https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/670ccc60-2edd-4f16-8f7a-c5200be3d33e.mp3 Effective March 1, 2026, SBA lenders obtaining SBA approval for 7(a) Small Loans must adhere to SBA Procedural Notice 5000-875701 (the “Notice”), published January 16, 2026.  SBA announced it is discontinuing use of the SBSS Score for federally regulated lenders and requires commercial credit analysis processes and procedures consistent with their similarly sized non-SBA guaranteed ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4bda5cae-d446-457f-b828-5458425c36dc.mp3 When SBA lenders evaluate title risk, the focus is often on liens, ownership, and access. However, restrictive covenants and deed restrictions — often buried deep in recorded documents — can pose a significant and sometimes overlooked threat to SBA loan eligibility. These restrictions must be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not impair the ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/45bfac1c-7588-4aad-8644-67f4e29ba319.mp3 Best-Practice Guidance for Lenders When a borrower defaults, some lenders consider allowing them to “self-liquidate” the collateral. In this context, self-liquidation means the borrower arranges the sale of the collateral and turns over the proceeds to the lender. While this approach can seem efficient and borrower-friendly, it can carry risks. Lenders must carefully weigh ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/6d578c95-684b-44d8-99ac-8e53029a3f2b.mp3 On December 19, 2025, the SBA announced important revisions to the citizenship and residency requirements set forth in Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 50 10 8. These changes will apply to all SBA loan applications approved on or after January 1, 2026, and will impact how ownership and eligibility are evaluated for 7(a) and 504 ... Read More