Zero down payment in eligible areas.
USDA loans aren't just for farms. A surprising number of Minnesota suburbs and small towns qualify. If yours does, you can buy with no down payment at all.
No SSN required. Zero impact to credit. Your information is never sold.
Affordable homeownership with no down payment
A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage through the USDA's Rural Development program, offering 100% financing, meaning no down payment, plus competitive rates and flexible credit guidelines in eligible areas.
Despite the name, many suburban communities and small towns qualify as "rural" under USDA guidelines. Roughly 97% of U.S. land mass is eligible, covering areas where about a third of Americans live. The map is more generous than you'd guess.
- ✓ Zero down payment that preserves your savings
- ✓ Lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA
- ✓ Competitive rates, often below conventional
- ✓ Flexible credit requirements designed for working families
The USDA loans process
Four steps, explained in plain English at every one.
Check eligibility
Verify the property location on the USDA map and confirm your household income fits the area limits.
Pre-qualify
Understand your buying power with a USDA-approved lender.
Apply
House hunt in eligible areas, make your offer, and submit for USDA review.
Close
Complete the appraisal and USDA approval, then close with zero down.
No credit pull. No obligation.
USDA qualification, in plain English
The property must be in a USDA-eligible area, household income can't exceed 115% of the area median, and you'll typically want a 640+ credit score for streamlined processing, a DTI around 41% or lower, and about two years of stable employment. The home must be your primary residence, subject to credit approval.
One quirk worth knowing: USDA counts the income of all adult household members, even those not on the loan. Ky can check a specific address and your household numbers in minutes.
USDA Loan Qualifier
Check your eligibility in one minute. No SSN, no credit pull, no pressure.
Takes about a minute.
Why USDA is worth checking first
No down payment
100% financing keeps your savings for furniture, improvements, and emergencies.
Lower insurance costs
USDA guarantee fees typically run below FHA mortgage insurance premiums.
Competitive rates
Government backing often means rates below conventional for qualified borrowers.
Flexible credit
May qualify with scores that don't meet conventional standards.
Seller concessions
Sellers can contribute up to 6% toward closing costs.
Surprisingly broad map
Many Minnesota suburbs and towns qualify, so check before assuming.
Common questions about USDA loans
Have one that's not here? Just reach out.
Do I have to live on a farm or in the country?
No. Eligible areas include many suburban communities and towns. The USDA map may surprise you, including areas near cities.
Can I use a USDA loan more than once?
Yes, but only one at a time. Sell your current USDA-financed home and you can use the program again in an eligible area.
What if I'm over the income limit?
Look at FHA or conventional. Some conventional programs offer low or no down payment with higher income tolerance than USDA.
Does non-borrower household income count?
Yes. USDA counts income from all adult household members 18 and older, even if they're not on the loan.
Can I buy a fixer-upper with a USDA loan?
The home must be safe, sound, and sanitary at closing. Minor repairs can be included; for major renovation work, FHA 203(k) is usually the better tool.
How long does USDA approval take?
Conditional commitment typically takes 2-3 weeks with final approval another 1-2, so plan on roughly 45-60 days from application to closing.
Your town might qualify. Let's check.
A one-minute eligibility check could mean buying with zero down. No pressure either way.
Quick • No credit pull • Just real numbers
USDA loans subject to property location and household income eligibility requirements. Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area and borrower income must not exceed area limits. Minimum credit score requirements apply. USDA guarantee fees required. Processing times longer than conventional loans. Not available for investment properties. Property must be primary residence. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Licensed in Minnesota.