USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and built to help people buy homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. The name makes people think "farmland," but the eligible map actually includes a surprising number of small towns and suburbs outside major cities.
The headline benefit is $0 down for qualifying borrowers. There are also income limits (USDA loans are meant for low-to-moderate income buyers) and the property has to be in an eligible area, which we can check for you in about five minutes.
Like FHA loans, USDA loans carry a guarantee fee (upfront and annual), but for the right buyer in the right location, skipping the down payment entirely can be a bigger deal than that added cost.
Get StartedCommon Questions
Does the property have to be a working farm?
No. "Rural" in USDA terms includes many suburbs and small towns, not just farmland. We can check whether your target area qualifies.
Is there an income limit?
Yes, USDA loans are designed for low-to-moderate income borrowers, and the limit varies by area and household size.
Other Loan Programs
No Down Payment for Military Families
FHA LoanEasier to Qualify For
Conventional LoanThe Standard Option
Jumbo LoanFor Higher-Priced Homes
RefinancingTrade In Your Current Loan
Commercial LoanFinancing for Buildings That Make Money
Construction LoanFinancing to Build, Not Just Buy
Land LoanFinancing for Land, Not Just Homes
Doctor LoanBuilt for Big Student Debt and Bigger Potential
Renovation LoanBuy the Fixer-Upper and Fund the Fix
DSCR LoanQualify on the Property, Not Your Paycheck
Asset Depletion LoanLet Your Savings Do the Talking
Fix & Flip LoanMove Fast on the Next Flip
HELOCA Credit Line Backed by Your Home
Manufactured Home LoanFinancing Built for Manufactured Housing
Second Home LoanFinancing for the Place You Escape To
Multi-Family LoanLive in One Unit, Rent Out the Rest
Non-Warrantable Condo LoanWhen the Condo Doesn't Fit the Standard Box
Reverse MortgageTurn Home Equity Into Income, Without a Monthly Payment
Foreign National LoanFinancing for Buyers Without U.S. Credit History
ITIN LoanHomeownership Without a Social Security Number
Bank Statement LoanWhen Your Tax Return Doesn't Show Your Real Income
This is general information, not a commitment to lend. Rates, terms, and eligibility vary by lender and are subject to underwriting guidelines. East Coast Mortgage is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #2354674.