What is a USDA home loan?

A USDA loan must be used to purchase a property in a designated rural area. For many, this means foregoing the hustle and bustle of city life in order to relax in more rural settings and be surrounded by the natural beauty of rural America. If you don’t want to go that route, the USDA’s broad definition of “rural” includes various suburban locations in or near major cities. Contrary to popular assumption, you don’t have to work in the agricultural field to get a USDA loan. Eligibility is generally determined by your household size, geography, and income. However, because down payments on USDA loans are typically lower than those on regular mortgages, borrowers must normally pay an upfront mortgage insurance fee of 1% of the loan amount and a monthly fee of .35%

Also, the USDA does not directly offer most USDA loans. Instead, they are available as mortgages from established lenders like banks. The USDA, on the other hand, backs these loans. This means that if the borrower defaults, the federal government will cover a portion of the mortgage. As a result, lenders are more willing to relax the conditions for obtaining a USDA loan rather than a traditional mortgage. Since 2007, USDA loans have been a part of the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program. However, USDA loans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

How to qualify for a USDA loan?

To qualify for a USDA loan, applicants must meet the USDA’s basic eligibility requirements, which include credit, income, property usage, and residence location. Every aspect contributes to the USDA’s goal of providing safe and hygienic housing for low and moderate income households.

Here is how to qualify for a USDA loan:

1. Citizenship in the United States or status as a legal permanent resident in the United States (i.e. U.S. non-citizen national or qualified alien)
2. Creditworthiness is often demonstrated by a credit score of at least 640.
3. Having a steady and reliable source of income.
4. A willingness to repay the loan, usually 12 months of on-time payments and no collections.
5. The adjusted household income is equal to or less than 115 percent of the median household income in the area.
6. The property is used as a principal dwelling and is situated in a rural area that qualifies.

In addition to those established by the USDA’s Rural Development program, Lenders may have their own internal standards and restrictions.

USDA property requirements 2022

The home must be structurally solid, operationally adequate, and in good condition, according to the USDA. A certified Appraiser will make an assessment of the home and certify that it fulfils the current minimum property requirements set forth in HUD’s Single Family Housing Policy Handbook, to ensure it is in excellent repair.

Here are USDA property requirements 2022:

1. Property access: The property should have easy access from a paved or all-weather road surface.
2. Structurally sound: For the duration of the mortgage, the foundation and home must be structurally sound.
3. Roof that is adequate: The roof must prevent moisture from entering and offer a suitable minimum economic life.
4. Heating and cooling systems will be evaluated for functionality, regardless of design, fuel, or heat source. Although central air is not necessary, it must be operable if it is installed.
5. Electrical system is sound: The home’s electrical system must be functional and up to date, with no frayed or exposed wire. For the size of the house, the electrical system must also be capable of supporting conventional operations and equipment.
6. Plumbing and water flow is sound: For garbage removal, the home must have working plumbing and sufficient water pressure.

USDA loans have a different assessment procedure than other loan types in that the Appraiser is responsible for ensuring that the property meets all USDA standards as well as evaluating the property’s fair market value. Remember that appraisals are not as comprehensive as a house inspection.

How to qualify for a USDA loan

Income limits to qualify for a USDA loan vary by location and depend on household size. To find the loan guarantee income limit for the county where you live, consult this USDA map and table.

Here is how to qualify for a USDA loan:

• Citizenship in the United States (or permanent residency).

• A monthly mortgage payment that is 29 percent or less of your monthly income, including principle, interest, insurance, and taxes. Other monthly loan payments cannot exceed 43% of your gross income. If your credit score is above 680, the USDA will consider greater debt ratios.

• A stable source of income for at least 24 months.

• A good credit history is required, as well as the absence of any accounts that have been converted to collections in the last 12 months. You may still qualify if you can show that your credit was harmed by circumstances that were transitory or beyond your control, such as a medical emergency.

• Applicants with credit scores of 680 or higher receive streamlined processing. Those with scores below that must meet more stringent underwriting standards. And those without a credit score, or a limited credit history, can qualify with “non-traditional” credit references, such as rental and utility payment histories.

Benefits of USDA Rural Development loan

The USDA loan is one of the most advantageous programs for homeowners who want to live outside of densely populated areas.The USDA loan, which is designed to help rural and suburban Americans accomplish their dream of homeownership, comes with a lot of incentives that make homeownership possible for those who might not otherwise be eligible for conventional home loans. USDA loans have a variety of advantages over other types of mortgages, primarily because the USDA insures all loans. This allows Lenders to take on more risk and provide better loan terms to homebuyers.

Here are the Benefits of USDA Rural Development loan:

1. No down payment – Of the many advantages, the most cited is the ability to obtain 100 percent financing without having to spend years saving for a down payment. Along with VA loans, this government-backed loan option is one of the last remaining $0 down  mortgage options available.
2. Competitive interest rates: Due to the USDA guarantee, Lenders are able to offer some of the lowest interest rates on the market. While actual rates will vary by Lender due to other contributing factors, know that your credit profile and current market conditions play a vital role in your mortgage rate.
3. Low monthly mortgage insurance: With a conventional loan, Lenders require you to pay “private mortgage insurance” (PMI) if you don’t come up with a 20 percent down payment. FHA loans also have high annual mortgage insurance fees. USDA loans, on the other hand, don’t have PMI. Instead the USDA uses two fees: an upfront guarantee fee that is paid once when you close on the loan, and an annual fee, which gets lumped into your monthly mortgage payment. The upfront fee is 1 percent of the total financed amount, while the annual fee is 0.35 percent of the loan’s current balance.
4. USDA loans have the lowest funding fee of all government-backed loan products.
5. Flexible credit guidelines: Most conventional Lenders look for a credit score of at least 640, however you’ll need something closer to 720 to qualify for the lowest interest rates. Luckily, there is no minimum credit score for USDA loans, however you need a score of 640 or higher to qualify to use the USDA’s automated underwriting system. Borrowers with lower credit scores can still qualify for USDA loans using manual underwriting.
6. Millions are eligible: The vast majority of the United States falls within what the USDA considers an eligible, rural area. While the goal is to boost population in non-urban areas, the USDA’s definition of rural areas casts a broad net. In fact, a “rural” area is defined as any area with a population of less than 35,000 people. That means that an estimated 97 percent of the country could qualify for a USDA loan.

US eligibility map for USDA loan

USDA eligibility maps show you which areas have properties that might be eligible for a USDA loan. These geographic charts, often known as USDA home loan maps, USDA property eligibility maps, USDA mortgage maps, or USDA loan maps, allow you to check for eligibility of preferred parcels before diving too deep into the research process. These maps are mostly based on the population of the area and may be updated annually.
It’s simple to use a USDA loan eligibility map. Go to the USDA’s interactive map first. Then type in the address of a property you’re considering purchasing.
A thumbtack will appear on the screen, allowing you to mark the location and obtain a quick response as to whether the property is in an eligible region. Areas that are ineligible will be coloured in red. You may see qualifying places nearby depending on where you’re searching. If the parcel appears to be on the border of an eligible and ineligible area, you should seek clarification from the USDA Rural Development office.

Please keep in mind that the USDA property eligibility map is merely a guide and does not guarantee accuracy. You must apply for a mortgage in order to confirm that your selected property qualifies for the lending program.

USDA home loan FAQs

What is the USDA loan guarantee?

When the USDA loan is described as guaranteed, it refers to the fact that the USDA insures a portion of each loan in the event that the borrower defaults on their mortgage. This assurance offers Lenders more trust in homebuyers, allowing them to offer more attractive rates and terms.

How much are the closing costs for a USDA mortgage?

Closing expenses differ depending on the Lender and the region. It is feasible to use gift monies to pay for closing expenses with USDA loans. To accompany your loan application you’ll need to get a gift letter from your Loan Officer and present proof of transfer.

What refinance options does the USDA loan offer?

Current USDA borrowers have three refinancing options: USDA streamline, streamline-assist, and non-streamlined refinance. A cash-back option is not available from the USDA. Here’s where you can learn more about USDA loan refinancing.

Do USDA home loans have PMI?

USDA loans carry a one-time upfront fee of 1% of the loan amount, known as the USDA guarantee fee. Furthermore, the USDA charges an annual fee of only.35 percent of the loan amount, which is integrated into the monthly payments. USDA homebuyers can incorporate the 1% guarantee fee into the total loan amount, therefore making it a true $0 down loan.

What does the USDA require for employment eligibility?

If you’re still working, you’ll need to establish employment in order to qualify for a USDA loan, and most Greenville mortgage  lenders will want at least two years of consistent employment. You can apply if you are self-employed, but you will need to present two years of federal tax returns to prove your income. Retirees who have a steady source of income may be eligible for a USDA loan.

Can you have two USDA loans at the same time?

Buyers cannot have two USDA loans at the same time because the USDA does not allow them to possess another property backed by a previous USDA credit. USDA loans can only be utilized for primary residences.

Do USDA loans require mortgage insurance?

If a Lender enables a Borrower to purchase a home with a minimal down payment, the Lender will usually ask the Borrower to pay for mortgage insurance to protect their loan. This is because the Lender’s risk is higher when you make a lower down payment than if you put down at least 20%. Mortgage insurance helps to mitigate this risk for the Lender.

Mortgage insurance on traditional (non-government-backed) loans is referred to as private mortgage insurance (PMI). No, USDA loans do not require PMI; PMI is only required on conventional loans with less than 20% equity in the home.

Mortgage insurance may be available through other lending programs. Mortgage insurance is referred to as a mortgage insurance premium on FHA loans (MIP). On all FHA loans, MIP is needed and includes both an upfront and annual premium. If you put down less than 10%, you’ll have to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. If you put down 10% or more, you’ll have to pay it off in 11 years.

USDA loans are an extraordinarily economical choice for property buyers in qualified rural and suburban areas, with no down payment and relatively low overall costs compared to other mortgage types.

Why would USDA deny a loan?

Unverifiable income, unreported debt, or simply having too much household income for your location can all lead to a loan being declined. Consult a USDA loan specialist to gain a comprehensive picture of your income and debt status, as well as what you might qualify for. 

Every prospective purchaser has a unique situation. Borrowers must follow both the USDA’s and individual Lenders’ standards. While the government backs these loans, there are still guidelines that you borrower must meet. There are many reasons that can lead to a loan refusal, whether your loan file is moving through the USDA’s automated underwriting system or being individually underwritten.

Here are some of the reason why the USDA deny a loan:

1. Income and debt problems: Unverifiable income, unreported debt, or simply having too much household income for your location can all lead to a loan being declined. Consult a USDA loan specialist to gain a comprehensive picture of your income and debt status, as well as what you might qualify for.
2. Change in employment. It can be a red flag if you lost your job or changed jobs in the middle of the application process. Because the USDA requires that you have a steady source of income, you may no longer be eligible if you’ve lost your work or been laid off. However, because USDA loans have maximum income criteria, if you have a wonderful new job with a terrific new paycheck, you may now be making too much money to qualify.
3. Change in credit score. To begin the procedure, you’ll need to meet a Lender’s credit score requirement. However, making modifications to your credit profile after you’ve started can cause issues. If you’ve had invoices sent to collections, obtained a lot of new lines of credit, or done anything else that has a negative impact on your credit score, your application may be declined.
4. Change in debt-to-income ratio. Buying a lot of new furniture on credit for your new home? During the lending process, this is a no-no. If you’ve taken on new debt for any reason, whether it’s for a new automobile, a personal loan, or simply charging a lot on your credit card, you can be denied.
5. The house you want isn’t USDA eligible. Buyers must purchase homes in rural areas that meet certain criteria. The majority of the country meets this description, although some areas are not eligible for USDA-backed mortgages. To make sure you’re looking at residences that are qualified, see a loan consultant at the start of your home search.
6. Appraisal problems. You must have the property you’re buying appraised in order to be approved for a USDA loan. In contrast to a traditional loan, a USDA Appraiser will check to see if the house fits some broad property condition requirements before determining its worth.

How long does it take to get a USDA loan approved?

Depending on the qualifying circumstances, the USDA loan application procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. Here’s where you can see if you’re eligible for a USDA loan.While the USDA loan application process is similar to those of other loan programs, the precise timeline will depend on your financial circumstances, credit score, and property choice.It can take up to a week for the USDA to complete the initial appraisal. If repairs are required, a second appraisal may be required, which could cause your loan to be delayed.

Furthermore, if you do not qualify for Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS), the USDA will have to manually underwrite your loan application, which could take longer because of the additional documentation required. Depending on the qualifying circumstances, the USDA loan application procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days.  Keep in mind, once your Lender approves the loan, it must be sent to USDA for the final approval.  This usually adds a week or two to the process, depending on the workload of the USDA.

What is the USDA income limit 2021?

For 1-4 person households, the current regular USDA loan income ceiling is $91,900, up from $90,300 in 2020. The limit for 5-8-person households is $121,300 in 2021, up from $119,200 in 2018. To account for the cost of living, USDA loan restrictions by county may be greater.  Keep in mind, the income limits vary by county so make sure you speak with a loan officer or look on the USDA website for more specific income limits.

What credit score do I need for a USDA loan?

Although the USDA has no set credit score criteria, most lenders who offer USDA-guaranteed mortgages do, and 640 is the minimum credit score required to qualify for automatic approval through the USDA’s automated loan underwriting system.  However, the automated underwriting system will review the overall credit profile of the borrower and will ultimately determine the required score for approval.

Is it hard to get a USDA loan?

The USDA home loan is available to borrowers who meet income and credit eligibility requirements. Qualification is easier than for many other loan types, since the loan doesn’t require a down payment or a high credit score.

Is USDA for first time home buyers?

USDA loans are available to both first-time and repeat home buyers. Even though the loan comes with low mortgage rates, no down payment, and low mortgage insurance costs, fewer than 5% of mortgages are USDA loans.

What is Max income for USDA loan?

Maximum allowable income is determined by county and the number of members in the household. Make sure you check your county limits on the USDA website. Keep in mind, the total income is based on the household income, even if the spouse is not on the loan.

What is the minimum income for a USDA loan?

USDA eligibility for a 1-4 member household requires annual household income to not exceed $91,900 in most areas of the country, and annual household income for a 5-8 member household to not exceed $121,300 for most areas.