USDA Home Loans

What is a USDA Home loan?

A USDA Rural Development home loan is a competitively priced mortgage option that helps to make purchasing a home more affordable for low-to-moderate income buyers looking to purchase in designated rural areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture backs USDA loan programs in the same way the Department of Veterans Affairs backs VA loans for eligible individuals. If you're buying property in a rural area such as Westport or Dartmouth, MA, the USDA offers a no-money-down loan program.

The USDA home loan is specifically available for rural properties only and was developed to encourage home purchases in rural areas. This loan is insured by the US Department of Agriculture and available to qualified individuals who are purchasing or refinancing their home loan in an area that is not considered a major metropolitan area by USDA.

What are the qualifications for a USDA loan?

In order to qualify for a rural development home loan, you must meet certain requirements.

• USDA loans have income limits based on the area's median income. These limits vary depending on the location and size of the household. Generally, the total household income cannot exceed 115% of the median income for your area as set by the USDA and the property must be located in an eligible rural area. Visit the USDA website to research the USDA income limit in your local area.

• Minimum FICO score of 620

• The home you are interested in purchasing must be single family residence (no multi-units)

• Single family "primary residents" only (no rentals or investment properties)

• Bankruptcy wait period is 3 years from discharge date

• Up to 6% seller contribution is allowed toward closing costs

• Massachusetts and Rhode Island properties must be considered "rural", which is generally defined as county with fewer than 10,000 people. You can determine if a property is eligible for financing through the USDA Rural Housing Loan program by entering the property address on the USDA website.

Is there a minimum payment required for a USDA Home Loan ?

If you live in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and are looking to purchase a home will find the USDA loan very attractive as it requires ZERO-down payment. In addition, the USDA Loan is the only other widely known zero-down payment option offered to residents who are not in the military (VA).

Here's a comparison of the minimum down payments required for the most popular loans:

• Conventional Loans: 3% Down

• FHA Loans: 3.5% Down

• VA Loans: 0% Down

• USDA Home Loans: 0% Down

What are the required documents for a USDA loan?

In order to qualify for a USDA home loan to purchase your new home, you will need to provide certain documents to the USDA. These documents include proof of your income, asset, and employment information. If your doing a refinance, you will also need to provide documentation of your current mortgage payments, including your monthly mortgage statement and payment history. The USDA will use this information to determine if you are eligible for a rural development home loan.

When you apply for a USDA home loan, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Your most recent 2 years tax return

• Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2 forms, etc.)

• Asset information (bank statements, investment account statements, etc.)

• Employment information (letter of employment, pay stubs, etc.)

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency

• A credit report with a middle credit score of 620 or higher

• A list of debts and monthly payments

• Proof of homeowners insurance

• An appraisal of the property you are buying

• Copy of the sales contract

What is the USDA Guarantee Fee ?

USDA loans require mortgage insurance to protect the lender against potential defaults. There are two types of mortgage insurance associated with USDA loans: an "upfront guarantee fee" and an "annual (monthly) fee." The upfront guarantee fee can be financed into the initial loan amount, while the annual fee is paid as part of the borrowers monthly mortgage payment.
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The USDA "upfront guarantee fee" is a percentage of the loan amount that is added to your loan balance at time of close. This fee is not paid directly by the borrower but is instead included in the overall loan amount.  The percentage charged, may change over time, so it's recommended to consult with Onshore Mortgage, LLC for the most up-to-date information. As of 01/01/2023 the upfront guarantee fee was 1.0% of the loan amount and a monthly (annual) fee of 0.35% of the loan amount. These fees apply to both home purchases and refinance transactions.

How to apply for a USDA loan?

To apply for a USDA home loan, you will need to submit your USDA loan application through Onshore Mortgage, LLC. You will also need to provide proof of your income, asset, and employment information. The USDA will review your application and determine if you are eligible for a rural development home loan.

The USDA home loan program is a great option for rural homeowners looking to purchase a home with no money down. If you're considering a USDA home loan, be sure to contact Onshore Mortgage to learn more about the process and how to qualify.
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*Credit and income restrictions do apply. Please visit our Disclosures page for a detailed breakdown of all loan types.