USDA loan question about purchase contract

[Anonymous]

I have posted several times and wanted to update on progress towards obtaining a USDA loan- Midscore now 647, have obtained a lender after checking here on the forums (thanks Mickie and Shane)  who assures me that with the 3 alternative credit lines, I can be approved for this loan. I have located a new home priced at $198K (I'm in SC). It is scheduled to be completed 11/7. Lender assures me that the credit report will still be good, there should be no problems and we need to proceed with submitting offer, write contract (includes $1K earnest money-apparently standard for this builder).

Does this all sound okay to everyone? I am scared to death of losing my money. I understand I have 30 days to secure financing and he assures me that he will submit the package ASAP and set the closing date for 4-5 days after the home is completed.

Advice, anyone?

[ShanetheMortgageMan]

It sounds like things are progressing like normal.  Once you get the initial approval from the lender, after your loan is submitted to underwriting, you'll have a very clear idea of what will be needed and the time line for the rest of the process.