As of October 1, 2026, lenders in USDA’s Farm Service Agency guaranteed loan program can use a real estate evaluation instead of an appraisal on transactions up to $500,000, double the previous $250,000 limit, where their regulator and internal policy allow. The final rule (91 FR 56741) also lets Preferred Lenders certify collateral adequacy themselves, with FSA targeting a decision within five calendar days, which puts a lender’s own valuation process on the critical path. FSA still reviews every loss claim and can reduce or deny one for negligent origination or servicing, so the evaluation in the file must be independent and well supported.
Eval.com delivers independent agricultural evaluations in five business days. Our compliance consultancy can also update your policy for the new limit and train your staff.