USDA Loan Eligibility
- U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident (i.e. U.S. non-citizen national or qualified alien)
- Ability to prove creditworthiness, typically with a credit score of at least 640.
- Stable and dependable income.
- A willingness to repay the mortgage – generally 12 months of no late payments or collections.
Also, what is considered rural for a USDA loan?
The USDA defines rural areas as “any areas other than a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants; and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a city or town.” … Townhouses and condos are allowed to be financed with USDA loans.
Similarly one may ask, is it hard to get a USDA Rural Home Loan?
Qualification is easier than for many other loan types, since the loan doesn’t require a down payment or a high credit score. Homebuyers 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.
Why would USDA deny a loan?
Income and debt issues.
Things like unverifiable income, undisclosed debt, or even just having too much household income for your area can cause a loan to be denied. Talk with a USDA loan specialist to get a clear sense of your income and debt situation and what might be possible.
What are the cons of a USDA loan?
Disadvantages of USDA Loans
These include: Geographical requirements: Homes must be located in an eligible rural area with a population of 35,000 or less. Also, the home cannot be designed for income-producing activities, which could rule out certain rural properties.
How do I check my USDA loan status?
You may ask your loan officer to check in on that, or call the USDA office yourself. Call the mortgage brokers office and ask to speak with your loan officer. If they do not respond, go above their head to the next level.
What disqualifies a home from USDA financing?
The USDA doesn’t permit income-generating structures or pools, and the land can’t be income-generating or worth more than 30 percent above the value of the home. Wells and septic systems must be at least 100 feet from the home. Local zoning and code compliance.
Does my home qualify for a USDA loan?
For a property to be eligible for a USDA loan, it must meet the basic eligibility requirements set forth by the USDA, which cover rural area designation, occupancy, and the physical condition of the home. The good news is that most of the country is in what the USDA considers a qualified rural area.
How long does it take USDA to approve loan?
about 2-7 days
Is USDA or FHA better?
FHA vs. conventional. A USDA home loan is often the best choice for borrowers who meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s guidelines. With no down payment requirement and low mortgage insurance rates, USDA mortgages are often cheaper both upfront and in the long run than FHA loans.
What is the maximum debt to income ratio for a USDA loan?
The USDA sets no loan limits. However, the amount you can borrow is limited by your income and your household’s debt-to-income ratio. The USDA typically caps debt-to-income ratios to 41 percent.
Can I get a USDA loan with a 500 credit score?
USDA Loan Credit Benchmarks
The USDA does not set a minimum credit score requirement, but most USDA lenders typically look for a credit score of at least 640, which is the lowest score allowed for the USDA’s Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS).
How long do you have to live in a USDA loan home?
60 days
Can your loan be denied at closing?
Can My Loan Still Be Denied? While it’s rare, the short answer is yes. After your loan has been deemed “clear to close,” your lender will update your credit and check your employment status one more time.