Do you plan on owning a home in a rural part of the country? If you do, then you should opt for USDA loans. Your dream of purchasing a home in a rural area can become a reality with the USDA home loan.
With a USDA home loan, you are getting a loan with zero down payments. And it will help fund your rural housing development. Low-to-moderate-income individuals and families throughout the U.S. can take advantage of this loan.
USDA loans are backed up by the United States Department of Agriculture, and they are offered by USDA-approved lenders. With this loan, you can purchase, build, repair, or refinance a home in a rural area of your choice. USDA loans have lower rates than conventional mortgages.
This is because it is being backed up by the government, and the government is taking on the risks associated with lending.
However, you can get a USDA loan or mortgage from any mortgage lender, credit union, or mainstream bank.
What is a USDA Loan?
A USDA loan is a zero-down payment and low-interest mortgage. The essence of the loan is to assist very low-to-moderate-income buyers to become homeowners. The criterion for getting a USDA loan is that the home must be in a rural area with a population under 35,000.
How Does a USDA Home Loan Work?
USDA being backed up by the government makes it easy for both the lender and borrower. It has also made it possible for lenders to offer 100% financing and below-market interest rates without taking on too much risk.
Even though the USDA backs up this program, it is not the one lending the money. There are private lenders authorized by the government to offer USDA loans. The application process for a USDA loan is similar to any other home loan.
Advantages of USDA Loans
USDA loans come with a whole lot of benefits. It is an excellent program for homebuyers who are on a budget. Here are the advantages of getting a USDA loan:.
- It is available for both purchasing property and refinancing.
- There is no formal loan limit for guaranteed loans.
- No down payment is required.
- Low, fixed interest rates for direct loans
- Sellers can pay the closing costs.
- You can secure an interest rate as low as 1%.
The only disadvantage of the USDA loans is that they have strict guidelines around where property is located.
How Do I Qualify for USDA Loans?
To qualify for a USDA loan, you have to meet certain requirements. And these requirements vary by location. However, to qualify for the USDA loan program, you have to meet the following requirements:.
- You must have a steady source of income for one to two years, depending on the requirements.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency.
- Purchase a home that is intended to be your primary residence.
- You must have 12 months where no credit accounts became delinquent and were put into collections.
- Have total monthly debt payments that don’t exceed 41% of your income.
- Apply for a loan with a monthly mortgage payment including interest, taxes, insurance, and principal that does not exceed 29% of your monthly income.
These are the requirements needed to qualify for the USDA loan program.
How Do I Apply for a USDA Home Loan?
It is very easy to apply for USDA loans. Aside from the fact that it is easy, it is a great way to finance a home. It is also an excellent choice if you are looking to purchase a home in a rural area. Here is a guide on how to apply for a USDA home loan. If you can follow this guide, it will be easy for you to apply.
• Check Your Eligibility
Before you start applying, you need to be sure that you are eligible. If you meet the USDA eligibility requirements, you are free to apply. Check out the eligibility requirements above.
• Gather Necessary Documentation
The next step is to gather all the necessary documentation. You will be asked to provide documentation that proves you are eligible. For instance, your employment verification will be needed, along with your personal identification, credit history report, and proof of income, either tax returns or pay stubs.
• Pre-Qualification
To get pre-qualified for a loan, you need to contact a USDA-approved lender. It is the lender that will review your financial situation and give you an estimate of how much you can borrow.
• Property search
Once you’re pre-qualified by your lender, you can start looking for a property. And make sure the property meets the USDA guidelines.
• USDA Home Loan Application
Once you have found the right property, you will have to fill out the USDA loan application. Do not worry, as your lender will guide you through this process. The application process will include a thorough review of your financial situation and the submission of additional documents.
• Property Appraisal and Inspection
Your lender will arrange an appraisal to make sure the property meets the USDA standard. In fact, an inspection may also be carried out.
• Loan Approval and Closing
After the appraisal and inspection, you can now move on to the loan approval stage. At this point, you will proceed to close. Here, you will sign all necessary paperwork and secure your USDA home officially.
FAQs
What is the Income Limit for USDA Home Loans?
The income limit is based on your area’s median income. But to qualify for this loan, you cannot exceed the median income by more than 15 percent.
Do USDA Loans Take Longer to Close?
Not really. The reason why borrowers think it takes longer is because USDA lenders have to send each loan file to the Department of Agriculture for approval before underwriting. This can take up to two or three weeks.
Are USDA Mortgage Rates Good?
Yes, USDA rates are good. In fact, they are more affordable overall than a comparable FHA or conventional loan. USDA loan rates are often lower than conventional 30-year fixed mortgage rates.
How Do I Get a USDA Loan?
To apply for a USDA mortgage, you will first contact a participating lender. If you are interested in a USDA direct mortgage, home improvement loan, or grant, go to your state’s USDA office.
What is the USDA Programs Minimum Down Payment?
There are no down payments in the USDA program. In fact, you can finance 100 percent of the home price with a USDA loan. And if you decide to make a down payment, you can lower your monthly mortgage payments. This will even enable you to afford a more expensive home.
