Who is responsible for submitting the loan file to the RD officer before closing?

The lender or underwriter is responsible for submitting the loan file to the Rural Development (RD) officer before closing. This process is crucial because the RD officer reviews the loan application to ensure it meets all eligibility requirements and guidelines set forth by the USDA for rural housing loans.

The lender or underwriter is deeply involved in the underwriting process, which includes validating the borrower's financial information, assessing the property’s value, and confirming that all necessary documentation is complete and accurate. This submission is a part of the lender's duties to ensure that the loan can move forward to closing, which is a vital step in the home-buying process for those utilizing USDA financing.

In contrast, while real estate agents assist in the home buying process and may facilitate communication, they do not handle the submission of loan documents to the RD officer. The borrower is not directly involved in submitting the loan file; instead, they provide the required information and documents to the lender. Furthermore, the title company’s role primarily involves managing the title search and closing process, not the submission of loan files. Thus, the responsibility clearly lies with the lender or underwriter in this scenario.