Lender emailed me to say that underwriting approved the loan with one condition. I had a large deposit from my retirement to my checking account. They needed the paper trail for that. I emailed it to her immediately and she said if I didn't hear back from her then everything was fine and my file would be off to USDA today. She said in her experience it's been taking up to 5 days to get the approval back from them. Of course I had to ask if they had ever had a file come back denied from USDA after it was approved by them and she said "None that I have seen since I've been here." I asked her if she was confident enough that I could finally put notice in at my apartment and she said "Yes"
I haven't posted a ton, but I read a lot!! Lots of great information here. My file went to underwriting on Monday and on Tues I had to leave work to see my doctor because I felt so jittery and just all around sick. My blood pressure was 153 over 110!!! I'm 29 and have never had health problems, but I've made my self sick over this process. Looks like it may finally be over and I couldn't be happier. I'll be posting just as soon as I have those keys.
Closing is scheduled for the 29th, but of course that all depends on USDA.
Scores TU 621 EQ 606 EX 656
@Anonymous wrote:BIG congrants to you, But I feel I must tell you
I was suppose to close on the 15, We did not b/c we are waiting for USDA. So give you local office a call and ask them what is their turn around time is,
My file went to USDA dec 4th, still not back yet. I live in GA
I have had a headache for two days, Hoping we hear back this week so we can close.
Yeah, I was concerned about turnaround time early on. When we first started building the house I would come here and read about people waiting weeks on USDA. I'll probably call on Monday, but the mortgage specialist I'm using was voted "The Best in Houston" by the Greater Houston Builders Association. She explained that she has closed 90% of the USDA new construction loans in my community so I'm trying to have faith that she's got this down. Crossing my fingers....and toes!! 
So excited for you!!! Totally understand the sickness that comes with this process - I've been on such a roller coaster with health too and NEVER have had any problems in the past. I truly hope everything goes as planned for you - we're scheduled to close the 29th also and have one hurdle to cross tomorrow and then it's all done!!
I'll keep fingers and toes crossed for us both 
No updates yet and I'm sooooo ready to hear something (Eventhough the file just went on Friday *lol*)
I did call the USDA office and they said they have a "2 to 5 day turnaround from the time the Approved Lender provides the required information"
Do they count Saturdays? Sundays? Oh I'm dying here....
Thought this was funny! Lender emailed me with some closing documents that I needed to sign and return (Final GFE and another form detailing the loan amount, payment etc) Under "Amount to bring to closing" it says $-16.95
After builders 6K and my 1K Earnest money, I went from possibly paying $6K at closing with an FHA loan to them owing me! Classic....
That made my day!