USDA home loans · Small towns and suburbs
Make your home outside the city, with a loan built for it.
USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas, for households within the area’s income limits. Many eligible places are small towns and suburbs, not farmland.
What to know.
The essentials, in plain English.
- Easier on your savings
- USDA loans are designed for buyers with modest savings, so a small savings account doesn’t have to keep you renting.
- Fees that often cost less than FHA’s
- USDA’s upfront and annual guarantee fees take the place of mortgage insurance, often cost less than FHA’s, and the upfront fee can usually be added to the loan.
- More places than you’d think
- Eligible areas include many small towns and suburbs, not only farmland.
- The address checked first
- Your loan officer checks the address and your household’s income limit before you make an offer, so you shop where USDA works.
What happens after you press the button.
- Your loan officer reaches out
- Christine reads what you send personally and gets in touch to talk it through.
- What you’ll talk about
- Where you want to live and who earns in your household, so the address and the income limit can be checked.
- What to have handy
- The area or address you’re considering, and a rough idea of your household’s income.
Who it fits
Buyers with moderate household income who want to live in an eligible area.
- First-time and repeat buyers
- Households within the area’s income limit
- Buyers purchasing a home to live in
- Buyers looking in eligible small towns and suburbs
What you’ll need
Your loan officer confirms the list for your household.
- Income documents for everyone in the household who earns
- Recent pay stubs, W-2s and tax returns
- Bank statements
- The address or area you’re considering
Common questions
How do I know if a home is eligible?
USDA publishes a map of eligible areas, and your loan officer can check any address for you.
Is a USDA loan only for farms?
No. It is for homes to live in, and many eligible areas are small towns and suburbs.
USDA or FHA: which is right for me?
In an eligible area and within the income limit, USDA can ask for less down, and its fees often cost less than FHA’s mortgage insurance. FHA works anywhere and has no income limit. Compare both, with the full terms of each.
What are the income limits?
USDA sets a limit for each area by household size, and it counts the income of everyone in the household. Your loan officer can check the limit where you’re looking.
What is the USDA guarantee fee?
It takes the place of mortgage insurance: an upfront fee, which can usually be added to the loan, and an annual fee paid monthly.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
No. USDA loans are for buyers who will live in the home, and you usually can’t already own a suitable home nearby.
What credit do I need?
USDA doesn’t fix one score for every borrower, and lenders set their own guidelines. Your loan officer looks at your credit, income and debts together.
Will checking my options affect my credit?
Answering a few questions doesn’t check your credit. A credit check comes later, only with your permission, and your loan officer can explain how it may affect your score.
What if I don’t qualify?
If the area or your income falls outside USDA’s limits, your loan officer can show you FHA, conventional or down payment help instead.
What does a USDA loan cost?
Closing costs plus USDA’s upfront and annual guarantee fees. Your Loan Estimate lists every cost before you commit.
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Arlington families,
in their own words.
“I had the best experience with Christine, she was very knowledgeable, guided my family and I through the process of home purchase and made sure that all our paperwork were in order. She was also great in keeping us updated with the process.”
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uwimana zaituni
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Bankole Adedayo
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Uwineza Espe
“Christine Amoah is amazing! As a first-time buyer I had a lot of questions and she made everything so simple and stress-free. She was responsive, patient, and fought to get me the best rate. Communication was 10/10 - I never had to wonder what was happening.”
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“Thank you, Christine, for your great service and cooperation. You have always been ready to answer our questions, provide helpful guidance, and share valuable advice throughout the process. We truly appreciate your support and dedication.”
Alexis
Find your place outside the city,
with the right loan behind it.
Pick the area, and Christine checks it with you, address by address.
(972) 900-6464