USDA Loans

Zero down. More homes qualify than you think.

USDA loans are government-backed mortgages designed for buyers purchasing in rural and suburban areas. Zero down payment, competitive rates, and a surprisingly wide eligibility map — many homes in suburban Texas, Louisiana, and Florida qualify.

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USDA Loans, Explained

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What is a USDA loan?

A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. Despite the name, "rural" is broadly defined — many suburban neighborhoods qualify. If you're buying in an eligible area, USDA can offer some of the best terms available.

Who it's for

Is USDA a fit for you?

Buyers in eligible rural & suburban areas

Many DFW exurbs, smaller Texas/LA/FL cities, and suburban communities qualify.

Buyers with limited down payment funds

Zero down means no savings barrier.

Low-to-moderate income households

USDA has income limits, but they're more generous than people expect.

First-time & repeat buyers

Both qualify — it's not a first-time-only program.

Key benefits

Why buyers choose USDA.

Zero down payment

100% financing available.

Lower mortgage insurance

USDA's guarantee fee is lower than FHA's MIP.

Competitive interest rates

Often comparable to or better than conventional.

Flexible credit acceptance

Credit scores typically 620+ qualify; some programs work below that.

Generous eligibility maps

Many "rural" areas are actually suburban — surprisingly large parts of the DFW metroplex, Houston suburbs, and Florida exurbs qualify.

Common questions

USDA loan FAQs.

Is my area eligible for USDA?

More areas qualify than most people expect — "rural" is defined broadly, so plenty of suburban neighborhoods make the cut, including large parts of the DFW exurbs, Houston suburbs, and Florida communities. Eligibility is by specific address, so the fastest answer is to send us the address (or one you're considering) and we'll check it in minutes.

Are there income limits for USDA?

Yes — USDA is designed for low-to-moderate income households, so there are limits based on your county and household size. The good news is they're more generous than people assume, and certain deductions can help. We'll run your numbers against the limit for your area and tell you where you land.

Can I use USDA for any home?

Two things have to line up: the property has to be in a USDA-eligible area, and it has to be your primary residence (no investment properties or vacation homes). Most standard single-family homes in eligible areas work. We'll confirm both the address and the property type before you fall in love with a house.

What's the catch with USDA?

The main trade-offs are the eligibility limits — the property has to be in an approved area and your income has to fit under the cap. There's also a small upfront guarantee fee and a modest annual fee, though both are lower than FHA's mortgage insurance. For buyers who qualify, USDA is often the best deal on the board.

How long does USDA take to close?

USDA purchases usually close in a similar window to other loans, with one wrinkle: the file gets a final review by USDA's Rural Development office, which can add a little time depending on their workload. We build that into the timeline up front and keep things moving so it's not a surprise.

See all Frequently Asked Questions →

Could USDA work for you?

In 15 minutes, we'll check your address, run your income, and tell you exactly what's possible.

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