. For these reasons, RHS has determined that 
delaying implementation of these regulations is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest.
    It should also be noted that, in accordance with section 534(b) of 
the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, these regulations cannot take 
effect until 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. 
Further, section 534(b) requires that copies of the rule be sent to 
Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Banking Housing and 
Urban Affairs of the senate and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the 
Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs of the house before 
being published in the Federal Register. Copies were submitted to these 
members on August 29, 1996.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the provisions of 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35 and have been 
assigned OMB control number 0575-0166, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. No comments were received with regard to 
the proposed information collection requirements during the 60-day 
comment period under PRA and this rule does not impose any new 
information collection requirements from those previously approved by 
OMB. The only change RHS has made to the proposed information 
collection package is to change the acronym before the form number. The 
proposed rule was developed when the RHS was known as the RHCDS and was 
part of the Rural Economic and Community Development (RECD) mission 
area within the USDA. The name of the RECD mission area has been 
changed to Rural Development. The proposed rule included the use of the 
acronym ``RECD'' before the form number. RHS has changed the acronym 
from ``RECD'' to ``RHS'' for forms used strictly in RHS, or ``RD'' for 
forms which may be used by other services within the Rural Development 
mission area or the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
    The information collection requirements for the Handbooks which 
accompany this regulation were published in the Federal Register for a 
60-day comment period on July 18, 1996 (61 FR 37440). No comments were 
received on this information collection package which is currently 
under review by OMB. RHS is proposing an overall 11 percent reduction 
in information collection hours and 20 percent reduction in information 
collection costs.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required 
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid 
OMB control number. The valid OMB control number as assigned to the 
collection of information in these final regulations is displayed at 
the end of the affected section of the regulations.

Civil Justice Reform

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil 
Justice Reform. In accordance with this rule: (1) All state and local 
laws and regulations that are in conflict with this rule will be 
preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this rule; and 
(3) administrative proceedings must be exhausted before bringing suit 
in court challenging action taken under this rule in accordance with 
subtitle H of title II of Pub. L. 103-354.

Unfunded Mandate Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Pub. 
L. 104-4, establishes requirements for

[[Page 59763]]

Federal agencies to assess the effects of their regulatory actions on 
State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. Under 
section 202 of the UMRA, RHS generally must prepare a written 
statement, including a cost-benefit analysis, for proposed and final 
rules with ``Federal mandates'' that may result in expenditures to 
State, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the 
private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. When such a 
statement is needed for a rule, section 205 of the UMRA generally 
requires RHS to identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory 
alternatives and adopt the least costly, more cost-effective or least 
burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule.
    This rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local, and tribal 
governments or the private sector. Therefore, this rule is not subject 
to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

National Performance Review

    This regulatory action is being taken as part of the National 
Performance Review (NPR) program to reduce or eliminate unnecessary 
regulations and improve those that remain in force. Currently, the 
administration of the SFH program is guided by 18 separate regulations 
totaling 290 pages in the CFR.
    RHS has purchased a commercial-off-the-shelf Dedicated Loan 
Origination and Servicing System (DLOS) which includes escrow 
capability to improve program performance and efficiency to its 
customers. RHS intends to adopt processes and techniques currently 
utilized by the private sector including centralized servicing and 
automation of many forms and processes. The system is being customized 
to provide the additional features and servicing benefits available to 
RHS customers to assist them in becoming successful homeowners.
    Rather than modify the current 18 regulations to implement DLOS, 
RHS committed itself to meet the true spirit and intent of the NPR. RHS 
has undertaken a massive effort to completely reinvent and reengineer 
its regulatory process. RHS is combining the guidance provided in all 
18 regulations into one consolidated rule. Administrative matters have 
been eliminated, remaining text has been completely revised to be 
consistent, simple, and clear. RHS estimates the final rule, after DLOS 
is fully implemented, will cover approximately 30 pages in the CFR, for 
a 90% reduction in regulations. This regulatory initiative follows our 
final rule of October 27, 1995, in which the cost of the direct section 
502 program was reduced by 30%.

Programs Affected

    These programs are listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under Number 10.410, Very-Low to Moderate Income Housing 
Loans (Section 502 Rural Housing Loans) and 10.417 Very-Low Income 
Housing Repair Loans and Grants (Section 504 Rural Housing Loans and 
Grants).

Intergovernmental Consultation

    For the reasons set forth in the Final Rule related Notice to 7 CFR 
part 3015, subpart V, these programs are not subject to Executive Order 
12372 which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials.

Environmental Impact Statement

    This document has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, 
subpart G, ``Environmental Program.'' It is the determination of RHS 
that this action does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Public 
Law 91-190, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule has been reviewed with regard to the requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The undersigned has 
determined and certified by signature of this document that this rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities since this rulemaking action does not involve a new or 
expanded program.

Background Information

An Overview

    The RHS is completing the final steps to the reengineering and 
reinvention of the manner in which direct loans and grants under 
sections 502 and 504 of the Housing Act of 1949 are made and serviced. 
This follows our October 27, 1995, final rule in which the cost of our 
direct single family housing low income loan program under section 502 
of the Housing Act of 1949 was reduced by 30%. The regulations which 
follow are a significant departure from business practices of the 
former FmHA. As part of the USDA reorganization, RHS made a commitment 
to make its programs more customer friendly, to streamline processes, 
reduce costs to the taxpayer, and increase our level of customer 
service. These regulations will accomplish these goals within our SFH 
program and set the standard for future regulatory actions within RHS.
    RHS has approximately 700,000 direct Section 502 and 504 loans with 
approximately 600,000 customers in its portfolio. With our Fiscal Year 
(FY) 1996 direct section 502 and 504 loan appropriation, the Agency 
expects to make approximately 35,000 new direct SFH loans during this 
FY. The accounting system established by FmHA in the 1970's to maintain 
its vast farm, housing, community and business loan programs is 
severely outdated and is not capable of expansion to keep pace with an 
ever increasingly automated society. FmHA was not able to provide the 
same level of customer service provided by commercial lenders such as 
the escrow of real estate taxes and insurance for its customers and 
toll free telephone numbers to contact a servicing representative. 
These features are critical for RHS to provide prudent supervised 
credit to its very-low and low income customers and assist these 
families in becoming successful homeowners.
    Additionally, RHS is aggressively meeting the Administration's goal 
of reducing staff through reorganization and streamlining of processes. 
National and field staffs are being reduced and many offices will be 
consolidated. This, coupled with our outdated accounting system, made 
the accomplishment of our Agency goals more challenging.
    In May 1995, the RHS awarded a contract to Fiserv, Inc. and its 
subsidiary, Data-Link systems for the purchase of a commercial-off-the-
shelf Dedicated Loan Origination and Servicing System (DLOS) which 
includes escrow capability. This system will replace the Agency's 
current Program Loan Accounting System (PLAS) and the Management 
Records System (MRS) and will provide agency personnel with the tools 
to deliver high quality customer service to its customers. RHS has 
adopted processes and techniques currently utilized by the private 
sector including centralized servicing and automation of many forms and 
processes. The system has been customized to provide the additional 
features and servicing benefits available to RHS customers to assist 
them in becoming successful homeowners. The Agency implemented this 
system on October 1, 1996 in two pilot states. Other states will be 
phased into the DLOS system through FY 1997 with full implementation 
anticipated by September 30, 1997. Further information on the 
implementation of the system follows.

[[Page 59764]]

    The centralized servicing unit is located in St. Louis, Missouri, 
and will assume primary responsibility for the functions associated 
with servicing and managing the loan portfolio such as collection of 
loan payments, day to day loan servicing, escrowing, and accounting in 
a focused effort to monitor and reduce loan defaults thereby achieving 
our goal of having successful homeowners that can eventually refinance 
to commercial credit. The centralized unit is staffed with many 
existing RHS employees.
    The objectives of DLOS are to:
     Establish an escrow system for real estate taxes and 
insurance
     Facilitate the centralization of RHS SFH loan servicing
     Reduce the foreclosure rate through early and consistent 
intervention with customers having trouble making payments
     Reduce costs by reducing delinquency rates, loan losses 
and operating costs
     Account for direct SFH loans on a amortized rather than 
simple interest rate
     Improve efficiency and service to our customers
     Develop clear, concise and easy to read regulations and 
handbooks
     Reduce burden on our customers
    This initiative has been highlighted in the NPR and will streamline 
and improve the delivery of program assistance to customers. There are 
anticipated savings to the Government of $250 million over a five year 
period.

The Regulations

    RHS has completed a major redevelopment and consolidation of FmHA 
regulations affecting the direct Section 502 and 504 programs. Prior to 
this rule becoming effective, direct SFH customers were affected, in 
part, by the following regulations:
     7 CFR part 1806, subpart A--Real Property Insurance
     7 CFR part 1910, subpart A--Receiving and Processing 
Applications
     7 CFR part 1922, subpart C--Appraisal of Single Family 
Residential Property
     7 CFR part 1944, subpart A--Section 502 Rural Housing Loan 
Policies, Procedures, and Authorizations
     7 CFR part 1944, subpart J--Section 504 Rural Housing 
Loans and Grants
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart C--Offsets of Federal Payments to 
FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 Borrowers
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart D--Final Payment on Loans
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart F--Analyzing Credit Needs and 
Graduation of Borrowers
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart G--Borrower Supervision, 
Servicing and Collection of Single Family Housing Loan Accounts
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart I--Recapture of Section 502 Rural 
Housing Subsidy
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart J--Management and Collection of 
Nonprogram (NP) Loans
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart M--Servicing Cases Where 
Unauthorized Loan or Other Financial Assistance Was Received--Single 
Family Housing
     7 CFR part 1955, subpart A--Liquidation of Loans Secured 
by Real Estate and Acquisition of Real and Chattel Property
     7 CFR part 1955, subpart B--Management of Property
     7 CFR part 1955, subpart C--Disposal of Inventory Property
     7 CFR part 1956, subpart B--Debt Settlement--Farmer 
Programs and Housing
     7 CFR part 1965, subpart C--Security Servicing for Single 
Family Rural Housing Loans
    Some of the above mentioned regulations involve only SFH loans, 
while others are combined with regulatory provisions of other programs 
of the former FmHA such as farm loans, business and industrial loans, 
community facilities and multi- family housing. RHS has consolidated 
all regulatory actions in the above mentioned regulations which affect 
direct SFH loans into one new regulation--7 CFR part 3550. This 
consolidated regulation will make it easier for RHS field staff, and 
most importantly, our customers, to understand how to obtain program 
benefits.
    Additionally, RHS has removed all administrative processes from the 
regulations, leaving only regulatory actions which impact the public in 
the CFR. This streamlining makes the regulation more concise and much 
easier to read and understand. The Agency has developed two Handbooks 
which cover administrative matters such as what forms must be filed and 
where to submit loan requests and the agency's internal processing 
procedures. The first Handbook will be used in Rural Development field 
offices and deals primarily with loan originations and property 
management. The second Handbook will be used in the Centralized 
Servicing Center in St. Louis, MO., and deals primarily with loan 
servicing, liquidation and debt settlement. These Handbooks will not be 
published in the Federal Register but will be available upon request to 
the public at no cost.

Implementation Proposal

    As previously mentioned, the DLOS system is being implemented over 
a one year period. Two pilot states started the process and other 
states will be added to DLOS over the next 12 months. In addition, 
field offices within a state may be phased onto the DLOS system over a 
several week period. The 12 month phased implementation period is 
critical to ensure for the orderly transfer of account information on 
700,000 loans to the new DLOS system. This implementation period 
presents administrative challenges to the Agency as states will be 
operating under different computer systems with significantly different 
capabilities. As discussed in our Proposed Rule, RHS is removing the 
following regulations from the CFR:
     7 CFR part 1922, subpart C--Appraisal of Single Family 
Housing Residential Property
     7 CFR part 1944, subpart A--Section 502 Rural Housing Loan 
Policies, Procedures, and Authorizations.
     7 CFR part 1944, subpart J--Section 504 Rural Housing 
Loans and Grants.
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart G--Borrower Supervision, 
Servicing and Collection of Single Family Housing Loan Accounts.
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart I--Recapture of Section 502 Rural 
Housing Subsidy.
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart M--Servicing Cases Where 
Unauthorized Loan or Other Financial Assistance Was Received--Single 
Family Housing.
     7 CFR part 1965, subpart C--Security Servicing for Single 
Family Rural Housing Loans.
     7 CFR part 1922, subpart C was not mentioned in the 
Proposed Rule; however, it is included in this Interim Final Rule as it 
contains administrative guidance on appraising SFH properties. The 
above mentioned regulations dealt strictly with the direct SFH programs 
of the RHS. The following regulations will remain in the CFR as they 
contain provisions relating to other program areas. These regulations 
are being amended as part of this final rule to clearly indicate that 
they no longer apply to the direct SFH loans and grants:
     7 CFR part 1806, subpart A--Real Property Insurance.
     7 CFR part 1910, subpart A--Receiving and Processing 
Applications.

[[Page 59765]]

     7 CFR part 1944, subpart D--Farm Labor Housing Loan and 
Grant Policies, Procedures and Authorizations.
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart C--Offsets of Federal Payments to 
FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 Borrowers.
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart D--Final Payment on Loans.
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart F--Analyzing Credit Needs and 
Graduation of Borrowers.
     7 CFR part 1951, subpart J--Management and Collection of 
Nonprogram (NP) Loans.
     7 CFR part 1955, subpart A--Liquidation of Loans Secured 
by Real Estate and Acquisition of Real and Chattel Property.
     7 CFR part 1955, subpart B--Management of Property.
     7 CFR part 1955, subpart C--Disposal of Inventory 
Property.
     7 CFR part 1956, subpart B--Debt Settlement--Farmer 
Programs and Housing.
    7 CFR part 1944, subpart D was added to the above list since our 
Proposed Rule. In making amendments to 7 CFR part 1910, subpart A to 
exclude the direct SFH program, it was noted that the only Rural 
Development program that would remain in 7 CFR part 1910, subpart A 
would be the Farm Labor Housing Programs. To make it clearer for USDA 
field staff and the public, RHS took the administrative guidance 
contained in 7 CFR part 1910, subpart A which related to Farm Labor 
Housing loans and added it to the Farm Labor Housing regulations--7 CFR 
part 1944, subpart D. Through this effort, 7 CFR part 1944, subpart D 
is more complete, and 7 CFR part 1910, subpart A only impacts the Farm 
Credit Programs of the FSA. 7 CFR part 1910, subpart A has been amended 
to reflect this change.
    After the effective date of this rule, the direct SFH program will 
be guided by 7 CFR part 3550 and the accompanying Handbooks. This 
method will ensure that all customers have access to the same program 
benefits. However, some changes contained in 7 CFR part 3550, which 
cannot be implemented under the PLAS computer system, will be 
applicable to customers only in states under the DLOS computer system. 
For example, the regulation imposes a late fee on payments which are 
more than 15 days delinquent. The DLOS computer system can handle such 
a charge, whereas the current PLAS computer system cannot. Therefore, 
customers in states under DLOS will be subject to a late fee. Customers 
in states under the PLAS system will not be subject to a late fee until 
they are put under the DLOS system. Another example is the ability to 
escrow for taxes and insurance. Existing customers in states under DLOS 
may escrow; however, customers in states not under DLOS cannot escrow 
because the PLAS system does not have escrow capability. These 
differences are unavoidable due to the shortcomings of the current PLAS 
computer system and the massive effort the Agency will be undertaking 
to convert all 700,000 loans to the new system.

Discussion of Comments

    The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 8, 
1996 (61 FR 15395), with a 60-day comment period that ended June 7, 
1996 Thirty-five comments were received from Rural Development 
personnel, housing advocacy groups, developers, builders, attorneys, 
housing authorities, private lenders, housing organizations, a member 
of congress, and others with an interest in our housing programs.
    Many of the comments focused on areas currently published in the 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) which were not a part of the proposed 
rule. As discussed, part of the intent behind the reengineering and 
reinvention of these regulations was to remove much of the 
administrative guidance from the CFR and include this administrative 
material in handbooks which would not be published in the CFR. The 
handbooks provide more flexibility for RHS and its customers. For 
example, RHS did not publish the actual amount of the downpayment 
required for Nonprogram (NP) purchasers of real estate owned (REO) by 
the government or RHS financed property. This is an administrative 
determination and included in the handbooks. In this manner, RHS can 
adjust the amount of the downpayment to more quickly react to changes 
in the marketplace.
    In our responses to many of the comments, we have indicated that 
the guidance requested by a commentor is administrative and contained 
in the applicable handbooks. RHS sincerely appreciates the time and 
effort of all the commentors. Comments, by section number from the 
proposed rule are discussed below:
    Section 3550.4(b). Non-appealable decisions. One comment was 
received on this section which expressed concern that language 
contained in 7 CFR part 1900, subpart B, which provided that program 
administrative decisions based upon such clear and objective statutory 
or regulatory requirements were not appealable was omitted. The 
commentor felt that this language was critical to ensure that all 
parties understand appealable decisions and to avoid unnecessary work 
on the part of appellants, U.S. Department of Agriculture National 
Appeals Division (NAD), and RHS. NAD determines if an Agency decision 
is appealable; therefore, we cannot adopt this comment. We have also 
made other amendments to this section consistent with the statutes 
governing appeals and reviews.
    Section 3550.6. State law or state supplement. Two comments were 
received which recommended that this title be broadened to include 
local and Indian tribal laws. RHS agrees and has adopted this comment.
    Section 3550.8. Exception authority. Two comments were received on 
this section. The commentors recommended that RHS customers be provided 
the authority to initiate requests for exceptions rather than just the 
State Director. RHS considered these comments; however, RHS believes 
that the rules and regulations are necessary to ensure fairness and 
consistency to all customers. Providing anyone with the opportunity to 
request an exception creates an administrative burden on RHS and 
undermines the need for regulations. We continue to support our policy 
that only State Directors may request an exception to the regulations. 
Exceptions are rare and only used in individual cases. We believe the 
regulatory process, which provides for public comment, provides ample 
opportunity for public input and our regulations provide sufficient 
flexibility to provide assistance to our clients. Customers are also 
provided review and appeal rights, and are not prohibited from 
contacting or writing USDA officials with regard to concerns over 
regulatory issues.
    Section 3550.9. Conflict of interest. Two comments were received on 
this section which recommended that the language be expanded to include 
Rural Development employees instead of just Rural Housing Service 
employees. RHS agrees and has added a definition of ``RHS employee,'' 
to include Rural Development employees involved with the direct SFH 
programs. RHS also amended the section with regard to ``loan closing 
agents.'' This section prohibited loan closing agents from purchasing 
property which was security for an RHS loan. This prohibition was 
included in the regulations when the Agency ``designated'' attorneys 
and required that an applicant select a designated attorney to perform 
loan closing functions. Since RHS no longer designates attorneys, only 
loan closing agents who performed legal work on a particular security 
property should be prohibited to purchase said property

[[Page 59766]]

due to the potential for a conflict of interest.
    Section 3550.10. Definitions--Cost appraisals. Two commentors 
recommended a definition of cost appraisals for properties located in 
remote areas or on tribal lands. RHS agrees that additional guidance on 
such appraisals is necessary and will include these in the Handbooks.
    Deferred mortgage payments. One commentor requested that we clarify 
that deferred amounts are subject to recapture on sale. RHS agrees and 
has amended the definition to provide that deferred amounts are due on 
sale or nonoccupancy.
    Deficient housing. One commentor recommended we expand the 
definition to include housing that is uninhabitable, unsafe, or poses a 
health or environmental threat to the occupant or others. RHS agrees 
and has made this change.
    Existing dwelling or unit. Several commentors noted that the 
definition included an inadvertent ``not'' with regard to dwellings 
covered by an approved 10-year warranty plan and that the definition of 
``New dwelling,'' was missing the term ``not.'' RHS appreciates these 
comments and has rewritten both definitions for clarity.
    False information. One commentor recommended that the definition be 
expanded to include information deliberately omitted for the purpose of 
receiving or continuing to receive assistance for which they were not 
eligible to receive. We agree and have clarified and expanded the 
definition accordingly.
    Legal alien. One commentor did not feel the definition provided 
sufficient information. RHS believes this definition is sufficient; and 
will provide additional information on how to verify alien status in 
the handbooks.
    Market value. One commentor recommended that the definition be 
expanded to include a ``Broker Price Opinion,'' (BPO) where authorized. 
A BPO is a quick and inexpensive tool which helps determine the value 
of a house based upon recent sales in the area. RHS agrees that a BPO 
would be beneficial for certain servicing, but not loan origination 
purposes. In addition, it is less costly to the government and RHS 
customers. As such, we have adopted this comment.
    Moderate income. Two comments were received indicating the 
definition of moderate income for direct SFH assistance (for which RHS 
had proposed no change) is different than the definition of moderate 
income for the guaranteed SFH program. RHS recognizes that the 
definitions are different. The direct SFH programs are aimed at 
assisting lower income families, that even with a potential loan 
guarantee, could not obtain financing for housing. The guarantee 
program is aimed at assisting higher income families who could not 
obtain housing without a guarantee. The moderate income level is set 
higher in the guarantee program to assist a wider spectrum of low and 
moderate income families to obtain housing.
    Modest housing. Two commentors felt that our definition of modest 
housing, which relies upon the section 203 (b) limits established by 
the National Housing Act, often times resulted in the Agency financing 
homes which were not actually modest in rural areas, especially in 
terms of size. RHS shares these concerns.
    For this reason, as discussed elsewhere in this rule, we are 
reopening the comment period regarding this issue.
    One commentor felt that RHS should not prohibit the financing of 
houses with in-ground swimming pools. The commentor stated that RHS has 
financed homes where an in-ground pool existed but was removed so the 
property could be financed by RHS. RHS agrees that physically removing 
an in-ground swimming pool so that RHS will finance a property is 
impractical; however, RHS is providing subsidized credit to families 
with limited incomes. In-ground pools are expensive to own and operate 
and are viewed as an above-modest feature. It does not serve the best 
interests of the overall program by financing homes with in-ground 
pools. Further, the cost of maintaining such a feature is generally 
beyond the financial capability of our clientele.
    Modular home. One commentor noted we had included a definition of 
``manufactured home,'' but did not include a definition of modular 
home. We regret the oversight and have included a definition.
    New dwelling. See comments under ``Existing dwelling.''
    Person with disability. One commentor thought the definition was 
cumbersome, and noted that Social Security no longer considers drug 
addiction and alcoholism a disability. RHS agrees that the definition 
was long and has streamlined it. With regard to the Social Security 
Administration (SSA) no longer considering drug addiction or alcoholism 
a disability, this is a determination made by SSA for their program 
eligibility. RHS does not consider an applicant's disability, in 
itself, for determining eligibility for housing assistance. Disability 
of an applicant is used in determining adjusted income.
    Recapture amount. One commentor recommended an expansion of the 
definition to cover exceptional cases such as nonoccupancy beyond the 
customers control or when in the best interests of the government. RHS 
believes the definition is sufficient, and such exceptional cases 
handled on a case-by-case basis under the exception authority. It 
should be noted that section 521(a)(1)(D)(i) of the Housing Act of 
1949, as amended, requires the Secretary to provide for recapture upon 
the disposition or nonoccupancy of the property by the borrower.
    Repayment income. Two commentors did not like this term and felt 
``gross income'' was more appropriate. Gross income is the basis for 
calculating adjusted income and is not the same income from which a 
customer could ``repay'' their loan. RHS believes the term ``repayment 
income'' is more appropriate in describing the use of this income.
    Rural area. One commentor felt that the reference to ``rural in 
character'' was misplaced in the definition. This portion of definition 
came directly from section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, 
and is correct.
    Scheduled payment. One commentor recommended that the definition be 
expanded to include protective advances. We agree and have included 
this language in the definition.
    Total Debt Ratio. One commentor recommended that this definition 
include a clarification on whether baby-sitting expenses are included 
in total debts. We disagree. This is a brief definition and does not 
include guidance on all the aspects of what is included or not included 
in total debt ratio. Baby-sitting expenses are not considered a debt 
and this guidance is contained in the handbooks.
    Value appreciation. One commentor felt the definition did not give 
the homeowner credit for home improvements and for principal paid. RHS 
agrees and has clarified the definition.
    Other amendments to ``Definitions.'' RHS has added definitions of 
Household, Nonprogram (NP) interest rate, Principal reduction 
attributed to subsidy (PRAS), Recipient, RHS employee, Subsidy, U.S. 
citizen, and USDA and provided to make it easier for our customers and 
staff to understand these terms used throughout 7 CFR part 3550. RHS 
has also clarified the definitions of Interest credit, Net family 
assets, and Payment assistance, and provided legal citations for the 
Housing Act of 1949. The definition of Veterans

[[Page 59767]]

preference was also expanded to include the Persian Gulf War.
    Section 3550.51. Program objectives. Several comments were received 
regarding RHS's encouragement of applicants to seek other sources of 
funding in conjunction with their single family housing loan. Several 
commentors recommended that due to limited funding and the tremendous 
need for affordable housing, that RHS should require leveraging, where 
feasible, to ensure that limited resources serve the maximum number of 
families. RHS agrees and has adopted this recommendation. One commentor 
suggested the proposed reference to ``if possible'' be replaced with 
``where the income required for eligibility is not greater than that 
for a loan funded by Section 502 alone.'' RHS disagrees. The language 
in this paragraph only requires an applicant to seek other funds, where 
feasible. Since most lenders do not use income limits, but rather debt 
ratios to determine an applicant eligibility, the second comment is not 
applicable. In addition, we do not believe that participation loans 
result in our program serving higher income families since many of the 
participation funds come from other loan and grant programs aimed at 
assisting very-low income families. We believe the language, as 
modified, is appropriate.
    Section 3550.52. Loan purposes. One commentor recommended that 
conditional commitment fees and credit report fees be included as an 
eligible cost for loan making purposes. A conditional commitment fee is 
paid by a builder to RHS as partial reimbursement to RHS for the 
administrative costs of appraising and inspecting a property. This is a 
builder's cost of doing business and not an eligible loan purpose for 
an applicant. In most cases, this is generally included in the 
commitment price, so as a practical matter, the conditional commitment 
fee is included in the amount financed. Credit report fees are small 
and should be paid by the applicant.
    Another commentor felt that RHS should allow packaging fees in 
connection with the sale of Real Estate Owned (REO) by RHS. REO 
properties are generally sold by real estate brokers under an exclusive 
or open-listing arrangement with RHS. RHS pays a typical brokers 
commission and expects that the selling agent, to facilitate the sale 
of the REO, will package the loan application if the purchaser is 
applying for a loan from RHS. Authorizing a packaging fee would 
increase costs to the government.
    Section 3550.52(b). Refinancing non-RHS debts. Two commentors felt 
that RHS inadvertently forgot to include its ability to refinance debts 
incurred for necessary repair and rehabilitation work. The regulation 
provides that funds for refinancing can cover costs for ``eligible loan 
purposes.'' Since necessary repairs and rehabilitation is an eligible 
loan purpose, this section is correct.
    Section 3550.53(a). Income eligibility. One commentor suggested 
that we include a reference to moderate income families for renewal of 
payment subsidies. Since this section deals with an applicant's 
eligibility for a loan, and not a borrower's eligibility for continued 
subsidy, the comment is not applicable.
    Section 3550.53(g). Repayment ability. Seventeen comments were 
received on this section, most recommending that the debt ratios for 
principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI), and maximum debt 
limits should be consistent for very-low and low income applicants, and 
consistent with our guaranteed SFH program. Currently, the PITI ratio 
is 29% for very-low income applicants and 33% for low income 
applicants; and the maximum debt limit is 38% for all applicants. Most 
argued convincingly that the PITI ratios for very-low and low income 
applicants should be the same. Some felt the ratios were prudent loan 
underwriting and should remain as is. Some argued that the ratios 
should remain the same with the State Director having a broader 
exception authority. Some argued for higher ratios, but still with a 
difference between very-low and low income applicants. RHS believes 
that the different ratios for applicant types and programs is confusing 
to both Rural Development staff and the public. RHS also agrees that 
the maximum debt limit should be increased. RHS has retained the limits 
of 29% for PITI for very-low and 33% for PITI for low income 
applicants, and modified the total debt ratio to 41%. RHS is still 
fully analyzing all comments regarding this section and has reopened 
the comment period on this section to solicit further public input.
    Section 3550.53(h). Credit qualifications. Thirteen comments were 
received on this section, most expressing concern that certain 
conditions which indicated an acceptable or unacceptable credit history 
were missing from the proposed rule that are currently contained in 7 
CFR part 1944, subpart A.
    RHS intent in developing this rule was to remove administrative 
decisions from the CFR and include these in the Handbooks which will 
accompany the regulations. The sections which were left out of the 
proposed rule dealt strictly with administrative waivers or other 
conditions which the Agency may consider in determining the 
creditworthiness of applicants. As these are administrative decisions, 
these areas are included in the Handbooks and in much greater detail.
    One commentor felt RHS should waive instances of poor credit if the 
applicant was unaware of a collection account. RHS disagrees. It would 
be difficult to document whether an applicant was unaware of the 
collection. Further, an applicant must demonstrate that they have a 
credit history which demonstrates a reasonable ability and willingness 
to meet debt obligations. Being unaware of a debt and a resulting 
collection account does not demonstrate a reasonable credit history.
    One commentor felt RHS was too liberal in its credit policy by 
allowing 2 late payments in the past 12 months and by not including a 
requirement that rent payments over the previous 24 months had to be 
paid on a timely basis. Low income families are impacted to a greater 
degree than higher income families with unforeseen changes in their 
financial situation. A car repair or medical bill could cause a low 
income family to miss a due date for a short timeframe. These instances 
of late payments do not necessarily reflect an unwillingness or 
inability to meet future obligations. We believe this recommendation is 
too rigid for very-low and low income families.
    One commentor felt that RHS was confusing credit history with 
repayment ability. The commentor felt that someone delinquent on rent 
payments did not demonstrate a favorable credit history. The concern 
expressed was over the provision that permits such unfavorable credit 
to be waived if the proposed PITI under the loan is less than the 
present rent payment. The commentor felt that comparing rent to PITI 
was a repayment ability consideration. Credit history and repayment 
ability are linked in that lessening a family's shelter costs would 
likely enhance their ability to meet the obligation when due. 
Therefore, we believe the provision for considering extenuating 
circumstances, such as this example, is appropriate. The commentor also 
felt that RHS made an error in explaining the difference between 
evaluating the rental history of applicants. The proposed regulation 
could be read to imply that an applicant could be two or more payments 
late on their rent if their other credit history was satisfactory. We 
have clarified this to provide that if an applicant's other

[[Page 59768]]

credit history is satisfactory, only one year of rental history will be 
evaluated.
    Another commentor recommended that where an applicant had a non-RHS 
write-off, and subsequently paid off the debt at least 12 months ago, 
we not count this negative credit reference against the applicant. RHS 
agrees and has modified the regulation accordingly.
    RHS has also clarified that a delinquency on a federal debt and 
foreclosure in the past 36 months are indicators of unacceptable 
credit.
    One commentor felt that a lack of credit history should not 
automatically be considered acceptable credit. They explained 
convincingly that the first credit experience for a family should not 
be their largest financial obligation. A recent study by Chase 
Manhattan indicated that the highest delinquency rate in the first year 
of RHS homeownership was attributed to customers who had no credit 
history prior to obtaining their RHS loan. This was particularly 
evident in customers who had resided with family and had no credit 
experience on their own. This policy has been in effect for many years 
and was established, in part, to recognize the lack of credit in rural 
areas. However, as the commentor indicated, non-real estate related 
credit in one form or another is now readily available even in rural 
areas, and it is not possible for a prudent loan underwriter to 
document that someone who has never had any financial obligations 
demonstrates a reasonable ability and willingness to meet debt 
obligations. RHS agrees and has removed this criteria from the 
regulation. Additional guidance in evaluating applications where the 
applicant may lack a credit history is provided in the Handbooks.
    Section 3550.54 Calculation of income and assets. Several comments 
were received regarding this section asking that RHS further simplify 
and clarify how to calculate the various types of income and assets. 
RHS agrees that this section was cumbersome. As such, RHS has clarified 
this entire section to make it easier to understand repayment, annual 
and adjusted incomes, and net family assets.
    Section 3550.54(a) Annual income. Three comments were received. One 
commentor recommended that the paragraph be revised because annual 
income and repayment income are sometimes different. Annual income and 
repayment income are different. As mentioned in this section, annual 
income is the base from which repayment income is calculated.
    One commentor recommended that the regulation provide guidance on 
verifying alimony or child support for separated or divorced persons 
who cannot afford legal costs, or the action has not proceeded far 
enough for executed papers to confirm payment amounts. Verifying income 
is an administrative function and guidance on such cases is provided in 
the handbooks.
    One commentor recommended that the Equivalent Interest Rate be 
based upon the applicant's income only and not the total family income. 
The commentor felt the extra income that may be included in the total 
family income may not be readily available in the future and may 
jeopardize the customer's repayment ability. RHS understands the 
comment; however, the income of all persons living in the household 
must be used to determine monthly payments. Should the income of the 
household change, the customer may qualify for increased payment 
assistance or other servicing options.
    Section 3550.54(b) Adjusted income. One commentor mentioned that 
the regulation does not include the actual dollar amount for allowable 
deductions. These deductions are set by law (see section 501 (b)(5) of 
the Housing Act, as amended) and need not be repeated in the 
regulation. They are included in the Handbooks.
    One commentor recommended all medical expenses of a disabled family 
member should be deductible. Section 501(b) of the Housing Act of 1949, 
as amended, requires that the definition of income and adjusted income 
for RHS programs have the meanings given section 3(b)(5) of the Housing 
Act of 1937. The current regulation is not the appropriate forum for 
the suggested change to be made, but the changes will be considered in 
a revision of the definition of income under section 3(b)(4) which must 
be jointly made with the Secretary of HUD.
    One commentor was unclear as to whether eligible deductions for an 
elderly family includes all expenses or just those expenses in excess 
of three percent of income. RHS has clarified the regulation to be 
clear that it is only expenses in excess of three percent.
    One commentor recommended that long-term debts that will be paid in 
full within 12 months should not be considered in the total debt ratio 
for self-help applicants because the time between application, 
construction, and first payment is generally one year. RHS agrees that 
the time between application and closing for a self-help applicant is 
generally longer, however, RHS believes that all applicants must be 
treated consistently. To provide self-help applicants with this 
flexibility would not be consistent with our treatment of other 
applicants. Generally, RHS does not know the length of time between 
application and closing when it receives an application. This is 
influenced by many factors including the availability of funding, the 
applicant's decision to build or purchase an existing home, the time it 
takes for the applicant to execute the necessary documents to purchase 
or build a home, and other influences outside the control of RHS or the 
applicant. While the comment has merit, the inconsistent manner in 
which applicants would obtain our services outweighs its advantages.
    Section 3550.54(d). Income exclusions. Two comments were received 
stating that RHS may have inadvertently omitted a list of income that 
is included in repayment income. This paragraph deals with income 
exclusions. The information mentioned is correctly included in 
3550.54(c), Repayment income.
    Section 3550.54(e). Net family assets. Two comments were received. 
One commentor recommended that the cash value of life insurance not be 
considered an asset from which an imputed income is calculated since 
the applicant cannot obtain access to its value. RHS must be consistent 
with the manner in which HUD handles net family assets. HUD considers 
the cash value of life insurance an asset from which imputed income is 
calculated, and therefore RHS, through this rulemaking document, cannot 
adopt this comment.
    Another commentor recommended that for self-employed applicants, 
RHS allow depreciation reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 
to be added to income for repayment income and then deducted from 
income for determining loan payments. RHS disagrees. The Agency has 
always utilized the net income of such applicants, and used such income 
consistently throughout the underwriting process. We believe this is 
more reflective of the income from which self-employed applicants can 
reasonably depend upon to afford the costs of homeownership.
    Section 3550.55(b). Agency processing of applications. One 
commentor felt that returning incomplete applications is burdensome on 
both the applicant and RHS. It is policy to return incomplete 
applications to ensure consistent handling; however, the Handbooks 
contain administrative provisions for handling minor omissions in the 
package which would not require returning the complete package to the 
applicant.
    Two commentors felt that RHS should include a specific timeframe 
for an

[[Page 59769]]

applicant to respond to RHS's inquiry as to their continued interest in 
the program. RHS believes this is an administrative function, and as 
such, is included in the Handbooks.
    Section 3550.55(c). Funding priorities. Seven comments were 
received. One commentor fully supported the priorities as proposed. The 
other commentors felt that the priorities should be rearranged 
consistent with the statute which requires that priority to be given to 
applicants with the greatest need. Unfortunately, what each commentor 
felt was the greatest need differed depending upon their own 
perspective and interests. RHS developed the list taking into 
consideration the intent of the authorizing statute and prior comments 
from Rural Development field staff and the public. As evidenced by the 
comments, ``need'' is subjective. RHS continues its policy that 
existing RHS customers with the need for a repair loan to correct 
health and safety hazards will have the greatest priority. These loans 
are generally of a smaller amount (compared to an initial loan) and RHS 
can assist many needy families through this priority. Second priority 
is for the sale of Real Estate Owned (REO) and for the transfer of 
existing RHS loans. These priorities ensure that RHS' existing 
portfolio is adequately managed, and these currently held resources 
assist as many families as possible. RHS agrees with the majority of 
other commentors that hardship circumstances should be considered a 
higher priority than participation loans and self-help housing loans, 
and has made hardships third priority. The aforementioned areas are 
considered equally as fourth priority, and all other loans are fifth 
priority.
    In addition, RHS retitled this section to ``Selection for 
Processing,'' to better reflect the intent of the paragraph. Loans are 
selected for processing in the order outlined in this section. After 
selection for processing, loans are funded on first come, first served 
basis.
    Section 3550.56(b). Site standards. Four comments were received. 
Three favored our proposed removal of the one-acre lot restriction 
provided the lot could not be subdivided into more than one parcel. One 
commentor stated that there is no zoning in many rural areas and 
therefore no documentation could be obtained that the lot could not be 
subdivided. This and another commentor recommended that the value of 
the lot should not exceed 30% of the total market value of the 
proposal. RHS agrees and has modified the language accordingly.
    One commentor recommended that RHS provide additional guidance on 
how to review sites. This information is included in the handbooks.
    Section 3550.57(a). Modest dwelling. Five comments were received. 
The majority supported RHS's current policy that the property must not 
exceed the limits established under 203(b) of the National Housing Act. 
However, several questioned what is considered ``modest'' and several 
thought the 203(b) limits provided above modest housing in many rural 
communities. RHS agrees that the housing must be modest, and is aware 
of cases where the 203(b) limits allow for the financing of homes which 
are excessive in size and cost. The government should not be providing 
subsidized credit to anyone to purchase above modest housing. RHS will 
continue with the 203(b) limits being the maximum loan amount and is 
reopening the comment period on this section to solicit comments on how 
the Agency can best address the concerns raised in this area.
    Section 3550.57(c). Existing dwellings. One commentor felt RHS 
should provide more administrative guidance, or a checklist in the 
regulation on how to determine if a house is structurally sound, 
functionally adequate, in good repair or to be placed in good repair. 
RHS disagrees that such guidance is necessary in the regulation, and 
has included this administrative guidance in the Handbooks.
    Section 3550.58(b). Secure leasehold interest. Two commentors 
recommended that the term of an acceptable lease be increased from 15 
to 25 years. RHS agrees and has adopted this comment.
    Section 3550.59. Security requirements. Five comments were 
received. Two commentors recommended that RHS accept a junior lien 
position if the senior lien is an affordable mortgage and the RHS loan 
is for necessary repairs. RHS agrees and has adopted this 
recommendation. Two commentors recommended that when RHS accepts a 
junior lien position, the total secured debt must be less than or equal 
to market value. The commentors recommended expansion to include the 
words ``equal to.'' RHS again agrees and has adopted this comment. One 
commentor recommended that we allow junior liens to RHS to exceed the 
market value when the purpose of the junior lien is to secure other 
financing for a downpayment or closing costs. RHS disagrees, especially 
since RHS does not require a downpayment, and closing costs may be 
included in the RHS loan.
    Section 3550.60. Escrow account. Eight comments were received on 
this section, and all supported the escrow of taxes and insurance to 
assist our customers in becoming successful homeowners. One commentor 
felt the language requiring ``customers to deposit funds sufficient to 
pay taxes and insurance premiums applicable to the mortgage for the 
period since the last payments were made'' to be too restrictive. The 
commentor suggested that RHS consider requiring funds for only the 
initial year of escrow. We intended this language to cover existing 
customers who may be delinquent in taxes at the time they go on escrow. 
Since RHS will consider paying the customer's delinquent taxes, 
charging them to the customer's account, and then reamortizing the 
loan, the proposed language would not be too restrictive. It is RHS's 
intent to assist existing customers to every extent possible to 
establish an escrow account.
    One commentor questioned the timing for escrow accounts. All new 
loans which are originated or closed under DLOS will have an escrow 
account automatically established. All customers who received loans 
since October 27, 1995, have been specifically advised that RHS was in 
the process of implementing an escrow system and they would be required 
to escrow when the system became operational. RHS may require these 
customers to convert to escrow shortly after their state comes under 
the DLOS system. All other customers will be asked to voluntarily 
convert to escrow when their state comes under DLOS.
    One commentor questioned payments to escrow if a customer is on a 
moratorium. If a borrower cannot pay their escrow payments during a 
moratorium, a negative balance may occur in their escrow account. In 
these cases, RHS will pay the customer's taxes as if the escrow 
payments had been made. The negative balance, or delinquency created in 
the escrow account, will be handled at the conclusion of the moratorium 
period either through repayment or reamortization.
    One commentor recommended that the cost of the tax service fee 
should not be paid entirely by the customer, but shared between RHS and 
its customer since the benefits of the escrow are shared. RHS 
understands the comment, but does not agree that the fee to obtain tax 
service should be split. The small one-time fee is the cost for the 
customer to ensure that taxes and assessments are paid when due. These 
are services which directly benefit the customer, and should be paid 
for by the customer. As previously mentioned, this fee can be included 
in the loan. For existing

[[Page 59770]]

customers, the fee may be charged to their account.
    Section 3550.61. Insurance. Two comments were received. One 
commentor recommended that RHS secure the services of a vendor and have 
the ability to ``force-place'' insurance. This was always RHS's intent, 
and is being administratively secured. This guidance is contained in 
the Handbooks.
    Another commentor recommended that RHS require a ``loss payable 
clause,'' in all insurance policies to ensure enforceability. The 
Handbooks contain such language, however, we agree that it should be 
specifically mentioned in the regulation. The commentor further 
recommended that insurance be based on the unpaid loan balance and not 
the depreciated replacement value. This is because the depreciated 
replacement value is costly to determine, and for existing dwellings, 
generally more expensive for the client. RHS agrees and has modified 
the insurance sections to require insurance to cover the entire secured 
debt. RHS also amended this section to allow excess insurance proceeds, 
following a loss, to be released to the borrower provided the RHS debt 
is adequately secured. The previous language required that the borrower 
had to have at least 20 percent equity in the property before excess 
proceeds would be released.
    Section 3550.62. Appraisals. Two commentors recommended that RHS 
include a provision that when a participating lender, in a leveraging 
situation, secures an appraisal acceptable to RHS, that no appraisal 
fee be charged. RHS agrees and has revised this section accordingly.
    Two commentors recommended that a new paragraph be added to this 
section to provide guidance on appraisals on Indian Trust lands. RHS 
agrees that guidance is needed, however, this is an administrative 
matter which will be included in the Handbooks.
    One commentor recommended the language for additional security be 
removed because it is not often used and is confusing. RHS agrees that 
additional security is rarely taken; however, in those cases where it 
is taken, we believe the guidance is necessary. Since this passage is 
not used often, we moved the language to the end of the paragraph.
    Section 3550.63. Maximum loan amount. Five comments were received. 
One commentor felt the limits were too low in rural areas of their 
state, because many low-end existing property sales brought the median 
sales price below the average new construction house. Some felt the 
limits were too high. As mentioned, RHS shares these concerns and is 
reopening the comment period on this section.
    Section 3550.64. Down payment. One commentor recommended that RHS 
authorize an exception to allow applicants not to liquidate assets 
which could be difficult or expensive to liquidate. RHS provides 
subsidized credit to facilitate the purchase of a home by very-low and 
low income families. If this family has assets by which to reduce the 
amount of the loan, they should liquidate those assets. The overall 
interests of the program are not served when the Government provides 
subsidized credit to persons with assets that can be liquidated to 
reduce their loan amounts.
    Section 3550.65. Loan to value ratio. In reviewing comments to 
Secs. 3550.63 and 3550.65, RHS recognized that the two sections were 
interrelated. For clarity, RHS has combined this guidance into one 
consolidated section--Sec. 3550.63. The comments discussed below 
correspond to the numbering in the Proposed Rule.
    Section 3550.65(b). Loans limited to 90% of Market Value. Five 
comments were received. The commentors recommended that we expand our 
list of allowable inspection sources. RHS agrees and has modified the 
regulations to provide for other approved inspection sources. The 
Handbooks will contain a list of such sources.
    Section 3550.65(c). Loans in excess of market value. One commentor 
recommended that we allow junior liens to exceed the market value when 
the purpose of the junior lien is to secure other financing for 
downpayments or closing costs. RHS disagrees, especially since RHS does 
not require a downpayment, and closing costs may be included in the 
loan.
    Section 3550.67. Repayment period. RHS amended this section for 
clarity and included guidance on manufactured homes.
    Section 3550.68. Payment subsidies. The comments under this section 
were essentially identical to those found in Secs. 3550.53(g), 
3550.57(a), and 3550.63. As discussed elsewhere in this rule, RHS is 
reopening the comment period on this section. See the aforementioned 
section numbers for a summary of the comments and the section in this 
rule called ``Reopening of Comment Period For Selected Issues.''
    Section 3550.68(b). Conversion from interest credit to payment 
assistance. Two comments were received. One commentor thought that RHS 
should provide interest credit on any subsequent loan made to a 
customer that has an existing loan under interest credit. This section 
provides for such authority. RHS customers who are currently on 
interest credit will continue to receive interest credit for as long as 
they remain eligible for this assistance. A subsequent loan or 
reamortization of the account has no impact on this policy.
    One commentor felt that RHS administering two types of subsidies 
was confusing and administratively burdensome upon the Agency. RHS 
agrees that administering the two programs is administratively 
burdensome; however, feels that existing customers should be allowed to 
stay on interest credit until they no longer qualify for this 
assistance. The two programs are different. Existing customers who have 
had their loans serviced by the Agency for many years understand the 
interest credit program and how changes in income impact their 
payments. In brief, they handle their finances accordingly. Converting 
to payment assistance, in most cases, increases a customer's payments. 
And in some cases, some newer customers may not have been able to 
qualify for their loans if interest credit assistance were not 
available. RHS believes that it would not serve the public interest by 
jeopardizing the repayment ability of these existing customers.
    One commentor felt that we should continue to extend interest 
credit to a customer who had once received it, later became ineligible 
for it, and subsequently needed it again. RHS disagrees. Most 
typically, a customer becomes ineligible for interest credit when their 
income increases to the above-moderate level. These customers are 
making payments at the full note rate and have established their 
finances accordingly. If they suffer a reduction in income, payment 
assistance can reduce their payments. In addition, the Agency can 
consider a moratorium or other servicing tool to assist them. We 
believe that customers on interest credit should continue to receive it 
as long as they so qualify; however, if they need a new payment 
subsidy, they should be treated consistently with new customers 
requesting a payment subsidy.
    For clarity, RHS retitled this section to ``Determining type of 
payment subsidy.''
    Section 3550.69. Deferred mortgage payments. Four comments were 
received. One commentor recommended removal of this section from the 
regulation since the program is not funded; although the regulation 
should continue to include administrative guidance of how to calculate 
and collect deferred payments. Administrative guidance is contained in 
the

[[Page 59771]]

Handbooks. Another commentor recommended that although the program is 
not funded, it remain in the regulations in case the program is ever 
again funded. Additionally, the commentor recommended the debt ratio be 
increased from 29% to a higher level. RHS will leave the provisions in 
the regulation since the program may again be funded. The debt ratio 
will remain as is for consistency throughout the program.
    Two commentors recommended that if a customer who received a 
deferred mortgage no longer qualifies for the deferral, and at a later 
date, would benefit from this assistance, the Agency should again defer 
the loan. The deferred mortgage program is a loan underwriting tool. 
This is evidenced by the fact that appropriations are necessary to make 
a deferred loan. A deferral of payments is not a servicing option. In 
cases where a customer may suffer a reduction in income, they may 
qualify for an increased payment subsidy or a payment moratorium.
    Section 3550.70. Conditional commitments. Three comments were 
received. One commentor felt that the builder should not have to own 
the site in order for RHS to provide a commitment and recommended a 
long term option be acceptable. The premise behind a conditional 
commitment is to allow a builder to construct a house knowing that RHS 
will inspect the property and will finance it to a qualified applicant. 
RHS does not feel it would be prudent for a builder to construct a 
house on land which it does not own and does not want to encourage such 
a practice.
    One comment was received concerning packaged loans on presold 
houses. The existing regulation and proposed rule provided that RHS 
will not approve a conditional commitment until the loan has been 
approved. In these cases, the property is presold. We believe it 
prudent practice to ensure that the person holding a valid contract to 
purchase the property have an approvable loan before the commitment is 
approved.
    Another commentor felt that we should refund the conditional 
commitment price if RHS does not finance the property. RHS disagrees. 
RHS incurred the expense of appraising and inspecting the property and 
is entitled to these fees for the services provided.
    Section 3550.71. Special requirements for condominiums. Three 
comments were received. One felt the revised language would allow RHS 
to finance more condominiums. RHS agrees. Two commentors felt that RHS 
should relax its requirements that at least 70 percent of the units had 
to be sold before it will consider financing units in the complex. We 
believe this a prudent underwriting practice and protects the best 
interests of our customers and the government.
    RHS recently became aware that this section was preventing us from 
financing units in several states because our regulations were not 
consistent with state laws regarding homeowners association dues. For 
instance, current regulations provide that if RHS acquires title to a 
condominium, the Agency would not be liable for more than 3 months of 
the unit's unpaid regularly budgeted dues or charges accrued before 
acquisition and the liens priority may not include costs of collecting 
unpaid dues. However, in Massachusetts, for example, state law provides 
that the lien of a homeowners association will have priority over a 
first mortgage for the six month period prior to filing action and such 
lien may include costs. Other lenders have modified their underwriting 
standards to be consistent with state laws. RHS has included these 
changes in the final rule.
    Section 3550.72. Community land trusts. Two commentors objected to 
RHS's requirement that land trust restrictions must be able to be 
terminated should RHS acquire title to the property. RHS believes this 
is a prudent loan underwriting practice. Further, without this 
provision, the market value of the property at loan origination may be 
significantly lower because of the restrictions which may preclude the 
Agency from financing the property.
    Section 3550.73. Manufactured homes. Four comments were received. 
One commentor pointed out a potential conflict between paragraphs 
3550.73(a)(4) which authorizes a loan for repairs and 3550.73(b)(4) 
which excludes repairs after the initial loan is made. RHS has 
corrected the conflict to provide that the purchase loan may not 
include funds for alteration or remodeling. RHS has also amended this 
section for clarity.
    One commentor felt that RHS should not have to approve dealer-
contractors of manufactured homes. RHS disagrees. The Agency and its 
customer need reasonable assurances, which are provided through the 
approval process, that our best interests are protected.
    Two commentors felt that the Agency should not require a Release of 
Claimants from all persons furnishing labor or materials. RHS 
disagrees. Again, these documents help ensure the Agency's, and its 
customers', interests are protected by verifying that all labor and 
materials are paid for and there is no potential for mechanics liens.
    Section 3550.74. Nonprogram (NP) loans. One commentor mentioned a 
conflict between the opening sentence which states that NP credit is 
available for the assumption of existing RHS loans and 
Sec. 3550.74(a)(1) which states NP credit can be extended on Real 
Estate Owned (REO). We have clarified the opening sentence.
    Two commentors expressed concern that RHS did not include the 
amount of the required downpayment in the regulation. NP credit is 
offered for RHS's convenience as a lender and when in the government's 
best financial interests. Since it is not a customer entitlement, but 
rather an administrative function, the downpayment amounts are 
contained in the Handbooks. The required downpayments are currently 2% 
for owner-occupants and 5% for investors.
    Sections 3550.103 thru 3550.114 Section 504 Origination. These 
sections have to be reorganized and expanded to be consistent with the 
sections dealing with section 502 origination. This was done to ensure 
consistency, where appropriate, between the programs. The comments 
discussed below refer to the section number as provided in the Proposed 
Rule.
    Section 3550.102. Grant and loan purposes. Two comments were 
received which requested a definition of ``modest'' housing for section 
504 purposes. The definition of modest housing contained in 
Sec. 3550.10 applies to both section 502 and 504 loans.
    Section 3550.105(b). Age (grant applicants). One commentor 
recommended that we expand the definition of age for 504 grants to 
include persons with a disability of any age, especially for 
handicapped accessibility. Previous appropriations language has 
prevented RHS from making 504 grants available to persons who were not 
62 years young. While we agree that some type of grant should be 
available for this purpose, the demand for section 504 grant funds far 
outweighs the available resources. Expanding the base for eligibility 
would only further delay approving these grants which are used to 
address critical health and safety needs for those 62 years of age or 
older. Therefore, we are not adopting this recommendation.
    Section 3550.105(f). Credit qualifications. Four comments were 
received. One requested we clarify that the credit standards do not 
apply to 504 grants. This clarification has been made.
    The other three commentors all strongly opposed the proposed change 
to the credit qualification standards.

[[Page 59772]]

RHS had proposed imposing the same standards on 504 recipients as 502 
recipients. The commentors argued convincingly that the standards may 
be too rigid for such applicants who are generally of extremely low 
incomes with no alternatives to make necessary repairs and improvements 
to their homes. RHS agrees and has relaxed the standards for 504 
participants; however, similar to the section 502 program, RHS has 
clarified that a delinquency on a federal debt or foreclosure within 
the past 36 months are indicators of unacceptable credit.
    Section 3550.107(b). Secure leasehold interest. Two commentors 
recommended that a leasehold for mutual help housing financed by HUD, 
with no minimum lease term, constitute acceptable ownership for section 
504 assistance. RHS agrees and has modified this section accordingly.
    Section 3550.108. Loan rates and terms. One commentor recommended 
that when a combination loan and grant is made, that the loan term not 
be set at 20 years if the applicant can repay the loan sooner. RHS 
partially agrees, however grant funds are extremely limited and only 
provided when the applicant cannot afford repayment ability on a loan. 
If the loan period were shortened, the grant portion of the proposal 
may increase to ensure affordability. We believe the language is 
appropriate. Of course, a recipient of a combined loan and grant can 
prepay the loan prior to the 20 year term or may request an accelerated 
repayment schedule at any time he or she experiences an increase in 
repayment ability.
    Section 3550.109. Security requirements (loans only). Two comments 
were received. One recommended the threshold for a loan which is 
required to be secured be increased from $2,500 to $4,000 to recognize 
the increase in costs since the regulations were developed. This amount 
is statutory and no change was made.
    One commentor pointed out the different thresholds for security 
purposes. Loans over $2,500 must have a mortgage, loans over $7,500 
must also have title clearance, and loans over $15,000 must also have 
an appraisal. The commentor recommended more consistency. RHS needs to 
carefully balance the imposition of costs to a customer against 
protection of the government's best financial interest. While the 
aforementioned thresholds are different, we believe they are balanced 
consistent with the program's objectives and available resources.
    Section 3550.110. Appraisals. One commentor recommended that we 
clarify that an appraisal is required if the total secured debt exceeds 
$15,000 or just the section 504 debt exceeds $15,000. An appraisal is 
required whenever the secured debts exceeds $15,000. We have revised 
the regulations accordingly.
    Another commentor recommended that RHS include guidance on 
appraisals on Indian Trust lands. As previously mentioned, this 
guidance will be provided in the Handbooks.
    Section 3550.111. Escrow account. Four comments were received 
concerning RHS's proposal to escrow for section 504 customers. RHS 
agrees that not all section 504 loan recipients should be required to 
escrow, particularly when a senior lienholder may require an escrow. 
Section 504 customers have very low incomes and do not often have the 
resources to establish an escrow account. Based upon comments, any 504 
loan recipient with an outstanding 504 indebtedness exceeding $2,500 
may voluntarily request to escrow. RHS will require an escrow on 504 
loans where the total secured debt exceeds $15,000 and there is no 
junior lienholder requiring an escrow, and in cases where the customer 
defaults on the terms of the promissory note and escrow is necessary to 
protect the best interests of the government.
    Section 3550.112. Insurance (loans only). Again, comments were 
received opposing the requirement that all section 504 customers escrow 
for insurance of their property. These customers have extremely low 
incomes and in some cases, the home may be uninsurable. RHS will not 
require proof of insurance to obtain a section 504 loan of less than 
$15,000. In all cases where the total secured indebtedness on the 
property exceeds $15,000, the customer voluntarily elects to escrow, or 
when necessary to protect the government's financial interest, 
insurance will be required.
    In accordance with the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 
(Public Law 103-325), flood insurance is required on all section 504 
loans when the security property is located in a Special Flood Hazard 
Area (SFHA) and 504 grants in excess of $5,000 where the property being 
repaired is located in a SFHA. RHS has included the ability to include 
the cost of flood insurance in a loan or grant if necessary to provide 
section 504 assistance to the customer.
    Section 3550.113. Repayment agreement (grants only). Two comments 
were received. One commentor recommended the elimination of the 
repayment agreement since it is not enforceable. RHS disagrees. The 
agreement is enforceable, plus it provides a written verification to 
the grantee that the grant must be repaid if the property is sold.
    Another commentor recommended that the term ``grant closing'' be 
removed since there is no real closing of a ``grant similar'' to a 
closing on an initial SFH loan. RHS agrees.
    Section 3550.152(a). Payment terms. Two commentors strongly opposed 
RHS's requirement that a cash payment must be accompanied by an amount 
sufficient to cover the cost of a money order, stating that such a 
proposal was unfair to very low and low income families. This is not a 
change in policy; RHS has been collecting a money order fee with cash 
payment since March 25, 1991. RHS provides supervised credit. We 
encourage, like all lenders, customers to send payments by check, money 
order or bank draft. Cash payments in the local office are discouraged. 
Since RHS must obtain a money order in order to transmit the payment, 
the customer should pay that fee.
    Section 3550.152(b). Application of Payments. Eight comments were 
received. Two commentors recommended that RHS should have all loan 
payments due on the first of each month because it would be easier for 
clients to remember and make loan servicing easier. RHS has long 
considered this policy, however, RHS believes its policy of staggering 
due dates is more customer-oriented. The due date is generally 
established by the loan closing date. In this manner, an applicant can 
select a closing date which corresponds to the date when they have 
funds available to make their mortgage payment. For example, a customer 
on a fixed income who receives a check at the beginning of each month 
would benefit from closing on their loan in the middle of the month so 
they have received their monthly check in time to make their mortgage 
payment. Having a due date consistent with the loan closing date also 
eliminates the need for the loan recipient from having to pay prepaid 
interest at the time of loan closing until the last day of the month. 
With regard to remembering a due date, we believe our clients do 
remember their due date. In addition, RHS will provide customers a 
monthly billing statement. From RHS's perspective, the staggered due-
dates provide better customer service in that RHS work-flow is spread-
out over the month rather than concentrated at the beginning of each 
month.

[[Page 59773]]

    Two commentors also recommended that RHS permit electronic transfer 
of funds and biweekly loan payments. As mentioned in the proposed rule, 
RHS will now be encouraging its customers to establish automatic 
payments with their local banking institution. With regard to biweekly 
loan payments, RHS customers may contact the Centralized Servicing 
Center to make arrangement to make biweekly payment should they so 
desire.
    Six commentors objected to RHS holding less than a full payment in 
suspense. RHS believes this section may have been misinterpreted. A 
customer with an active account will always be given credit for a 
partial payment. The distinction, however, is that the accounting 
system will reflect that the scheduled installment is not paid (is in 
suspense) until the full installment is made. For example, assume a 
customer's next scheduled payment of $300 is due on October 5th. On 
October 5th, RHS receives a check for $100, and on November 5th RHS 
receives a check for $512. RHS records will indicate that this customer 
paid $100 on October 5th. The customer will receive a past due notice 
and be charged a late fee of $12 on October 20th. The system will 
credit the customer with the $100 payment on October 5th, but will 
reflect that the October 5th installment has not been paid until the 
full installment has been received. The October 5th installment is ``in 
suspense'' until fully paid. When RHS receives the check of $512 on 
November 5th, the October installment will no longer be in ``suspense'' 
because it has been fully paid.
    It should be noted that RHS chose not to follow many mortgage 
lenders' practice with regard to partial payment. Many lenders return 
partial payments to the customer. RHS feels its policy is more 
advantageous to both the customer and Agency.
    One commentor questioned the hierarchy of how payments are applied. 
This commentor, a large mortgage lender and servicer, stated that RHS's 
proposed method of applying principal and interest payments, prior to 
escrow, was not consistent with the private sector. RHS researched 
payment hierarchy with many private industry lenders. Our research 
indicated that most lenders apply payments in the manner RHS proposed. 
The accounting system which RHS recently purchased is a standard 
industry package used by many other lenders. All lenders using this 
system apply payments first to principal and interest and then to 
escrow. This payment hierarchy also benefits our customers by ensuring 
that something actually due is paid on time, as opposed to an escrow 
which is accumulating funds to pay something that is due at a later 
time. We believe our proposal is more equitable to our clients.
    Section 3550.152(d). Application of excess payment. Five comments 
were received on this section, all recommending that RHS allow its 
customers to make an extra payment that would relieve them of making 
the next scheduled payment rather than being applied as an extra 
payment. RHS agrees and has revised this section accordingly.
    Section 3550.153. Fees. Five comments were received on this 
section. Several thought the tax service fee should be the same for 
existing customers as new customers. These fees, which are 
administrative and not included in the regulation, are estimated to be 
$28 for existing clients and $95 for new clients. The fees are set 
differently because the length of the service will be different for a 
new client who is just receiving a loan, and an existing client who has 
had the loan for many years.
    Several commentors opposed RHS's proposal to charge late fees. RHS 
gave this proposal much thought before it was included in the proposed 
rule, and then again upon analyzing the comments. The negative comments 
centered around the fact that RHS's customers are very-low and low 
income families. RHS recognizes that fact; however, also recognizes its 
mission to provide supervised credit. Additionally, our credit is 
intended to be temporary with our customers required to refinance their 
RHS loan when they are capable. We believe a late fee will encourage 
our clients to make payments on a more timely basis. This not only 
improves their credit history, but furthers our objectives of making 
our clients successful homeowners. To minimize any negative impact on 
the repayment ability of our customers, the late fee is a percentage of 
the loan payments, therefore a lower income client will pay less than a 
higher income client with the same loan amount. Further, since RHS is 
converting customers on escrow to an amortized loan schedule rather 
than a daily simple interest loan in many cases, a late fee will 
actually be less costly to the customer. Under the daily simple 
interest method, the customer accrues additional interest for each day 
they are late with their payment. The late fee included in this rule 
will generally be less costly, and is more apparent to the borrower, if 
they become delinquent on payments. We believe this private sector 
standard, which many of our clients already pay if they are delinquent 
on car payments or other private sector debt, will further our 
objectives in making our clients successful and able to refinance with 
private credit in the future.
    Section 3550.157(a). Borrowers currently receiving payment subsidy. 
Four comments were received. One commentor supported our proposal to 
modify a payment subsidy only when there was a $10 change in payments. 
Two commentors agreed that there needs to be a threshold, but 
recommended that the payment must change by 10% before the agreement is 
modified which will ensure clients are treated consistently whether 
their payments are $60 or $600 per month. RHS agrees that a percentage 
threshold better ensures consistency in the treatment of customers and 
has adopted this comment.
    Comments were also received regarding the requirement that clients 
must notify RHS if they change or obtain employment. There was no 
indication that a customer must notify RHS if non employment income 
increases. RHS has clarified Secs. 3550.68(e) and 3550.157(a)(3) to 
reflect that if nonemployment income increases by at least 10 percent, 
the borrower must notify RHS. RHS has also provided guidance on 
cancellation of payment subsidies.
    Section 3550.158. Active military duty. One commentor recommended 
we expand the language which provides that participation in a military 
reserve or the National Guard does not entitle a customer to a 6 
percent interest rate as provided under the Soldiers and Sailors Relief 
Act, unless they are called to active military duty. RHS has clarified 
this language.
    One commentor appeared to be confused with this section with regard 
to payment subsidies and the 6% interest rate. If a customer enters 
active military duty, they are entitled to the 6% interest rate. If 
they also qualify for a payment subsidy, the payment subsidy would 
cover the difference in payment between the 6% and the amount of 
assistance for which the customer qualifies. This reduces the amount of 
subsidy and potential recapture this client would repay. For example, 
if a customer who entered active military duty had a note rate of 10 
percent, and they now qualified for a payment subsidy which reduced 
their interest rate to 2%, they would receive the 6% rate and then an 
additional 4% subsidy. This is opposed to a non-active military 
customer with a note rate of 10%, who qualifies for a payment subsidy 
which reduces their payment to 2% who would be receiving an 8% subsidy. 
In the first case, the difference

[[Page 59774]]

between the 10 and 6 percent interest rates is not a subsidy which is 
subject to recapture.
    Section 3550.159(a). Mineral leases. One commentor suggested that 
we change references from ``value of the security property'' to ``value 
as a residence'' in determining whether we should allow a customer to 
lease mineral rights. Since the value of the security property includes 
the ``residence'' we believe the proposed terminology is correct.
    Section 3550.159(d). Lease of security property. One commentor 
recommended we remove the requirement that customers must notify RHS if 
they lease their property, and that the Agency may liquidate the 
account if the term of the lease is more than 3 years or includes an 
option to purchase. RHS disagrees. The purpose of the RHS loan program 
is to provide long term residence for our borrowers. If they no longer 
need the dwelling for a long term residence they should pay off the 
loan. RHS will consider the borrower for refinancing with other credit. 
In addition, the Agency may consider liquidation of the loan.
    Section 3550.160(b). Criteria for refinancing with private credit. 
Two comments were received. One supported our proposed change of 
terminology from ``graduation'' to ``refinancing with private credit.'' 
One commentor questioned the language which requires that the customer 
must refinance when RHS determines they have such ability. The 
commentor felt that RHS may be held accountable if the customer 
refinanced and then defaulted on their new loan. RHS determines, based 
upon objective criteria, whether a customer can refinance with private 
credit. If RHS determines the customer has the potential to secure 
other credit, they must seek refinancing. RHS does not make the 
underwriting decision for the other lender, nor is a private lender 
required to refinance the RHS debt. If the customer is unable to 
refinance for legitimate reasons, RHS will withdraw the refinancing 
request. If the customer does meet another lenders criteria, they are 
expected to refinance. However, as noted, that underwriting decision 
was made by the other lender. We appreciate the comment but feel that 
this policy does not impose any accountability concerns.
    Section 3550.161(c). Written statements. Two commentors felt that 
the Agency should provide two written payoff statements within a 30 day 
period without charge. The proposed language already provides that RHS 
may charge a fee if more than 2 written payoff statements are 
requested. Therefore, the recommendation was already included.
    Section 3550.162. Recapture. Eight comments were received and all 
overwhelmingly supported our proposals to streamline and clarify 
subsidy recapture. One commentor summed it up best by replying, ``I 
applaud recognition of the difficulties of the subsidy recapture 
program and encourage efforts to make this provision more 
understandable to applicants and customers and lessen its impact as a 
penalty to customers upon sale or refinancing of their properties.''
    One commentor recommended that principal reduction attributed to 
subsidy (PRAS) be included on annual statements to the customer. RHS 
agrees that some type of notice should be provided, however, disagrees 
that it should necessarily be done on an annual basis. RHS will notify 
all customers when PRAS is frozen and how it will be repaid. This 
commentor also recommended that PRAS be explained on Form RHS 3550-12, 
``Subsidy Repayment Agreement.'' Since there is no PRAS on loans 
originated after 1990, there is no need for mention of it on a form 
that only new customers execute.
    One commentor felt that repayment of PRAS plus the lesser of 
subsidy received or 50% of value appreciation was a double hit to 
customers. As discussed in the proposed rule, PRAS is not subsidy. It 
was the accelerated principal reduction which a customer received 
because their loan was subsidized and repaid at a significantly lower 
interest rate. PRAS, as proposed, must be repaid. In addition, the 
customer must pay all or part of the subsidy they received back to the 
government. This is either the full subsidy or 50% of the value 
appreciation.
    One commentor requested clarification on the opening sentence which 
provides that customers with loans approved on or after October 1, 
1979, are subject to recapture. His comment was whether a loan which 
was approved before October 1, 1979, but assumed after that date is 
subject to recapture. Consistent with past policy, such a loan is 
subject to recapture. RHS has clarified this point.
    Two commentors did not feel there was sufficient guidance to 
calculate recapture. We believe the regulation provides adequate policy 
guidance. The Handbooks contain the detailed administrative guidance on 
how to calculate recapture.
    One commentor felt that we should forgive PRAS if the customer 
refinances and retains title to the property 10 years after 
refinancing. The commentor felt this would be an incentive to a 
customer to retain ownership after refinancing. At the time of 
refinancing, a customer is given the opportunity to receive a discount 
if they repay recapture at that time. In addition, the government does 
not charge interest on the amount owed. We believe sufficient incentive 
is provided to the customer to repay recapture without forgiving the 
debt.
    Section 3550.163. Transfer of security and assumption of 
indebtedness. Two comments were received. One commentor felt this 
section was confusing and needed more guidance. The Handbooks contain 
more administrative guidance on transfers. The commentor also objected 
to RHS's policy that if a customer transfers title to the property 
without RHS consent, RHS can liquidate the loan if the loan cannot be 
transferred. This policy is to ensure that program objectives are met 
and the government's financial interest is not adversely affected.
    The other comment dealt with liquidating excess property to reduce 
the loan amount. As the commentor mentioned, this rarely occurs since 
RHS should not have initially financed excess land. However, if there 
is excess land, we believe it prudent policy to liquidate such excess 
property to reduce the amount of the subsidized credit provided to the 
new customer.
    Section 3550.202. Past due accounts. Six comments were received on 
this section, and all centered on RHS charging a late fee. Comments 
were mixed with the commentors either strongly supporting or opposing 
the imposition of a late fee. As discussed under the comment to 
Sec. 3550.153, RHS carefully weighed all comments and believes charging 
a late fee is in the government's and customer's best interests. RHS 
has also expanded this section to provide guidance on accounts with 
annual payments.
    Section 3550.207. Payment moratorium. Two comments were received. 
One commentor recommended that the review period more accurately 
reflect the need of the customer, and not an arbitrary two-year period. 
In developing the regulation, RHS proposed that reviews would be done 
``periodically'' rather than the current two year cycle. The proposed 
language accomplishes this objective while still leaving flexibility 
for periodic reviews.
    One commentor had two concerns. One concern centered around one of 
the three criteria to qualify for a moratorium. Namely, for a 
moratorium to be based on a reduction of income, there must be at least 
a 20% reduction in income. RHS proposed no change to

[[Page 59775]]

this policy which has been in effect for many years. It is based upon 
the premise that for the Agency to completely stop requiring all 
payments from a customer for up to two years, a substantial reduction 
in income must have occurred. While it is true that our customers have 
very-low, low and moderate incomes, a homeowner should be able to 
adjust to small adjustments in income. Additionally, RHS can provide 
customers with additional payment subsidies, work-out agreements, etc., 
in an effort to assist them in working through difficult periods. We 
believe the 20% reduction is reasonable.
    The other comment centered around the inability of a customer to 
qualify for a moratorium if their account has been accelerated. After 
an account is accelerated, all loan servicing ceases. RHS makes every 
effort possible to assist a customer before acceleration of the 
account. The customer is informed several times throughout the loan 
origination and servicing process of the moratorium program. Prior to 
acceleration all of the agency's servicing tools will be used to assist 
a customer, including the use of a moratorium for a customer who is 
having temporary financial difficulties for reasons beyond his or her 
control to keep their home. A loan will be accelerated for a customer 
in financial distress only if all the servicing authorities have been 
tried and cannot assist the borrower in retaining the house, possibly 
because the financial difficulties are not temporary or the borrower 
has been unresponsive or has failed to work with RHS. Once RHS has 
exhausted its servicing tools (and any appeals in conjunction with 
these tools) and accelerates the account, there can be no subsequent 
financial setback to the borrower which is relevant to the basis for 
the acceleration.
    Section 3550.211. Liquidation. One commentor recommended adding 
guidance on how to service accounts where the customer has filed for 
bankruptcy. RHS, like all lenders, must follow bankruptcy laws on 
servicing such accounts and is providing such guidance in the 
Handbooks.
    Section 3550.251. Property management and disposition. Two comments 
were received recommending that for-profit entities be provided the 
same incentives to lease or purchase Real Estate Owned (REO) property 
for transitional housing as nonprofit organizations. The preference for 
nonprofit organizations and public bodies is statutory. Section 1414 of 
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102-550, 
which amended the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, Public 
Law 100-77, provides the preference for nonprofit and public bodies. 
For-profit organizations can lease or purchase REO property, when 
available, for transitional housing; however, the incentives are not 
available for such organizations.
    Section 3550.251(c)(2). Decent, safe, and sanitary. One comment was 
received recommending that RHS remove the energy efficiency 
requirements to the decent, safe and sanitary restrictions that apply 
to the sale of REO property not meeting RHS standards. DSS standards, 
including energy efficient standards, are statutory.
    Section 3550.252. Debt settlement policies. Two comments were 
received. Both questioned guidance on charge-offs and cancellations. A 
customer can request a compromise or adjustment to their debt and as 
such, guidance is contained in the regulation. Charge-offs and 
cancellations are administrative actions and not a customer entitlement 
and are therefore only referenced in the Handbooks. Detailed guidance 
on all four options is contained in the Handbooks.

Other Comments

    One comment was received regarding RHS's proposal to freeze PRAS 
for all existing customers and then reduce the ``frozen'' PRAS in years 
15-33 by an equal amount. The commentor felt that RHS should not reduce 
PRAS. As previously mentioned, PRAS is the accelerated principal write-
down certain customers received during the first half of their loan 
term due to subsidy. In approximately the 20th year, the trend towards 
accelerated principal writedown reverses itself to the point where 
subsidized customers pay less principal because of the subsidy. The 
result is that two customers, one with subsidy and one without would 
owe the same principal balance in their final year of payments. To not 
begin reducing PRAS in the second half of the loan term would penalize 
those customers who received subsidy.
    Several comments were received recommending that RHS consider 
offering a one-time interest rate reduction for customers who received 
loans at high interest rates and are unable to refinance to other 
credit. In cases where the customer is receiving subsidy, it was felt 
that the Agency would save funds because they would provide less 
subsidy to these customers. In other cases, where the customer is not 
receiving subsidy, but has a high interest rate, the customer may not 
be able to refinance to other credit because their RHS loan payments 
are so high they may be overextended on other debts or not have 
sufficient cash required by most other lenders for refinancing. RHS 
agrees that these comments have merit; however, must weigh the cost of 
refinancing its own loans. RHS will explore the feasibility and cost of 
refinancing these debts. If it appears feasible, RHS will propose a 
separate rule to consider public opinion on this subject.
    Positive comments were received on our efforts to streamline forms 
and use industry standard forms wherever possible. As mentioned in the 
Proposed Rule, RHS was to publish a Notice in the Federal Register in 
July to propose our information collection docket on the Handbooks to 
part 3550. RHS published this Notice on July 18, 1996 (61 FR 37440) and 
proposed an overall 10% reduction in burden hours and 20% reduction in 
burden costs. This reduction falls on the heels of a 20% reduction in 
burden hours published in October 1995, despite the broadening of what 
is considered public burden in the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. RHS 
is still exploring ways to automate and streamline forms even further.
    Several comments were received regarding child care expenses and 
how these costs figure into loan underwriting. There was confusion as 
to whether these expenses are considered a debt which must be included 
in the debt ratios to qualify for assistance. This is an administrative 
function, and not contained in the rule. For the commentor's 
information, RHS clarified through this subject recently through an 
Administrative Notice (AN) which clarified that child care expenses are 
not considered in total debt. This guidance is included in the 
Handbooks.
    Several commentors expressed concern over RHS's decision to 
centralize loan servicing. They were concerned that in our efforts to 
save costs, RHS would be depersonalizing service to its customers and 
increase the risk of defaults and potential liquidations. RHS is 
mindful of these issues and has made every effort in its design of the 
Centralized Servicing Center to ensure a greater and more consistent 
level of customer service. Our current field structure required staff 
to specialize in all levels of customer service from outreach and loan 
origination to portfolio management. As the Agency has been required to 
reduce staffing levels, we have found that only through consolidation 
and centralization can we provide the same if not enhanced level of 
customer service. Experience has also shown that specialization 
provides for greater consistency and efficiency. The

[[Page 59776]]

Centralized Servicing Center will be staffed with talented individuals 
that will concentrate on one aspect of the program--making our 
customers successful homeowners. Through specialization, we believe 
there will be more consistency and timely servicing actions. And 
through this increased service, default rates will decline and more 
customers will be successful. The transition will not be easy for 
either our field staff or our customers. However, in the long run, we 
believe service to rural America will be enhanced. Field staff can 
concentrate on outreach and loan origination providing the local level 
presence that is needed to assist with the prudent development of rural 
America.

Reopening of Comment Period for Selected Issues

    RHS is reopening the comment period on sections 3550.53(g), 
3550.57(a), 3550.63 and 3550.68. These section numbers remain unchanged 
from our proposed rule of April 8, 1996 (61 FR 15395) and are adopted 
on an interim final basis. All other provisions of part 3550 are 
adopted as a final rule.
    As previously discussed in this rule, these sections generated the 
vast majority of comments during the comment period. Many commentors 
supplied RHS with lengthy and well documented cases where these areas 
may not be serving the best interests of the program. Some of the 
commentors recommended:
     Returning to our former interest credit program, whereby 
the interest rate was reduced on the loan to as low as one percent, and 
modest housing was determined by square footage and amenities. RHS 
reduced the cost of the program by approximately 30% by implementing 
the changes in the aforementioned sections. This allows the Agency to 
provide more homeownership opportunities in rural America while 
demonstrating that program costs can be substantially reduced. As such, 
RHS is not further considering this option.
     Modifying the floor payments from 22, 24 and 26% to either 
a flat 25% or a more incremental scale of 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26%. RHS 
is analyzing these comments further and will consider them provided 
they have no negative impact on the overall cost of the program.
     Changing the PITI ratios from 29% for very-low income 
families and 33% for low-income families to 29% for both, 33% for both, 
or other percentages. RHS is again considering these options.
     Reimplementing a square footage requirement to ensure that 
the housing is modest. Prior to FY 96, RHS considered square footage 
and amenities in determining modest housing, and changed to the HUD 
203(b) limits to provide customers with more choices in selecting a 
home appropriate to their income and needs. RHS does not want to 
dictate the type and size of housing to customers, and is not further 
considering this option.
     Increasing the maximum debt ratio to 41% for very-low and 
low income families. As mentioned in our discussion of comments, RHS 
has implemented this change since the impact is minimal on the cost of 
the program and allows more families an opportunity for homeownership.
     Limiting the maximum loan to a percentage of the HUD 
203(b) limits. For example, the State Director could set the percentage 
by county, and have the authority to increase the percentage on an 
individual case basis provided the proposed housing is typical of other 
houses that families with similar incomes and family sizes are 
purchasing. RHS is further considering this option.
     Modifying the equivalent interest rates from one-half 
percent increments to one-quarter percent increments and decreasing the 
income ranges from 10 to 5 percent. RHS is considering this option.
     Returning to the old interest credit formula, increasing 
the borrower contribution from 20 to 30 percent, but include utilities 
and maintenance in the total family expenses. Again, because of the 
substantial cost of the interest credit program, RHS is not considering 
this option.
     Eliminating utilization of both equivalent interest rates 
and floor payments to simplify the calculations. RHS may consider this 
option provided it does not increase program costs.
     Utilizing a state non-metropolitan average income or area 
median income, whichever is greater, to determine eligibility for 
assistance. Currently, RHS is utilizing an area (county) income to 
determine eligibility and the maximum loan amount. This has resulted in 
some customers qualifying for a loan in one county, but not qualifying 
for a loan in an adjoining county because of differences in county 
incomes. RHS is further exploring the use of state non-metropolitan 
incomes to determine its impact on program costs and our customers.
     RHS is seeking further comments on the above mentioned 
recommendations and any further comments or recommendations on 
Secs. 3550.53(g), 3550.57, 3550.63 and 3550.68. The Agency's goal is to 
have a more simplified and consistent approach to addressing these 
issues; while not negatively impacting the cost of the program.

Discussion of Interim Final Rule

    RHS is issuing this regulation as an Interim Final Rule, with an 
effective date 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, as it 
is necessary to implement DLOS and improve our level of service to 
customers. Further delay would not be in the best interest of the 
direct SFH program or its recipients. As previously mentioned, all 
provisions of this regulations except sections 3550.53(g), 3550.57(a), 
3550.63 and 3550.68 are adopted as final. Sections 3550.53(g), 
3550.57(a), 3550.63 and 3550.68 are adopted on an interim final basis, 
and are subject to a 30-day comment period. RHS intends to publish a 
final rule on the aforementioned sections by April 1, 1997.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 1806

    Insurance, Loan programs--Agriculture, Real property insurance, 
Rural areas.

7 CFR Part 1910

    Applications, Credit, Loan programs--Agriculture, Loan programs--
Housing and community development, Low and moderate income housing, 
Marital status discrimination, Sex discrimination.

7 CFR Part 1922

    Loan programs--housing and community development, Low and Moderate 
income housing, Rural areas.

7 CFR Part 1944

    Aged, Farm labor housing, Grant programs--Housing and community 
development, Home improvement, Loan programs--Housing and community 
development, Low and moderate income housing--Rental, Migrant labor, 
Mobile homes, Mortgages, Nonprofit organizations, Public housing, Rent 
subsidies, Rural housing, Subsidies.

7 CFR Part 1951

    Accounting, Accounting servicing, Credit, Debt restructuring, 
Foreclosure, Government acquired property, Interest credit, Loan 
programs--Agriculture, Loan programs--Housing and community 
development, Low and moderate income housing loans--Servicing, 
Mortgages, Recapture of subsidy, Rent subsidies, Rural areas, Sale of 
government acquired property, Surplus government property.

[[Page 59777]]

7 CFR Part 1955

    Foreclosure, Government acquired property, Government property 
management, Sale of government acquired property, Surplus government 
property.

7 CFR Part 1956

    Accounting, Loan programs--Agriculture, Rural areas.

7 CFR Part 1965

    Administrative practice and procedure, Loan programs--Housing and 
community development.

7 CFR Part 3550

    Accounting, Administrative practice and procedure, Conflict of 
interests, Environmental impact statements, Equal credit opportunity, 
Fair housing, Grant programs--Housing and community development, 
Housing, Loan programs--Housing and community development, Low and 
moderate income housing, Manufactured homes, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Subsidies.

    Therefore, title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as 
follows:

CHAPTER XVIII--[AMENDED]

PART 1806--INSURANCE

    1. The authority citation for part 1806 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--Real Property Insurance

    2. Section 1806.1(a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1806.1  General.

    (a) Authority. This subpart sets forth the policies and procedures 
regarding insurance requirements on real property which serves as 
security for a debt under the Farm Credit Programs of the Farm Service 
Agency (FSA) or the Multi-Family Housing Programs of the Rural Housing 
Service (RHS). Any references herein to the Farmers Home Administration 
(FmHA) or its employees are intended to mean FSA or RHS, as applicable, 
and their employees.
* * * * *

PART 1910--GENERAL

    3. The authority citation for part 1910 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--Receiving and Processing Applications

    4. Section 1910.1 introductory text is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1910.1.  General.

    This subpart prescribes the policies and procedures for informing 
interested parties of the Farm Credit loan programs available through 
the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and how such requests are processed. 
Requests for Nonprogram (NP) assistance will be handled in accordance 
with subpart J of part 1951 of this chapter. References contained 
herein to the housing programs of the Rural Housing Service (RHS), or 
its successor agency, are no longer applicable.
* * * * *

PART 1922--APPRAISAL

    5. The authority citation for part 1922 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1989.

Subpart C--Appraisal of Single Family Residential Property

    6. Subpart C (Secs. 1922.101-1922.150 and all exhibits) is removed 
and reserved.

PART 1944--HOUSING

    7. The authority citation for part 1944 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--Section 502 Rural Housing Loan Policies, Procedures, and 
Authorizations

    8. Subpart A (Secs. 1944.1-1944.50) is removed and reserved.

Subpart D--Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant Policies, Procedures, 
and Authorizations

    9. Section 1944.156 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 1944.156  General loan/grant processing requirements.

    (a) Timeliness. All applicants will be informed of a decision 
regarding their request for assistance within a reasonable timeframe 
established by RHS. If RHS cannot provide an eligibility determination 
within a reasonable timeframe, the applicant will be notified when the 
determination will be made. A request for assistance may be withdrawn 
at any time by the applicant. RHS may return a request for assistance 
for failure of the applicant to provide the necessary underwriting 
information within a reasonable time period established by RHS.
    (b) Unlawful determination. The federal Equal Credit Opportunity 
Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants 
based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, 
age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a 
binding contract), or because all or part of the applicant's income 
derives from any public assistance program. Department of Agriculture 
regulations provide that no agency, officer, or employee of the United 
States Department of Agriculture shall exclude from participation in, 
deny the benefits of, or subject to discrimination any person based on 
race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin under any 
program or activity administered by such agency, officer, or employee. 
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in real estate-related 
transactions, or in the terms and conditions of such a transaction, 
because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or 
national origin. If an applicant or borrower believes he or she has 
been discriminated against for any of these reasons, that person can 
write the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Applicants 
also cannot be denied a loan because the applicant has in good faith 
exercised his or her rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. 
If an applicant believes he or she was denied a loan for this reason, 
the applicant should contact the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, 
DC 20580.
    (c) Taxpayer identification. All applicants must provide their 
taxpayer identification number. The taxpayer identification number for 
individuals who are not businesses is their Social Security Number.

Subpart J--Section 504 Rural Housing Loans and Grants

    10. Subpart J (Secs. 1944.451-1944.500 and all exhibits) is removed 
and reserved.

PART 1951--SERVICING AND COLLECTIONS

    11. The authority citation for part 1951 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

    12. The heading of subpart C is revised to read as follows:

[[Page 59778]]

Subpart C--Offsets of Federal Payments to USDA Agency Borrowers

    13. Section 1951.101 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1951.101  General.

    The Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 as amended by the Debt 
Collection Act of 1982, the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984, and the Debt 
Collection Amendments Act of 1996 provides for the use of 
administrative, salary and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offsets by 
government agencies including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural 
Housing Service (RHS), Rural Utility Service (RUS) for its water and 
waste programs, and Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), herein 
referred to as ``USDA Agency,'' to collect delinquent debts. Any money 
that is or may become payable from the United States to a USDA Agency 
borrower or other individual or entity indebted to a USDA Agency may be 
subject to offset for collection of a debt. In addition, money may be 
collected from the debtor's retirement payments for delinquent amounts 
owed to the USDA Agency if the debtor is an employee or retiree of a 
Federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Rate Commission, or 
a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Reserve. Amounts collected 
will be processed as regular payments and credited to the borrowers 
account. USDA Agencies will process requests by other Federal agencies 
for offset in accordance with Sec. 1951.102 of this subpart. This 
subpart does not apply to direct single family housing customers of the 
RHS.

Subpart D--Final Payment on Loans

    14. Section 1951.151 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1951.151  Purpose.

    This subpart prescribes authorizations, policies, and procedures of 
the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural 
Utility Service (RUS) for its water and waste programs, and Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), herein referred to as ``Agency,'' 
for processing final payment on all loans. This subpart does not apply 
to direct single family housing customers of the RHS.

Subpart F--Analyzing Credit Needs and Graduation of Borrowers

    15. Section 1951.251 is amended by adding a sentence at the end to 
read as follows:


Sec. 1951.251  Purpose.

    * * * This subpart does not apply to RHS direct single family 
housing (SFH) customers.

Subpart G--Borrower Supervision, Servicing and Collection of Single 
Family Housing Loan Accounts

    16. Subpart G (Secs. 1951.301--1951.350) is removed and reserved.

Subpart I--Recapture of Section 502 Rural Housing Subsidy

    17. Subpart I (Secs. 1951.401-1951.413 and all exhibits) is removed 
and reserved.

Subpart J--Management and Collection of Nonprogram (NP) Loans

    18. Section 1951.451 is amended by revising the introductory text 
to read as follows:


Sec. 1951.451  General.

    This subpart contains policies and procedures of the Farm Service 
Agency (FSA) for making, managing, collecting, liquidating, and 
servicing loans on nonprogram (NP) terms. All references in this 
subpart to farm real estate, farm property and farm chattels also 
include nonfarm property that was security for a Farm Credit debt of 
the FSA.
* * * * *

Subpart M--Servicing Cases Where Unauthorized Loan or Other 
Financial Assistance Was Received--Single Family Housing

    19. Subpart M (Secs. 1951.601-1951.650) is removed and reserved.

PART 1955--PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

    20. The authority citation for part 1955 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 7 U.S.C. 1989, 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--Liquidation of Loans Secured by Real Estate and 
Acquisition of Real and Chattel Property

    21. Section 1955.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1955.1  Purpose.

    This subpart delegates authority and prescribes procedures for the 
liquidation of loans to individuals and to organizations as identified 
in Sec. 1955.3. It pertains to the Farm Credit programs of the Farm 
Service Agency (FSA), Water and Waste programs of the Rural Utilities 
Service (RUS), Multi-Family Housing (MFH) and Community Facility (CF) 
programs of the Rural Housing Service (RHS), and direct programs of the 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS). Guaranteed RBS loans are 
liquidated upon direction from the Deputy Administrator, Business 
Program, RBS. This subpart does not apply to RHS single family housing 
loans, or to CF loans sold without insurance in the private sector. 
These CF loans will be serviced in the private sector and future 
revisions to this subpart no longer apply to such loans.

Subpart B--Management of Property

    22. Section 1955.51 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1955.51  Purpose.

    This subpart delegates authority and prescribes policies and 
procedures for the Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business-
Cooperative Service (RBS), the Water and Waste programs of the Rural 
Utilities Service (RUS), and Farm Service Agency (FSA), herein referred 
to as ``Agency,'' and references contained in this subpart to the 
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) are synonymous with ``Agency.'' This 
subpart does not apply to RHS single family housing loans or community 
program loans sold without insurance to the private sector. These 
community program loans will be serviced by the private sector and 
future revisions to this subpart no longer apply to such loans. This 
subpart covers:
    (a) Management of real property which has been taken into custody 
by the respective Agency after abandonment by the borrower;
    (b) Management of real and chattel property which is in Agency 
inventory; and
    (c) Management of real and chattel property which is security for a 
guaranteed loan liquidated by an Agency (or which the Agency is in the 
process of liquidating).

Subpart C--Disposal of Inventory Property

    23. Section 1955.101 is amended by adding a new sentence to the end 
to read as follows:


Sec. 1955.101  Purpose.

    * * * This subpart does not apply to Single Family Housing (SFH) 
inventory property.

PART 1956--DEBT SETTLEMENT

    24. The authority citation for part 1956 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

[[Page 59779]]

Subpart B--Debt Settlement--Farmer Programs and Housing

    25. Section 1956.51 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1956.51  Purpose.

    This subpart delegates authority and prescribes policy and 
procedures for settlement of debts owed to the United States under the 
Farm Credit loan programs of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the 
Multi-Family Housing (MFH) program of the Rural Housing Service (RHS). 
It also applies to Nonprogram (NP) loans secured by MFH property of the 
RHS. Settlement of claims against recipients of grant funds for reasons 
such as the use of funds for improper purposes is also covered by this 
subpart. Settlement of claims against third party converters, and 
Economic Opportunity (EO) loans is authorized under the Federal Claims 
Collection Standards, 4 CFR parts 101-105. This subpart does not apply 
to RHS direct Single Family Housing (SFH) loans or RHS NP loans secured 
by SFH property.

PART 1965--REAL PROPERTY

    26. The authority citation for part 1965 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989, 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart C--Security Servicing for Single Family Rural Housing Loans

    27. Subpart C (Secs. 1965.101-1965.150) is removed and reserved.
    28. A new chapter XXXV consisting of part 3550 is added to read as 
follows:

CHAPTER XXXV--RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

PART 3550--DIRECT SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS

Subpart A--General

Sec.
3550.1  Applicability.
3550.2  Purpose.
3550.3  Civil rights.
3550.4  Reviews and appeals.
3550.5  Environmental requirements.
3550.6  State law or state supplement.
3550.7  Demonstration programs.
3550.8  Exception authority.
3550.9  Conflict of interest.
3550.10  Definitions.
3550.11-3550.49  [Reserved]
3550.50  OMB control number.

Subpart B--Section 502 Origination

3550.51  Program objectives.
3550.52  Loan purposes.
3550.53  Eligibility requirements.
3550.54  Calculation of income and assets.
3550.55  Applications.
3550.56  Site requirements.
3550.57  Dwelling requirements.
3550.58  Ownership requirements.
3550.59  Security requirements.
3550.60  Escrow account.
3550.61  Insurance.
3550.62  Appraisals.
3550.63  Maximum loan amount.
3550.64  Down payment.
3550.65  [Reserved]
3550.66  Interest rate.
3550.67  Repayment period.
3550.68  Payment subsidies.
3550.69  Deferred mortgage payments.
3550.70  Conditional commitments.
3550.71  Special requirements for condominiums.
3550.72  Community land trusts.
3550.73  Manufactured homes.
3550.74  Nonprogram loans.
3550.75-3550.99  [Reserved]
3550.100  OMB control number.

Subpart C--Section 504 Origination

3550.101  Program objectives.
3550.102  Grant and loan purposes.
3550.103  Eligibility requirements.
3550.104  Applications.
3550.105  Site requirements.
3550.106  Dwelling requirements.
3550.107  Ownership requirements.
3550.108  Security requirements (loans only).
3550.109  Escrow account (loans only).
3550.110  Insurance (loans only).
3550.111  Appraisals (loans only).
3550.112  Maximum loan and grant.
3550.113  Rates and terms (loans only).
3550.114  Repayment agreement (grants only).
3550.115-3550.149  [Reserved]
3550.150  OMB control number.

Subpart D--Regular Servicing

3550.151  Servicing goals.
3550.152  Loan payments.
3550.153  Fees.
3550.154  Inspections.
3550.155  Escrow account.
3550.156  Borrower obligations.
3550.157  Payment subsidy.
3550.158  Active military duty.
3550.159  Borrower actions requiring RHS approval.
3550.160  Refinancing with private credit.
3550.161  Final payment.
3550.162  Recapture.
3550.163  Transfer of security and assumption of indebtedness.
3550.164  Unauthorized assistance.
3550.165-3550.199  [Reserved]
3550.200  OMB control number.

Subpart E--Special Servicing

3550.201  Purpose of special servicing actions.
3550.202  Past due accounts.
3550.203  General servicing actions.
3550.204  Payment assistance.
3550.205  Delinquency workout agreements.
3550.206  Protective advances.
3550.207  Payment moratorium.
3550.208  Reamortization using promissory note interest rate.
3550.209  [Reserved]
3550.210  Offsets.
3550.211  Liquidation.
3550.212-3550.249  [Reserved]
3550.250  OMB control number.

Subpart F--Post-Servicing Actions

3550.251  Property management and disposition.
3550.252  Debt settlement policies.
3550.253  Settlement of a debt by compromise or adjustment.
3550.254-3550.299  [Reserved]
3550.300  OMB control number.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 3550.1  Applicability.

    This part sets forth policies for the direct single family housing 
loan programs operated by the Rural Housing Service (RHS) of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA). It addresses the requirements of 
sections 502 and 504 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, and 
includes policies regarding both loan and grant origination and 
servicing. Procedures for implementing these regulations can be found 
in program handbooks, available in any Rural Development office. Any 
provision on the expenditure of funds under this part is contingent 
upon the availability of funds.


Sec. 3550.2  Purpose.

    The purpose of the direct RHS single family housing loan programs 
is to provide low- and very low-income people who will live in rural 
areas with an opportunity to own adequate but modest, decent, safe, and 
sanitary dwellings and related facilities. The section 502 program 
offers persons who do not currently own adequate housing, and who 
cannot obtain other credit, the opportunity to acquire, build, 
rehabilitate, improve, or relocate dwellings in rural areas. The 
section 504 program offers loans to very low-income homeowners who 
cannot obtain other credit to repair or rehabilitate their properties. 
The section 504 program also offers grants to homeowners age 62 or 
older who cannot obtain a loan to correct health and safety hazards or 
to make the unit accessible to household members with disabilities.


Sec. 3550.3  Civil rights.

    RHS will administer its programs fairly, and in accordance with 
both the letter and the spirit of all equal opportunity and fair 
housing legislation and applicable executive orders. Loans, grants, 
services, and benefits provided under this part shall not be denied to 
any person based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, 
marital status, familial status, age, physical or mental disability, 
receipt of income from public assistance, or because the applicant has, 
in good faith, exercised

[[Page 59780]]

any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1601 et 
seq.). All activities under this part shall be accomplished in 
accordance with the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-3620), Executive 
Order 11246, and Executive Order 11063, as amended by Executive Order 
12259, as applicable. The civil rights compliance requirements for RHS 
are in 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.


Sec. 3550.4  Reviews and appeals.

    Whenever RHS makes a decision that is adverse to a participant, RHS 
will provide the participant with written notice of such adverse 
decision and the participant's rights to a USDA National Appeals 
Division hearing in accordance with 7 CFR part 11. Any adverse 
decision, whether appealable or non-appealable may be reviewed by the 
next-level RHS supervisor.


Sec. 3550.5  Environmental requirements.

    (a) Policy. RHS will consider environmental quality as equal with 
economic, social, and other relevant factors in program development and 
decision-making processes. RHS will take into account potential 
environmental impacts of proposed projects by working with RHS 
applicants, other federal agencies, Indian tribes, State and local 
governments, and interested citizens and organizations in order to 
formulate actions that advance the program's goals in a manner that 
will protect, enhance, and restore environmental quality.
    (b) Regulatory references. Processing and servicing actions under 
this part will be done in accordance with the requirements provided in 
7 CFR part 1940, subpart G which addresses environmental requirements 
and 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A, which addresses lead-based paint.


Sec. 3550.6  State law or state supplement.

    State and local laws and regulations, and the laws of federally 
recognized Indian tribes, may affect RHS implementation of certain 
provisions of this regulation, for example, with respect to the 
treatment of liens, construction, or environmental policies. 
Supplemental guidance may be issued in the case of any conflict or 
significant differences.


Sec. 3550.7  Demonstration programs.

    From time to time, RHS may authorize limited demonstration 
programs. The purpose of these demonstration programs is to test new 
approaches to offering housing under the statutory authority granted to 
the Secretary. Therefore, such demonstration programs may not be 
consistent with some of the provisions contained in this part. However, 
any program requirements that are statutory will remain in effect. 
Demonstration programs will be clearly identified as such.


Sec. 3550.8  Exception authority.

    An RHS official may request, and the Administrator or designee may 
make, an exception to any requirement or provision of this part or 
address any omission of this part that is consistent with the 
applicable statute if the Administrator determines that application of 
the requirement or provision, or failure to take action in the case of 
an omission, would adversely affect the Government's interest.


Sec. 3550.9  Conflict of interest.

    Objective. It is the objective of RHS to maintain the highest 
standards of honesty, integrity, and impartiality by employees. To 
reduce the potential for employee conflict of interest, all processing, 
approval, servicing, or review activity will be conducted in accordance 
with 7 CFR part 1900, subpart D by RHS employees who:
    (1) Are not themselves the applicant or borrower;
    (2) Are not members of the family or close known relatives of the 
applicant or borrower;
    (3) Do not have an immediate working relationship with the 
applicant or borrower, the employee related to the applicant or 
borrower, or the employee who would normally conduct the activity; or
    (4) Do not have a business or close personal association with the 
applicant or borrower.
    (b) Applicant or borrower responsibility. The applicant or borrower 
must disclose any known relationship or association with an RHS 
employee when such information is requested.
    (c) RHS employee responsibility. An RHS employee must disclose any 
known relationship or association with a recipient, regardless of 
whether the relationship or association is known to others. RHS 
employees or members of their families may not purchase a Real Estate 
Owned (REO) property, security property from a borrower, or security 
property at a foreclosure sale. Loan closing agents who have been 
involved with a particular property, as well as members of their 
families, are also precluded from purchasing such properties.


Sec. 3550.10  Definitions.

    Acceleration. Demand for immediate repayment of the entire balance 
of a debt if the security instruments are breached.
    Adjusted income. Used to determine whether an applicant is income-
eligible. Adjusted income provides for deductions to account for 
varying household circumstances and expenses. See 4 for a complete 
description of adjusted income.
    Adjustment. An agreement to release a debtor from liability 
generally upon receipt of an initial lump sum representing the maximum 
amount the debtor can afford to pay and periodic additional payments 
over a period of up to 5 years.
    Amortized payment. Equal monthly payments under a fully amortized 
mortgage loan that provides for the scheduled payment of interest and 
principal over the term of the loan.
    Applicant. An adult member of the household who will be responsible 
for repayment of the loan.
    Assumption. The procedure whereby the transferee becomes liable for 
all or part of the debt of the transferor.
    Borrower. A recipient who is indebted under the section 502 or 504 
programs.
    Cancellation. A decision to cease collection activities and release 
the debtor from personal liability for any remaining amounts owed.
    Compromise. An agreement to release a debtor from liability upon 
receipt of a specified lump sum that is less than the total amount due.
    Conditional commitment. A determination that a proposed dwelling 
will qualify as a program-eligible property. The conditional commitment 
does not reserve funds, nor does it ensure that a program-eligible 
applicant will be available to buy the dwelling.
    Cosigner. An individual or an entity that joins in the execution of 
a promissory note to compensate for any deficiency in the applicant's 
repayment ability. The cosigner becomes jointly liable to comply with 
the terms of the promissory note in the event of the borrower's 
default, but is not entitled to any interest in the security or 
borrower rights.
    Cross-collateralized loan. A situation in which a single property 
secures both RHS and Farm Service Agency loans.
    Custodial property. Borrower-owned real property that serves as 
security for a loan that has been taken into possession by the Agency 
to protect the Government's interest.
    Daily simple interest. A method of establishing borrower payments 
based on daily interest charged on the outstanding principal balance of 
the loan. Principal is reduced by the amount of payment in excess of 
the accrued interest.

[[Page 59781]]

    Dealer-contractor. A person, firm, partnership, or corporation in 
the business of selling and servicing manufactured homes and developing 
sites for manufactured homes. A person, firm, partnership, or 
corporation not capable of providing the complete service is not 
eligible to be a dealer-contractor.
    Debt instrument. A collective term encompassing obligating 
documents for a loan, including any applicable promissory note, 
assumption agreement, or grant agreement.
    Deferred mortgage payments. A subsidy available to eligible, very 
low-income borrowers of up to 25 percent of their principal and 
interest payments at 1 percent for up to 15 years. The deferred amounts 
are subject to recapture on sale or nonoccupancy.
    Deficient housing. A dwelling that lacks complete plumbing; lacks 
adequate heating; is dilapidated or structurally unsound; has an 
overcrowding situation that will be corrected with loan funds; or that 
is otherwise uninhabitable, unsafe, or poses a health or environmental 
threat to the occupant or others.
    Elderly family. An elderly family consists of one of the following:
    (1) A person who is the head, spouse, or sole member of a family 
and who is 62 years of age or older, or who is disabled, and is an 
applicant or borrower;
    (2) Two or more persons who are living together, at least 1 of whom 
is age 62 or older, or disabled, and who is an applicant or borrower; 
or
    (3) In the case of a family where the deceased borrower or spouse 
was at least 62 years old or disabled, the surviving household member 
shall continue to be classified as an elderly family for the purpose of 
determining adjusted income, even though the surviving members may not 
meet the definition of elderly family on their own, provided: 
    (i) They occupied the dwelling with the deceased family member at 
the time of the death;
    (ii) If one of the surviving family members is the spouse of the 
deceased family member, the family shall be classified as an elderly 
family only until the remarriage of the surviving spouse; and
    (iii) At the time of the death of the deceased family member, the 
dwelling was financed under title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as 
amended.
    Escrow account. An account to which the borrower contributes 
monthly payments to cover the anticipated costs of real estate taxes, 
hazard and flood insurance premiums, and other related costs.
    Existing dwelling or unit. A dwelling that is more than 1 year old, 
or less than 1 year old and covered by an approved 10-year warranty 
plan.
    False information. Information that the recipient knew was 
incorrect or should have known was incorrect that was provided or 
omitted for the purposes of obtaining assistance for which the 
recipient was not eligible.
    Full-time student. A person who carries at least the minimum number 
of credit hours considered to be full-time by college or vocational 
school in which the person is enrolled.
    Hazard. A condition of the property that jeopardizes the health or 
safety of the occupants or members of the community, that does not make 
it unfit for habitation. (See also the definition of major hazard in 
this section.)
    Household. All persons expected to be living in the dwelling, 
except for live-in aids, foster children, and foster adults.
    Housing Act of 1949, as amended. The Act which provides the 
authority for the direct single family housing programs. It is codified 
at 42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.
    HUD. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    Inaccurate information. Incorrect information inadvertently 
provided, used, or omitted without the intent to obtain benefits for 
which the recipient was not eligible.
    Indian reservation. All land located within the limits of any 
Indian reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States 
notwithstanding the issuance of any patent and including rights-of-way 
running through the reservation; trust or restricted land located 
within the boundaries of a former reservation of a federally recognized 
Indian tribe in the State of Oklahoma; or all Indian allotments, the 
titles to which have not been extinguished, if such allotments are 
subject to the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
    Interest credit. A payment subsidy available to certain eligible 
section 502 borrowers that reduces the effective interest rate of a 
loan (see 3550.68(d)). Borrowers receiving interest credit will 
continue to receive it on all current and future loans for as long as 
they remain eligible for and continue to receive a subsidy. Borrowers 
who cease to be eligible for interest credit can never receive interest 
credit again, but may receive payment assistance if they again qualify 
for a payment subsidy.
    Junior lien. A security instrument or a judgment against the 
security property to which the RHS debt instrument is superior. Legal 
alien. For the purposes of this part, legal alien refers to any person 
lawfully admitted to the country who meets the criteria in section 214 
of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. 1436a.
    Leveraged loan. A loan or grant to an Agency borrower from a non-
RHS source for the same property, closed simultaneously with an RHS 
loan.
    Live-in aide. A person who lives with an elderly or disabled person 
and is essential to that person's care and well-being, not obligated 
for the person's support, and would not be living in the unit except to 
provide the support services.
    Low income. An adjusted income that is greater than the HUD 
established very low-income limit, but that does not exceed the HUD 
established low-income limit (generally 80 percent of median income 
adjusted for household size) for the county or Metropolitan Statistical 
Area where the property is or will be located.
    Major hazard. A condition so severe that it makes the property 
unfit for habitation. (See also the definition of hazard in this 
section.)
    Manufactured home. A structure that is built to Federally 
Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard and RHS Thermal 
Performance Standards. It is transportable in 1 or more sections, which 
in the traveling mode is 10-body feet (3.048 meters) or more in width, 
and when erected on site is 400 or more square feet (37.16 square 
meters), and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be 
used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when 
connected to the required utilities. It is designed and constructed for 
permanent occupancy by a single family and contains permanent eating, 
cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities. The plumbing, heating, and 
electrical systems are contained in the structure. A permanent 
foundation is required.
    Market value. The value of the property as determined by a current 
appraisal, RHS may authorize the use of a Broker's Price Opinion or 
similar instrument to determine market value in limited servicing 
situations.
    Mobile home. A manufactured unit often referred to as a 
``trailer,'' designed to be used as a dwelling, but built prior to the 
enactment of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 
96-399) enacted October 8, 1980.
    Moderate income. An adjusted income that is greater than the low-
income limit, but that does not exceed

[[Page 59782]]

the HUD established low-income limit by more than $5,500.
    Modest housing. A property that is considered modest for the area, 
with a cost that does not exceed the applicable limit established under 
section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709) (unless an 
exception is approved by RHS). In addition, the property must not be 
designed for income-producing activities nor have an in-ground swimming 
pool.
    Modular or panelized home. Housing, constructed of one or more 
factory-built sections or panels, which, when completed, meets or 
exceeds the requirements of the recognized development standards (model 
building codes) for site built housing, and which is designed to be 
permanently connected to a site-built foundation.
    Moratorium. A period of up to 2 years during which scheduled 
payments are not required, but are subject to repayment at a later 
date.
    Mortgage. A form of security instrument or consensual lien on real 
property including a real estate mortgage or a deed of trust.
    Net family assets. The value of assets available to a household 
that could be used towards housing costs. Net family assets are 
considered in the calculation of annual income and are used to 
determine whether the household must make additional cash contributions 
to improve or purchase the property.
    Net recovery value. The market value of the security property minus 
anticipated expenses of liquidation, acquisition, and sale as 
determined by RHS.
    New dwelling. A dwelling that is to be constructed, or an already-
existing dwelling that is less than 1 year old and is not covered by an 
approved 10-year warranty plan.
    Nonprogram (NP) interest rate. The interest rate offered by RHS for 
loans made on NP terms.
    NP property. Property that does not meet the program eligibility 
requirements outlined in Secs. 3550.56 and 3550.57.
    NP terms. Credit terms available from RHS when the applicant or 
property is not program-eligible.
    Offset. Deductions to pay a debt owed to RHS from a borrower's 
retirement benefits, salary, income tax refund, or payments from other 
federal agencies to the borrower. Deductions from retirement benefits 
and salary generally apply only to current and former federal 
employees.
    Participant. For the purpose of reviews and appeals, a participant 
is any individual or entity who has applied for, or whose right to 
participate in or receive a payment, loan, or other benefit is affected 
by an RHS decision.
    Payment assistance. A payment subsidy available to eligible section 
502 borrowers that reduces the effective interest rate of a loan (see 
Sec. 3550.68(c)). Borrowers eligible for a payment subsidy receive 
payment assistance unless they are currently eligible for and receive 
interest credit.
    Payment subsidy. A general term for subsidies which reduce the 
borrower's scheduled payment. It refers to either payment assistance or 
interest credit.
    Person with disability. Any person who has a physical or mental 
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, 
including functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual 
tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and 
working, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having 
such an impairment.
    PITI ratio. The amount paid by the borrower for principal, 
interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), divided by repayment income.
    Principal reduction attributed to subsidy (PRAS). Accelerated 
principal reduction that can occur when a borrower receives a reduced 
interest rate through a payment subsidy.
    Prior lien. A security instrument or a judgment against the 
security property that is superior to the RHS debt instrument.
    Program-eligible applicant. Any applicant meeting the eligibility 
requirements described in Sec. 3550.53.
    Program-eligible property. A property eligible to be financed under 
this part, as determined by the criteria listed in Secs. 3550.56 
through 3550.59.
    Program terms. Credit terms that are available only to program-
eligible applicants for program-eligible properties.
    Property. The land, dwelling, and related facilities for which the 
applicant will use RHS assistance.
    Protective advances. Costs incurred by the Agency to protect the 
security interest of the Government that are charged to the borrower's 
account.
    Real estate taxes. Taxes and the annual portion of assessments 
estimated to be due and payable on the property, reduced by any 
available tax exemption.
    Recapture amount. An amount of subsidy to be repaid by the borrower 
upon disposition or nonoccupancy of the property.
    Recipient. Any applicant, borrower, or grant recipient who applies 
for or receives assistance under the section 502 or 504 programs.
    REO. The acronym for ``Real Estate Owned.'' It refers to property 
for which RHS holds title.
    Repayment income. Used to determine whether an applicant has the 
ability to make monthly loan payments. Repayment income includes 
amounts excluded for the purpose of determining adjusted income. See 
Sec. 3550.54 for a complete description.
    RHS. The Rural Housing Service of the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, or its successor agency, formerly the Rural Housing and 
Community Development Service (RHCDS), a successor agency to the 
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA).
    RHS employee. Any employee of RHS, or any employee of the Rural 
Development mission area who carries out grant or loan origination or 
servicing functions for the section 502 or 504 programs.
    RHS interest rate. The unsubsidized interest rate offered by RHS 
for loans made on program terms.
    Rural area: A rural area is:
    (1) Open country which is not part of or associated with an urban 
area.
    (2) Any town, village, city, or place, including the immediate 
adjacent densely settled area, which is not part of or associated with 
an urban area and which: (i) Has a population not in excess of 10,000 
if it is rural in character; or
    (ii) Has a population in excess of 10,000 but not in excess of 
20,000, is not contained within a Metropolitan Statistical Area, and 
has a serious lack of mortgage credit for low- and moderate-income 
households as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture and the 
Secretary of HUD.
    (3) An area classified as a rural area prior to October 1, 1990, 
(even if within a Metropolitan Statistical Area), with a population 
exceeding 10,000, but not in excess of 25,000, which is rural in 
character, and has a serious lack of mortgage credit for low- and 
moderate-income families. This is effective through receipt of census 
data for the year 2000.
    Rural Development. A mission area within USDA which includes RHS, 
Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and Rural Business-Cooperative Service 
(RBS).
    Scheduled payment. The monthly or annual installment on a 
promissory note plus escrow (if required), as modified by any payment 
subsidy agreement, delinquency workout agreement, other documented 
agreements between RHS and the borrower, or protective advances.
    Secured loan. A loan that is collateralized by property so that in 
the

[[Page 59783]]

event of a default on the loan, the property may be sold to satisfy the 
debt.
    Security property. All the property that serves as collateral for 
an RHS loan.
    Subsidy. Interest credit, payment assistance, or deferred mortgage 
assistance received by a borrower under the section 502 or 504 
programs.
    Total debt ratio. The amount paid by the borrower for PITI and any 
recurring monthly debt, divided by repayment income.
    Unauthorized assistance. Any loan, payment subsidy, deferred 
mortgage payment, or grant for which there was no regulatory 
authorization or for which the recipient was not eligible.
    U.S. citizen. An individual who resides as a citizen in any of the 
50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 
the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Marianas, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of 
Palau, or the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
    USDA. The United States Department of Agriculture.
    Unsecured loan. A loan evidenced only by the borrower's promissory 
note.
    Value appreciation. The current market value of the property minus: 
the balance due prior lienholders, the unpaid balance of the RHS debt, 
unreimbursed closing costs (if any), principal reduction, the original 
equity (if any) of the borrower, and the value added by capital 
improvements.
    Very low-income. An adjusted income that does not exceed the HUD- 
established very low-income limit (generally 50 percent of median 
income adjusted for household size) for the county or the Metropolitan 
Statistical Area where the property is or will be located.
    Veterans preference. A preference extended to any person applying 
for a loan or grant under this part who served on active duty and has 
been discharged or released from the active forces on conditions other 
than dishonorable from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 
Corps, or Coast Guard. The preference applies to the serviceperson, or 
the family of a deceased serviceperson who died in service before the 
termination of such war or such period or era. The applicable 
timeframes are:
    (1) During the period of April 6, 1917, through March 31, 1921;
    (2) During the period of December 7, 1941, through December 31, 
1946;
    (3) During the period of June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955;
    (4) For a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred 
after January 31, 1955, but on or before May 7, 1975; or
    (5) During the period beginning August 2, 1990, and ending the date 
prescribed by Presidential Proclamation or law.


Secs. 3550.11-3550.49  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.50  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0166. Public 
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 
vary from 5 minutes to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1\1/2\ 
hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, 
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data 
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of 
this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden to the Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, STOP 7602, 
1400 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, DC 20250-7602. You are not 
required to respond to this collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Subpart B--Section 502 Origination


Sec. 3550.51  Program objectives.

    Section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended authorizes the 
Rural Housing Service (RHS) to provide financing to help low- and very 
low-income persons who cannot obtain credit from other sources obtain 
adequate housing in rural areas. Resources for the section 502 program 
are limited, and therefore, applicants are required to use section 502 
funds in conjunction with funding or financing from other sources, if 
feasible. Sections 3550.52 through 3550.73 set forth the requirements 
for originating loans on program terms. Section 3550.74 describes the 
differences for originating loans on nonprogram (NP) terms.


Sec. 3550.52  Loan purposes.

    Section 502 funds may be used to buy, build, rehabilitate, improve, 
or relocate an eligible dwelling and provide related facilities for use 
by the borrower as a permanent residence. In limited circumstances 
section 502 funds may be used to refinance existing debt.
    (a) Purchases from existing RHS borrowers. To purchase a property 
currently financed by an RHS loan, the new borrower must assume the 
existing RHS indebtedness. Section 502 funds may be used to provide 
additional financing or make repairs. Loan funds also may be used to 
permit a remaining borrower to purchase the equity of a departing co-
borrower.
    (b) Refinancing non-RHS loans. Debt from an existing non-RHS loan 
may be refinanced if the existing debt is secured by a lien against the 
property, RHS will have a first lien position on the security property 
after refinancing, and:
    (1) In the case of loans for existing dwellings, if:
    (i) Due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, the 
applicant is in danger of losing the property; and
    (ii) The debt is over $5,000 and was incurred for eligible program 
purposes prior to loan application or was a protective advance made by 
the mortgagee for items covered by the loan to be refinanced, including 
accrued interest, insurance premiums, real estate tax advances, or 
preliminary foreclosure costs.
    (2) In the case of loans for a building site without a dwelling, 
if:
    (i) The debt to be refinanced was incurred for the sole purpose of 
purchasing the site;
    (ii) The applicant is unable to acquire adequate housing without 
refinancing; and
    (iii) The RHS loan will include funds to construct an appropriate 
dwelling on the site for the applicant's use.
    (3) Debts incurred after the date of RHS loan application but 
before closing may be refinanced if the costs are incurred for eligible 
loan purposes and any construction work conforms to the standards 
specified in this part.
    (c) Refinancing RHS debt. Under limited circumstances, an existing 
RHS loan may be refinanced in accordance with Sec. 3550.204 to allow 
the borrower to receive payment assistance.
    (d) Eligible costs. Improvements financed with loan funds must be 
on land which, after closing, is part of the security property. In 
addition to acquisition, construction, repairs, or the cost of 
relocating a dwelling, loan funds may be used to pay for:
    (1) Reasonable expenses related to obtaining the loan, including 
legal, architectural and engineering, technical, title clearance, and 
loan closing fees; and appraisal, surveying, environmental, tax 
monitoring, and other technical services; and personal liability 
insurance fees for Mutual Self-Help borrowers.
    (2) The cost of providing special design features or equipment when 
necessary because of a physical disability of the applicant or a member 
of the household.

[[Page 59784]]

    (3) Reasonable connection fees, assessments, or the pro rata 
installment costs for utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and 
gas for which the borrower is liable and which are not paid from other 
funds.
    (4) Reasonable and customary lender charges and fees if the RHS 
loan is being made in combination with a leveraged loan.
    (5) Real estate taxes that are due and payable on the property at 
the time of closing and for the establishment of escrow accounts for 
real estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance premiums, and related 
costs.
    (6) Fees to public and private nonprofit organizations that are tax 
exempt under the Internal Revenue Code for the development and 
packaging of loan applications, except for loans related to the 
purchase of an RHS Real Estate Owned (REO) property.
    (7) Purchasing and installing essential equipment in the dwelling, 
including ranges, refrigerators, washers or dryers, if these items are 
normally sold with dwellings in the area and if the purchase of these 
items is not the primary purpose of the loans.
    (8) Purchasing and installing approved energy savings measures and 
approved furnaces and space heaters that use fuel that is commonly 
used, economical, and dependably available.
    (9) Providing site preparation, including grading, foundation 
plantings, seeding or sodding, trees, walks, yard fences, and driveways 
to a building site.
    (e) Loan restrictions. Loan funds may not be used to:
    (1) Purchase an existing manufactured home, or for any other 
purposes prohibited in Sec. 3550.73(b).
    (2) Purchase or improve income-producing land or buildings to be 
used principally for income-producing purposes.
    (3) Pay fees, commissions, or charges to for-profit entities 
related to loan packaging or referral of prospective applicants to RHS.


Sec. 3550.53  Eligibility requirements.

    (a) Income eligibility. At the time of loan approval, the 
household's adjusted income must not exceed the applicable low-income 
limit for the area, and at closing, must not exceed the applicable 
moderate-income limit for the area (see Sec. 3550.544).
    (b) Citizenship status. The applicant must be a United States 
citizen or a noncitizen who qualifies as a legal alien as defined in 
Sec. 3550.10.
    (c) Primary residence. Applicants must agree to and have the 
ability to occupy the dwelling on a permanent basis.
    (1) Because of the probability of transfer, loans will not be 
approved for military personnel on active duty unless the applicant 
will be discharged within a reasonable period of time.
    (2) Because of the probability of moves after graduation, loans 
will not be approved for a full-time student unless the applicant 
intends to make the home a permanent residence and there are reasonable 
prospects that employment will be available in the area after 
graduation.
    (3) If the home is being constructed or renovated an adult member 
of the household must be available to make inspections and authorize 
progress payments as the dwelling is being constructed.
    (d) Eligibility of current homeowners.
    Current homeowners are not eligible for initial loans except as 
follows:
    (1) Current homeowners may receive RHS loan funds to:
    (i) refinance an existing loan under the conditions outlined in 
Sec. 3550.52(b);
    (ii) purchase a new dwelling if the current dwelling is deficient 
housing as defined in Sec. 3550.10; or
    (iii) make necessary repairs to the property which is financed with 
an affordable non- RHS loan.
    (2) Current homeowners with an RHS loan may receive a subsequent 
loan.
    (e) Legal capacity. Applicants must have the legal capacity to 
incur the loan obligation, or have a court appointed guardian or 
conservator who is empowered to obligate the applicant in real estate 
matters.
    (f) Suspension or debarment. Applications from applicants who have 
been suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs will 
be handled in accordance with 7 CFR part 3017.
    (g) Repayment ability. Applicants must demonstrate adequate 
repayment ability.
    (1) A very low-income applicant is considered to have repayment 
ability when the monthly amount required for payment of principal, 
interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) does not exceed 29 percent of the 
applicant's repayment income, and the monthly amount required to pay 
PITI plus recurring monthly debts does not exceed 41 percent of the 
applicant's repayment income.
    (2) A low-income applicant is considered to have repayment ability 
when the monthly amount required for payment of PITI does not exceed 33 
percent of the applicant's repayment income, and the monthly amount 
required to pay PITI plus recurring monthly debts does not exceed 41 
percent of repayment income.
    (3) Repayment ratios may exceed the percentages specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section if the applicant has 
demonstrated an ability to meet higher debt obligations, or if RHS 
determines, based on other compensating factors, that the household has 
a higher repayment ability.
    (4) If an applicant does not meet the repayment ability 
requirements, the applicant can have another party join the application 
as a cosigner.
    (5) If an applicant does not meet the repayment ability 
requirements, the applicant can have other household members join the 
application.
    (h) Credit qualifications. Applicants must be unable to secure the 
necessary credit from other sources on terms and conditions that the 
applicant could reasonably be expected to fulfill. Applicants must have 
a credit history that indicates reasonable ability and willingness to 
meet debt obligations. An applicant with an outstanding judgment 
obtained by the United States in a federal court, other than the United 
States Tax Court, is not eligible for a loan or grant from RHS.
    (1) Indicators of unacceptable credit include:
    (i) Incidents of more than 2 debt payments more than 30 days late 
within the last 12 months.
    (ii) A foreclosure which has been completed within the last 36 
months.
    (iii) An outstanding Internal Revenue Service tax lien or any other 
outstanding tax liens with no satisfactory arrangement for payment.
    (iv) A court-created or court-affirmed obligation or judgment 
caused by nonpayment that is currently outstanding or has been 
outstanding within the last 12 months, except for those excluded in 
paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (v) Two or more rent payments paid 30 or more days late within the 
last 2 years. If the applicant has experienced no other credit problems 
in the past 2 years, only 1 year of rent history will be evaluated. 
Rent payment history requirements may be waived if the RHS loan will 
reduce shelter costs significantly and contribute to an improved 
repayment ability.
    (vi) Outstanding collection accounts with a record of irregular 
payment with no satisfactory arrangements for repayment, or collection 
accounts that were paid in full within the last 6 months.
    (vii) Non-agency debts written off within the last 36 months unless 
paid in full at least 12 months ago.

[[Page 59785]]

    (viii) Agency debts that were debt settled, or are being considered 
for debt settlement.
    (ix) Delinquency on a federal debt.
    (2) The following will not be considered indicators of unacceptable 
credit:
    (i) A bankruptcy in which debts were discharged more than 36 months 
prior to the date of application or where an applicant successfully 
completed a bankruptcy debt restructuring plan and has demonstrated a 
willingness to meeting obligations when due for the 12 months prior to 
the date of application.
    (ii) A judgment satisfied more than 12 months before the date of 
application.
    (3) When an application is rejected because of unacceptable credit, 
the applicant will be informed of the reason and source of information.


Sec. 3550.54  Calculation of income and assets.

    (a) Repayment income. Repayment income is the annual amount of 
income from all sources that are expected to be received by those 
household members who are parties to the promissory note, except for 
any student financial aid received by these household members for 
tuition, fees, books, equipment, materials, and transportation. 
Repayment income is used to determine the household's ability to repay 
a loan.
    (b) Annual income. Annual income is the income of all household 
members from all sources except those listed in (b)(1) through (b)(12) 
of this section:
    (1) earned income of persons under the age of 18 unless they are a 
borrower or a spouse of a member of the household;
    (2) payments received for the care of foster children or foster 
adults;
    (3) amounts granted for or in reimbursement of the cost of medical 
expenses;
    (4) earnings of each full-time student 18 years of age or older, 
except the head of household or spouse, that are in excess of any 
amount determined pursuant to section 501(b)(5) of the Housing Act of 
1949, as amended;
    (5) temporary, nonrecurring, or sporadic income (including gifts);
    (6) lump sum additions to family assets such as inheritances; 
capital gains; insurance payments under health, accident, or worker's 
compensation policies; settlements for personal or property losses; and 
deferred periodic payments of supplemental security income and Social 
Security benefits received in a lump sum;
    (7) any earned income tax credit;
    (8) adoption assistance in excess of any amount determined pursuant 
to section 501(b)(5) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended;
    (9) amounts received by the family in the form of refunds or 
rebates under State or local law for property taxes paid on the 
dwelling;
    (10) amounts paid by a State agency to a family with a 
developmentally disabled family member living at home to offset the 
cost of services and equipment needed to keep the developmentally 
disabled family member at home;
    (11) the full amount of any student financial aid; and
    (12) any other revenue exempted by a Federal statute; a list of 
which is available from any Rural Development office.
    (c) Adjusted income. Adjusted income is used to determine program 
eligibility for sections 502 and 504 and the amount of payment subsidy 
for which the household qualifies under section 502. Adjusted income is 
annual income as defined in paragraph (b) of this section less any of 
the following deductions for which the household is eligible.
    (1) For each family member, except the head of household or spouse, 
who is under 18 years of age, 18 years of age or older with a 
disability, or a full-time student, the amount determined pursuant to 
section 501(b)(5) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended.
    (2) A deduction of reasonable expenses for the care of minor 12 
years of age or under that:
    (i) enable a family member to work or to further a member's 
education;
    (ii) are not reimbursed or paid by another source; and
    (iii) in the case of expenses to enable a family member to work do 
not exceed the amount of income earned by the family member enabled to 
work.
    (3) Expenses related to the care of household members with 
disabilities that:
    (i) enable a family member to work;
    (ii) are not reimbursed from insurance or another source; and
    (iii) are in excess of three percent of the household's annual 
income.
    (4) For any elderly family, a deduction in the amount determined 
pursuant to section 501(b)(5) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended.
    (5) For elderly households only, a deduction for household medical 
expenses that are not reimbursed from insurance or another source and 
which in combination with any expenses related to the care of household 
members with disabilities described in paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section, are in excess of three percent of the household's annual 
income.
    (d) Net family assets. Income from net family assets must be 
included in the calculation of annual and repayment income. Net family 
assets also are considered in determining whether a down payment is 
required.
    (1) Net family assets include the cash value of:
    (i) Equity in real property, other than the dwelling or site;
    (ii) Cash on hand and funds in savings or checking accounts;
    (iii) Amounts in trust accounts that are available to the 
household;
    (iv) Stocks, bonds, and other forms of capital investments 
including life insurance policies and retirement plans that are 
accessible to the applicant without retiring or terminating employment;
    (v) Lump sum receipts such as lottery winnings, capital gains, 
inheritances;
    (vi) Personal property held as an investment; and
    (vii) Any value, in excess of the consideration received, for any 
business or household assets disposed for less than fair market value 
during the 2 years preceding the income determination. The value of 
assets disposed of for less than fair market value shall not be 
considered if they were disposed of as a result of foreclosure or 
bankruptcy or a divorce or separation settlement.
    (2) Net family assets do not include:
    (i) Interest in American Indian trust land;
    (ii) Cash on hand which will be used to reduce the amount of the 
loan;
    (iii) The value of necessary items of personal property;
    (iv) Assets that are part of the business, trade, or farming 
operation of any member of the household who is actively engaged in 
such operation;
    (v) The value of an irrevocable trust fund or any other trust over 
which no member of the household has control.


Sec. 3550.55  Applications.

    (a) Application submissions. All persons applying for RHS loans 
must file a complete written application in a format specified by RHS. 
Applications will be accepted even when funds are not available.
    (b) Application processing.
    (1) Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant 
specifying in writing the additional information that is needed to make 
the application complete.
    (2) An applicant may voluntarily withdraw an application at any 
time.
    (3) RHS may periodically request in writing that applicants 
reconfirm their interest in obtaining a loan. RHS may withdraw the 
application of any applicant who does not respond within the specified 
timeframe.
    (4) Applicants who are eligible will be notified in writing. If 
additional

[[Page 59786]]

information becomes available that indicates that the original 
eligibility determination may have been incorrect, or that 
circumstances have changed, RHS may reconsider the application and the 
applicant may be required to submit additional information.
    (5) Applicants who are ineligible will be notified in writing and 
provided with the specific reasons for the rejection.
    (c) Selection for processing. When funding is not sufficient to 
serve all program-eligible applicants, applications will be selected 
for processing using the funding priorities specified in this 
paragraph. Within priority categories, applications will be processed 
in the order that the completed applications are received. In the case 
of applications with equivalent priority status that are received on 
the same day, preference will be extended to applicants qualifying for 
a veterans preference. After selection for processing, loans are funded 
on a first-come, first-served basis.
    (1) First priority will be given to existing customers who request 
subsequent loans to correct health and safety hazards.
    (2) Second priority will be given to loans related to the sale of 
an REO property or the transfer of an exisiting RHS financed property.
    (3) Third priority will be given to applicants facing housing 
related hardships including applicants who have been living in 
deficient housing for more than 6 months, current homeowners in danger 
of losing a property through foreclosure, and other circumstances 
determined by RHS on a case-by-case basis to constitute a hardship.
    (4) Fourth priority will be given to applicants seeking, loans for 
the construction of dwellings in an RHS-approved Mutual Self-Help 
project or loans that will leverage funding or financing from other 
sources.
    (5) Applications from applicants who do not qualify for priority 
consideration in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), or (c)(4) of this 
section will be selected for processing after all applications with 
priority status have been processed.
    (d) Applicant timeframe. RHS will specify a reasonable timeframe 
within which eligible applicants selected for processing must provide 
the information needed to underwrite the loan.


Sec. 3550.56  Site requirements.

    (a) Rural areas. Loans may be made only in rural areas designated 
by RHS. If an area designation is changed to non-rural:
    (1) New conditional commitments will be made and existing 
conditional commitments will be honored only in conjunction with an 
applicant for a section 502 loan who applied for assistance before the 
area designation changed.
    (2) REO property sales and transfers with assumption may be 
processed.
    (3) Subsequent loans may be made either in conjunction with a 
transfer with assumption of an RHS loan or to repair properties that 
have RHS loans.
    (b) Site standards. Sites must be developed in accordance with 7 
CFR part 1924, subpart C and any applicable standards imposed by a 
State or local government.
    (1) The site must not be large enough to subdivide into more than 
one site under existing local zoning ordinances;
    (2) The site must not include farm service buildings, though small 
outbuildings such as a storage shed may be included; and
    (3) The value of the site must not exceed 30 percent of the as 
improved market value of the property. The State Director may waive the 
30 percent requirement in high cost areas where other lenders permit a 
higher percentage.


Sec. 3550.57  Dwelling requirements.

    (a) Modest dwelling. The property must be one that is considered 
modest for the area, must not be designed for income providing 
purposes, must not have an in-ground pool or have a cost in excess of 
the section 203(b) limit of the National Housing Act unless RHS 
authorizes an exception:
    (1) Area-wide exception. Area-wide exceptions may be granted when 
RHS determines that the section 203(b) limit is too low to enable 
applicants to purchase adequate housing.
    (2) Individual exceptions. Individual exceptions may be granted to 
accommodate the specific needs of an applicant, such as to serve 
exceptionally large households or to provide reasonable accommodation 
for a household member with a disability. Any additional loan amount 
approved must not exceed the amount required to address the specific 
need.
    (b) New dwellings. Construction must meet the requirements in 7 CFR 
part 1924, subpart A.
    (c) Existing dwellings. Existing dwellings must be structurally 
sound; functionally adequate; in good repair, or to be placed in good 
repair with loan funds; have adequate electrical, heating, plumbing, 
water, and wastewater disposal systems; be free of termites and other 
wood damaging pests and organisms; and meet the thermal performance 
requirements for existing dwellings of 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A.


Sec. 3550.58  Ownership requirements.

    After the loan is closed, the borrower must have an acceptable 
interest in the property as evidenced by one of the following.
    (a) Fee-simple ownership. Acceptable fee-simple ownership is 
evidenced by a fully marketable title with a deed vesting a fee-simple 
interest in the property to the borrower.
    (b) Secure leasehold interest. A written lease is required. To be 
acceptable, a leasehold interest must have an unexpired term that is at 
least 150 percent of the term of the mortgage, unless the loan is 
guaranteed, in which case the unexpired term of the lease must be at 
least 2 years longer than the loan term. In no case may the unexpired 
term be less than 25 years.
    (c) Life estate interest. To be acceptable a life estate interest 
must provide the borrower with rights of present possession, control, 
and beneficial use of the property. Generally, persons with any 
remainder interests must be signatories to the mortgage. All of the 
remainder interests need not be included in the mortgage to the extent 
that one or more of the persons holding remainder interests are not 
legally competent (and there is no representative who can legally 
consent to the mortgage), cannot be located, or if the remainder 
interests are divided among such a large number of people that it is 
not practical to obtain the signatures of all of the remainder 
interests. In such cases, the loan may not exceed the value of the 
property interests owned by the persons executing the mortgage.
    (d) Undivided interest. All legally competent co-owners will be 
required to sign the mortgage. When one or more of the co-owners are 
not legally competent (and there is no representative who can legally 
consent to the mortgage), cannot be located, or the ownership interests 
are divided among so large a number of co- owners that it is not 
practical for all of their interests to be mortgaged, their interests 
not exceeding 50 percent may be excluded from the security 
requirements. In such cases, the loan may not exceed the value of the 
property interests owned by the persons executing the mortgage.
    (e) Possessory rights. Acceptable forms of ownership include 
possessory rights on an American Indian reservation or State-owned land 
and the interest of an American Indian in land held in severalty under 
trust patents or deeds containing restrictions against alienation, 
provided that land in trust or

[[Page 59787]]

restricted status will remain in trust or restricted status.


Sec. 3550.59  Security requirements.

    Before approving any loan, RHS will impose requirements to secure 
its interests.
    (a) Adequate security. A loan will be considered adequately secured 
only when all of the following requirements are met:
    (1) RHS obtains at closing a mortgage on all ownership interests in 
the security property or the requirements of Sec. 3550.58 are 
satisfied.
    (2) No liens prior to the RHS mortgage exist at the time of closing 
and no junior liens are likely to be taken immediately subsequent to or 
at the time of closing, unless the other liens are taken as part of a 
leveraging strategy or the RHS loan is essential for repairs and the 
senior lien secures an affordable non-RHS loan. Liens junior to the RHS 
lien may be allowed at loan closing if the junior lien will not 
interfere with the purpose or repayment of the RHS loan and the total 
value of all liens on the property is less than or equal to the 
property's market value.
    (3) The provisions of 7 CFR part 1927, subpart B regarding title 
clearance and the use of legal services have been followed.
    (4) Existing and proposed property improvements are totally on the 
site and do not encroach on adjoining property.
    (b) Guaranteed payment. Mortgage insurance guaranteeing payment 
from a Government agency or Indian tribe is adequate security.


Sec. 3550.60  Escrow account.

    RHS may require that customers deposit into an escrow account 
amounts necessary to ensure that the account will contain sufficient 
funds to pay real estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance premiums, 
and other related costs when they are due in accordance with the Real 
Estate Settlement and Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) (12 U.S.C. 2601, 
et seq.) and section 501(e) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended.


Sec. 3550.61  Insurance.

    (a) Customer responsibility. Until the loan is paid in full the 
customer must furnish and continually maintain hazard and flood 
insurance on property securing RHS loans, with companies, in amounts, 
and on terms and conditions acceptable to RHS. Customers who are 
required to have insurance may be required to escrow funds to ensure 
payment. All policies must have a ``loss payable clause'' payable to 
RHS to protect the Government's interest.
    (b) Amount. Essential buildings must be insured in an amount at 
least equal to the balance of the secured debts.
    (c) Flood insurance. Flood insurance must be obtained and 
maintained for the life of the loan for all property located in a 
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as determined by the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (FEMA). RHS actions will be consistent with 7 CFR 
part 1806, subpart B which addressed flood insurance requirements. If 
flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program is not 
available in an SFHA, the property is not eligible for federal 
financial assistance.
    (d) Losses.
    (1) Loss deductible clauses may not exceed $250 or 1 percent of the 
insurance coverage, whichever is greater. The deductible for any 1 
building may not exceed $750.
    (2) Customers must immediately notify RHS of any loss or damage to 
insured property and collect the amount of the loss from the insurance 
company.
    (3) Depending on the amount of the loss, RHS may require that loss 
payments be supervised. All repairs and replacements done by or under 
the direction of the borrower, or by contract, will be planned, 
performed, inspected, and paid for in accordance with 7 CFR part 1924, 
subpart A.
    (4) When insurance funds remain after all repairs, replacements, 
and other authorized disbursements have been made, the funds will be 
applied in the following order:
    (i) Prior liens, including delinquent property taxes.
    (ii) Past-due amounts.
    (iii) Protective advances due.
    (iv) Released to the customer if the RHS debt is adequately 
secured.
    (5) If a loss occurs when insurance is not in force, the borrower 
is responsible for making the needed repairs or replacements and 
ensuring that the insurance is reinstated on the property.
    (6) If the borrower is not financially able to make the repairs, 
RHS may take one of the following actions:
    (i) Make a subsequent loan for repairs.
    (ii) Subordinate the RHS lien to permit the borrower to obtain 
funds for needed repairs from another source.
    (iii) Permit the borrower to obtain funds secured by a junior lien 
from another source.
    (iv) Make a protective advance to protect the Government's 
interest.
    (v) Accelerate the account.


Sec. 3550.62  Appraisals.

    (a) Requirement. An appraisal is required when the debt to be 
secured exceeds $15,000 or whenever RHS determines that it is necessary 
to establish the adequacy of the security. Appraisals must be made in 
accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
Practices. When other real estate is taken as additional security, it 
will be appraised if it represents a substantial portion of the 
security for the loan.
    (b) Fees. RHS will charge a fee for each loan application that 
requires an appraisal, except the appraisal fee is not required on 
appraisals done for subsequent loans needed to make minimal, essential 
repairs or in cases where another party provides an appraisal which is 
acceptable to RHS. Fees collected in connection with a dwelling 
constructed under an approved conditional commitment will be paid to 
the contractor at closing to offset the cost of the real estate 
appraisal that is included in the conditional commitment fee.


Sec. 3550.63  Maximum loan amount.

    Total secured indebtedness must not exceed the section 203(b) or 
market value limitations specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section. In addition, the borrower may also finance the amount of the 
RHS appraisal and tax monitoring fee and the amount required to 
establish an escrow account for taxes and insurance over and above the 
limitations specified below. This section does not apply to NP loans.
    (a) Section 203(b) Limitation. The section 203(b) limitation is the 
amount established by 203(b) of the National Housing Act, unless RHS 
authorizes an exception, as described in 7(a) of this subpart.
    (b) Market Value Limitation.
    (1) The market value limitation is 100 percent of market value for 
existing housing and for new dwellings for which RHS will receive 
adequate documentation of construction quality and the source of such 
documentation is acceptable to RHS.
    (2) The market value limitation is 90 percent of market value for 
new dwellings for which adequate documentation of construction quality 
is not available.
    (3) The market value limitation can be increased by:
    (i) Up to one percent, if RHS makes a subsequent loan for closing 
costs only, in conjunction with the sale of an REO property or an 
assumption.
    (ii) The amount necessary to make a subsequent loan for repairs 
necessary to protect the Government's interest, and reasonable closing 
costs.
    (iii) The amount necessary to refinance an existing borrower's RHS

[[Page 59788]]

loans, plus closing costs associated with the new loan.


Sec. 3550.64  Down payment.

    Elderly families must use any net family assets in excess of 
$10,000 towards a down payment on the property. Non-elderly families 
must use net family assets in excess of $7,500 towards a down payment 
on the property. Applicants may contribute assets in addition to the 
required down payment to further reduce the amount to be financed.


Sec. 3550.65  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.66  Interest rate.

    Loans will be written using the applicable RHS or NP interest rate 
in effect at loan approval or loan closing, whichever is lower. 
Information about current interest rates is available in any Rural 
Development office.


Sec. 3550.67  Repayment period.

    Loans will be scheduled for repayment over a period that does not 
exceed the expected useful life of the property as a dwelling. The loan 
repayment period will not exceed:
    (a) Thirty-three years in all cases except as noted in paragraphs 
(b), (c), and (d) of this section.
    (b) Thirty-eight years:
    (1) For initial loans, or subsequent loans made in conjunction with 
an assumption, if the applicant's adjusted income does not exceed 60 
percent of the area adjusted median income and the longer term is 
necessary to show repayment ability.
    (2) For subsequent loans not made in conjunction with an assumption 
if the applicant's initial loan was for a period of 38 years, the 
applicant's adjusted income at the time the subsequent loan is approved 
does not exceed 60 percent of area adjusted median income, and the 
longer terms is necessary to show repayment ability.
    (c) Ten years for loans not exceeding $2,500.
    (d) Thirty years for manufactured homes.


Sec. 3550.68  Payment subsidies.

    RHS administers two types of payment subsidies: payment assistance 
and interest credit. Payment subsidies are subject to recapture when 
the borrower transfers title or ceases to occupy the property.
    (a) Eligibility for payment subsidy.
    (1) Applicants or borrowers who receive loans on program terms are 
eligible to receive payment subsidy if they personally occupy the 
property and have adjusted income at or below the applicable moderate-
income limit.
    (2) Borrowers with loans approved before August 1, 1968, are not 
eligible for payment assistance, even if they assumed the loan after 
that date.
    (3) Payment assistance may be granted for initial loans or 
subsequent loans made in conjunction with an assumption only if the 
term of the loan is at least 25 years or more.
    (4) Payment assistance may be granted for subsequent loan not made 
in conjunction with an assumption if the initial loan was for a term of 
25 years or more.
    (b) Determining type of payment subsidy. A borrower currently 
receiving interest credit will continue to receive it for the initial 
loan and for any subsequent loan for as long as the borrower is 
eligible for and remains on interest credit. A borrower who has never 
received interest credit, or who has stopped receiving interest credit 
and at a later date again qualifies for a payment subsidy, will receive 
payment assistance.
    (c) Calculation of payment assistance. The amount of payment 
assistance granted is the difference between the installment due on the 
promissory note and the greater of the payment amortized at the 
equivalent interest rate or the payment calculated based on the 
required floor payment. In leveraging situations, the equivalent 
interest rate will be used.
    (1) The floor payment is a minimum percentage of adjusted income 
that the borrower must pay for PITI:
    (i) Very low-income borrowers must pay a minimum of 22 percent of 
adjusted income;
    (ii) Low-income borrowers with adjusted income below 65 percent of 
area adjusted median income must pay a minimum of 24 percent of 
adjusted income; and
    (iii) Low-income borrowers with adjusted incomes between 65 and 80 
percent of area adjusted median income must pay a minimum of 26 percent 
of adjusted income.
    (2) The equivalent interest rate is determined by a comparison of 
the borrower's adjusted income to the adjusted median income for the 
area in which the security property is located. The following chart is 
used to determine the equivalent interest rate paid by applicants 
eligible for payment assistance.

      Percentage of Median Income and the Equivalent Interest Rate      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                When the applicants adjusted income is--                
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Then the 
                                                              equivalent
   Equal to or more than              But less than            interest 
                                                                rate is 
------------------------------------------------------------------\1\---
00%                          50.01% of adjusted median                 1
                              income.                                   
50.01%                       55% of adjusted median income..           2
55%                          60% of adjusted median income..           3
60%                          65% of adjusted median income..           4
65%                          70% of adjusted median income..           5
70%                          75% of adjusted median income..           6
75%                          80.01% of adjusted median               6.5
                              income.                                   
80.01%                       90% of adjusted median income..         7.5
90%                          100% of adjusted median income.         8.5
100%                         110% of adjusted median income.           9
110%                         or more than median income.....        9.5 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Or note rate, whichever is less; in no case will the equivalent     
  interest rate be less than one percent.                               

    (d) Calculation of interest credit. The amount of interest credit 
granted is the difference between the sum of the annual installments 
due at the promissory note interest rate and the greater of:
    (1) Twenty percent of the borrower's adjusted income less the cost 
of real estate taxes and insurance; or
    (2) The amount the borrower would pay if the loan were amortized at 
an interest rate of one percent.
    (e) Annual review. The borrower's income will be reviewed annually 
to determine whether the borrower is eligible for continued payment 
subsidy. The borrower must notify RHS whenever an adult member of the 
household changes or obtains employment, there is a change in household 
composition, or if income increases by at least 10 percent so that RHS 
can determine whether a review of the borrowers circumstances is 
required.


Sec. 3550.69  Deferred mortgage payments.

    For qualified borrowers, RHS may defer up to 25 percent of the 
monthly principal and interest payment at 1 percent for up to 15 years. 
This assistance may be granted only at initial loan closing and is 
reviewed annually. Deferred mortgage payments are subject to recapture 
when the borrower transfers title or ceases to occupy the property.

[[Page 59789]]

    (a) Eligibility. In order to qualify for deferred mortgage 
payments, all of the following must be true:
    (1) The applicants adjusted income at the time of initial loan 
approval does not exceed the applicable very low-income limits.
    (2) The loan term is 38 years, or 30 years for a manufactured home.
    (3) The applicant's payments for principal and interest, calculated 
at a one percent interest rate for the maximum allowable term, plus 
estimated costs for taxes and insurance exceeds:
    (i) For applicants receiving payment assistance, 29 percent of the 
applicants repayment income by more than $10 per month; or
    (ii) For applicants receiving interest credit, 20 percent of 
adjusted income by more than $10 per month.
    (b) Amount and terms.
    (1) The amount of the mortgage payment to be deferred will be the 
difference between the applicants payment for principal and interest, 
calculated at one percent interest for the maximum allowable term, plus 
estimated costs for taxes and insurance and:
    (i) For applicants receiving payment assistance, 29 percent of the 
applicants repayment income.
    (ii) For applicants receiving interest credit, 20 percent of 
adjusted income.
    (2) Deferred mortgage payment agreements will be effective for a 
12-month period.
    (3) Deferred mortgage assistance may be continued for up to 15 
years after loan closing. Once a borrower becomes ineligible for 
deferred mortgage assistance, the borrower can never again receive 
deferred mortgage assistance.
    (c) Annual review. The borrower's income, taxes, and insurance will 
be reviewed annually to determine eligibility for continued deferred 
mortgage assistance. The borrower must notify RHS whenever an adult 
member of the household changes or obtains employment or if income 
increases by at least 10 percent so that RHS can determine whether a 
review of the borrower's circumstances is required.


Sec. 3550.70  Conditional commitments.

    A conditional commitment is a determination by RHS that a dwelling 
be offered for sale will be acceptable for purchase by a qualified RHS 
loan applicant if it is built or rehabilitated in accordance with RHS-
approved plans, specifications, and regulations and priced within the 
lessor of the property's appraised value or the applicable HUD section 
203(b) limit. The conditional commitment does not reserve funds, does 
not guarantee funding, and does not ensure that an eligible loan 
applicant will be available to buy the dwelling.
    (a) Eligibility. To be eligible to request a conditional 
commitment, the builder, dealer-contractor, or seller must:
    (1) Have an adequate ownership interest in the property, as defined 
in Sec. 3550.58, prior to the beginning of any planned construction;
    (2) Have the experience and ability to complete any proposed work 
in a competent and professional manner;
    (3) Have the legal capacity to enter into the required agreements;
    (4) Be financially responsible and have the ability to finance or 
obtain financing for any proposed construction or rehabilitation; and
    (5) Comply with the requirements of 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E and 
all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders relating to 
equal opportunity. Anyone who receives 5 or more conditional 
commitments during a 12-month period must obtain RHS approval of an 
affirmative marketing plan.
    (b) Limitations. Conditional commitments for new or substantially 
rehabilitated dwellings will not be issued after construction has 
started. RHS may limit the total number of conditional commitments 
issued in any locality based on market demand.
    (c) Commitment period. A conditional commitment will be valid for 
12 months from the date of issuance. The commitment may be extended for 
up to an additional 6 months if there are unexpected delays in 
construction caused by such factors as bad weather, materials 
shortages, or marketing difficulties. Conditional commitments may be 
canceled if construction does not begin within 60 days after the 
commitment is issued.
    (d) Conditional commitments involving packaging of applications. A 
conditional commitment may be made to a seller, builder, or dealer-
contractor who packages an RHS loan application for a prospective 
purchaser. In cases where the dwelling is to be constructed for sale to 
a specific eligible applicant, all of the following conditions must be 
met:
    (1) The conditional commitment will not be approved until the 
applicant's loan has been approved;
    (2) Construction will not begin until loan funds are obligated for 
the loan. Exceptions may be made when it appears likely that funding 
will be forthcoming and as long as the RHS lien priority is not 
jeopardized. The sales agreement must indicate that the loan has been 
approved but not funded and must provide that if the loan is not closed 
within 90 days of the date of approval, the contractor may terminate 
the sales agreement and sell the property to another party. If the 
sales agreement is terminated, the conditional commitment will be 
honored for another eligible loan applicant for the remaining period of 
the commitment; and
    (3) The RHS loan will be closed only after the dwelling is 
constructed or the required rehabilitation completed and final 
inspection has been made.
    (e) Fees. An application for a conditional commitment must include 
payment of the conditional commitment fee. The fee will be refunded if 
for any reason preliminary inspection of the property or investigation 
of the conditional commitment applicant indicates that a conditional 
commitment will not be issued. Application fees will not be refunded 
for any property on which the required appraisal has been made.
    (f) Failure of conditional commitment applicant or dwelling to 
qualify. The conditional commitment applicant will be informed if the 
conditional commitment is denied. Conditional commitments will be 
canceled if the property does not meet program requirements.
    (g) Changes in plans, specifications, or commitment price. The 
holder of the conditional commitment must request approval for changes 
in plans, specifications, and commitment price. RHS may approve the 
changes if the following requirements are met:
    (1) The property price does not exceed the maximum loan limit and 
increases in costs are due to factors beyond the control of the 
commitment holder; and
    (2) The requested changes are justifiable and appropriate.
    (h) Builder's warranty. The builder or seller, as appropriate, must 
execute either an RHS-approved ``Builder's Warranty,'' or provide a 10-
year insured warranty when construction is completed or the loan is 
closed.


Sec. 3550.71  Special requirements for condominiums.

    RHS loans may be made for condominium units under the following 
conditions:
    (a) The unit is in a project approved or accepted by U.S. 
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal National 
Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage 
Corporation (Freddie Mac).
    (b) The condominium project complies with the requirements of the

[[Page 59790]]

condominium enabling statute and all other applicable laws. Any right 
of first refusal in the condominium documents will not impair the 
rights of RHS to:
    (1) Foreclose or take title to a condominium unit pursuant to the 
remedies in the mortgage;
    (2) Accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure in the event of default by 
a mortgagor; and
    (3) Sell or lease a unit acquired by RHS.
    (c) If RHS obtains title to a condominium unit pursuant to the 
remedies in its mortgage or through foreclosure, RHS will not be liable 
for more than 6 months of the unit's unpaid regularly budgeted dues or 
charges accrued before acquisition of the title to the unit by RHS. The 
homeowners association's lien priority may include costs of collecting 
unpaid dues.
    (d) In case of condemnation or substantial loss to the units or 
common elements of the condominium project, unless at least two-thirds 
of the first mortgagees or unit owners of the individual condominium 
units have given their consent, the homeowners association may not:
    (1) By act or omission seek to abandon or terminate the condominium 
project;
    (2) Change the pro rata interest or obligations of any condominium 
unit in order to levy assessments or charges, allocate distribution of 
hazard insurance proceeds or condemnation awards, or determine the pro 
rata share of ownership of each condominium unit in the common 
elements;
    (3) Partition or subdivide any condominium unit;
    (4) Seek to abandon, partition, subdivide, encumber, sell, or 
transfer the common elements by act or omission (the granting of 
easements for public utilities or other public purposes consistent with 
the intended use of the common elements by the condominium project is 
not a transfer within the meaning of this clause); or
    (5) Use hazard insurance proceeds for losses to any condominium 
property (whether units or common elements) for other than the repair, 
replacement, or reconstruction of the condominium property.
    (e) All taxes, assessments, and charges that may become liens prior 
to the first mortgage under local law relate only to the individual 
condominium units and not to the condominium project as a whole.
    (f) No provision of the condominium documents gives a condominium 
unit owner or any other party priority over any rights of RHS as first 
or second mortgagee of the condominium unit pursuant to its mortgage in 
the case of a payment to the unit owner of insurance proceeds or 
condemnation awards for losses to or taking of condominium units or 
common elements.
    (g) If the condominium project is on a leasehold the underlying 
lease provides adequate security of tenure as described in 
Sec. 3550.58(b).
    (h) At least 70 percent of the units have been sold. Multiple 
purchases of condominium units by one owner are counted as one sale 
when determining if the sales requirement has been met.
    (i) No more than 15 percent of the unit owners are more than 1 
month delinquent in payment of homeowners association dues or 
assessments at the time the RHS loan is closed.


Sec. 3550.72  Community land trusts.

    Eligible dwellings located on land owned by a community land trust 
may be financed if:
    (a) The loan meets all the requirements of this subpart; and
    (b) Any restrictions, imposed by the community land trust on the 
property or applicant are:
    (1) Reviewed and accepted by RHS before loan closing; and
    (2) Automatically and permanently terminated upon foreclosure or 
acceptance by RHS of a deed in lieu of foreclosure.


Sec. 3550.73  Manufactured homes.

    With the exception of the restrictions and additional requirements 
contained in this section, section 502 loans on manufactured homes are 
subject to the same conditions as all other section 502 loans.
    (a) Eligible costs. In addition to the eligible costs described in 
Sec. 3550.52(d), RHS may finance the following activities related to 
manufactured homes when a real estate mortgage covers both the unit and 
the site:
    (1) Purchase of an eligible unit, transportation, and set-up costs, 
and purchase of an eligible site if not already owned by the applicant;
    (2) Site development work in accordance with 7 CFR part 1924, 
subpart A:
    (3) Subsequent loans in conjunction with an assumption or sale of 
an REO property; or
    (4) Subsequent loans for repairs of units financed under section 
502.
    (b) Loan restrictions. In addition to the loan restrictions 
described in Sec. 3550.52(e), RHS may not use loan funds to finance:
    (1) An existing unit and site unless it is already financed with a 
section 502 loan or is an RHS REO property.
    (2) The purchase of a site without also financing the unit.
    (3) Alteration or remodeling of the unit when the initial loan is 
made.
    (4) Furniture, including movable articles of personal property such 
as drapes, beds, bedding, chairs, sofas, divans, lamps, tables, 
televisions, radios, stereo sets, and other similar items of personal 
property. Furniture does not include wall-to-wall carpeting, 
refrigerators, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers, heating 
or cooling equipment, or other similar items.
    (c) Dealer-contractors. No loans will be made on a manufactured 
home sold by any entity that is not an approved dealer-contractor that 
will provide complete sales, service, and site development services.
    (d) Loan term. The maximum term of a loan on a manufactured home is 
30 years.
    (e) Construction and development. Unit construction, site 
development and set-up must conform to the Federal Manufactured Home 
Construction and Safety Standards (FMHCSS) and 7 CFR part 1924, subpart 
A. Development under the Mutual Self-Help and borrower construction 
methods is not permitted for manufactured homes.
    (f) Contract requirements. The dealer-contractor must sign a 
construction contract, as specified in 7 CFR 1924.6 which will cover 
both the unit and site development work. The use of multi-contracts is 
prohibited. A dealer-contractor may use subcontractors if the dealer-
contractor is solely responsible for all work under the contract. 
Payment for all work will be in accordance with 7 CFR part 1924, 
subpart A, except no payment will be made for materials or property 
stored on site (e.g., payment for a unit will be made only after it is 
permanently attached to the foundation).
    (g) Lien release requirements. All persons furnishing materials or 
labor in connection with the contract except the manufacturer of the 
unit must sign a Release by Claimants document, as specified in 7 CFR 
part 1924, subpart A. The manufacturer of the unit must furnish an 
executed manufacturer's certificate of origin to verify that the unit 
is free and clear of all legal encumbrances.
    (h) Warranty requirements. The dealer-contractor must provide a 
warranty in accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR 1924.12. The 
warranty must identify the unit by serial number. The dealer-contractor 
must certify that the unit substantially complies with the plans and 
specifications and the manufactured home has sustained no hidden damage 
during transportation and, if

[[Page 59791]]

manufactured in separate sections, that the sections were properly 
joined and sealed according to the manufacturer's specifications. The 
dealer-contractor will also furnish the applicant with a copy of all 
manufacturer's warranties.


Sec. 3550.74  Nonprogram loans.

    NP terms may be extended to applicants who do not qualify for 
program credit, or for properties that do not qualify as program 
properties, when it is in the best interest of the Government. NP loans 
are originated and serviced according to the requirements for program 
loans except as indicated in this section.
    (a) Purpose. NP terms may be offered to expedite:
    (1) Sale of an REO property.
    (2) Assumption of an existing program loan on new rates and terms. 
If additional funds are required to purchase the property, the 
applicant must obtain them from another source.
    (3) Conversion of a program loan that has received unauthorized 
assistance.
    (4) Continuation of a loan on a portion of a security property when 
the remainder is being transferred and the RHS debt is not paid in 
full.
    (b) Terms.
    (1) Rate and term:
    (i) For an applicant who intends to occupy the property, the term 
will not exceed 30 years.
    (ii) For other applicants, the term will not exceed 10 years. If 
more favorable terms are necessary to facilitate the sale, the loan may 
be amortized over a period of up to 20 years with payment in full due 
not later than 10 years from the date of closing.
    (iii) An applicant with an NP loan under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of 
this section who wishes to retain the property and purchase a new 
property with RHS credit must purchase the second property according to 
the terms of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, even if the new 
property will serve as the applicant's principal residence.
    (2) NP loans are written at the NP interest rate in effect at the 
time of loan approval.
    (3) NP borrowers are not eligible for payment assistance or a 
moratorium.
    (c) Additional requirements.
    (1) NP applicants other than public bodies and nonprofit 
organizations must pay a nonrefundable application fee.
    (2) NP applicants must make a down payment based upon the purchase 
price and whether the applicant intends to personally occupy the 
property or use it for other purposes.
    (3) NP applicants cannot finance loan closing costs or escrow, tax 
service, or appraisal fees.
    (d) Reduced restrictions.
    (1) NP applicants need not be unable to obtain other credit in 
order to receive an NP loan and are not required to refinance with 
private credit when they are able to do so.
    (2) NP applicants are not required to occupy the property.
    (3) NP applicants are not subject to leasing restrictions.
    (e) Waiver of costs. When the purpose of the loan is the conversion 
of a program loan that has received unauthorized assistance or 
continuation of a loan on a portion of a security property when the 
remainder is being transferred, the application fee, appraisal fee, and 
down payment may be waived.


Secs. 3550.75-3550.99  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.100  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0166. Public 
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 
vary from 5 minutes to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1\1/2\ 
hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, 
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data 
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 
Send comment regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden to the Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, STOP 7602, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0762. You are not 
required to respond to this collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Subpart C--Section 504 Origination


Sec. 3550.101  Program objectives.

    This subpart sets forth policies for administering loans and grants 
under section 504(a) of title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended. 
Section 504 loans and grants are intended to help very low-income 
owner-occupants in rural areas repair their properties.


Sec. 3550.102  Grant and loan purposes.

    (a) Grant funds. Grant funds may be used only to pay costs for 
repairs and improvements that will remove identified health and safety 
hazards or to repair or remodel dwellings to make them accessible and 
useable for household members with disabilities. Unused grant funds 
must be returned to the Rural Housing Service (RHS).
    (b) Loan funds. Loan funds may be used to make general repairs and 
improvements to properties or to remove health and safety hazards, as 
long as the dwelling remains modest in size and design.
    (c) Eligibility of mobile and manufactured homes. Repairs necessary 
to remove health and safety hazards may be made to mobile or 
manufactured homes provided:
    (1) The applicant owns the home and site and has occupied the home 
prior to filing an application with RHS; and
    (2) The mobile or manufactured home is on a permanent foundation or 
will be put on a permanent foundation with section 504 funds.
    (d) Eligible costs. In addition to construction costs to make 
necessary repairs and improvements, loan and grant funds may be used 
for:
    (1) Reasonable expenses related to obtaining the loan or grant, 
including legal, architectural and engineering, title clearance, and 
loan closing fees; and appraisal, surveying, environmental, tax 
monitoring, and other technical services.
    (2) The cost of providing special design features or equipment when 
necessary because of a physical disability of the applicant or a member 
of the household.
    (3) Reasonable connection fees, assessments, or the pro rata 
installation costs for utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and 
gas for which the borrower is liable and which are not paid from other 
funds.
    (4) Real estate taxes that are due and payable on the property at 
the time of closing and for the establishment of escrow accounts for 
real estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance premiums, and related 
costs.
    (5) Fees to public and private nonprofit organizations that are tax 
exempt under the Internal Revenue Code for the development and 
packaging of applications.
    (e) Restrictions on uses of loan or grant funds. Section 504 funds 
may not be used to:
    (1) Assist in the construction of a new dwelling.
    (2) Make repairs to a dwelling in such poor condition that when the 
repairs are completed, the dwelling will continue to have major 
hazards.
    (3) Move a mobile home or manufactured home from one site to 
another.
    (4) Pay for off-site improvements except for the necessary 
installation and assessment costs for utilities.
    (5) Refinance any debt or obligation of the applicant incurred 
before the date of

[[Page 59792]]

application, except for the installation and assessment costs of 
utilities.
    (6) Pay fees, commission, or charges to for-profit entities related 
to loan packaging or referral of prospective applicants to RHS.


Sec. 3550.103  Eligibility requirements.

    To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
    (a) Owner-occupant. Applicants must own, as described in 
Sec. 3550.107, and occupy the dwelling.
    (b) Age (grant only). To be eligible for grant assistance, an 
applicant must be 62 years of age or older at the time of application.
    (c) Income eligibility. At the time of loan or grant approval, the 
household's adjusted income must not exceed the applicable very low-
income limit. Section 3550.54 provides a detailed discussion of the 
calculation of adjusted income.
    (d) Citizenship status. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a 
non-citizen who qualifies as a legal alien, as defined in Sec. 3550.10.
    (e) Need and use of personal resources. Applicants must be unable 
to obtain financial assistance at reasonable terms and conditions from 
non-RHS credit or grant sources and lack the personal resources to meet 
their needs. In cases where the household is experiencing medical 
expenses in excess of three percent of the household's income, this 
requirement may be waived or modified. Elderly families must use any 
net family assets in excess of $10,000 to reduce their section 504 
request. Non-elderly families must use any net family assets in excess 
of $7,500 to reduce their section 504 request. Applicants may 
contribute assets in excess of the aforementioned amounts to further 
reduce their request for assistance. The definition of assets for this 
purpose is net family assets as described in Sec. 3550.54 of subpart B 
of this part, less the value of the dwelling and a minimum adequate 
site.
    (f) Legal capacity. The applicant must have the legal capacity to 
incur the loan obligation or have a court appointed guardian or 
conservator who is empowered to obligate the applicant in real estate 
matters.
    (g) Suspension or debarment. Applications from applicants who have 
been suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs will 
be handled in accordance with FmHA Instruction 1940-M (available in any 
Rural Development office).
    (h) Repayment ability (loans only). Applicants must demonstrate 
adequate repayment ability as supported by a budget.
    (1) If an applicant does not meet the repayment ability 
requirements, the applicant can have another party join the application 
as a cosigner.
    (2) If an applicant does not meet the repayment ability 
requirements, the applicant can have other household members join the 
application.
    (i) Credit qualifications. Applicants must be unable to secure the 
necessary credit from other sources under terms and conditions that the 
applicant could reasonably be expected to fulfill. Loan applicants must 
have a credit history that indicates reasonable ability and willingness 
to meet debt obligations. An applicant with an outstanding judgment 
obtained by the United States in a federal court, other than the United 
States Tax Court, is not eligible for a loan or grant from RHS.
    (1) Indicators of unacceptable credit include:
    (i) Repeated incidents of 2 debt payments being more than 30 days 
late within the last 12 months that indicate an unwillingness to meet 
financial obligations when due.
    (ii) Loss of security due to a foreclosure if the foreclosure has 
been completed within the last 36 months.
    (iii) An outstanding Internal Revenue Service tax lien or any other 
outstanding tax liens with no satisfactory arrangement for payment.
    (iv) A court-created or court-affirmed obligation or judgment 
caused by nonpayment that is currently outstanding or has been 
outstanding within the last 12 months, except for those excluded by 
paragraphs (i)(2)(ii) and (i)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (v) Outstanding collection accounts with a record of irregular 
payment with no satisfactory arrangements for repayment, or collection 
accounts that were paid in full within the last 6 months.
    (vi) Non-agency debts written off within the last 36 months or paid 
in full at least 12 months ago.
    (vii) Agency debts that were debt settled, or are being considered 
for debt settlement.
    (viii) Delinquency on a federal debt.
    (2) The following will not be considered indicators of unacceptable 
credit:
    (i) A bankruptcy in which debts were discharged more than 36 months 
prior to the date of application or where an applicant successfully 
completed a bankruptcy debt restructuring plan and has demonstrated a 
willingness to meet obligations when due for the 12 months prior to the 
date of application.
    (ii) A non-foreclosure judgment satisfied more than 12 months 
before the date of application.
    (3) When an application is rejected because of unacceptable credit, 
the applicant will be informed of the reason and source of information.


Sec. 3550.104  Applications.

    (a) Application submissions. All persons applying for section 504 
loans or grants must file a complete written application in a format 
specified by RHS. Applications will be accepted even when funds are not 
available.
    (b) Application processing.
    (1) Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant 
specifying in writing the additional information that is needed to make 
the application complete.
    (2) An applicant may voluntarily withdraw an application at any 
time.
    (3) RHS may periodically request in writing that applicants 
reconfirm their interest in obtaining a loan or grant. RHS may withdraw 
the application of any applicant who does not respond within the 
specified timeframe.
    (4) Applicants who are eligible will be notified in writing. If 
additional information becomes available that indicates that the 
original eligibility determination may have been in error or that 
circumstances have changed, RHS may reconsider the application and the 
applicant may be required to submit additional information.
    (5) Applicants who are ineligible will be notified in writing and 
provided with the specific reasons for the rejection.
    (c) Processing priorities. When funding is not sufficient to serve 
all eligible applicants, applications for assistance to remove health 
and safety hazards will receive priority for funding. In the case of 
applications with equivalent priority status that are received on the 
same day, preference will be extended to applicants qualifying for a 
veterans preference. After selection for processing, requests for 
assistance are funded on a first-come, first-served basis.


Sec. 3550.105  Site requirements.

    (a) Rural areas. Loans may be made only in rural areas designated 
by RHS. If an area designation is changed to nonrural an existing RHS 
borrower may receive 504 assistance.
    (b) Not subdividable. The site must not be large enough to 
subdivide into more than one site under existing local zoning 
ordinances.


Sec. 3550.106  Dwelling requirements.

    (a) Modest dwelling. The property must be one that is considered 
modest

[[Page 59793]]

for the area, must not be designed for income producing purposes, have 
an in-ground pool, or have a value in excess of the 203(b) limits of 
the National Housing Act.
    (b) Post-repair condition. Dwellings repaired with section 504 
funds need not be brought to the agency development standards or 
thermal performance standards of 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A, nor must 
all existing hazards be removed. However, the dwelling may not continue 
to have major health or safety hazards.
    (c) Construction standards. All work must be completed in 
accordance with local construction codes and standards. When 
potentially hazardous equipment or materials are being installed, all 
materials and installations must be in accordance with the applicable 
standards in 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A.


Sec. 3550.107  Ownership requirements.

    The applicant must have an acceptable ownership interest in the 
property as evidenced by one of the following:
    (a) Full fee ownership. Acceptable full fee ownership is evidenced 
by a fully marketable title with a deed vesting a fee interest in the 
property to the applicant.
    (b) Secure leasehold interest. A written lease is required. For 
loans, the unexpired portion of the lease must not be less than 2 years 
beyond the term of the promissory note. For grants, the remaining lease 
period must be at least 5 years. A leasehold for mutual help housing 
financed by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on 
Indian lands requires no minimum lease period and constitutes 
acceptable ownership.
    (c) Life estate interest. To be acceptable, a life estate interest 
must provide the applicant with rights of present possession, control, 
and beneficial use of the property. For secured loans, generally 
persons with any remainder interests must be signatories to the 
mortgage. All of the remainder interests need not be included in the 
mortgage to the extent that one or more of the persons holding 
remainder interests are not legally competent (and there is no 
representative who can legally consent to the mortgage), cannot be 
located, or if the remainder interests are divided among such a large 
number of people that it is not practical to obtain the signatures of 
all of the remainder interests. In such cases, the loan may not exceed 
the value of the property interests owned by the persons executing the 
mortgage.
    (d) Undivided interest. An undivided interest is acceptable if 
there is no reason to believe that the applicant's position as an 
owner-occupant will be jeopardized as a result of the improvements to 
be made, and:
    (1) In the case of unsecured loans or grants, if any co-owners 
living or planning to live in the dwelling sign the repayment 
agreement.
    (2) In the case of a secured loan, when one or more of the co-
owners are not legally competent (and there is no representative who 
can legally consent to the mortgage), cannot be located, or the 
ownership interests are divided among so large a number of co-owners 
that it is not practical for all of their interests to be mortgaged, 
their interests not exceeding 50 percent may be excluded from the 
security requirements. In such cases, the loan may not exceed the value 
of the property interests owned by the persons executing the mortgage.
    (e) Possessory rights. Acceptable forms of ownership include 
possessory right on an American Indian reservation or State-owned land 
and the interest of an American Indian in land held severalty under 
trust patents or deeds containing restrictions against alienation, 
provided that land in trust or restricted status will remain in trust 
or restricted status.
    (f) Land purchase contract. A land purchase contract is acceptable 
if the applicant is current on all payments, and there is a reasonable 
likelihood that the applicant will be able to continue meeting the 
financial obligations of the contract.
    (g) Alternative evidence of ownership. If evidence, as described in 
paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section, is not available, RHS may 
accept any of the following as evidence of ownership:
    (1) Records of the local taxing authority that show the applicant 
as owner and that demonstrate that real estate taxes for the property 
are paid by the applicant.
    (2) Affidavits by others in the community stating that the 
applicant has occupied the property as the apparent owner for a period 
of not less than 10 years, and is generally believed to be the owner.
    (3) Any instrument, whether or not recorded, which is commonly 
accepted as evidence of ownership.


Sec. 3550.108  Security requirements (loans only).

    When the total section 504 indebtedness is $2,500 or more, the 
property will be secured by a mortgage on the property, leasehold 
interest, or land purchase contract.
    (a) RHS does not require a first lien position, but the total of 
all debts on the secured property may not exceed the value of the 
security, except by the amount of any required contributions to an 
escrow account for taxes and insurance and any required appraisal fee.
    (b) Title clearance and the use of legal services generally must be 
conducted in accordance with 7 CFR part 1927, subpart B. These 
requirements need not be followed for:
    (1) Loans where the total RHS indebtedness is $7,500 or less; or
    (2) Subsequent loans made for minimal essential repairs necessary 
to protect the Government's interest.


Sec. 3550.109  Escrow account (loans only).

    RHS may require that borrowers deposit into an escrow account 
amounts necessary to ensure that the account will contain sufficient 
funds to pay real estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance premiums, 
and other related costs when they are due in accordance with the Real 
Estate Settlement and Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) and section 501(e) 
of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended.


Sec. 3550.110  Insurance (loans only).

    (a) Borrower responsibility. Until the loan is paid in full, any 
borrower with a secured indebtedness in excess of $15,000 must furnish 
and continually maintain hazard insurance on the security property, 
with companies, in amounts, and on terms and conditions acceptable to 
RHS and include a ``loss payable clause'' payable to RHS to protect the 
Government's interest.
    (b) Amount. Essential buildings must be insured in an amount at 
least equal to the balance of the secured debts.
    (c) Flood insurance. Flood insurance must be obtained and 
maintained for the life of the loan for all property located in Special 
Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) as determined by the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (FEMA). RHS actions will be consistent with 7 CFR 
part 1806, subpart B which addresses flood insurance requirements. If 
flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program is not 
available in a SFHA, the property is not eligible for federal financial 
assistance.
    (d) Losses.
    (1) Loss deductible clauses may not exceed $250 or 1 percent of the 
insurance coverage, whichever is greater. The deductible for any 1 
building may not exceed $750.
    (2) Borrowers must immediately notify RHS of any loss or damage to 
insured property and collect the amount of the loss from the insurance 
company.
    (3) RHS may require that loss payments be supervised. All repairs 
and

[[Page 59794]]

replacements done by or under the direction of the borrower, or by 
contract, will be planned, performed, inspected, and paid for in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A.
    (4) When insurance funds remain after all repairs, replacements, 
and other authorized disbursements have been made, the funds will be 
applied in the following order:
    (i) Prior liens, including delinquent property taxes.
    (ii) Delinquency on the account.
    (iii) Advances due for recoverable cost items.
    (iv) Released to the borrower if the RHS debt is adequately 
secured.
    (5) If a loss occurs when insurance is not in force, the borrower 
is responsible for making the needed repairs or replacements and 
ensuring that the insurance is reinstated on the property.
    (6) If the borrower is not financially able to make the repairs, 
RHS may take one of the following actions:
    (i) Make a subsequent loan for repairs.
    (ii) Subordinate the RHS lien to permit the borrower to obtain 
funds for needed repairs from another source.
    (iii) Permit the borrower to obtain funds secured by a junior lien 
from another source.
    (iv) Make a protective advance to protect the Government's 
interest.
    (v) Accelerate the account and demand payment in full.


Sec. 3550.111  Appraisals (loans only).

    An appraisal is required when the section 504 debt to be secured 
exceeds $15,000 or whenever RHS determines that it is necessary to 
establish the adequacy of the security. RHS may charge an appraisal 
fee. Appraisals must be made in accordance with the Uniform Standards 
of Professional Appraisal Practices. When other real estate is taken as 
additional security it will be appraised if it represents a substantial 
portion of the security for the loan.


Sec. 3550.112  Maximum loan and grant.

    (a) Maximum loan permitted. The sum of all outstanding section 504 
loans to 1 borrower or on 1 dwelling may not exceed $20,000.
    (1) Transferees who have assumed a section 504 loan and wish to 
obtain a subsequent section 504 loan are limited to the difference 
between the unpaid principal balance of the debt assumed and $20,000.
    (2) For a secured loan, the total of all debts on the secured 
property may not exceed the value of the security, except by the amount 
of any required appraisal and tax monitoring fees, and the 
contributions to an escrow account for taxes and insurance.
    (b) Maximum loan based upon ability to pay. The maximum loan is 
limited to the principal balance that can be supported given the amount 
the applicant has available, as determined by RHS, to repay a loan at 1 
percent interest with a 20-year term.
    (c) Maximum grant. The lifetime total of the grant assistance to 
any recipient is $7,500. No grant can be awarded unless the maximum 
level of loans, as supported by a budget, have been obtained.


Sec. 3550.113  Rates and terms (loans only).

    (a) Interest rate. The interest rate for all section 504 loans will 
be 1 percent.
    (b) Loan term. The repayment period for the loan should generally 
be as short as possible based on the applicant's repayment ability, and 
may never exceed 20 years; however loans made in combination with 
grants must have a term of 20 years.


Sec. 3550.114  Repayment agreement (grants only).

    Grant recipients are required to sign a repayment agreement which 
specifies that the full amount of the grant must be repaid if the 
property is sold in less than 3 years from the date the grant was 
approved.


Sec. 3550.115-3550.149  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.150  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0166. Public 
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 
vary from 5 minutes to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1\1/2\ 
hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, 
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data 
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 
Send comment regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden to the Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, STOP 7602, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0762. You are not 
required to respond to this collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Subpart D--Regular Servicing


Sec. 3550.151  Servicing goals.

    This subpart sets forth the Rural Housing Service (RHS) policies 
for managing the repayment of loans made under sections 502 and 504 of 
the Housing Act of 1949, as amended.


Sec. 3550.152  Loan payments.

    (a) Payment terms. Unless the loan documents specify other loan 
repayment terms, borrowers are required to make monthly payments. 
Borrowers with existing loans specifying annual payments may request 
conversion to monthly payments, and must convert to a monthly payment 
schedule before any subsequent loan or new payment assistance is 
approved. Suitable forms of payment are: check, money order, or bank 
draft. Borrowers who make cash payments will be assessed a fee to cover 
the cost of conversion to a money order.
    (b) Application of payments. If a borrower makes less than the 
scheduled payment, the payment is held in suspense and is not applied 
to the borrower's account. When subsequent payments are received in an 
amount sufficient to equal a scheduled payment, the amount will be 
applied in the following order:
    (1) Protective advances charged to the account.
    (2) Accrued interest due.
    (3) Principal due.
    (4) Escrow for taxes and insurance.
    (c) Multiple loans. When a borrower with multiple loans for the 
same property makes less than the scheduled payment on all loans, the 
payment will be applied to the oldest loan and then in declining order 
of age. Future remittances will be applied beginning with the oldest 
unpaid installment.
    (d) Application of excess payments. Borrowers can elect to make 
payments in excess of the scheduled amount to be applied to principal, 
provided there are no outstanding fees.


Sec. 3550.153  Fees.

    RHS may assess reasonable fees including a tax service fee, fees 
for late payments, and fees for checks returned for insufficient funds.


Sec. 3550.154  Inspections.

    RHS or its agent may make reasonable entries upon and inspections 
of any property used as security for an RHS loan as necessary to 
protect the interest of the Government. RHS will give the borrower 
notice at the time of or prior to an inspection.


Sec. 3550.155  Escrow account.

    Escrow accounts will be administered in accordance with RESPA and 
section 501(e) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended.
    (a) Upon creation of the escrow account, RHS may require borrowers 
to

[[Page 59795]]

deposit funds sufficient to pay taxes and insurance premiums applicable 
to the mortgage for the period since the last payments were made and to 
fund a cushion as permitted by RESPA.
    (b) Borrowers may elect to escrow at any time during the terms of 
the loan if the outstanding RHS loan balance is over $2,500.
    (c) RHS may require borrowers to escrow in conjunction with any 
special servicing action.


Sec. 3550.156  Borrower obligations.

    (a) After receiving a loan from RHS, borrowers are expected to meet 
a variety of obligations outlined in the loan documents. In addition to 
making timely payments, these obligations include:
    (1) Maintaining the security property; and
    (2) Maintaining an adequately funded escrow account, or paying real 
estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance, and other related costs when 
due.
    (b) If a borrower fails to fulfill these obligations, RHS may 
obtain the needed service and charge the cost to the borrowers account.


Sec. 3550.157  Payment subsidy.

    (a) Borrowers currently receiving payment subsidy.
    (1) RHS will review annually each borrower's eligibility for 
continued payment subsidy and determine the appropriate level of 
assistance. To be eligible for payment subsidy renewal, the borrower 
must also occupy the property.
    (2) If the renewal is not completed before the expiration date of 
the existing agreement, the effective date of the renewal will be 
either the expiration date of the previous agreement if RHS error 
caused the delay, or the next due date after the renewal is approved in 
all other cases.
    (3) The borrower must notify RHS whenever an adult member of the 
household becomes employed or changes employment, there is a change in 
household composition, or if income increases by at least 10 percent. 
The household may also report decreases in income. If the change in the 
household's income will cause the payment for principal and interest to 
change by at least 10 percent, the household's payment subsidy may be 
adjusted for a new 12-month period. The new agreement will be effective 
the due date following the date the borrower's information is verified 
by RHS.
    (b) Borrowers not currently receiving payment subsidy. Payment 
assistance may be granted to borrowers not currently receiving payment 
subsidy whose loans were approved on or after August 1, 1968, whose 
income does not exceed the applicable low-income limit for the area, 
are personally occupying the RHS financed property, and who meet the 
requirements of Sec. 3550.53(b), (e), and (f). In general, to receive 
payment assistance the term of the loan at closing must have been at 
least 25 years. If an account has been reamortized and the initial term 
of the loan was at least 25 years, payment assistance may be granted 
even though the term of the reamortized loan is less than 25 years. 
Payment assistance may be granted on a subsequent loan for repairs with 
a term of less than 25 years.
    (c) Cancellation of payment subsidy. RHS will cancel a payment 
subsidy if the borrower does not occupy the property, has sold or 
transferred title to the property, or is no longer eligible for payment 
subsidy.


Sec. 3550.158  Active military duty.

    The Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act requires that the interest rate 
charged a borrower who enters full-time active military duty after a 
loan is closed not exceed six percent. Active military duty does not 
include participation in a military reserve or the National Guard 
unless the borrower is called to active duty.
    (a) Amount of assistance. If a borrower qualifies for payment 
subsidy after reduction of the interest rate to six percent, the amount 
of payment subsidy received during the period of active military duty 
will be the difference between the amount due at the subsidized rate 
for principal and interest and the amount due at a six percent interest 
rate. The six percent interest rate will be effective with the first 
payment due after RHS confirms the active military status of the 
borrower.
    (b) Change of active military status. The borrower must notify RHS 
when he or she is no longer on active military duty. RHS will cancel 
the six percent interest rate and resume use of the promissory note 
interest rate. A new payment subsidy agreement may be processed if the 
borrower is eligible.


Sec. 3550.159  Borrower actions requiring RHS approval.

    (a) Mineral leases. Borrowers who wish to lease mineral rights to a 
security property must request authorization from RHS. RHS may consent 
to the lease of mineral rights and subordinate its liens to the 
lessee's rights and interests in the mineral activity if the security 
property will remain suitable as a residence and the Government's 
security interest will not be adversely affected. Subordination of RHS 
loans to a mineral lease does not entitle the leaseholder to any 
proceeds from the sale of the security property.
    (1) If the proposed activity is likely to decrease the value of the 
security property, RHS may consent to the lease only if the borrower 
assigns 100 percent of the income from the lease to RHS to be applied 
to reduce principal and the rent to be paid is at least equal to the 
estimated decrease in the market value of the security.
    (2) If the proposed activity is not likely to decrease the value of 
the security property, RHS may consent to the lease if the borrower 
agrees to use any damage compensation received from the lessee to 
repair damage to the site or dwelling, or to assign it to RHS to be 
applied to reduce principal.
    (b) Subordination. RHS may subordinate its interests to permit a 
borrower to defer recapture amounts and refinance the loan, or to 
obtain a subsequent loan with private credit.
    (1) When it is in the best interest of the Government, 
subordination will be permitted if:
    (i) The other lender will verify that the funds will be used for 
purposes for which an RHS loan could be made;
    (ii) The prior lien debt will be on terms and conditions that the 
borrower can reasonably be expected to meet without jeopardizing 
repayment of the RHS indebtedness;
    (iii) Any proposed development will be planned and performed in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A or directed by the other 
lender in a manner which is consistent with that subpart; and
    (iv) An agreement is obtained in writing from the prior lienholder 
providing that at least 30 days prior written notice will be given to 
RHS before action to foreclose on the prior lien is initiated.
    (2) The total amount of debt permitted when RHS subordinates its 
interests depends on whether the borrower pays off the RHS loan.
    (i) For situations in which the borrower is obtaining a subsequent 
loan from another source and will not pay off the RHS debt, the prior 
lien debt plus the unpaid balance of all RHS loans, exclusive of 
recapture, will not exceed the market value of the security.
    (ii) For situations in which RHS is subordinating only a deferred 
recapture amount, the prior lien debt plus the deferred recapture 
amount will not exceed the market value of the security.
    (c) Partial release of security. RHS may consent to transactions 
affecting the security, such as sale or exchange of security property 
or granting of a right-

[[Page 59796]]

of-way across the security property, and grant a partial release 
provided:
    (1) The compensation is:
    (i) For sale of the security property, cash in an amount equal to 
the value of the security being disposed of or rights granted.
    (ii) For exchange of security property, another parcel of property 
acquired in exchange with value equal to or greater than that being 
disposed of.
    (iii) For granting an easement or right-of-way, benefits derived 
that are equal to or greater than the value of the security property 
being disposed of.
    (2) An appraisal must be conducted if the latest appraisal is more 
than 1 year old or if it does not reflect market value and the amount 
of consideration exceeds $5,000. The appraisal fee will be charged to 
the borrower.
    (3) The security property, after the transaction is completed, will 
be an adequate but modest, decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling and 
related facilities.
    (4) Repayment of the RHS debt will not be jeopardized.
    (5) If applicable, the environmental requirements of 7 CFR part 
1940, subpart G are met.
    (6) When exchange of all or part of the security is involved, title 
clearance is obtained before release of the existing security.
    (7) Proceeds from the sale of a portion of the security property, 
granting an easement or right-of-way, damage compensation, and all 
similar transactions requiring RHS consent, will be used in the 
following order:
    (i) To pay customary and reasonable costs related to the 
transaction that must be paid by the borrower.
    (ii) To be applied on a prior lien debt, if any.
    (iii) To be applied to RHS indebtedness or used for improvements to 
the security property in keeping with purposes and limitations 
applicable for use of RHS loan funds. Proposed development will be 
planned and performed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A and 
supervised to ensure that the proceeds are used as planned.
    (d) Lease of security property. A borrower must notify RHS if they 
lease the property. If the lease is for a term of more than 3 years or 
contains an option to purchase, RHS may liquidate the loan. During the 
period of any lease, the borrower is not eligible for a payment subsidy 
or special servicing benefits.


Sec. 3550.160  Refinancing with private credit.

    (a) Objective. RHS direct loan programs are not intended to 
supplant or compete with private credit sources. Therefore, borrowers 
are required to refinance RHS loans with private credit sources when 
RHS determines that the borrower meets RHS criteria.
    (b) Criteria for refinancing with private credit. Borrowers must 
refinance with private credit when RHS determines that the borrower has 
the ability to obtain other credit at reasonable rates and terms based 
on their income, assets, and credit history. Reasonable rates and terms 
are those commercial rates and terms that borrowers are expected to 
meet when borrowing for similar purposes. Differences in interest rates 
and terms between RHS and other lenders will not be an acceptable 
reason for a borrower to fail to refinance with private credit if the 
available rates and terms are within the borrower's ability to pay.
    (c) Notice of requirement to refinance with private credit. The 
financial status of all borrowers may be reviewed periodically to 
determine their ability to refinance with private credit. A borrower's 
financial status may be reviewed at any time if information becomes 
available to RHS that indicates that the borrower's circumstances have 
changed.
    (1) A borrower undergoing review is required to supply, within 30 
days of a request from RHS, sufficient financial information to enable 
RHS to determine the borrowers ability to refinance with private 
credit. Foreclosure action may be initiated against any borrower who 
fails to respond.
    (2) When RHS determines that a borrower has the ability to 
refinance with private credit, the borrower will be required to 
refinance within 90 days.
    (3) Within 30 days after being notified of the requirement to 
refinance with private credit, a borrower may contest the RHS decision 
and provide additional financial information to document an inability 
to refinance with private credit.
    (d) Failure to refinance with private credit.
    (1) If the borrower is unable to secure private credit, the 
borrower must submit written statements and documentation to RHS 
showing:
    (i) The lenders contacted.
    (ii) The amount of the loan requested by the borrower and the 
amount, if any, offered by the lenders.
    (iii) The rates and terms offered by the lenders or the specific 
reasons why other credit is not available.
    (iv) The information provided by the borrower to the lenders 
regarding the purpose of the loan.
    (2) If RHS determines that the borrower's submission does not 
demonstrate the borrower's inability to refinance with private credit, 
or if the borrower fails to submit the required information, 
foreclosure may be initiated.
    (e) Subordination of recapture amount. RHS may subordinate its 
interest in any deferred recapture amount to permit a borrower to 
refinance with private credit. The amount to which the RHS debt will be 
subordinated may include:
    (1) The amount required to repay the RHS debt, exclusive of 
recapture;
    (2) Reasonable closing costs;
    (3) Up to one percent of the loan amount for loan servicing costs, 
if required by the lender; and
    (4) The cost of any necessary repairs or improvements to the 
security property.
    (f) Application for additional credit. A borrower who has been 
asked to refinance with private credit will not be considered for 
additional credit until the refinancing issue is resolved unless such 
additional credit is necessary to protect the Government's interest.


Sec. 3550.161  Final payment.

    (a) Payment in full. Full payment of a borrower's account includes 
repayment of principal and outstanding interest, unauthorized 
assistance, recapture amounts, and charges made to the borrower's 
account. Any supervised funds or funds remaining in a borrower's escrow 
account will be applied to the borrower's account or returned to the 
borrower.
    (b) Release of security instruments. RHS may release security 
instruments when full payment of all amounts owed has been received and 
verified. If RHS and the borrower agree to settle the account for less 
than the full amount owed, the security instruments may be released 
when all agreed-upon amounts are received and verified. Security 
instruments will not be released until any deferred recapture amount 
has been paid in full.
    (c) Payoff statements. At the borrower's request, RHS will provide 
a written statement indicating the amount required to pay the account 
in full. RHS may charge a fee for statements for the same account if 
more than 2 statements are requested in any 30 day period.
    (d) Suitable forms of payment. Suitable forms of payment are: 
check, money order, or bank draft. Borrowers who make cash payments 
will be assessed a fee to cover conversion to a money order.
    (e) Recording costs. Recording costs for the release of the 
mortgage will be the responsibility of the borrower, except where State 
law requires the mortgagee to record or file the satisfaction.

[[Page 59797]]

Sec. 3550.162  Recapture.

    (a) Recapture policy. Borrowers with loans approved or assumed on 
or after October 1, 1979, will be required to repay subsidy amounts 
received through payment subsidy or deferred mortgage assistance. 
Amounts to be recaptured are due and payable when the borrower 
transfers title or ceases to occupy the property.
    (b) Amount to be recaptured.
    (1) The maximum amount to be recaptured is the amount of principal 
reduction attributed to subsidy and the lesser of:
    (i) The amount of subsidy received; or
    (ii) 50 percent of the value appreciation.
    (2) The value appreciation of a property with a cross-
collateralized loan is based on the market value of the dwelling; and 
if located on a farm, the dwelling and a minimum adequate site.
    (3) Interest reduced from the promissory note rate to six percent 
under the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act is not subject to recapture.
    (c) Option to defer payment of recapture amounts.
    (1) Borrowers may defer payment of recapture amounts if the loan is 
repaid, the title does not transfer, and the borrower continues to 
occupy the property.
    (2) The RHS mortgage securing the deferred recapture amount may be 
subordinated to permit refinancing if the RHS mortgage will be 
adequately secured.
    (3) Borrowers eligible to defer recapture may receive a discount on 
the recapture amount due if the recapture amount is paid along with the 
final payment, or in the case of a final installment, within 60 days of 
the date RHS notifies the borrower that recapture may be due.
    (d) Borrower ceases to occupy the property. When a borrower ceases 
to occupy a property:
    (1) The borrower may pay the recapture amount in full or reamortize 
the existing loan to include the recapture amount.
    (2) If the borrower does not pay the recapture amount or consent to 
reamortization within 30 days, RHS may proceed with foreclosure.
    (e) Assumed loans.
    (1) When a loan subject to recapture is assumed under new rates and 
terms, the recapture amount may be paid in full by the seller or 
included in the principal amount assumed by the buyer.
    (2) When a loan is assumed under the terms of the promissory note, 
recapture amounts will not be due. When the new borrower transfers 
title or ceases to occupy the property, all subsidy subject to 
recapture before and after the assumption is due.
    (3) When a borrower has deferred payment of recapture amounts, the 
deferred recapture amount may be included in the principal amount of 
the new loan.


Sec. 3550.163  Transfer of security and assumption of indebtedness.

    (a) General policy. RHS mortgages contain due-on-sale clauses that 
generally require RHS consent before title to a security property can 
be transferred with an assumption of the indebtedness. If it is in the 
best interest of the Government, RHS will approve the transfer of title 
and assumption of indebtedness on program or nonprogram (NP) terms, 
depending on the transferee's eligibility and the property's 
characteristics.
    (b) RHS approval of assumptions.
    (1) A borrower with a loan on program terms who wishes to transfer 
a security property restricted by a due-on-sale clause to a purchaser 
who wishes to assume the debt must receive prior authorization from 
RHS. If RHS authorizes the transfer and assumption, the account will be 
serviced in the purchaser's name and the purchaser will be liable for 
the loan under the terms of the security instrument.
    (2) If a borrower sells a security property with a due-on-sale 
clause without obtaining RHS authorization, RHS will not approve 
assumption of the indebtedness, and the loan will be liquidated unless 
RHS determines that it is in the Government's best interest to continue 
the loan. If RHS decides to continue the loan, the account will be 
serviced in the original borrower's name and the original borrower will 
remain liable for the loan under the terms of the security instrument.
    (c) Exceptions to due-on-sale clauses.
    (1) Due-on-sale clauses are not triggered by the following types of 
transfers:
    (i) A transfer from the borrower to a spouse or children not 
resulting from the death of the borrower.
    (ii) A transfer to a relative, joint tenant, or tenant by the 
entirety resulting from the death of the borrower.
    (iii) A transfer to a spouse or ex-spouse resulting from a divorce 
decree, legal separation agreement, or property settlement agreement.
    (iv) A transfer to a person other than a deceased borrower's spouse 
who wishes to assume the loan for the benefit of persons who were 
dependent on the deceased borrower at the time of death, if the 
dwelling will be occupied by one or more persons who were dependent on 
the borrower at the time of death, and there is a reasonable prospect 
of repayment.
    (v) A transfer into an inter vivos trust in which the borrower does 
not transfer rights of occupancy in the property.
    (2) A transferee who obtains property through one of the types of 
transfer listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section:
    (i) Is not required to assume the loan, and RHS is not permitted to 
liquidate the loan, if the transferee continues to make scheduled 
payments and meet all other obligations of the loan. A transferee who 
does not assume the loan is not eligible for payment assistance or a 
moratorium.
    (ii) May assume the loan on the rates and terms contained in the 
promissory note, with no down payment. If the account is past due at 
the time an assumption is executed, the account may be brought current 
by using any of the servicing methods discussed in subpart E of this 
part.
    (iii) May assume the loan under new rates and terms if the 
transferee applies and is program-eligible.
    (3) Any subsequent transfer of title, except upon death of the 
inheritor or between inheritors to consolidate title, will be treated 
as a sale.
    (d) Requirements for an assumption.
    (1) Loans secured by program-eligible properties to be assumed by 
program-eligible purchasers may be assumed on program terms. Loans 
secured by nonprogram properties and loans to be assumed by purchasers 
who are not eligible for program terms may be assumed on NP terms.
    (2) The amount the transferee will assume will be either the 
current market value less any prior liens and any required down 
payment, or the indebtedness, whichever is less.
    (3) For loans assumed on program terms, the interest rate charged 
by RHS will be the rate in effect at loan approval or loan closing, 
whichever is lower. For loans assumed on nonprogram terms, the interest 
rate will be the rate in effect at the time of loan approval.
    (4) If additional financing is required to purchase the property or 
to make repairs, RHS may approve a subsequent loan under subparts B or 
C of this part.
    (5) If an appraisal is required for an assumption on new terms, the 
purchaser is responsible for the appraisal fee.
    (6) If all or a portion of the borrower's account balance is 
assumed, the borrower and cosigner, if any, will be released from 
liability on the amount of the indebtedness assumed. If an account 
balance remains after the assumption, RHS may pursue debt settlement in 
accordance with subpart F of this part.
    (7) Unless it is in the Government's best interest, RHS will not 
approve an

[[Page 59798]]

assumption of a secured loan if the seller fails to repay any unsecured 
RHS loan.
    (8) If a loan is secured by a property with a dwelling situated on 
more than a minimum adequate site and the excess property cannot be 
sold separately as a minimum adequate site for another dwelling, RHS 
may approve a transfer of the entire property. If the excess property 
can be sold separately as a minimum adequate site, RHS will approve 
assumption of only the dwelling and the minimum adequate site. If the 
value of the dwelling on the minimum adequate site is less than the 
amount of the outstanding RHS debt, the remaining debt will be secured 
by the excess property. The outstanding debt will be converted to an NP 
loan and reamortized over a period not to exceed 10 years or the final 
due date of the original promissory note, whichever is sooner.


Sec. 3550.164  Unauthorized assistance.

    (a) Definition. Unauthorized assistance includes any loan, payment 
subsidy, deferred mortgage payment, or grant for which the recipient 
was not eligible.
    (b) Unauthorized assistance due to false information.
    (1) False information includes information that the recipient knew 
was incorrect or should have known was incorrect that was provided or 
omitted for the purposes of obtaining assistance for which the 
recipient was not eligible.
    (2) If the recipient receives an unauthorized loan due to false 
information, RHS will adjust the account using the NP interest rate 
that was in effect when the loan was approved. The recipient must pay 
the account in full within 30 days.
    (3) If the recipient receives unauthorized subsidy due to false 
information, RHS will require the recipient to repay it within 30 days. 
The account cannot be reamortized to include the unauthorized subsidy. 
If the recipient repays the unauthorized subsidy, the loan may be 
continued.
    (c) Unauthorized assistance due to inaccurate information.
    (1) Inaccurate information includes incorrect information 
inadvertently provided, used, or omitted without the intent to obtain 
benefits for which the recipient was not eligible.
    (2) RHS will permit a recipient who receives an unauthorized loan 
due to inaccurate information to retain the loan under the following 
conditions.
    (i) If the inaccurate information was related to the purpose of the 
loan or the recipient's eligibility, with the exception of income, or 
the income used was incorrect, but the recipient still qualified as 
income-eligible, RHS will allow the recipient to continue the loan on 
existing terms.
    (ii) If a section 502 recipient's income was above the moderate-
income level, RHS will convert the loan to an NP loan, using the 
nonprogram interest rate in effect on the date the loan was approved.
    (iii) If a section 504 recipient's income was above the very low-
income level, RHS will apply the applicable 502 or nonprogram interest 
rate in effect on the date the loan was approved.
    (iv) If an incorrect interest rate was used, RHS will adjust the 
account using the correct interest rate.
    (3) If the recipient receives unauthorized subsidy due to 
inaccurate information, RHS will require the recipient to repay it 
within 30 days. If the recipient cannot repay it within 30 days, the 
account may be reamortized. If the recipient repays the unauthorized 
subsidy or reamortizes the loan, the loan may be continued.
    (d) Unauthorized grants. Recipients may either repay the 
unauthorized assistance in a lump sum or execute a promissory note, 
regardless of whether the unauthorized assistance was due to false or 
inaccurate information. RHS may seek a judgment if the recipient 
refuses to repay the unauthorized assistance.
    (e) Account servicing. RHS will adjust all accounts retroactively 
to establish the amount of unauthorized assistance. If the recipient 
does not repay the unauthorized assistance within 30 days, RHS may 
accelerate the loan. If the unauthorized assistance is due to 
inaccurate information and the recipient is unable to repay within 30 
days, RHS may reamortize the loan.
    (f) Accounts with no security. If an unauthorized loan or grant is 
unsecured, RHS may seek the best mortgage obtainable.


Secs. 3550.165-3550.199  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.200  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0166. Public 
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 
vary from 5 minutes to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1\1/2\ 
hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, 
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data 
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of 
this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden to the Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, STOP 7602, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-7602. You are not 
required to respond to this collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Subpart E--Special Servicing


Sec. 3550.201  Purpose of special servicing actions.

    The Rural Housing Service (RHS) may approve special servicing 
actions to reduce the number of borrower failures that result in 
liquidation. Borrowers who have difficulty keeping their accounts 
current may be eligible for one or more available servicing options 
including: payment assistance; delinquency workout agreements that 
temporarily modify payment terms; protective advances of funds for 
taxes, insurance, and other approved costs; payment moratoriums; and 
reamortization of the loan.


Sec. 3550.202  Past due accounts.

    An account is past due if the scheduled payment is not received by 
the due date, or as authorized by State law.
    (a) Late fee. A late fee will be assessed if the full scheduled 
payment is not received by the 15th day after the due date.
    (b) Liquidation.
    (1) For borrowers with monthly payments. The account may be 
accelerated without further servicing when at least 3 scheduled 
payments are past due or an amount equal to at least 2 scheduled 
payments is past due for at least 3 consecutive months. In such cases 
RHS may pursue voluntary liquidation and foreclosure.
    (2) For borrowers with annual payments. The account may be 
accelerated without further servicing when at least \3/12\ of 1 
scheduled payment has not been received by its due date. In such cases, 
RHS may pursue voluntary liquidation and foreclosure.


Sec. 3550.203  General servicing actions.

    Whenever any of the servicing actions described in this subpart 
result in reamortization of the account RHS may:
    (a) Require a borrower who currently makes annual payments, but 
receives a monthly income, to convert to monthly payments.
    (b) Require the creation and funding of an escrow account for real 
estate

[[Page 59799]]

taxes and insurance, if one does not already exist for any borrower 
with monthly payments.
    (c) Convert the method of calculating interest for any account 
being charged daily simple interest to an amortized payment schedule.


Sec. 3550.204  Payment assistance.

    Borrowers who are eligible may be offered payment assistance in 
accordance with subpart B of this part. Borrowers who are not eligible 
for payment assistance because the loan was approved before August 1, 
1968, or the loan was made on above-moderate or nonprogram (NP) terms, 
may refinance the loan in order to obtain payment assistance if:
    (a) The borrower is eligible to receive a loan with payment 
assistance;
    (b) Due to circumstances beyond the borrower's control, the 
borrower is in danger of losing the property; and
    (c) The property is program-eligible.


Sec. 3550.205  Delinquency workout agreements.

    Borrowers with past due accounts may be offered the opportunity to 
avoid liquidation by entering into a delinquency workout agreement that 
specifies a plan for bringing the account current. To receive a 
delinquency workout agreement, the following requirements apply:
    (a) A borrower who is able to do so will be required to pay the 
past-due amount in a single payment.
    (b) A borrower who is unable to pay the past-due amount in a single 
payment must pay monthly all scheduled payments plus an agreed upon 
additional amount that brings the account current within 2 years or the 
remaining term of the loan, whichever is shorter.
    (c) If a borrower becomes more than 30 days past due under the 
terms of a delinquency workout agreement, RHS may cancel the agreement.


Sec. 3550.206  Protective advances.

    RHS may pay for fees or services and charge the cost against the 
borrower's account to protect the Governments interest.
    (a) Advances for taxes and insurance. RHS may advance funds to pay 
real estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance premiums, and other 
related costs, as well as amounts needed to fund the current escrow 
cycle.
    (b) Advances for costs other than taxes and insurance. Protective 
advances for costs other than taxes and insurance, such as emergency 
repairs, will be made only if the borrower cannot obtain a subsequent 
loan.
    (c) Repayment arrangements.
    (1) Advances for borrowers with multiple loans will be charged 
against the largest loan.
    (2) Amounts advanced will be due with the next scheduled payment. 
RHS may schedule repayment consistent with the borrowers ability to 
repay or reamortize the loan.
    (3) Advances will bear interest at the promissory note rate of the 
loan to which the advance was charged.


Sec. 3550.207  Payment moratorium.

    RHS may defer a borrowers scheduled payments for up to 2 years. NP 
borrowers are not eligible for a payment moratorium.
    (a) Borrower eligibility. For a borrower to be eligible for a 
moratorium, all of the following conditions must be met:
    (1) Due to circumstances beyond the borrower's control, the 
borrower is temporarily unable to continue making scheduled payments 
because:
    (i) The borrower's repayment income fell by at least 20 percent 
within the past 12 months;
    (ii) The borrower must pay unexpected and unreimbursed expenses 
resulting from the illness, injury, or death of the borrower or a 
family member; or
    (iii) The borrower must pay unexpected and unreimbursed expenses 
resulting from damage to the security property in cases where adequate 
hazard insurance was not available or was prohibitively expensive.
    (2) The borrower occupies the dwelling, unless RHS determines that 
it is uninhabitable.
    (3) The borrower's account is not currently accelerated.
    (b) Reviews of borrower eligibility.
    (1) Periodically RHS may require the borrower to submit financial 
information to demonstrate that the moratorium should be continued. The 
moratorium may be canceled if:
    (i) The borrower does not respond to a request for financial 
information;
    (ii) RHS receives information indicating that the moratorium is no 
longer required; or
    (iii) In the case of a moratorium granted to pay unexpected or 
unreimbursed expenses, the borrower cannot show that an amount at least 
equal to the deferred payments has been applied toward the expenses.
    (2) At least 30 days before the moratorium is scheduled to expire, 
RHS will require the borrower to provide financial information needed 
to determine whether the borrower is able to resume making scheduled 
payments.
    (c) Resumption of scheduled payments. When the borrower is able to 
resume scheduled payments, the loan will be reamortized to include the 
amount deferred during the moratorium and the borrower will be required 
to escrow. If the new monthly payment, after consideration of the 
maximum amount of payment subsidy available to the borrower, exceeds 
the borrower's repayment ability, all or part of the interest that has 
accrued during the moratorium may be forgiven.
    (d) Borrowers unable to resume scheduled payments. If even after 
all appropriate servicing actions have been taken the borrower is 
unable to resume making scheduled payments after 2 consecutive years of 
being on a moratorium, the account will be liquidated.


Sec. 3550.208  Reamortization using promissory note interest rate.

    Reamortization using the promissory note interest rate may be 
authorized when RHS determines that reamortization is required to 
enable the borrower to meet scheduled obligations, and only if the 
Government's lien priority is not adversely affected.
    (a) Permitted uses. Reamortization at the promissory note interest 
rate may be used to accomplish a variety of servicing actions, 
including to:
    (1) Repay unauthorized assistance due to inaccurate information.
    (2) Repay principal and interest accrued and advances made during a 
moratorium.
    (3) Bring current an account under a delinquency workout agreement 
after the borrower has demonstrated the willingness and ability to meet 
the terms of the loan and delinquency workout agreement and 
reamortization is in the borrower's and Government's best interests.
    (4) Bring a delinquent account current in the case of an assumption 
where the due on sale clause is not triggered as described in 
Sec. 3550.163(c).
    (5) Cover the remaining debt when a portion of the security 
property is being transferred but the acquisition price does not cover 
the outstanding debt. The remaining balance will be reamortized for a 
period not to exceed 10 years or the final due date of the note being 
reamortized, whichever is sooner.
    (b) Payment term of reamortized loan. Except as noted in paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section, the term of the reamortized loan may be 
extended to the maximum term for which the borrower was eligible at the 
time the loan was originally made, less the number of years the loan 
has been outstanding. In all cases, the term must not exceed the 
remaining security life of the property.

[[Page 59800]]

Sec. 3550.209  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.210  Offsets.

    Any money that is or may become payable from the United States to 
an RHS borrower may be subject to administrative, salary, or Internal 
Revenue Service (IRS) offsets for the collection of a debt owed to RHS.
    (a) IRS offset. RHS may take action to effect offset of claims due 
RHS against tax refunds due to RHS debtors under 26 U.S.C. 6402, in 
accordance with the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3720A and 26 CFR 301.6402-
6.
    (b) Salary offset. Offset of claims due to RHS may be collected 
pursuant to the salary offset provisions in 7 CFR part 3, subpart C for 
a federal employee or other persons covered in that subpart.
    (c) Administrative offset. RHS may take action to effect 
administrative offset to recover delinquent claims due to it in 
accordance with the procedures in 7 CFR part 3, subpart B.
    (d) Offset by other federal agencies. Escrow funds and loan and 
grant funds held or payable by RHS are not subject to offset by other 
federal agencies.


Sec. 3550.211  Liquidation.

    (a) Policy. When RHS determines that a borrower is unable or 
unwilling to meet loan obligations, RHS may accelerate the loan and, if 
necessary, acquire the security property. The borrower is responsible 
for all expenses associated with liquidation and acquisition. If the 
account is satisfied in full, the borrower will be released from 
liability. If the account is not satisfied in full, RHS may pursue any 
deficiency unless the borrower received a moratorium at any time during 
the life of the loan and faithfully tried to repay the loan.
    (b) Tribal allotted or trust land. Liquidations involving a 
security interest in tribal allotted or trust land shall only be 
pursued after offering to transfer the account to an eligible tribal 
member, the tribe, or the Indian Housing Authority. Forced liquidation 
of RHS security interests in Indian trust lands or on tribal allotted 
land will be recommended only after the State Director has determined 
it is in the best interest of the Government.
    (c) Acceleration and foreclosure. If RHS determines that 
foreclosure is in the best interest of the Government, RHS will send an 
acceleration notice to each borrower and any cosigner. If the borrower 
does not pay the full account balance and meet the other terms of the 
loan within 30 days of acceleration, RHS may foreclose. RHS will not 
accept partial payment of an accelerated loan unless required to accept 
the payment by State law.
    (d) Voluntary liquidation. Borrowers may voluntarily liquidate 
through:
    (1) Refinancing or sale. The borrower may refinance or sell the 
security property for at least net recovery value and apply the 
proceeds to the account.
    (2) Deed in lieu of foreclosure. RHS may accept a deed in lieu of 
foreclosure to convey title to the security property only after the 
debt has been accelerated and when it is in the Government's best 
interest.
    (3) Offer by third party. If a junior lienholder or cosigner makes 
an offer in the amount of at least the net recovery value, RHS may 
assign the note and mortgage.
    (e) Bankruptcy.
    (1) When a petition in bankruptcy is filed by a borrower after 
acceleration, collection actions and foreclosure actions are suspended 
in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
    (2) RHS may accept conveyance of security property by the trustee 
in bankruptcy if the Bankruptcy Court has approved the transaction, RHS 
determines the conveyance is in the best interest of the Government, 
and RHS will acquire title free of all liens and encumbrances except 
RHS liens.
    (3) Whenever possible in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, a reaffirmation 
agreement will be signed by the borrower and approved by the court 
prior to discharge, if RHS decides to continue with the borrower.
    (f) Junior lienholder foreclosure. When a junior lienholder 
foreclosure does not result in payment in full of the RHS debt but the 
property is sold subject to the RHS lien, RHS may liquidate the account 
unless the new owner is eligible to assume the RHS debt and actually 
assumes the RHS debt.
    (g) Payment subsidy. If the borrower is receiving payment subsidy, 
the payment subsidy agreement will not be canceled when the debt is 
accelerated, but will not be renewed unless the account is reinstated.
    (h) Eligibility for special servicing actions. A borrower is not 
eligible for special servicing actions once the account has been 
accelerated.
    (i) Reporting. RHS may report to IRS and credit reporting agencies 
any debt settled through liquidation.


Secs. 3550.212-3550.249  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.250  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0166. Public 
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 
vary from 5 minutes to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1\1/2\ 
hours per response, including time for reviewing insurrections, 
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data 
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of 
this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden to the Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, STOP 7602, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-7602. You are not 
required to respond to this collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Subpart F--Post-Servicing Actions


Sec. 3550.251  Property management and disposition.

    (a) Policy. Rural Housing Service (RHS) will manage custodial 
property and Real Estate Owned (REO) property to protect the 
Government's interest, and may dispose of REO property through direct 
sales, sealed bid, or auction. RHS will follow affirmative fair housing 
marketing policies.
    (b) Custodial property. RHS may take custodial possession of 
security property that has been abandoned, or for other reasons 
necessary to protect the Government's security. After taking custodial 
possession of a security property, RHS may maintain and repair the 
security property as needed to protect the Government's interest, pay 
required real estate taxes and assessments, and secure personal 
property left on the premises. Expenses will be charged to the 
borrower's account. Custodial property may be leased when it is in the 
Government's best interest and in such cases the borrower's account 
will be credited for income from the security property.
    (c) REO property.
    (1) Classification. When RHS takes title to a security property, it 
is classified as either program or nonprogram (NP) property. An REO 
property that is eligible for financing under the section 502 program, 
or which could reasonably be repaired to be eligible, is classified as 
program property. An REO property that cannot reasonably be repaired to 
be eligible as section 502 property, and property that has been 
improved to a point that it will no longer qualify as modest under 
section 502, is classified as NP property.

[[Page 59801]]

    (2) Disclosing decent, safe, and sanitary defects. When RHS 
determines that an REO property to be sold is not decent, safe, and 
sanitary, or does not meet cost-effective energy conservation 
standards, it will disclose the reasons why. The deed by which such an 
REO property is conveyed will contain a covenant restricting it from 
residential use until it is decent, safe, and sanitary and meets the 
RHS cost-effective energy conservation standards. RHS will also notify 
any potential purchaser of any known lead-based paint hazards.
    (3) Property on Indian tribal allotted or trust land. REO property 
which is located on Indian tribal allotted or trust land, will be sold 
or otherwise disposed of only to a member of the particular tribe 
having jurisdiction over the allotted or tribal land, to the tribe, or 
to an Indian housing authority serving the tribe on a first-come, 
first-served basis.
    (4) Reservation of program REO properties.
    (i) Program REO properties are reserved for program-eligible 
applicants and nonprofit organizations or public bodies providing 
transitional housing during the first 60 days after the date of the 
first notice of sale, and during the first 30 days following any 
reduction in price or any other change in credit terms or other sale 
terms. After the expiration of a reservation period, program REO 
properties can be bought by any buyer.
    (ii) An offer on a program REO property from a buyer who does not 
qualify for a section 502 program loan may be submitted during a 
reservation period, but is considered to have been received on the day 
after the reservation period ends.
    (iii) No offer is considered until 3 business days after the date 
the property is offered for sale. An offer received during the 3-day 
holding period is not considered until the 4th day, and is evaluated 
with any other offers actually received on the 4th day.
    (5) Priority of offers received the same day.
    (i) Offers received on the same business day are selected in the 
following order:
    (A) Offers from program-eligible applicants, with a request for 
credit on program terms. All offers are evaluated as if they were 
submitted at the listed price, regardless of the offering price.
    (B) Offers from nonprofits or public bodies for conversion to use 
as transitional housing or for other special purposes as specified in 
paragraph (d)(4) of this section.
    (C) Cash offers, from highest to lowest.
    (D) NP credit offers, from highest to lowest.
    (ii) Acceptable offers of equal priority received on the same 
business day are selected by lot.
    (iii) REO properties are not held off the market pending the 
outcome of an appeal of RHS rejection of a request for financing.
    (6) Sale by sealed bid or auction. RHS may authorize the sale of an 
REO property by sealed bid or public auction when it is in the best 
interest of the Government. RHS will publicly solicit requests for 
sealed bids and publicize auctions. If a successful bidder is unable to 
settle the transaction under the terms of the offer, except for the 
financing contingency, any required bid deposit may be retained by RHS. 
If the highest bid is lower than the minimum acceptable bid established 
by RHS, or if no acceptable bids are received, RHS may negotiate a sale 
without further public notice.
    (d) Special purposes.
    (1) REO property may be purchased for conversion to multiple family 
housing.
    (2) When a nonprofit organization or public body notifies RHS in 
writing of its intent to buy an REO property to provide transitional 
housing for the homeless, RHS may withdraw the property from the market 
for up to 30 days to give the entity an opportunity to execute a 
purchase contract. The listed price may be discounted for offers on a 
nonprogram REO property at any time, and on a program REO property 
after the 60-day reservation period. No down payment is required, and 
the loan term will be for a maximum of 30 years. Until RHS executes a 
sales agreement, an offer from a program-eligible applicant will 
receive priority, regardless of a nonprofit's interest in purchasing 
the REO property for use as transitional housing.
    (3) NP properties may be leased to a nonprofit organization or 
public body to provide transitional housing for the homeless at an 
annual cost of one dollar. When an REO property is to be leased as 
transitional housing, RHS will make repairs needed to put the property 
in decent, safe, and sanitary condition. The lessee is responsible for 
all future repairs and maintenance.
    (4) REO property may be sold under special provisions to nonprofit 
organizations or public bodies for the purpose of providing affordable 
housing to very low- and low-income families.


Sec. 3550.252  Debt settlement policies.

    (a) Applicability. Debt settlement procedures may be initiated to 
collect any amounts due to RHS including:
    (1) Balances remaining on loan accounts after all liquidation 
proceeds or credits have been applied;
    (2) Subsidy recapture or grant amounts due; and
    (3) Unauthorized assistance due.
    (b) Judgment. RHS may seek a judgment whenever a judgment might 
enable RHS to collect all or a significant portion of an amount owed.
    (c) Multiple loans. RHS does not settle debts for one loan while 
other RHS loans on the same security property remain active.
    (d) Cosigners and claims against estates. RHS may use any and all 
remedies available under law to collect from any cosigner and from a 
deceased borrower's estate.
    (e) Reporting. RHS will report to the Internal Revenue Service and 
credit reporting agencies any debt settled through cancellation, 
compromise, or adjustment.
    (f) Settlement during legal or investigative action. Cases that are 
under investigation for fiscal irregularity or have been referred to 
the Office of the Inspector General, the Office of the General Counsel, 
or the U.S. Attorney will not be considered for debt settlement until 
final action by the investigating or prosecuting entity has been taken.
    (g) Offsets. RHS may request offsets as described in Sec. 3550.210 
to collect amounts owed.
    (h) Escrow funds. At liquidation all funds held in escrow or 
unapplied funds will be applied against the debt.


Sec. 3550.253  Settlement of a debt by compromise or adjustment.

    Compromise or adjustment offers may be initiated by the debtor or 
by RHS. RHS will approve only those compromises and adjustments that 
are in the best interest of the Government.
    (a) Compromise. A compromise is an agreement by RHS to release a 
debtor from liability upon receipt of a specified lump sum that is less 
than the total amount due.
    (b) Adjustments. An adjustment is an agreement by RHS to release a 
debtor from liability generally upon receipt of an initial lump sum 
representing the maximum amount the debtor can afford to pay and 
periodic additional payments over a period of up to 5 years.
    (c) Timing of offers.
    (1) For a settlement offer to be considered, secured debts must be 
fully matured under the terms of the debt instrument or must have been 
accelerated by RHS.
    (2) Unsecured debts owed after the sale of the security property 
may be proposed for compromise or adjustment

[[Page 59802]]

at any time. Debts that were never secured may be proposed for 
compromise or adjustment when they are due and payable.
    (d) Retention of security property. The debtor may retain the 
security property if the compromise payment is at least equal to the 
net recovery value, and it is in the best interest of the Government to 
allow the debtor to retain the security property.


Secs. 3550.254-3550.299  [Reserved]


Sec. 3550.300  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0166. Public 
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 
vary from 5 minutes to 3 hours per response, with an average of 1\1/2\ 
hours per response, including time for review instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments 
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection 
of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to the 
Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, STOP 7602, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-7602.

    Dated: November 14, 1996.
Jill Long Thompson,
Undersecretary, Rural Development.

    Dated: November 15, 1996.
James W. Schroeder,
Acting Undersecretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.
[FR Doc. 96-29777 Filed 11-20-96; 12:41 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P