USDA Loans
USDA loans are low-interest mortgages with zero down payments designed for low-income Americans who don't have good enough credit to qualify for traditional mortgages. You must use a USDA loan to buy a home in a designated area that covers several rural and suburban locations.
A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage designed to help low-to-moderate-income buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. USDA loans are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and it offers zero-down-payment financing, below-market interest rates, and no requirement for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
To qualify, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Location: The property must be located in an eligible rural or suburban area recognized by the USDA. You can verify property eligibility on the USDA income and Property Eligibility Site.
- Income Limits: Household income must generally not exceed 115% of the area's median income.
- Credit Requirements: While USDA does not set a strict minimum credit score, automated approvals usually require a minimum credit score of around 620 to 640.