USDA loans for rural and suburban homes with 0% down for eligible buyers.
USDA loans are built to help low-to-moderate income buyers purchase a primary home in qualifying rural and certain suburban areas with little or no money down. We'll help you confirm whether you and the property meet the guidelines and what your payment could look like.
Not sure if your area qualifies? Start with a quick form or a short call—no obligation.
See your USDA loan options
Share a few basics and we’ll help you check USDA eligibility and outline payment scenarios.
What is a USDA home loan?
A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage program that helps eligible buyers purchase a primary home in designated rural and certain suburban areas, often with no required down payment.
Because the program is backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, lenders can offer more flexible options—like 0% down and competitive fixed rates—for buyers who meet income, location, and underwriting guidelines.
Key USDA features
- Up to 100% financing for eligible buyers
- Fixed-rate options to keep payments predictable
- Designed for low-to-moderate income households within local limits
- Focused on primary residences in qualifying rural and suburban areas
Who USDA is built for
- Buyers who meet income guidelines for their county and household size
- Those looking to purchase a primary residence, not a second home or rental
- Homebuyers who want to minimize upfront cash at closing
Basic USDA eligibility
USDA guidelines look at both your household and the property. Here are the big pieces we help you review.
Buyer & income
- Household income within USDA limits for your area and family size
- Stable employment and ability to manage monthly payments
- Debt-to-income (DTI) in an acceptable range, with room for other obligations
- Credit history that shows a pattern of repayment
Property & location
- Home is located in a USDA-eligible rural or qualifying suburban area
- Property will be used as your primary residence (no investment or vacation home)
- The home meets basic safety and quality standards set by the program
USDA vs FHA vs conventional
USDA is one of several low-down-payment paths. Here's how it compares at a high level.
USDA
- 0% down for eligible buyers and eligible areas
- Income limits and location maps apply
- Primary residence only
- Uses a guarantee fee instead of traditional private mortgage insurance
FHA
- Minimum 3.5% down with qualifying credit
- No geographic restrictions
- Government-backed for a wide range of credit profiles, including lower scores
- Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance as part of the payment
Conventional
- As little as 3–5% down for eligible buyers
- No income or rural-eligibility maps
- Private mortgage insurance (PMI) if under 20% down, which can be removed later with enough equity
- Often a good fit for higher credit scores or stronger down-payment options
How WeLoan guides your USDA process
From “could I qualify?” to closing, we keep your USDA path clear and structured.
1. Quick USDA check
We start with your basic info—income, area, and goals—to see whether USDA is likely to be a strong option and what other programs you might compare it against.
2. Application & documents
You complete a secure application and upload documents so our team can verify income, assets, and credit in line with USDA guidelines.
3. Property & eligibility review
Once you have a home in mind, we confirm that it's in an eligible area and meets program requirements, then move through underwriting.
4. Clear to close
After conditions are satisfied, we lock in your final terms, review numbers with you, and guide you through closing so you know exactly what to expect.
USDA loan FAQs
Do USDA loans really allow 0% down?
For buyers and properties that meet USDA guidelines, the program can allow up to 100% financing. You’ll still have closing costs, but those may be covered with seller or lender credits depending on the structure of your loan and purchase contract.
How do I know if a property is in a USDA-eligible area?
USDA maintains an official map of eligible rural and qualifying suburban areas. Instead of making you figure it out alone, we’ll help you check specific addresses and talk through what’s likely to qualify.
Are USDA loans only for first-time buyers?
No. USDA loans are focused on income, location, and the property being your primary residence. You don’t have to be a first-time buyer, but you do need to meet the program’s household and property guidelines.
What kind of credit profile do I need?
There’s no single universal number that fits every scenario, but lenders generally look for a history that shows a pattern of on-time payments and manageable obligations. We’ll review your credit and help you understand whether USDA or another loan type is likely the better fit.
Ready to see if USDA is a fit for you?
Whether you've already found a home or you're just starting to explore rural and suburban areas, we'll help you compare USDA, FHA, and conventional options so you can move forward with a clear plan.
Exploring other programs too? You can also review FHA loans, conventional purchase, down payment assistance, jumbo loans, and VA loans.