Not just farms. Check the address before you rule it out.
A USDA loan can make homeownership more affordable for eligible buyers, with flexible financing and low down payment options. It is one of the more overlooked programs out there because people assume it only applies to farmland, but that is not really true. We compare USDA loan options across 100+ lenders to help you find the right fit for your needs and your goals.
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One application. Better options. Simple process.
One simple application gives us what we need to explore the right mortgage options for your unique situation.
1
Submit the documents
Upload the required documents so we can review your application and move your loan forward.
3
You Choose. We Close
Pick the option that works for you. We handle the process from underwriting to closing.
What a USDA file needs
An eligible address
Verify the address early, before getting attached to a house, so it meets USDA requirements.
Household income inside the cap
USDA loans target moderate incomes, and the maximum cap varies by county and household size.
A credit history the lender can read
Requirements are reasonable, though lenders add their own. USDA DTI limits are often more flexible.
A home you will live in
USDA loans are only for primary residences, not investment properties, rentals, or a second home.
A property in sound condition
Condition standards apply, so fixer-uppers rarely fit, though a USDA renovation loan may still help.
Patience with timing
USDA files pass through an extra step. Build a little more time into your contract.
No rates or figures here on purpose. Yours depend on your credit, the county and the program. A licensed loan officer gives you real numbers on the call.
What to watch for, and we will not bury it
The map decides, not the postcode
Two houses on the same road can fall on opposite sides of an eligibility line. Always check the specific address before assuming a USDA loan is or is not on the table.
There is an income ceiling
Earning too much disqualifies you, which surprises people who assume mortgage programs only ever work the other way.
It takes a little longer
The extra step in the process is worth planning for rather than discovering two weeks before closing. This extra review step is also part of why USDA loan closing costs can take a bit longer to finalize than a conventional file.
Nadeem Bhatti
Where we place USDA loans
Maryland
Virginia
Washington DC
North Carolina
Texas
We are a mortgage company serving these areas. We do not keep a branch in each one. Every mortgage loan is worked from 8115 Maple Lawn Blvd, Suite 350, Fulton, Maryland.
What buyers ask about USDA loans
Do I have to buy a farm?
No. USDA loan eligibility is drawn by area, and it includes a great many ordinary towns and suburbs, particularly across Virginia and North Carolina.
How do I know if my address qualifies?
We check it directly rather than relying on a general map. If you have been searching for USDA lenders near me or in your area, sending us the exact address is the fastest way to get a real answer.
Is there an income limit?
Yes, USDA has an income ceiling rather than a floor, and it varies by county and household size. This is one of the more unusual advantages of USDA loan programs to explain, since most people assume income limits work the opposite way.
Can I use USDA for a rental?
No, USDA loans are only for primary residences, not rentals or second homes. This is one clear difference in any conventional vs USDA loan comparison, since conventional loans do allow second homes and rental purchases.
How long does it take?
USDA files pass through an extra review step, so plan for a slightly longer timeline than a typical FHA vs USDA loans comparison would suggest. It is usually just a matter of weeks longer, not months.
Is a USDA loan the same as a conventional loan?
No. When people ask if a USDA loan is a conventional loan, the short answer is no. USDA is government-backed, similar to FHA and VA, while conventional loans are not backed by a government agency at all.
What is the debt-to-income ratio for a USDA loan?
The DTI guideline for a USDA loan is generally a bit more flexible than conventional financing, though individual lenders can set their own limits on top of USDA’s baseline. We can review your specific numbers before you apply anywhere.
Check whether your address qualifies
Send us the property address. We will tell you whether USDA is on the table before you make an offer, free.