Get affordable rural homeownership with a USDA loan.
Low rates and no down payment- Buy a home where you live and work
- Backed by the USDA
Why choose AmeriSave for a USDA loan?
Fund Your Dream Home
Buy, build, rehab, or relocate your rural home with a streamlined digital process.
Competitive Rates For Any Income
Get approved based on income and location for an interest rate as low as 1%.
Backed By The USDA
Take advantage of reliable, government-backed financing for trusted support.
Trusted Expertise
Over 730K clients. 23 years’ experience. One goal: helping you build a brighter future.
Smarter technology. Real numbers.
Get Personalized Loan OptionsSee your best loan options with technology that analyzes your finances in real time.
Flexible Loans And TermsPick the right loan and term that helps you achieve your unique homeownership goals.
Close Your Loan QuicklyGet approved and funded quickly, so you can enjoy your new financial freedom.
Get Personalized Loan Options
See your best loan options with technology that analyzes your finances in real time.
Flexible Loans And Terms
Pick the right loan and term that helps you achieve your unique homeownership goals.
Close Your Loan Quickly
Get approved and funded quickly, so you can enjoy your new financial freedom.
$0-down financing for rural and suburban America.
USDA Guaranteed Loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program to make homeownership accessible in eligible areas.
Confirm Eligibility (Property And Income)
The home must be in a USDA-eligible area (check the USDA eligibility map). Household income must be at or below 115% the area median.
Get Your USDA Rate Quote
USDA rates are typically competitive due to the federal backing. Apply online for your personalized loan options.
Close With $0 Down
USDA allows you to finance 100% of the appraised value, plus closing costs if the appraisal supports the higher loan amount.
Fixed Payment And Low MIP
Your monthly payment includes principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and USDA's annual fee, typically lower than FHA's annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP).
True zero-down in qualifying markets.
USDA is one of only two mortgage programs that allow 100% financing (VA is the other). For buyers in eligible areas under the income cap, it's the most affordable way to buy a home.
Who The USDA Loan Was Built For
The USDA Guaranteed Loan program is one of the most generous financing options in the country, if you and the property qualify.
First-Time Home Buyers Without Savings
Zero down means you can buy without years of saving for a down payment, as long as you can cover closing costs (or roll them in).
Small-Town And Rural Buyers
Most of the country outside major metros is USDA-eligible. The map covers far more area than the name suggests.
Modest-Income Households
If your household income is at or below 115% of the area median, USDA opens the lowest-cost path to homeownership.
Buyers Prioritizing Low Monthly Cost
USDA's mortgage insurance fees are lower than FHA MIP, which can mean a meaningfully smaller monthly payment.
USDA Loan Requirements
USDA eligibility has three layers: the borrower qualifies, the property qualifies, and the household income fits the program.
The home must sit in a USDA-designated rural or eligible suburban area. The USDA eligibility map is the source of truth.
Lenders typically require 640 for streamlined underwriting. Lower scores may qualify through manual underwriting with stronger compensating factors.
Total household income cannot exceed 115% of the area median for the county. Adjustments apply for household size and certain deductions.
The home must be your primary residence, and you'll need two years of stable employment or self-employment income documented.
USDA Loan Vs. FHA Loan
Both are government-backed loans built for buyers with modest down payments, but they serve different borrowers and different geographies.
Pros And Cons of A USDA Loan
The USDA program offers terms most buyers can't get anywhere else, but the geography and income rules narrow who qualifies.
What Works In Your Favor
No Down Payment Required
USDA is one of only two loan programs (along with VA) that allow 100% financing for qualified borrowers.
Below-Market Interest Rates
Because the loan is backed by the USDA, lenders can offer competitive rates that often beat comparable conventional loans.
Lower Mortgage Insurance Cost
USDA's annual fee runs well below FHA's annual MIP, which means lower monthly cost for the same loan amount.
Flexible Credit Guidelines
Manual underwriting paths exist for borrowers who don't fit automated approval, including those with limited credit history.
Closing Costs Can Be Rolled In
If the home appraises for more than the purchase price, USDA allows financing closing costs into the loan; true zero out of pocket.
What To Weigh Carefully
Strict Geographic Limits
The property must be in a USDA-eligible area. Check the eligibility map before getting attached to a specific home.
Household Income Cap
Income from everyone in the household counts toward the limit, even non-borrowers. High earners need not apply.
Primary Residence Only
No investment properties, no second homes. The home must be where you live.
Guarantee Fees Still Apply
Both upfront and annual fees are required, even though they're lower than FHA. The loan is not free of insurance costs.
Property Condition Standards
USDA appraisals require the home to meet specific safety and livability standards, which can complicate fixer-upper purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps people who live in rural and suburban areas buy a home with no money down. Continue Reading...
USDA home financing makes it easier for buyers in certain rural areas to own a home with no down payment, competitive rates, and flexible credit requirements. If you live in an eligible area and meet the income requirements, a USDA loan may offer greater benefits than other loans to buy a home.
If your income, credit, and location meet USDA guidelines, getting approved for a USDA loan is straightforward. AmeriSave walks you through the process and can help you qualify with confidence.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture backs USDA home loans through its Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan program.
USDA loans are backed by the government to encourage homeownership in designated rural areas. Because it is a government loan, eligible buyers may qualify for more affordable rates and “zero-down” options. AmeriSave helps you secure a USDA loan by verifying your income and property meet the requirements and provides a streamlined mortgage process.
USDA home financing requires borrowers to have a low-to-moderate income that doesn’t exceed 115 percent of the median income in the area. Homes must be a single-family residence in an eligible rural area defined by the USDA, and it must be your primary residence. Lenders will also need to see proof of income or assets to determine if you can repay the loan.