USDA Rural Development Names Virginia Housing a Top Loan Servicer
Pictured above: Virginia Housing Director of Homeownership Lending Jake Naugle and Assistant Director of Default Administration John DeBerry with USDA Rural Development Deputy Administrator of Single Family Housing Christine Mechtly.
August 7, 2026Virginia Housing was recently named the No. 2 Housing Financing Agency Servicer as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development 2026 National Lenders of the Year Awards. USDA recognized Virginia Housing based on our support for borrowers who have fallen behind on payments and our adherence to USDA's requirements for reporting loan data. This honor reflects the attention to detail and dedication to customer service that Virginia Housing’s loan servicing team brings to work every day.
USDA Rural Development loans provide government-backed mortgages to qualified buyers in rural areas. They require no down payment, and first-time homebuyers can pair them with Virginia Housing’s Closing Cost Assistance Grant. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the timespan covered by the 2026 awards, Virginia Housing serviced over 2,500 USDA Rural Development loans.
"Virginia Housing stood out for strong borrower outreach, low delinquency progression and accurate, timely reporting as compared to other housing financing agencies with whom we work," said a USDA spokesperson. "These strengths reflect proactive servicing and high operational quality in 2026, which is why [Virginia Housing was] recognized."
Virginia Housing’s mortgage servicing team is responsible for managing collections and escrow accounts as well as for helping borrowers lower the risk of foreclosure. In all aspects of servicing, the team ensures that Virginia Housing complies with the regulations that insurers such as USDA set forth.
“I’m exceptionally proud of the team for the work we’ve been able to do and for the customers we’ve assisted in avoiding foreclosure,” said Virginia Housing Assistant Director of Default Administration John DeBerry. “Our team is constantly collaborating to ensure that our servicing procedures lead to affordable, stable housing across Virginia.”
Virginia Housing is rare among housing finance agencies in that we service all of our loans for the entire life of the loan. This allows our borrowers to trust that they will always receive service that’s rooted in our mission to provide Virginians with quality, affordable housing.
“Our commitment to supporting Virginians and their path to homeownership doesn’t stop when they receive the keys,” said Virginia Housing Director of Homeownership Lending Jake Naugle. “Supporting our borrowers remains a focus throughout the life of their loan. We are dedicated to sustainable, lasting homeownership. Congratulations to our servicing team who shows up every day to support our homebuyers.”