Zero down in more places than you think.

USDA loans offer 100% financing for eligible buyers in qualifying rural and suburban areas. No down payment, competitive rates, and flexible credit standards.

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USDA-eligible rural or suburban property

Household income within USDA county limits

Is this loan right for you?

A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage for buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas. It is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and allows qualified borrowers to purchase a home with zero down payment. USDA loans are not just for farmland. Many suburban communities within commuting distance of major cities qualify, including areas throughout Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Direct access to your officer
USDA-eligible rural or suburban property
Household income within USDA county limits
Zero down payment when you qualify
Credit score 640 or higher typical
Primary residence purchase only
Competitive rate, low upfront cost

Key benefits.

Zero down payment required, 100% financing for eligible buyers

Competitive interest rates backed by a government guarantee

More flexible credit standards than conventional financing

Lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA in most cases

Eligible areas include many suburban communities near major metros

Tradeoffs to understand.

Property must be located in a USDA-eligible area, use the USDA eligibility map to confirm before applying
Household income limits apply by county and family size, higher earners may not qualify
Primary residence only, cannot be used for investment properties or second homes
Upfront guarantee fee of 1% of the loan amount and annual fee of 0.35%, both lower than FHA mortgage insurance in most cases
Longer processing times than conventional loans in some cases due to USDA review requirements

Compare your options.

Feature	USDA	FHA
Down payment	Zero	As low as 3.5%
Credit score	640+ typical	580+ typical
Location requirement	Eligible rural/suburban areas only	No location restriction
Income limits	Yes by county and family size	No income limits
Mortgage insurance	Lower annual fee than FHA	MIP for life of loan in most cases
Property types	Primary residence	Primary residence
Best for	Eligible area buyers with limited savings	Flexible qualification anywhere

Down payment

USDA: Zero
FHA: As low as 3.5%

Credit score

USDA: 640+ typical
FHA: 580+ typical

Location requirement

USDA: Eligible rural/suburban areas only
FHA: No location restriction

Income limits

USDA: Yes by county and family size
FHA: No income limits

Mortgage insurance

USDA: Lower annual fee than FHA
FHA: MIP for life of loan in most cases

Property types

USDA: Primary residence
FHA: Primary residence

Best for

USDA: Eligible area buyers with limited savings
FHA: Flexible qualification anywhere

What happens next

Confirm property eligibility using the USDA eligibility map before making an offer.

Check your county income limit with your loan officer before assuming you qualify.

USDA Streamlined Assist Refinance can lower your rate later without a full appraisal.

As your equity builds, a conventional refinance may eventually offer better long-term terms.

Keep exploring

Explore related paths

All home loan options

Compare purchase programs and find the path that fits your situation.

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Down payment and credit questions

How much cash you may need upfront and how credit shapes your options.

Browse credit FAQ →

Common questions, plain answers.

What areas qualify for a USDA loan?

USDA eligibility is determined by the USDA property eligibility map. Many suburban communities qualify, not just rural farmland. Your loan officer can confirm eligibility for a specific address before you apply.

Are there income limits for USDA loans?

Is USDA better than FHA?

Can I use a USDA loan to refinance?

How long does USDA approval take?

Questions about rates or payment?

Think you might qualify? Check USDA eligibility in minutes.

No credit pull to get started. We compare your options and explain the tradeoffs.

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NMLS #2620605

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