The $0-Down Secret · Everyone Welcome
USDA Home Loans
The other $0-down mortgage. USDA Rural Development loans offer no down payment and competitive fixed rates in eligible areas — and 'rural' covers far more of America than the name suggests, including much of the suburban ring around most metros.
$0
Minimum Down
USDA-Eligible Areas
Where
Yes (by county)
Income Limits
Competitive Fixed
Rate Profile
How USDA loans work
USDA guarantees loans in designated areas to encourage homeownership outside dense urban cores. Two tests decide eligibility: the property must sit in a USDA-eligible area (we check the exact address in seconds), and household income must fall under the county limit — set generously enough that most working families qualify.
There's a modest upfront guarantee fee (financeable) and a small annual fee — both typically cheaper than FHA's insurance. Combined with $0 down, USDA frequently produces the lowest cash-to-close of any program for eligible buyers.
Straight Answers
USDA Loans: what buyers ask
How do I know if a property is USDA-eligible?
Address lookup takes us under a minute — eligibility maps are drawn around census areas, and the eligible zone starts closer to town than most buyers expect.
What are the income limits?
They vary by county and household size, and they're set at moderate-income levels — many dual-income households qualify. We check your exact county in the first conversation.
Is USDA only for farms?
No — it's for ordinary homes in eligible areas. No farm, no acreage requirement; standard single-family homes in eligible suburbs and towns are the typical purchase.
USDA vs FHA — which is cheaper?
For eligible buyers, USDA usually wins: $0 down vs 3.5%, and lower insurance costs. FHA wins when the property or income falls outside USDA's rules. We price both when you're near the line.
Can veterans use USDA?
Sure — though if you have VA entitlement, the VA loan usually beats it (no income caps, no geographic limits). We compare them honestly; that comparison is kind of our specialty.
Compare
Other programs worth pricing
The Everyday Workhorse
Conventional Loans
The Accessible Path
FHA Loans
Above the Limit
Jumbo Loans
Same Home, Better Terms
Rate & Term Refinance
Serving in the military, or served? The VA loan is our specialty — $0 down, no PMI, and usually unbeatable if you qualify.