Purchase
USDA — $0 down, where you'd least expect it.
USDA Rural Development loans aren't just for farmland — many suburban areas qualify. If your property and household income are eligible, you can buy with no down payment.
How to know if you qualify
Two main checks: the home's address must be in a USDA-eligible area, and your household income must fall within the cap for that county and family size. Send us the address and your income and we'll confirm in minutes.
Highlights
What you should know
$0 down
Eligible buyers can finance 100% of the purchase price.
Income limits
USDA loans have household income caps that vary by county and family size.
Property eligibility
More areas qualify than most buyers expect — we'll check the specific address.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a USDA loan?
A USDA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. It offers $0 down financing for eligible properties in qualifying rural and many suburban areas, with income limits based on county and household size.
Are USDA loans only for rural areas?
No — many suburban areas qualify as well. USDA's eligibility map includes a surprising number of properties just outside major metro areas, including parts of the greater Charlotte region. Send us the address and we'll confirm eligibility in minutes.
Who qualifies for a USDA loan?
Two main checks have to pass: the property must be in a USDA-eligible location, and your household income must fall within the cap for that county and family size. Credit, debt-to-income, and primary-residence requirements also apply.
What is the income limit for a USDA loan?
USDA Guaranteed loan income limits vary by county and household size. For most areas the limit is set at 115% of the area median income. We can pull the exact current limit for your county once you tell us where you're looking to buy.
Do USDA loans require a down payment?
No. Eligible USDA borrowers can finance 100% of the purchase price. There's an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee paid monthly, but no down payment is required.
What credit score do I need for a USDA loan?
Most USDA lenders look for a credit score of 640 or higher for streamlined automated underwriting. Lower scores may still qualify with manual underwriting and additional documentation.
Can I use a USDA loan to refinance?
Yes. USDA offers streamlined refinance options for existing USDA borrowers, including the Streamlined-Assist refinance program, which often requires no new appraisal or credit review.
Talk it through with our team.
Five minutes on the phone, or a few questions online. No pressure, no credit pull required.