More home, more land, $0 down.
USDA loans let qualifying buyers in designated rural and suburban areas finance up to 100% of the purchase price — no down payment required for eligible borrowers — with competitive fixed rates and a House of Mortgage team to guide you.
What is a USDA loan?
A USDA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, created to support homeownership in designated rural and suburban areas for low- to moderate-income households. Because the USDA guarantees a portion of the loan, qualifying borrowers can finance the full purchase price with no down payment — and the guarantee fees are typically lower than mortgage insurance on comparable programs.
- Backed by the USDA; issued by approved private lenders
- $0 down for qualifying borrowers — up to 100% financing
- For homes in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas
- Household income limits apply by county and household size
- Primary residences only; guarantee fees instead of PMI
Why buyers choose a USDA loan.
No down payment required
Qualifying borrowers can finance 100% of the purchase price, dramatically reducing what you need saved before buying.
Competitive fixed rates
USDA loans offer competitive fixed rates for eligible borrowers; your rate depends on your individual scenario.
Lower monthly fees
Instead of PMI, the program uses guarantee fees that are generally lower than conventional or FHA mortgage insurance.
Flexible credit consideration
Borrowers with limited credit history may qualify; stability and repayment ability matter alongside credit scores.
Types of USDA loans.
USDA Guaranteed Loan
The primary program: lender-issued, USDA-guaranteed financing with no down payment for qualifying buyers.
USDA Streamlined Assist Refinance
A simplified refinance for existing USDA borrowers with limited paperwork and often no appraisal.
USDA Repair & Renovation Options
Programs that help eligible homeowners repair, renovate, or upgrade a rural home.
USDA Construction-to-Permanent
Finance the land and home construction in a single loan with one closing.
What it takes to qualify.
Location eligibility
The home must be in a USDA-designated rural or suburban area — more areas qualify than most buyers expect.
Income limits
Household income must fall within county-specific USDA limits, generally up to 115% of area median income.
Occupancy
Primary residences only — investment properties and vacation homes are not eligible.
Credit & financial review
A credit score around 620 or above is typical, though guidelines also weigh stability and repayment capacity.
Debt-to-income (DTI)
Generally around 41% or lower, with possible exceptions for strong compensating factors.
Guarantee fees
Instead of PMI: a one-time upfront guarantee fee (which may be financed) plus a modest annual fee paid monthly.
How to apply for a USDA loan.
Check your options
Share a few financial basics for an initial affordability read. Soft credit pull only.
Confirm eligibility
We check the property address against the USDA eligibility map and verify household income against county limits.
Get pre-approved
Provide income documents, tax returns, and bank statements through our secure portal.
Underwriting & appraisal
Full file review and USDA appraisal, with updates in your dashboard.
Close & move in
Sign digitally and get the keys with your team handling the paperwork.
USDA loan FAQs.
Who is eligible for a USDA loan?
Do USDA loans require PMI?
Can you refinance a USDA loan?
Can you build a house with a USDA loan?
What is the maximum income for a USDA loan?
Think your area might qualify? It just might.
USDA-eligible areas cover far more of the map than most buyers expect. Check your address and your options — no hard credit pull.
Important rate & fee disclosures
$0 down payment / 100% financing is available to qualifying borrowers purchasing an eligible primary residence in a USDA-designated rural or suburban area, subject to county household income limits (generally up to 115% of area median income) and credit and program requirements. USDA loans require a one-time upfront guarantee fee, which may be financed into the loan, and an annual guarantee fee paid monthly; these increase your loan cost.
Rates, APRs, and terms vary by credit profile, loan-to-value, property type, and program guidelines and are not guaranteed. Not a commitment to lend.
House of Mortgage is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.