Get Pre-Approved for a USDA Loan
USDA loans offer $0 down for eligible rural and suburban properties. Answer a few questions and get connected with lenders who specialize in USDA — no credit check, no obligation.
Find out if you qualify for $0 down — takes 2 minutes
No credit check • No obligation
- NMLS-licensed lenders
- Secure & confidential
- No credit check
How it works
- 1Enter your info—takes a few minutes
- 2Get matched with USDA-approved lenders
- 3Get your official answer from a USDA-approved lender
USDA Requirements at a Glance
USDA loans are backed by the federal government and designed for moderate-income buyers in eligible areas. Here's what typically applies.
Credit score
640+ for streamlined approval with most lenders. Lower scores may be possible with manual underwriting.
Down payment
No down payment required — one of the only loan programs that lets you finance 100% of the home.
Location
Property must be in a USDA-eligible area. Over 97% of U.S. land qualifies, including many suburbs.
Income limits
Household income generally can't exceed 115% of the area median income. Limits vary by county.
Debt-to-income
Lenders typically look for a DTI under 41%, though compensating factors can allow for higher ratios.
Guarantee fee
1% upfront (often rolled into the loan) and 0.35% annual fee — typically lower than FHA or conventional PMI.
Why USDA?
Over 97% of U.S. land area is USDA-eligible, including many suburban neighborhoods near major cities. Pre-approval puts you in a stronger position when you're ready to make an offer.
Shop with confidence
Find out if your income and location qualify for $0 down before you start house hunting. Sellers and agents take pre-approved buyers seriously — your offer carries more weight.
Appreciation works in your favor
Historically, the value your home gains through appreciation far outweighs the guarantee fees you paid to skip a down payment.
Waiting costs more than buying
Home prices tend to rise faster than most people can save. Every year you spend saving for a down payment, the house you want gets more expensive.