πΎ USDA Home Loans
π¬ βLive outside the city? You may qualify for a no-down-payment mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.β
π What Is a USDA Loan?
A USDA loan is a zero-down mortgage option backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed for moderate-income buyers purchasing in designated rural and suburban areas. Itβs especially helpful for those with limited savings who want to own a home outside major metro centers.
β USDA Loan Highlights
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π° $0 down payment required
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π§Ύ Low monthly mortgage insurance
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π Competitive fixed interest rates
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π Flexible credit requirements
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π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Great for first-time or repeat buyers
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π For single-family primary residences only
π§ Is the Property Eligible? (Location Tool)
USDA loans are only available for homes located in USDA-eligible zones, but many properties just outside metro areas qualify.
π Property Eligibility Overview:
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Use the official USDA Property Map to check addresses
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Homes must be single-family and owner-occupied
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Weβll help verify eligibility before you submit an offer
π΅ Income Limits: Do You Qualify?
USDA loans have county-specific income limits based on total household income, including non-borrowers who live in the home.
Household Size | Typical Max Income Range (Most Counties) |
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1β4 people | $110,000β$130,000 |
5+ people | Higher limits apply |
π Use the USDA Income Eligibility Tool
- Use Tool Here
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Limits vary by county and household size
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Childcare and other deductions may improve eligibility
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Weβll help calculate your qualifying income during pre-approval
π§Ύ What Youβll Need to Apply
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β Government-issued ID & Social Security number
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β Last 2 years of W-2s and/or tax returns
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β Last 30 days of pay stubs
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β 2 months of bank statements
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β All income sources in the household
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β Signed purchase agreement
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β Property info + HOA contact (if applicable)
π Why First-Time Buyers Love USDA Loans
USDA loans are a favorite for first-time buyers thanks to low upfront costs and forgiving guidelines:
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β No down payment = easier entry
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β Low mortgage insurance = lower monthly payments
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β Gift funds and down payment assistance allowed
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β No reserve (leftover funds) requirements
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β Credit scores starting around 640 often qualify
π¬ Even if youβve been turned down elsewhere, USDA may still be an option.
π« What USDA Loans Canβt Be Used For
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β Investment or second homes
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β Condos or multifamily properties
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β Major fixer-uppers
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β Properties outside USDA zones
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β Luxury homes or agricultural businesses
π§ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in a rural area?
Not necessarily. Many suburban and outer-metro areas qualify β even near major cities.
Can I use USDA to build a home?
Yes β but USDA construction loans are rare and require approved builders and stricter underwriting.
Can I use gift funds?
Yes β gift funds can cover closing costs or prepaid items.
Whatβs the minimum credit score?
Most lenders look for 640+, but lower scores may be considered with strong compensating factors.
π Related Pages
π Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
Weβll help you verify the property location, calculate qualifying income, and walk you through every step of USDAβs no-down-payment program.
π΅ [Apply Now]
π [Talk to a USDA Loan Specialist]
π [Check Property Eligibility]
π Disclosure
This is not a commitment to lend. USDA loans are subject to income, credit, and property eligibility under U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. Applicants must meet location and household income restrictions. Not all borrowers will qualify. Additional documentation and underwriting approval are required.