Home financing · Future Home Loans

USDA Home Loans

A place to put down roots.
A path with no down payment.

USDA financing may help eligible buyers purchase a primary home in a qualifying area with no down payment. We’ll help check the address, review household income, explain closing costs, and compare your options.

Explore My USDA Options

Illustrative modest single-story home with a front porch and tree-lined yard — Small towns. Room to grow.
More places may qualify than you expect.

0% downFor eligible buyers and homes.

Closing costs and prepaid expenses still apply.

30-year fixedA predictable loan structure.

Your rate and payment depend on your loan terms.

Address + incomeTwo important eligibility checks.

The home’s location and household income matter.

Start with two simple questions

Could USDA be a fit for you?

A USDA Guaranteed loan is a government-backed mortgage through a participating lender. Here’s where we start.

Your household

Income within local limits: Limits depend on the location and household size. Eligibility income can include adults who won’t be on the loan.
A payment you can manage: The lender separately reviews qualifying income, debts, and credit to assess repayment ability.
First-time or repeat buyer: You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer. Borrower and lender requirements still apply.

The home

A USDA-eligible address: Many small towns and some areas outside major cities qualify. Check the specific address, rather than guessing.
A home you’ll live in: USDA purchase financing is for a primary residence, rather than a vacation home or rental investment.
An eligible property: The home must meet USDA and lender property standards. The appraisal and property condition matter.

No address yet? We can explain what to look for while you search. You don’t need to be a farmer, and a home does not need to sit on a large parcel of land. We’ll also review other USDA rules, including whether conventional financing without private mortgage insurance is available to you.

Know your cash to close

No down payment doesn’t mean no costs.

Plan for closing costs.

Appraisal, title charges, lender fees, prepaid taxes, and homeowners insurance may still be due. Eligible gifts, seller contributions, or assistance may help, subject to program and lender rules.

We’ll compare your estimated payment and cash to close—not just the interest rate.

USDA guarantee fees

1.00%Upfront guarantee fee

May be financed into the loan.

0.35%Annual guarantee fee

Collected through the monthly payment.

Current FY 2027 fees. The annual fee uses the average scheduled unpaid principal balance. Financing the upfront fee increases the loan balance.

Compare the paths to homeownership

USDA or FHA?

If USDA’s address or income rules don’t fit, FHA may be another option. We’ll help compare the full picture.

Key differences for an eligible primary-home purchase.
What to compare	USDA Guaranteed	FHA
Down payment	No down payment for eligible buyers.	As low as 3.5% for eligible buyers.
Location & income	Eligible area and household income limits.	No USDA-style area or household income limits.
Ongoing costs	Upfront and annual guarantee fees.	Upfront and annual mortgage insurance.

USDA Guaranteed

Down payment: No down payment for eligible buyers.
Location & income: Eligible area and household income limits.
Ongoing costs: Upfront and annual guarantee fees.

FHA

Down payment: As low as 3.5% for eligible buyers.
Location & income: No USDA-style area or household income limits.
Ongoing costs: Upfront and annual mortgage insurance.

Both require borrower, property, and lender approval. Closing costs are additional. Explore FHA loans.

A broker in your corner

We’ll help connect the dots.

Check the basics
Review the address, household income, credit, and your homebuying goals.
Compare your options
Understand the payment, fees, cash to close, and how USDA compares with other available loans.
Move forward with clarity
Get help with the application, documents, property review, and next steps toward closing.

USDA loan questions

A few details worth clearing up.

How do I know whether an address qualifies?

Use USDA’s official property eligibility map for an initial check. Some communities near larger cities are eligible. A map result alone is not loan approval—the lender must also confirm property and borrower eligibility. We can help review the address.

Whose income counts toward the household limit?

USDA eligibility income can include eligible income from adult household members, even when they aren’t borrowers. Exclusions and allowed adjustments may apply. This is different from the income the lender uses to qualify you for the payment. We’ll help you understand both.

Do I need a 640 credit score?

USDA does not set one universal minimum credit score for the Guaranteed program. Participating lenders have their own credit standards, and 640 may qualify for a simpler credit review under USDA guidance. Your available options depend on the lender and your complete credit and financial picture.

Can I get a USDA loan if I’ve owned a home before?

Yes. The Guaranteed program is not limited to first-time buyers. You still need to meet its household income, occupancy, property, and other eligibility requirements. Ownership of another home may need additional review.

Can I finance my closing costs?

The upfront guarantee fee may be financed. Some eligible closing costs may also be financed when the appraised value supports them and the loan meets program and lender requirements. Gifts, seller contributions, or assistance may be other options. We’ll explain what applies to your purchase.

Is this the same as a USDA Direct loan?

No. This page covers USDA’s Guaranteed program through participating lenders. USDA Direct loans are a separate program administered by USDA, with different income rules and terms. We’ll help identify which path you should explore.

A home in mind? Let’s start there.

Tell us where you’re looking and what matters to you. We’ll help explore whether USDA fits—and explain your next steps.