The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has extended temporary authorizations to USDA loan officers to approve home financing for very low- and low-income persons in rural areas in 2016. The temporary authorizations are available through Sept. 30, 2016, according to the agency’s recently issued fiscal 2016 guidance. The USDA extends authority to “loan-approval officials” to approve Single-Family Housing Section 502/504 direct home loans provided they have an acceptable appraisal. Loans obligated under this authorization must be for housing purposes only and the applicant must meet all eligibility criteria, according to the guidance. The Rural Development (RD) field staff must first review the appraisal before the loan is closed. Funding must be cancelled as quickly as possible whenever a transaction falls through. RD state offices are responsible for reviewing accounts if they ...