More home, more land, $0 down.
USDA loans help 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 Savvy team guiding the way.
Rural & suburban homeownership
What is a USDA home 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 up to 100% of the home's purchase price — no down payment required — with competitive fixed rates and guarantee fees that are often lower than the mortgage insurance on comparable programs.
Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; issued by approved private lenders.
$0 down payment for qualifying borrowers — up to 100% financing.
For homes in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas.
Household income limits apply, set by county and household size.
Primary residences only; guarantee fees apply instead of PMI.
Why buyers choose a USDA loan.
One of the most affordable paths to homeownership — if your home and household qualify. Your advisor checks both in minutes.No down payment required
Qualifying borrowers can finance 100% of the purchase price, turning years of saving into a much shorter runway.
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, USDA loans carry guarantee fees that are generally lower than conventional or FHA mortgage insurance.
Flexible credit consideration
Borrowers with limited credit history may still qualify; stability and ability to repay matter alongside the score.
Types of USDA loans.
The USDA program family covers buying, refinancing, and improving rural homes. Availability varies by scenario.
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, in many cases, no appraisal.
USDA Repair & Renovation Options
Programs that help eligible homeowners repair, renovate, or upgrade a rural home.
USDA Construction-to-Permanent
Finance land and home construction together in a single loan, with one closing.
What it takes to qualify.
USDA eligibility runs on three tracks: you, your income, and the property. Here is the honest breakdown.
Location eligibility
The home must be in a USDA-designated rural or suburban area. More areas qualify than most buyers expect — we check the address for you.
Income limits
Household income must fall within county-specific USDA limits, generally up to 115% of the area median income.
Occupancy
Primary residences only — investment properties and vacation homes do not qualify.
Credit & financial review
A credit score around 620 or above is typical, though USDA guidelines also weigh stability and ability to repay.
Debt-to-income (DTI)
Generally around 41% or lower, with exceptions possible for strong compensating factors.
Guarantee fees
Instead of PMI: a one-time upfront guarantee fee (which may be financed into the loan) plus a modest annual fee paid monthly.
How to apply for a USDA loan.
Eligibility first, then a clear path to closing. Closing timelines vary by loan and transaction.Check your options
Share your financial basics for an initial read on affordability. Soft credit pull only to start.
Confirm eligibility
We check the property address against the USDA eligibility map and your household income against county limits.
Get pre-approved
Provide income documents, tax returns, and bank statements through our secure portal for verification.
Underwriting & appraisal
We review your full file and order the USDA appraisal, keeping you posted in your dashboard.
Close & move in
Sign digitally and get the keys, with your team handling the paperwork.
Think your area might qualify? It just might.
USDA-eligible areas cover more of the map than most buyers expect. Check your address and your options with no hard credit pull.
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about usda loans.
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. Eligibility, rates, APRs, and terms vary by individual scenario and are not guaranteed. Savvy Mortgage is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any government agency. Not a commitment to lend.