Why USDA is often the best deal in the foothills
The USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing program was built for exactly the communities I lend in. It routinely beats FHA and low-down conventional financing on total monthly cost, and it's the only widely available program that finances 100% of the purchase price for a standard buyer.
- No down payment required — finance 100% of the purchase price
- Monthly mortgage insurance far cheaper than FHA
- Competitive fixed 30-year rates, no prepayment penalty
- Closing costs can be gifted, seller-paid, or rolled in when the appraisal supports it
- Manufactured homes are allowed when they meet program requirements
Do you qualify?
USDA has two eligibility tests — the property and the household. I check both for you in a single phone call before you spend a dollar.
Property eligibility
The address must sit in a USDA-designated rural area. Nearly all of the Mother Lode qualifies, with a few in-town exclusions around larger city centers.
Household income limits
Total household income must fall under the county limit. Limits adjust for household size and are more generous than most buyers expect.
