USDA loans · No-down-payment options in eligible rural areas
USDA’s Guaranteed Rural Housing program is designed to help low-to-moderate income households purchase a safe, modest home with 0% down in eligible areas and a stable 30-year fixed rate.
Income, location, and property rules are built into the program so it stays focused on the communities it was designed to serve. We’ll help you sort through those details in plain language. If you like to dig in first, the USDA Loans Guide walks through eligibility, maps, and how USDA compares to other low-down-payment options.
NMLS #277954 • Success Mortgage Partners • USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and offered by approved lenders. Income, location, and credit requirements apply.
Coaching insight
USDA loans exist to make homeownership more accessible for low-to-moderate income households buying in qualifying rural and small-town communities. The program pairs $0 down with guidelines tailored to these areas.
Buyers who meet USDA income limits and want a primary residence in an eligible area — even if this isn’t their first home.
Families who can comfortably make a monthly payment but want to conserve savings with 0% down financing.
Buyers who either already live in or are open to living in a USDA-eligible rural or small-town area as defined by USDA.
How it works
USDA loans pair no-down-payment options with income and location limits. Instead of traditional mortgage insurance, the program uses a guarantee fee structure that can often be financed into the loan.
Exact income limits, fees, and credit expectations are set by USDA and individual lenders. We’ll walk through how they apply to you before you make decisions.
Property & occupancy
USDA loans focus on homes that are safe, modest, and owner-occupied. Within that, there is flexibility in property type — including some manufactured homes.
As part of your pre-approval, we’ll confirm property eligibility early so you’re only shopping homes that fit the program.
Income & household
USDA loans are targeted to low-to-moderate income families. That means there are county-specific income caps based on household size.
Even with $0 down, you’ll still have closing costs and prepaid items. The good news: USDA allows several ways to help manage cash to close.
We’ll map out realistic cash-to-close estimates and show you side-by-side ways to structure your offer and loan.
Quick answers
A quick snapshot of the questions that come up most often when we talk about USDA loans, $0 down options, income limits, and which areas qualify.
Yes. Eligible USDA buyers can finance up to 100% of the appraised value of the home, which means no down payment is required. You’ll still have closing costs and prepaid items, but there are options to help manage those as well.
USDA defines eligible areas based on population and rural characteristics. Many small towns, rural communities, and even some “edge of town” neighborhoods just outside major cities qualify. We’ll help you check specific addresses and broader target areas.
Many USDA buyers qualify with a credit score of around 640 or higher. That said, we look at the whole picture — income stability, payment history, and existing debts. If you’re close to that range, we can review your credit and outline next steps.
No. USDA loans are not limited to first-time buyers. You can use a USDA loan as long as you meet the income, property, and occupancy guidelines and the home will be your primary residence.
In some cases, yes. If the home appraises for more than the purchase price, the difference can sometimes be used to help cover closing costs. Seller credits and lender credits can also be used, within program limits. We’ll show you what that looks like with real numbers.
Yes — USDA can allow manufactured homes that meet HUD standards, age and foundation requirements, and all USDA property guidelines. We’ll verify those details early in the process so there are no surprises.
Yes. USDA loans have household income limits that vary by county and family size and are generally set at 115% of the area median income (AMI). We’ll help you calculate your household income and compare it to the current limits for your area.
Share a bit about your household, target areas, and budget. We’ll confirm USDA income and location eligibility, estimate payments with $0 down, and compare USDA to other options so you can choose the path that supports both today’s move and tomorrow’s plans. If you’d rather read first, you can always start with the USDA Loans Guide for a deeper walkthrough.
USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and offered by approved lenders. Programs, income limits, eligible areas, and terms are subject to change without notice. Eligibility and underwriting requirements vary by USDA rules, lender, and location. Not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit and collateral approval. All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender.