No down payment outside the metro.
USDA Rural Development financing for buyers in eligible suburban and rural areas — which covers a lot more of the map than the name implies. Income limits apply, but if the address and the file both qualify, this is one of the best deals in housing.
“Rural” covers more than you’d think
USDA eligibility maps are drawn around census data, not how a place feels. Large stretches of exurban Texas — and plenty of towns within commuting distance of Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio — qualify. The fastest way to find out is to check the actual address, which we do before anything else on a USDA file.
If the address qualifies, USDA offers true 100% financing: no down payment, with a guarantee fee structure that runs cheaper than FHA mortgage insurance. For an eligible buyer in an eligible area, it routinely beats both FHA and low-down conventional on total monthly cost.
The two gates: address and income
USDA has a household income cap of roughly 115% of the area median — and it counts the income of every adult in the household, not just the borrowers on the loan. The loan must also be for a primary residence on a 30-year fixed term; there are no ARM, second-home, or investor variants.
Both gates are checkable in minutes. Send us the address and a rough household income figure, and we’ll tell you up front whether USDA is on the table or whether FHA or conventional is the better path — before anyone fills out an application.
USDA Loans: common questions
How do I know if a property is USDA-eligible?
The USDA publishes an address-lookup map, and we check it as the first step of every USDA file. Eligibility follows census boundaries, so one side of a road can qualify while the other doesn’t — always check the specific address.
What are the income limits for a USDA loan?
Roughly 115% of the area median income, adjusted for household size — and it counts total household income, including adults not on the loan. Limits vary by county; we’ll look up the exact figure for your area.
Is USDA cheaper than FHA?
Usually, yes. USDA’s upfront guarantee fee and annual fee both run below FHA’s premiums, and there’s no down payment requirement. When a buyer qualifies for both, USDA typically wins on monthly cost.
Can I buy an investment property or second home with USDA?
No — USDA financing is strictly for primary residences in eligible areas. For investment properties, look at conventional or DSCR financing instead.
Send us the scenario. We'll tell you if USDA is the right fit — and what it prices at.
No SSN, no credit pull. A licensed broker reviews the scenario and replies by the next business day.
Program features described above are general descriptions of loan programs offered by third-party lenders and are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, income and asset verification, property appraisal, and program eligibility requirements. Not all applicants will qualify. Verified Home LLC is a mortgage broker, not a lender, and arranges loans with third-party providers. NMLS #2693996. Equal Housing Opportunity.