USDA Home Loans — Zero Down Payment

100% Financing for Eligible Rural & Suburban Areas

Zero down payment required
Lower mortgage insurance than FHA
Competitive interest rates
Available in eligible suburban areas

Talk to a Loan Specialist (833) 350-9185 Check Your Options

Check Your USDA Eligibility

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What Is a USDA Loan?

A USDA loan is a zero-down-payment mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It's designed to help moderate-income buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. Despite the name, many USDA-eligible areas are just outside major metro zones — not farmland.

USDA loans offer some of the best terms available: no down payment, low mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. If your target home is in an eligible area and your income falls within program limits, USDA is hard to beat.

USDA Loan Highlights

Zero Down Payment

100% financing with no down payment required. One of only two loan programs (along with VA) that offers this.

Low Mortgage Insurance

USDA guarantee fees are lower than FHA mortgage insurance — 1% upfront fee and 0.35% annual fee vs. FHA's 1.75% and 0.55%.

Competitive Rates

Government backing means lenders can offer rates that are often lower than conventional loans for the same credit profile.

Flexible Credit

No official minimum credit score from USDA, though most lenders require 620+. Manual underwriting may be available for lower scores.

Who Qualifies for a USDA Loan?

USDA loans have two main eligibility requirements: location and income. The property must be in a USDA-designated eligible area, and your household income cannot exceed 115% of the area median income.

Location — The home must be in a USDA-eligible area. Use the USDA eligibility map to check specific addresses. Many suburban communities qualify.
Income limits — Household income (all adults in the home, not just the borrower) must be at or below 115% of the area median. Limits vary by county and household size.
Primary residence — The home must be your primary residence. No investment properties or vacation homes.
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required
Stable income — Typically 2 years of employment history in the same field

USDA Loan vs. Other Zero-Down Options

USDA Loan

Zero down. Income limits apply. Property must be in eligible rural/suburban area. Lower mortgage insurance than FHA. Available to all qualifying buyers.

VA Loan

Zero down. No income limits. No geographic restrictions. No mortgage insurance. Available only to veterans, active military, and eligible spouses.

If you're not military-connected, USDA is the only zero-down option available. And even compared to FHA with 3.5% down, USDA often wins on total monthly cost thanks to lower insurance premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is USDA only for farms and rural land?

No. Many suburban communities within commuting distance of major cities qualify. The USDA eligibility map includes areas most people wouldn't consider "rural."

What are the income limits?

Limits are set at 115% of the area median income and vary by county and household size. A family of 4 in most areas can earn up to approximately $112,450 (2025 limits). Check your specific county for exact numbers.

Can I use a USDA loan for a new construction home?

Yes. USDA loans can be used for existing homes, new construction, and even manufactured homes (if permanently affixed). The property must be in an eligible area and meet USDA standards.

Do USDA loans have mortgage insurance?

Yes, but it's called a "guarantee fee." There's a 1% upfront fee (can be rolled into the loan) and a 0.35% annual fee. Both are significantly lower than FHA mortgage insurance.

How long does a USDA loan take to close?

USDA loans typically take 30–60 days due to the additional government review step. The USDA office must issue a "conditional commitment" after the lender approves the file.