National USDA Home Loan

Teacher Home Loan Options

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

Teachers have some great government mortgage options available to them in 2025. Many teachers need a home mortgage solution that requires little to NO down payment. Let’s take a look at some of the best Teacher home loan options available in 2025.

USDA Rural Housing Mortgage – 100% Financing, Government backed.

You see “USDA” and the first thing you think is farms and ranches – or maybe even beef inspections? Many Teachers are still unaware that USDA & Rural Development offer regular home mortgages. The USDA 502 Guaranteed loan is a program designed to help rural communities expand by making homes in these areas affordable through easy credit requirements. USDA is currently the only 100 percent no money down mortgage available in the U.S. today (unless you have military VA benefits) The program is perfect for public service workers like school Teachers, Firefighters, EMT, Police who may have limited money saved for a down payment.

Here are some of the many benefits that this program offers to teachers:

USDA mortgages require no money down up to 101 percent financing ( One-time USDA guarantee Fee of 1.0% included in loan amount)
No time consuming requirements to get approved. No special class or education needed. Get pre-approved and out searching for a home all in the same day.
USDA are secure with low 30-year fix interest rates.
The home you decide to purchase doesn’t need to meet any “special requirements” as the home can be a short-sale, foreclosure, bank owned, by owner, or a regular sale. The home should only be located in defined USDA approved area (according to the map here) and be in good move in condition.
In comparison to FHA, USDA has much a lower monthly mortgage insurance – PMI cost.
USDA closing cost can be rolled into the loan in some cases or paid by the seller of the home you choose.
There are no maximum home purchase loan limits with USDA loans. Buyers get approved based on their total income/debt.
No assets as collateral are required to qualify for USDA loan
You can qualify for a USDA loan with a minimum credit score of 620
USDA does have household income limits, depending on the county and size of the household. Contact us to discuss in detail – applicants can submit the Quick Contact Form on this page.

FHA Mortgage – 96.5% Financing.

The standard Government backed FHA home loan is very similar to the USDA program above. However, this program does require a small 3.5% down payment. The down payment can be a gift, and come from a family member.

The big difference between the FHA and USDA mortgage is the property you purchase with FHA is NOT required to be in a designated approved area.
FHA also does not have income caps for the household.
Like USDA above, the FHA loan permits the home seller to pay the buyers closing costs.
FHA also permits co-signers – even if they are not going to occupy the home.
Secure fixed interest rates and no prepayment penalty. Move or pay off your loan anytime.
FHA loans can close in as little as three weeks.

Good Neighbor Next Door, FHA Niche Program

The Good Neighbor Next Door Loan is the HUD-FHA (Federal Housing Administration) niche program. It is a program that is focused on revitalizing communities, with the help of public service professionals, like teachers, and in return, helping them become homeowners.

Here’s how this program works:

Eligible single-family homes located in targeted communities (revitalization areas) are listed for sale through this program. These properties are available for purchase for 7 days.
To participate, all you need to do is submit your interest for a specific home. If more than two people submit an offer for the same home; the selection is made by random lottery.
In addition to this, to qualify you must meet all the requirements such as:
You can apply for the Good Neighbor Next Door program if you are employed as a full-time teacher by a state accredited public or private school that offers direct services to students from pre-kindergarten to 12^th grade
The school where you are employed at; must serve students from the area where your new home that you’re planning to purchase, is located.
HUD offers big discounts from the listed price of the home (often times 50%) however, the teacher (the borrower) must commit to live in the property for 3 years after purchase and contribute to the community’s revitalization

FHA HUD $100 Dollar Down Program

This program offers $100 down payment on select HUD owned homes. Buyers can learn more about the HUD 100 dollar down loan here.

So, if you are a teacher with limited finances, don’t let this stop you from realizing your dream of home-ownership. Interest rates are still attractive and buyers can often own a home for less than their current rent payments. The best part is this can be done with little to no money out of pocket.

USDA Mortgage Hub serves Teachers across the nation. Teachers that have questions or what to learn more about getting pre-approved can submit the Quick Contact Form on this page.

Buying versus Renting Home in 2025

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

Buying a home versus renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration. While there are several biased sources that can make arguments for or against owning a home, we’ve found that most home buyers base their ultimate decision on emotion. Or course there are some benefits to owning a home. Tax advantages to name one, as well as the potential to earn equity or pay a mortgage note off after several years. Buying versus renting home is a big decision, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of each.

Benefits Of Renting:

Lower Up Front Cost:

Unless you’re able to qualify for a mortgage loan with zero down and have your closing costs paid for by the seller, a typical investment to purchase a home is around 3.5% – 7% of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs on an FHA home loan The amount goes up to an average of 10% – 20% for a home secured by a traditional conventional mortgage.

Some mortgage programs today like USDA Rural Housing still allow home buyers to move into a home with no down payment and very little money out of pocket. However, the USDA loan has certain eligibility criteria that must be met. Compared to the cost of about 1-3 month’s rent payments, it’s obvious that renting a home makes financial sense in the short-term.

Low Qualifying Standards:

While the Government loans like FHA, VA and USDA have more flexible credit qualifying guidelines than most traditional home loans, there is certainly a lot less paperwork and personally invasive probing required by most landlords and property management companies. Generally proof of job & income, credit history and a deposit is all that is needed to rent a home. You can find a rental home or apartment and move in same day in most cases.

Freedom To Move Around:

It’s easy to find a home through a reputable property management company, move in that weekend and then leave a year later when the rental contract expires. Not being tied down by a long-term mortgage liability is ideal for people new to a community, in a career that keeps them on the go or for parents with children that prefer a certain school district. Plus, if you’re planning on moving in the next 3-5 years, then it may become cost-prohibitive due to the amount of equity you’ll have to gain in the short-run just to cover the cost of paying an agent, buyer closing costs, transfer taxes so that you can at least break even at closing.

Less Maintenance and Cost:

If something breaks like a water heater, AC unit or appliance – simply call to the property manager and they will generally solve the issue in a few days. Plus, renters don’t have to carry expensive homeowners insurance, pay property taxes or worry about interest rates adjusting.

Home Ownership Benefits:

Freedom To Change Things:

Don’t like the color of the walls? Change it they way you like! And depending on whether or not there is an home owners association, you could probably do the same thing on the home’s exterior. Landscaping, flooring, built-in shelving… it’s your property to renovate and make your own.

No Restrictions For Pets:

Well, according to the rules and regulations of your county or neighborhood HOA, you can pretty much have as many domestic and exotic pets without having permission or paying extra deposits. It may seem like a funny benefit to mention first, but the millions of dog and cat lovers would definitely rank this towards the top of their list.

Security:

The only way you would be forced to move is if the bank forecloses on your property due to a default on the owners mortgage.

By owning your own home, you don’t have to worry about a landlord’s financial ability to make mortgage payments on time. Plus, you can stay in your own property as long as you wish.

Tax Deductions –

The US government has created certain tax incentives making it possible for many homeowners to exceed the standard yearly deduction.

The following three components of your home mortgage may be tax deductible: Interest on your home mortgage – Property Taxes – Origination / Discount Points paid to mortgage company.

Stability:

Remaining in one neighborhood for several years lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, as well as offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

Appreciation of Property:

Historically, even with other periods of declining value, home prices have exceeded consumer inflation. Over the last 40 years, home prices increased on average 6.5%, according to the National Association of Realtors. Most experts agree, over the long run a home is good investment.

Increased Net Worth:

Few things have a greater impact on net worth than owning a home. In a comparison of renters versus homeowners, the Federal Reserve Board of Consumer Finance found that the average net worth of renters was just $4,000 compared to homeowners at $185,000.

While the available tax advantages and potential for earned equity are generally highlighted by most industry professionals as the top reasons to own real estate, it’s important to remember that markets go through cycles. However, owning real estate that appreciates more than the rate of inflation may help contribute towards your overall investment portfolio, provided your maintenance and mortgage costs are kept low.

Talk to us today about the latest first time buyer programs designed for renters. Questions? Please call Ph: 800-743-7556 or submit the Quick Contact form on this page.

How To Find USDA Approved Home

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

Buyers often ask us “How do I find a list of USDA approved houses” or “Where can I search for USDA homes listed for sale”, etc. It’s actually pretty simple and just requires inputting the property address in the USDA approved eligibility map here. The USDA approved map will tell you if a property you are looking at is eligible or ineligible.

The 2025 USDA housing map will also allow home buyers to view an entire state or city to get a better of idea of the board approved locations. All one needs to do is click accept, and then input the address. Tip: sometimes is helps to leave out the city name and just input the street number, address and zip code.

It’s important to remember, there is no “mysterious list” of USDA approved houses. USDA Rural Housing is only concerned about the physical location of the property, not the home seller. This means the home being sold can just about any single family, town home or condo as long as it’s located in a USDA approved zone. If you need assistance, please just submit the short Quick Contact form on this page.

The home also needs to meet all HUD property standards as it relates to safety and functionality. Basically the home is required to be in decent repair with no major roof, electrical, HVAC, plumbing or WDO issues. The house can have smaller issues as this is pretty normal with any resale home. The idea is to insure that the new home buyers are not consumed with unexpected repairs costs right after closing. All Government loan programs like FHA, VA and USDA essentially follow these same rules. Note – resale mobile/ manufactured homes and rehab homes are not permitted. Read all the USDA purchase FAQ’s here

Questions about searching or how to find USDA approved home? Please call us at ph: 800-743-7556. USDA Mortgage Hub is here to assist home buyers nationally 7 days a week.

Arizona USDA Lender Guidelines

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

First time buyers in Arizona can still purchase a home in 2025 with the 100% USDA Rural housing mortgage. Many locations in Arizona still eligible for this special government backed loan program. USDA ( also known as 502 Guaranteed loan, RD, Rural Development or Rural Housing) also has a lot of other advantages for buyers.

Below we will discuss the Arizona USDA loan requirements and everything buyers need to know. If you have questions about the Arizona USDA lender guidelines, please reach out to us by calling ph: 800-743-7556 or just submit the quick contact form on this page 7 days a week.

Before we begin, let’s discuss some of the advantages of the 100% USDA home loan:

USDA financing advantages:

USDA is the only mortgage program today that allows Arizona (non-military) home buyers to purchase with no down payment.
100% financing , plus USDA allows for buyers to get their closing costs paid by the home seller, or added into their loan under certain cases.
USDA loan applicants are NOT required to be first time home buyers. You can be a move up or second time buyer.
No USDA purchase loan amount limits – home buyers qualify based on their income and debt to income ratios.
Decreased monthly mortgage insurance. USDA requires a monthly mortgage insurance costs each month like most home loans when the buyer is putting down less than 20 percent down payment. The benefit with USDA is the monthly PMI costs is much less when compared to other home loans like FHA, etc.
Starting the process for a USDA loan doesn’t require any special class, or down payment assistance – it’s already 100% financing. Borrowers can do their application, get pre-approved and start searching for a home all in the same day.
The USDA home inspection and appraisal requirements are the same as the other loan programs today – no special guide lines.
Home buyers are NOT required to have a minimum amount of savings.
Safe 30 year fix terms at low interest rates with no early pay off penalty worries.

So great – so what’s the catch you might ask?

The property to be purchased must be located in a USDA Rural defined approved area. In addition the USDA program has income caps – please read below for more info on 2025 USDA eligibility here.
Student loan debt – Student loan debt is not deferred when qualifying for a USDA loans. Because of this, USDA loan applicants with significant student loan debt may have encounter obstacles in regards to debt to income ratio limits.
Closing time frame – The USDA loan program is unique because the loan files are processed in two steps. First by the mortgage company, bank or broker originating the loan, then the file goes through a final review at the local USDA Arizona office. This means that USDA loans will take an additional two weeks (give or take) to close when compared to other loans. Please note: USDA 502 Guaranteed loans can only be proceed by approved mortgage companies, not directly by the USDA. USDA only processes their “Direct” loan in house. This program is set aside strictly for very low income, subsidized housing.

Arizona USDA Home Loan Eligibility

The USDA mortgage has a few important eligibility requirements that must be met in order to use the program. Let’s take a closer look below.

The location of the house – The house you decide to purchase must be located in a select rural approved area according to the USDA property map here. You can input the property address and check to see if the house resides in an eligible location. The home can be any single family, town home and select FHA approved condo. Mobile homes and manufactured homes are not allowed. If you need assistance finding USDA approved homes in your area, please contact us below.
The income for the household – The USDA Rural Development mortgage has income limits or “caps” in place. More importantly, the income caps apply to all income producers living in the house, even if they are NOT listed on the loan application. USDA limits vary based on the number of members living in the household, number of dependents, elderly and county. Contact us below to discuss in detail.

Arizona USDA Loan Application Requirements

USDA loans really aren’t that much different than other home loans like FHA, VA, etc. USDA has standard qualifying guidelines that must be met. Let’s discuss the latest 2016 USDA guidelines below:

Credit Fico Score – USDA lenders will want to see applicants have a 620 or greater credit score to be approved. However, a 620 credit score do not guarantee loan approved. All mortgage companies have additional requirements in place for applicants that have experienced a past financial hardship like foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy. These are called “overlays” Example – if you have a 710 credit score, but had a foreclosure 2 years ago, you would likely need to wait a few more years.
Employment History- Two years of stable income will likely be needed. You are not required to have the same job for two years, just a stable history. Example: Let’s say you have been working as fireman for 3 years. You recently left one fire department and started working at another. In addition, you took a few weeks off between jobs. This is fine. Or maybe you needed to take a 3 weeks for hardship reasons – this likely would be okay as well. Recent graduates are the exception of this rule as they do not need a solid a two year job history. Self employed borrowers will need two years of tax returns. Any part time jobs will need two years of stable history to be included.
Debt to income – Like all other home loan programs, USDA has debt to income ratio limits. Borrowers can read more about this under the USDA eligibility section.
A copy of the borrowers bank statements will be needed during the approval process. Although USDA does not require a certain amount of savings, applicants will want to insure they can document any deposit out of the ordinary. Normal weekly, bi weekly or monthly payroll deposits are normal and to be expected. However, random deposits will be documented with a copy of the check, and deposit slip. Gift funds are allowed with USDA loans, just be sure to keep a proper paper trail when it comes time to document. Additionally, the gift donor may be required to provide their bank statements as well. These requirements are not exclusive to USDA loans, they are essentially required on all government loans today.

USDA Mortgage Hub is Arizona’s leading source for USDA loans. Buyers that have questions or want to learn about getting qualified can call 800-743-7556 or just fill out the Quick Contact form on the right side. Mobile users will find the Quick Contact icon on this page.

Serving the entire U.S including Arizona- Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Yuma, San Tan Valley, Avondale, Casas Adobes, Flagstaff, Goodyear, Lake Havasu City, Catalina Foothills, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Sierra Vista, Maricopa, Oro Valley, Prescott, Bullhead City, Prescott Valley, Sun City, Apache Junction, Marana, El Mirage, Drexel Heights, Fortuna Foothills, Kingman, Kingman, Florence, Queen Creek, San Luis, Sun City West, Sahuarita, Anthem, Fountain Hills, Green Valley, Nogales, Rio Rico, Douglas

First Time Home Buyer Help

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

First time buyers often need a lot of assistance since the home buying process is new, and a sometimes frightening to them. It’s easy to make quick (and often bad) decisions when you are purchasing a home for the first-time. In order to make sure things go smoothly, there are some things all first time home owners in U.S. should know in 2025:

Get Your Mortgage Pre Approval Letter Before Looking At Houses

A most important part of buying a home is knowing if you can get approved for a financing, and more importantly…how much you can afford to purchase. Unless you are paying cash for the house, you need to understand the different mortgage financing available, and what loan option best fits your needs. 100% USDA mortgage, FHA loan, VA loan, Conventional loan, etc. Required down payment, loan terms, money needed for closing costs – these are all important things first time buyers need to know in advance. Furthermore, home sellers and realtors will often times require buyers to get pre approved before considering any offers. Contact us 7 days a week at ph: 800-743-7556 to discuss all your loan options.

New Loans Before Home Buying

Taking on new debt like a auto loan, etc is a quick way to disqualify yourself for a home purchase. Your debt to income ratios play an important role on how much you get pre approved for. Thinking about adding a new $500 per month car loan? it could decrease your home approval amount by more than $60,000. Seems mind boggling doesn’t it? Buyers are often surprised how big the impact of debt can be on their home loan approval amount. If you need to make a large purchase like a auto, hold off until after your home purchase is closed.

Find A Good Realtor

Like your mortgage lender, your realtor is equally as important. Make sure you are working with a proficient realtor local to your neighborhood. Realtors play a big role in the contract and closing costs negotiations. The best part is a realtor doesn’t cost the buyer anything – so take advantage. Please reach out to us if you need a Realtor recommendation in your area, we would be happy to help.

Skipping Home Inspection

Some first time buyers may want to cut down on costs by NOT getting their home inspected. Most home loan programs actually don’t require this unless serious health or safety issues are discovered by the appraiser. While skipping the home inspection may help lower some costs in the beginning, it’s a very bad idea that could come back to haunt you later. Getting a home inspected right before or after your purchase gives you a full overview of homes overall condition, all the work that has to be done on the property. The costs of a home inspection for most entry level homes in the U.S is about $500-$650 – small price to may when you are talking about the biggest investment of your life.

I Read It On The Internet – Must Be True?

Online websites are generally a good source when you are looking for basic information, but often, this is not all the information you should have. Make sure you have phone conversations with real people (realtor and mortgage company) so you fully understand all the details of your agreement. You need to understand the entire home purchase process before searching for properties. In addition it’s important to remember that all markets are different. What you read about a California housing market or loan program may not apply to Texas, etc.

Need to speak to a loan specialist? We are hear to help answer any questions you have about government home loans across the U.S. 7 days a week, please call ph: 800-743-7556 or just submit the Quick Contact form on this page.

Louisiana 100% USDA Financing

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

Louisiana 100% USDA Financing is one of the last the remaining NO money down home loan available to home buyers in Louisiana. Unless you are past or present military (and have VA loan eligibility) the USDA /Rural Development mortgage is the ONLY 100% home loan available in Louisiana.

The USDA program ( also known as RD, 502 Guaranteed, Rural Housing or Rural Development) offers some nice incentives to home buyers that want to purchase a home without a large down payment.

So what type of home buyer is a good candidate for the USDA loan? Let’s look at the Louisiana 100% USDA financing requirements for 2025 below:

Any Louisiana home buyer that wants to purchase a home, but may not want to put down the large down payment required by most loan programs. For first time buyers, USDA is a great solution. USDA /Rural housing can allow you to move into your new home with little to no money out of pocket. Louisiana Teachers, Police, Public Service, etc looking to live in less populated USDA eligible locations around Louisiana. Remember, there are many popular USDA eligible locations right around some major cities are still approved.
Any prospective Louisiana home buyer that has income under their specific county limit. If you are a lawyer making $180,000 a year, the USDA mortgage is not the right fit for you. The USDA Rural Housing program is geared towards helping Louisiana’s rural communities expand by offering affordable housing to low – moderate income home buyers. Generally speaking, the USDA home loan income limits ( 502 USDA Guarantee Program) in Louisiana are as follows – Any household 1-4 persons = max income around $112,450 per year depending on your county. Households with over 5 family members – the income limits can be over $148,450 depending on your county. You can click this link to see your county USDA income limit.
Any prospective Louisiana home buyer that has decent credit. You do not need perfect credit in order to get USDA financing. However, like all home loans, USDA does have minimum credit score standards in place. Generally speaking you will need a 620 or greater credit score to be considered for a USDA home loan. There are other factors regardless of credit score that are also looked at. Clean payment history in the last 12 months is important, any past bankruptcy, foreclosures, etc. Credit score requirements for all home loans are always changing, please contact us to discuss your situation.
Additional things to consider: You do not have to be a first time home buyer in order to obtain 100% USDA financing. However, if you are a homeowner that currently owns a home, especially in the same proximity, you may have an issue. Also, USDA home loans are for any (livable) single family home, town home, condo, etc that is located in a USDA eligible location – regardless of who the seller of the home is. The home just has to be in good condition and physically located in a USDA approved location. Existing mobile homes, any investors, or second home purchases are not eligible for USDA financing.

USDA Mortgage Hub is a national Rural Housing loan resource. Call us at 800-743-7556 or just submit the Quick Contact form this page for assistance 7 days a week.

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metairie, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Kenner, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Houma, Marrero, New Iberia, Laplace, Prairieville, Slidell, Central, Terrytown, Ruston, Bayou Cane, Sulphur, Harvey, Hammond, Shenandoah, Natchitoches, Gretna, Estelle, Opelousas, Chalmette, Zachary, Thibodaux, Pineville, Baker, Baker, River Ridge, Crowley, Belle Chasse, West Monroe, Minden, Morgan City, Luling, Abbeville, Bayou Blue, Bogalusa, Claiborne LA. Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, West Feliciana, Winn County

Texas USDA Loan Basics

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

Texas home buyers can still purchase a home with NO down payment thanks to the USDA Rural Development loan. Many locations in Texas still qualify. This government backed 100% home mortgage offers first time buyers a way to purchase with little to no money out of pocket.

USDA ( also known as 502 Guaranteed loan, RD, Rural Development or Rural Housing) also has a lot of other advantages for buyers. Below we will discuss the Texas USDA loan basics and everything buyers need to know. If you have questions, please reach out to us by calling ph: 800-743-7556 or just submit the quick contact form on this page. Mobile users will find the Quick Contact form above. We service all 50 states nationally, 7 days a week.

Before we start, let’s discuss some of the advantages of the 100% USDA home loan:

USDA loan advantages:

USDA is the only mortgage program today (for civilians) that allows Texas home buyers to purchase with no down payment.
In addition to no down payment, USDA allows for buyers to get their closing costs paid by the home seller, or added into their loan under certain cases.
USDA loan applicants are NOT required to be first time home buyers.
No USDA loan amount limits – home buyers qualify based on their income and debt to income ratios.
Lower monthly mortgage insurance. USDA requires a monthly mortgage insurance costs each month like most home loans when the buyer is putting down less than 20%. The benefit with USDA is the monthly PMI costs is much less when compared to other home loans. Borrowers can calculate and compare with the USDA loan payment calculator here.
Applying for a USDA loan doesn’t require any special class, or down payment assistance – it’s already 100% financing. Borrowers can get pre-approved and start searching for a home all in the same day.
The USDA home inspection and appraisal requirements are the same as the other loan programs today – no special guide lines.
Home buyers are NOT required to have a minimum amount of savings.
Secure and safe 30 year fix terms at low interest rates.
Great USDA refinance options available to home owners in the future if needed.

USDA loan obstacles :

The property to be purchased must to be located in a USDA approved area. In addition the USDA program has income caps – please read below for more info on 2025 USDA eligibility.
Student loans – Student loan debt is not deferred when qualifying for a USDA loans. Because of this, USDA loan applicants with significant student loan debt may have encounter obstacles in regards to debt to income ratio limits.
Closing time frame – The USDA loan program is unique because the loan files are processed in two steps. First by the mortgage company, bank or broker originating the loan, then the file goes through a final review at the local USDA Texas office. This means that USDA loans will take an additional two weeks (give or take) to close when compared to other loans. Please note: USDA 502 Guaranteed loans can only be proceed by approved mortgage companies, not directly by the USDA. USDA only processes their “Direct” loan in house. This program is set aside strictly for very low income, subsidized housing.

Texas USDA Home Loan Eligibility

The USDA mortgage has a few core eligibility requirements that must be met in order to use the program. Let’s take a closer look below.

The location of the house – The house you decide to purchase must be located in a select rural approved area according to the USDA property map here. You can input the property address and check to see if the house resides in an eligible location. The home can be any single family, town home and select FHA approved condo. Mobile homes and manufactured homes are not allowed. If you need assistance finding USDA approved homes in your area, please contact us below.
The income for the household – The USDA Rural Development mortgage has income limits or “caps” in place. More importantly, the income caps apply to all income producers living in the house, even if they are NOT listed on the loan application. USDA limits vary based on the number of members living in the household, number of dependents, elderly and county. Contact us below to discuss in detail.

Texas USDA Loan Application Requirements

USDA loans really aren’t that much different than other home loans like FHA, VA, etc. USDA has standard qualifying guidelines that must be met. Let’s discuss the latest 2025 USDA guidelines below:

Credit Score – USDA lenders will want to see applicants have a 620 or greater credit score to be approved. However, a 620 credit score do not guarantee loan approved. All mortgage companies have additional requirements in place for applicants that have experienced a past financial hardship like foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy. These are called “overlays” Example – if you have a 710 credit score, but had a foreclosure 2 years ago, you would likely need to wait a few more years.
Job/Income History- Two years of stable income will likely be needed. You are not required to have the same job for two years, just a stable history. Example: Let’s say you have been working as fireman for 3 years. You recently left one fire department and started working at another. In addition, you took a few weeks off between jobs. This is fine. Or maybe you needed to take a 3 weeks for hardship reasons – this likely would be okay as well. Recent graduates are the exception of this rule as they do not need a solid a two year job history. Self employed borrowers will need two years of tax returns. Any part time jobs will need two years of stable history to be included.
Debt to income – Like all other home loan programs, USDA has debt to income ratio limits. Borrowers can read more about this under the USDA eligibility section.
A copy of the borrowers bank statements will be needed during the approval process. Although USDA does not require a certain amount of savings, applicants will want to insure they can document any deposit out of the ordinary. Normal weekly, bi weekly or monthly payroll deposits are normal and to be expected. However, random deposits will be documented with a copy of the check, and deposit slip. Gift funds are allowed with USDA loans, just be sure to keep a proper paper trail when it comes time to document. Additionally, the gift donor may be required to provide their bank statements as well. These requirements are not exclusive to USDA loans, they are essentially required on all government loans today.

Serving the entire U.S including Texas- San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock, Garland, Irving, Amarillo, Brownsville, Grand Prairie, Pasadena, Mesquite, McKinney, McAllen, Killeen, Waco, Carrollton, Abilene, Beaumont, Frisco, Denton, Midland, Wichita Falls, Odessa, Round Rock, Richardson, The Woodlands, Tyler, Tyler, Lewisville, College Station, San Angelo, Pearland, Allen, League City, Longview, Sugar Land, Edinburg, Mission

USDA Mortgage Hub is Texas’s leading source for USDA loans. Buyers that have questions or want to learn about getting qualified can call 800-743-7556 or just fill out the Quick Contact form on this page.

North Carolina USDA Housing Loan

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

The North Carolina USDA Housing Loan is still a little-known mortgage program that many first-time home buyers are not aware of. This government-backed 100% home mortgage offers a home-buying opportunity hard to find these days. USDA (also known as 502 Guaranteed loan, RD, Rural Development, or Rural Housing) not only allows North Carolina buyers a way to purchase a home with NO down payment but also has a lot of other perks.

In the post below we will discuss all the important USDA eligibility and loan qualifying criteria loan applicants will want to know. If you have questions, please reach out to us by calling above or just submit the quick contact form on this page.

Before we start, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of the 100% USDA mortgage:

Positive things about the USDA program:

USDA is the only mortgage program today (for civilians) that allows a home purchase with no down payment.
In addition to no down payment, USDA allows for buyers to get their closing costs paid by the home seller, or added into their loan under certain circumstances.
USDA loan applicants are NOT required to be first-time homeowners.
The USDA home inspection and appraisal requirements are the same as the other loan programs today – no special requirements.
Home buyers are NOT required to have a minimum amount of savings.
Secure and safe 30-year fix terms at low-interest rates.
No USDA loan amount limits – home buyers qualify based on their income and debt-to-income ratios.
Lower monthly mortgage insurance. USDA requires monthly mortgage insurance costs each month like most home loans when the buyer is putting down less than 20%. The benefit of USDA is the monthly PMI costs are nearly 25% less than FHA or conventional loans. Already pre-approved for an FHA loan? Be sure to check into the USDA as well for cheaper mortgage insurance, it could save you hundreds each month.
Applying for a USDA loan doesn’t require any special education, first-time buyer class, or down payment assistance – it’s already 100% financing. Borrowers can get pre-approved and start searching for a home all on the same day.

Some drawbacks of the USDA loan:

The property to be purchased must be located in a USDA-approved area. In addition, the USDA program has income caps – please read below for more info on 2025 USDA eligibility.
Student loans – Student loan debt is not deferred when qualifying for a USDA loan. Because of this, USDA loan applicants with significant student loan debt may encounter obstacles in regard to debt-to-income ratio limits.
Closing time frame – The USDA loan program is unique because the loan files are processed in two stages. First, by the lender, bank or broker originating the loan, then the file goes through a final review at the local USDA office. This means that USDA loans will take a few extra weeks to close when compared to FHA, VA or Conventional loans. Please note: USDA 502 Guaranteed loans can only be proceeded by approved mortgage companies, not directly by the USDA. USDA only processes their “Direct” loan in-house. This program is geared towards very low-income, subsidized housing.

North Carolina USDA Home Loan Eligibility

The USDA mortgage has a few core eligibility requirements that must be met in order to use the program. Let’s take a closer look below.

The location of the house – The house you decide to purchase must be located in a select rural approved area according to the USDA property map here. You can input the property address and check to see if the house resides in an eligible location. The home can be any single-family, townhome and select FHA-approved condo. Mobile homes and manufactured homes are not allowed. If you need assistance finding USDA-approved homes in your area, please contact us below.
The income for the household – The USDA Rural Development mortgage has income limits or “caps” in place. More importantly, the income caps apply to all income producers living in the house, even if they are NOT listed on the loan application. USDA limits vary based on the number of members living in the household, number of dependents, elderly, and county. Contact us below to discuss this in detail. Read more about 2025 USDA loan income limits here.

North Carolina USDA Loan Application Requirements

USDA loans really aren’t that much different than other home loans like FHA, VA, etc. USDA has standard qualifying guidelines that must be met. Let’s discuss the latest USDA guidelines below:

Credit Score – USDA lenders will want to see applicants have a 620 or greater credit score to be approved. However, a 620 credit score do not guarantee loan approval. All mortgage companies have additional requirements in place for applicants who have experienced a past financial hardship like foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy. These are called “overlays” For Example – if you have a 690 credit score, but had a foreclosure 2 years ago, you would likely need to wait a few more years.
Job/Income History- Two years of stable income will likely be needed. You are not required to have the same job for two years, just a stable history. Example: Let’s say you have been working as a fireman for 3 years. You recently left one fire department and started working at another. In addition, you took a few weeks off between jobs. This is fine. Or maybe you needed to take 3 weeks for hardship reasons – this likely would be okay as well. Recent graduates are the exception to this rule, as they do not need a solid two-year job history. Self-employed borrowers will need two years of tax returns. Any part-time jobs will need two years of stable history to be included.
Debt to income – Like all other home loan programs, USDA has debt-to-income ratio limits. Borrowers can read more about this under the USDA eligibility section.
A copy of the borrower’s bank statements will be needed during the approval process. Although USDA does not require a certain amount of savings, applicants will want to ensure they can document any deposit out of the ordinary. Normal weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payroll deposits are normal and to be expected. However, random deposits will be documented with a copy of the check and deposit slip. Gift funds are allowed with USDA loans, just be sure to keep a proper paper trail when it comes time to document. Additionally, the gift donor may be required to provide their bank statements as well. These requirements are not exclusive to USDA loans, they are essentially required on all government loans today.

USDA Mortgage Hub is North Carolina’s leading source for USDA loans. Buyers who have questions or want to learn about getting qualified can call 800-743-7556 or just fill out the Quick Contact form on this page.

Serving North Carolina – Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, High Point, Greenville, Asheville, Concord, Gastonia, Jacksonville, Rocky Mount, Chapel Hill, Burlington, Wilson, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Hickory, Apex, Goldsboro, Salisbury, Indian Trail, Monroe, Mooresville, Wake Forest, New Bern, Sanford, Matthews, Thomasville, Garner, Garner, Asheboro, Cornelius, Statesville, Holly Springs, Kernersville, Mint Hill, Kinston, Lumberton, Havelock, Shelby, Carrboro NC

USDA Loan Payment Calculator

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

Home buyers will want to ensure they use the USDA loan payment calculator located on the right side of our website homepage. This is a great tool that helps buyers accurately figure out monthly mortgage expenses. The USDA mortgage payment calculator includes all principal, interest, home insurance, and taxes in addition to the 2025 USDA annual fee of .35%. This is the monthly mortgage insurance – PMI costs all buyers are required to pay.

Tip: home buyers can adjust the home taxes and insurance fields as they choose. In addition, please add 1% to your loan amount to account for the USDA Guaranteed fee of 1%. For example: if you are purchasing a home for $160,000 (100% financing) be sure to input $161,600 for your purchase price or loan amount.

$160,000 + 1,600 (1.0%) = $161,600

Home buyers who have questions about USDA Rural Housing loans can reach out to us by calling tel: 800-743-7556 or just submit the Quick Contact form on your screen for fast service.

Georgia USDA Rural Development Loans

This page updated and accurate as of April 23, 2025 USDA MTG HUB

The USDA Rural Development 502 Guarantee Loan is a federally funded program allowing approved lenders and banks the ability to offer 100% financing to eligible home buyers in Georgia. In fact, all 50 states have eligible locations for USDA financing. Buyers who qualify can use this mortgage to buy a home with little to no cash out of pocket. Georgia USDA Rural Development loans offer many great benefits to home buyers, listed below are a few:

100% financing.
No savings or assets are required.
USDA closing costs can be paid by the home seller, or included in the buyer’s loan.
Interest rates are often lower when compared to conventional loans.
Safe 30-year fixed terms.
Mortgage insurance is cheaper than FHA MIP. Even if you are already approved for an FHA loan, be sure to check into USDA as a cheaper alternative.
Not limited to only first-time home buyers.
No purchase loan limits, buyers qualify based on their debt to income.

Before applying for a USDA loan, borrowers will want to know about the loan eligibility requirements below:

Credit – Minimum credit score of 620 with most lenders and banks. Occasional exceptions are made, but this is the standard credit requirement.
Income – Income is limited to 115% of the median income in the applicable county. This means your household income can not be more than 15% above the median income for your county. The income limits for USDA loans depend on your county and how many people live in your household. The number of persons includes you, your spouse, your children, and anyone else living in your home. The USDA has a very useful income eligibility tool that allows you to calculate your eligible income, make certain deductions, and then see if your income qualifies. Be sure to select 502 Guaranteed Loan Program.
Property Eligibility – USDA loans are intended for rural development and therefore exclusively available for homes in rural defined locations, or select suburban areas. You can look up USDA-approved homes by the address on the USDA property eligibility search. This tool also allows you to view a map with ineligible areas shaded in. Contact us below if you need assistance, we are always happy to help. There are many approved locations just outside of Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Valdosta, and Columbus.
Owner Occupied – No rental or vacation properties are allowed. You must occupy the home you want to buy with a USDA loan. Another requirement is that the home be either a single-family residence or a condo. No mobile or manufactured homes are permitted.

Home buyers can learn more about the USDA loan approval process in the short video below:

USDA Mortgage Hub serves buyers across the nation, including Georgia: Atlanta, Macon, Valdosta, Lake Park, Tifton, Sylvester, Adel, Moultrie, Albany, Augusta, Hahira, Columbus, Savannah

If you have questions please submit the Quick Contact Form on this page for quick service. You can also call us 7 days a week at ph: 800-743-7556

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