Nowadays, there is a growing trend among individuals to have property ownership. You might also have the same desire. Who doesn’t desire to have a separate home and live independently? However, many individuals are unable to fulfill this need because of financial constraints. Purchasing your own house is costly, and individuals are likely unable to go forward due to the rising cost of real estate. This is where USDA home loans come into action and help individuals fulfill their desire to own a property. We’ll discuss several essential popular FAQs of USDA home loans so that you can get a better understanding of the requirements of the loan. 

Frequently Asked Questions for USDA Home Loans

1.     What are USDA home loans?

USDA home loans are mortgages available for rural homeowners. The United States Department of Agriculture has introduced home loans as part of their Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan program. Moreover, USDA-approved lenders issue such loans, and USDA takes up the responsibility to guarantee the loan. They are available for individuals with low to average income, and they offer 100% financing with cheap insurance payments and mortgage rates. They work like mortgages, and they offer zero down payments with low rates.

2.     What are the requirements to qualify for USDA home loans?

You should meet the basic eligibility criteria to qualify for the USDA home loans. Firstly, you should be an American Citizen or legal permanent resident. Secondly, you should prove your creditworthiness and the minimum credit score to qualify is 640. Also, your lender may require your credit history and repayment pattern to approve the loan. It is also possible that the applicant may be eligible without the standard credit requirement. Still, they will have to prove their credit through their bill’s payments: insurance, utility, and rent.

Furthermore, you should have a stable income to pay the mortgage payment, and your debt-income ratio should be below. According to the guidelines, the ratio should be 41% or less. Finally, there is a primary requirement that the residence should be in an approved rural area. 

3.     What are the income limits for the USDA home loans?

There is an income limit on the annual household income to ensure that only low to moderate-income individuals avail the opportunity. It follows that a household of 1-4 members earns not more than $90,300, and a household of 5-8 members earns no more than $119,200. USDA has a base income limit, which sets the income at 115% of the area’s median income that means that you cannot exceed 15% of the median income. 

4.     Are there any down payments or PMI for USDA home loans?

USDA home loans allow buyers to purchase a home with no down payments, saving a lot of costs. However, USDA home loans charge private mortgage insurance (PMI), and they charge a 1% upfront fee at the time of purchase. Additionally, they have a 0.35% annual fee for the entire year. Moreover, if mortgage rates change, you can also refinance, for which USDA charges a 1% upfront fee. 

5.     What options do USDA offer?

USDA provides 15- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and USDA doesn’t offer ARM mortgages.

6.     Are USDA mortgage rates feasible?

USDA loan rates are lower in contrast to conventional 30-year mortgages. Moreover, USDA charges low PMI, which makes it more affordable than its competitors. 

7.     Can I use my USDA loan property for income purposes?

USDA loans are not meant for investment, vacation homes, and for conducting business. The primary purpose of these loans is to provide residential areas to rural people. 

8.     What if my seller agrees to pay my closing costs? Can gift funds pay for closing costs?

USDA allows the seller to pay for closing costs if he agrees. Moreover, USDA allows gifts from family or non-family members, and you can use them to pay for closing costs. 

9.     What is the loan map of USDA loans?

It is available for individuals in rural areas. According to the loan map, 97% of the areas are eligible for USDA loans. Moreover, an individual from any area with a population of less than 20,000 is eligible to avail of the loans.