USDA LOANS
What is a USDA Loan?
USDA home loans offer 100% financing, low rates, and affordable payments. These loans are becoming more popular by the day, as buyers discover an easier way to buy a home with zero down payment.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets lending guidelines for the program, which is why it is also called the USDA Rural Development (RD) Loan. This mortgage type reduces costs for home buyers in rural and suburban areas. It is one of the most cost effective home buying programs in the marketplace today.
Since its inception in 1949, the USDA Rural Development loan has helped over 1 million home buyers obtain housing with little or no money down. In 2011 alone, 130,000 people benefited from the program. Read on to see how you can buy a home with zero down.
Eligibility for USDA Home Loans
The USDA home loan is available to borrowers who meet income and credit standards. Qualification is easier than for many other loan types, since the loan doesn’t require a down payment or a high credit score. Home buyers should make sure they are looking at homes within USDA-eligible geographic areas, because the property location is the most important factor for this loan type.
The USDA Guarantee
The USDA loan is guaranteed by the U.S. government. Guaranteed does not mean that every borrower’s approval is certain. Rather, it means that USDA will reimburse lenders if the borrower defaults on the loan. The USDA backing removes much of the risk from the loan and allows banks and mortgage companies to offer a zero-down loan at incredibly low rates.
