USDA Rural Loans

How this loan works

USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to encourage homeownership outside major urban cores. Eligible buyers can finance 100% of the purchase price — no down payment — with competitive rates and lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA.

The two eligibility tests are the property's location and your household income. The location maps are more generous than the word "rural" suggests: many outer-ring suburbs and small cities qualify. Income limits vary by county and household size. The fastest way to know is to send us an address — we'll check both boxes in minutes.

Program highlights

$0 down

100% financing on eligible properties for qualified buyers.

Broader maps than you'd think

Plenty of commutable communities around the Twin Cities and across our licensed states are USDA-eligible.

Lower MI than FHA

USDA's guarantee fees are generally cheaper than FHA mortgage insurance, which helps the monthly payment.

Address check in minutes

Send us a listing — we'll confirm property and income eligibility before you fall in love with the house.

The path, step by step

Check the address

We verify the property sits in a USDA-eligible area.

Check the income

Household income is measured against county limits — we'll run yours.

Pre-approval & offer

Standard pre-approval, competitive offer, USDA appraisal coordinated by our team.

Close with $0 down

All-in financing, keys in hand.

Common questions

Does USDA really mean I need to live on a farm?

Not at all. USDA eligibility is about census-designated areas, and many ordinary suburban neighborhoods qualify. The program finances regular single-family homes — not farmland.

What are the USDA income limits?

Limits vary by county and household size and are updated periodically. Rather than quote a number that may age, we'll check your household against current limits for the exact county you're shopping in.

Can closing costs be covered too?

Often, yes — through seller contributions, or in some cases by financing them when the home appraises above the purchase price. We'll structure it with you.