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USDA loans · Section 502 Guaranteed Rural Housing

USDA Loans 2026: Zero-Down Rural Development Home Financing

The 2026 USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing (Section 502) loan guide from Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (Company NMLS# 2620881). 0% down, 1.00% upfront guarantee fee, 0.35% annual fee, USDA income and property eligibility, and full underwriting rules from USDA Handbook HB-1-3555. We are not affiliated with USDA Rural Development — official program rules should be verified on rd.usda.gov.

Quick answerSummary
  • ✓0% down for eligible U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or Qualified Aliens buying a primary residence in a USDA-eligible rural area
  • ✓Upfront guarantee fee 1.00% (financeable) + annual fee 0.35% of avg. UPB — verify current fees on USDA HB-1-3555 Chapter 16
  • ✓Adjusted household income must be at or below the county moderate-income limit (typically ~$112k–$121k for 1–4 person households)
  • ✓Property must be in a USDA-designated rural area (eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov)
  • ✓640+ middle FICO for GUS approval; lower scores may require manual underwriting
  • ✓Seller concessions up to 6% of the sales price for closing costs and prepaids
  • ✓Primary residence only; 30-year fixed only (no ARMs on USDA Guaranteed)
SA

Written by

Simply Approved Mortgages Team

Licensed Loan Officers · NMLS# 2620881

12 min read·Independently researched · No paid product placement
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Complete the short request and a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer sends back a written summary built from your own numbers: an estimated payment breakdown, estimated cash to close, the loan structures that may fit your file, and the documentation underwriting will ask for.

  • Estimated monthly payment with taxes and insurance
  • Estimated cash to close for your scenario
  • Loan structures your profile may fit
  • Document checklist for your file
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Takes about 3 minutes · Summary shown on screen and emailed to you

Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a rate quote, lock, loan estimate, pre-qualification, offer, approval, or commitment to lend. Figures are subject to credit, income, asset and property review and full lender underwriting; binding numbers appear on your Loan Estimate.

Scenario summary

Purchase price entered
$412,000
Down payment entered
$20,600
Estimated loan amount
$391,400
Estimated cash to close
$14,300
Programs reviewed
4

Sample layout with example figures — your own numbers replace these. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Start your USDA loan pre-approval — under 2 minutes

100% financing in USDA-eligible rural areas — no down payment. We'll show your green/yellow/red decision instantly.

~2 minutes Clear next steps from a real loan officer

Not a loan application, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

What is a USDA loan?

A USDA loan — formally the Section 502 Guaranteed Rural Housing loan — is a residential mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Private lenders make the loan (Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is a broker that arranges it, not a direct lender); USDA guarantees a portion against loss. The guaranty is why lenders can offer 0% down financing to eligible buyers purchasing a primary residence in a USDA-designated rural area.

The USDA program in this guide is the Section 502 Guaranteed program (backed by USDA and originated by private lenders). USDA also runs a Section 502 Direct program that USDA services directly, aimed at very-low- and low-income buyers — those loans are applied for through USDA field offices, not through Simply Approved Mortgages.

USDA eligibility — borrower, income, and property

  • Borrower: U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or Qualified Alien.
  • Occupancy: primary residence only.
  • Adjusted household income: at or below the applicable USDA moderate-income limit for the county and household size. Verify on the official USDA Income Eligibility tool (eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov). The limit updates annually.
  • Property eligibility: the property must be in a USDA-designated rural area. Check the official USDA Property Eligibility Map before writing an offer — "rural" is defined broadly and includes many suburbs and small towns.
  • Repayment ability: household income, employment, credit, and debts underwritten per USDA HB-1-3555 Chapter 11.

USDA guarantee fees

USDA charges two fees that fund the guaranty program (verify current fees on USDA HB-1-3555 Chapter 16 and the most recent USDA Notice):

  • Upfront guarantee fee: 1.00% of the loan amount (financeable into the loan)
  • Annual fee: 0.35% of the average scheduled unpaid principal balance (paid monthly)

These fees replace private mortgage insurance. For many low-to-moderate-income files, USDA is monthly cheaper than FHA because USDA annual fee (0.35%) is lower than current FHA annual MIP (0.55%) and USDA upfront (1.00%) is lower than FHA UFMIP (1.75%).

Credit, DTI, and reserves

  • Credit: USDA does not publish a hard minimum FICO. GUS approval typically requires 640+ middle score. Files with lower scores can still be approved via manual underwriting with compensating factors.
  • DTI: standard 29% housing ratio / 41% total DTI. GUS-approved files with strong compensating factors can approve at higher DTIs.
  • Reserves: not required for most GUS-approved files but recommended.

USDA vs FHA vs VA vs Conventional

  • USDA: 0% down, rural areas only, income limit, 30-year fixed only. Annual fee 0.35%.
  • VA: 0% down for eligible Veterans, no property location or income limits, no monthly mortgage insurance.
  • FHA: 3.5% down at 580+ FICO, no location or income limits, MIP for the life of the loan on most new files.
  • Conventional: 3% down at 620+ FICO on HomeReady/Home Possible (with 80% AMI income limits) or 5% down on standard programs. PMI drops off at 78% LTV.

This is not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding USDA loan figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

Plain-English eligibility check

Do I qualify for a USDA loan?

The USDA Section 502 Guaranteed Loan is 100% financing for low-to-moderate-income buyers in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas. Check the boxes below — if they describe your file, you're likely a USDA fit. Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with USDA Rural Development.

  • ✓

    Property location

    USDA-eligible rural area

    Verify the address on the USDA Property Eligibility Map (eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov).

  • ✓

    Household income

    ≤ 115% of Area Median Income

    Adjusted household income cap per USDA HB-1-3555 Ch. 9. Check the USDA Income Eligibility tool for your county.

  • ✓

    Credit score

    640+ FICO (GUS automated approval)

    Manual underwriting possible below 640 with strong compensating factors.

  • ✓

    Down payment

    $0 (100% financing)

    Closing costs may be gifted, seller-paid (up to 6%), or financed if the appraisal supports it.

  • ✓

    Debt-to-income (DTI)

    29% housing / 41% total

    GUS may waive with strong credit and reserves (HB-1-3555 Ch. 11).

  • ✓

    Occupancy

    Primary residence only

    No investment property, no second home, no income-producing farm.

  • ✓

    Guarantee fee

    1.00% upfront + 0.35% annual

    Upfront is financed into the loan; annual is paid monthly for the life of the loan.

  • ✓

    Employment / income

    2-year documented history

    Includes all adult household members' income for eligibility (repayment income uses borrowers only).

Common disqualifiers to review with your Loan Officer

  • −Property outside USDA-eligible rural area
  • −Adjusted household income above 115% of AMI
  • −Investment property, second home, or income-producing farm
  • −Existing dwelling that fails HUD Handbook 4000.1 property standards
  • −Middle FICO below 640 without strong compensating factors
✕

What disqualifies me? — plain-English examples

Here are the most common USDA loan disqualifiers we see, with a quick real-world example of each so you can gauge your file at a glance. If any of these describe you, don't stop here — a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can often build a path around the issue (compensating factors, alternate program, or a plan to fix it before you apply).

  • Property inside a USDA-ineligible urban area

    Example: Home is in a Denver or Orlando city-limits ZIP that USDA has re-designated as urban. USDA Property Eligibility Map returns "Ineligible." Options: shop for a home 5–15 miles outside the city limit, or switch to FHA / conventional.

  • Adjusted household income above 115% of AMI

    Example: Family of 4 in a county with $95,000 income limit — file shows $102,000 adjusted household income. Over the cap by $7,000, USDA denies. Options: use pre-tax retirement contributions to reduce adjusted income (per HB-1-3555 Ch. 9) or wait until a spouse's bonus year drops off.

  • Investment property or second home

    Example: Buyer wants a rental cabin. USDA Section 502 is primary-residence only — the buyer must occupy within 60 days and continuously. Use conventional investment financing instead.

  • Existing dwelling fails property standards

    Example: Peeling paint on a pre-1978 home (lead-based paint hazard), missing handrails, or a septic system that fails inspection. USDA follows HUD Handbook 4000.1 property standards — repairs required before closing or a purchase price reduction and buyer-financed repairs.

  • Middle FICO below 640

    Example: FICO scores of 625 / 630 / 635 = 630 middle. Below the 640 GUS threshold. File flips to manual underwrite requiring strong compensating factors (12 mo reserves, 29/41 ratios met without stretch). Most buyers should raise scores first — FHA is often cheaper at this credit tier.

  • Non-arm's-length transaction with a relative

    Example: Buying from a parent at 20% below market. USDA generally requires arm's-length transactions for the guarantee; identity-of-interest may be allowed with additional documentation and appraisal review.

Start My Approval →

Meeting the thresholds above does not guarantee approval. Individual results vary; binding terms appear on your federally required Loan Estimate.

Sources: USDA Rural Development HB-1-3555 (Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program Technical Handbook), 7 CFR Part 3555, USDA Property Eligibility Map, USDA Income Eligibility Tool.

USDA Section 502 Eligibility Helper

Check USDA property & income eligibility

USDA eligibility is determined by two independent tests: (1) the property must sit inside a USDA-designated rural area, and (2) total household income must be at or below 115% of Area Median Income for the county and household size. This helper deep-links to the official USDA tools and gives you a directional read on the income side. USDA is the final authority.

Property location test

"Rural" is defined broadly and includes many small towns and outer suburbs. Enter the address before writing an offer.

We'll copy the address to your clipboard so you can paste it into the USDA map's search field.

Household income test

Disclosure. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS# 2620881) is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, or the federal government. USDA baselines shown reflect published moderate-income limits (7 CFR 3555.152; HB-1-3555 Ch. 9) for the majority of U.S. counties; hundreds of counties are higher (high-cost) or lower and limits change annually. USDA is the final authority on both property and income eligibility. This tool is informational only and is not a credit decision, loan approval, or commitment to lend. Individual results vary.

Next steps

See Today's Rates

Emailing your USDA eligibility checker scenario opens our secure request form so a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can review those numbers. Estimates are illustrative and are not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Live government data lookup

Check a property address against the USDA rural eligibility map

Enter a property address to query USDA Rural Development's published eligibility map and see whether the location sits in a USDA-eligible rural area.

Informational lookup of public government data only. It is not a loan approval, a pre-approval, an eligibility determination, an insurance quote, or a commitment to lend, and it does not involve a credit check. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of USDA or FEMA. Addresses you enter are used only to run this lookup. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado; availability, eligibility, and terms vary by borrower, property, program, lender, and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval.

Next steps

See Today's Rates

Emailing your Property eligibility lookup scenario opens our secure request form so a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can review those numbers. Estimates are illustrative and are not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Eligibility & qualifications

USDA loan qualifications: complete eligibility requirements

USDA Rural Development does not lend directly under Section 502 Guaranteed — private lenders make the loan — Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (Company NMLS# 2620881) is a broker that arranges it, not a direct lender — and USDA guarantees a portion against loss. Below are the current program qualifications your file must meet. Verify current fees and income limits on rd.usda.gov — this page is educational and Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with USDA.

RequirementUSDA loan standardNotes / source
Property locationUSDA-designated rural areaCheck any address on the USDA Property Eligibility Map at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov. Many suburbs and small towns qualify.
OccupancyPrimary residence onlyNo second homes and no investment properties (HB-1-3555 Ch. 8).
CitizenshipU.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or Qualified AlienDocumented per USDA HB-1-3555 Chapter 8.
Adjusted household incomeAt or below county moderate-income limitIncludes income of all household members 18+, not just borrowers. Look up county figures on the USDA Income Eligibility tool.
Minimum credit scoreNo USDA minimum — GUS approval usually 640+Files below 640 typically require manual underwriting with documented compensating factors.
Down payment0% — 100% financingUpfront guarantee fee can be financed on top of appraised value.
Maximum DTI29% front / 41% back (standard)GUS-approved files with strong compensating factors can exceed the standard ratios (HB-1-3555 Ch. 11).
Upfront guarantee fee1.00% of loan amountFinanceable into the loan. Verify current fiscal-year rate on the USDA notice.
Annual guarantee fee0.35% of average scheduled UPBPaid monthly for the life of the loan. Lower than FHA annual MIP for most files.
Seller concessionsUp to 6% of sales priceToward closing costs and prepaids (HB-1-3555 Ch. 6).
ReservesNot requiredUSDA does not require cash reserves for GUS-approved files.
Waiting period after Ch. 7 bankruptcy3 years from dischargeReduced with documented extenuating circumstances (HB-1-3555 Ch. 10).
Waiting period after foreclosure3 yearsReduced with documented extenuating circumstances.
Assets testApplies to non-retirement liquid assetsHousehold net worth over $15,000 (non-first-time buyers) or $50,000 may require down payment (HB-1-3555 Ch. 9).

Eligible property types & occupancy

  • ✓Single-family detached, new construction, or existing homes in USDA-eligible areas
  • ✓PUDs and eligible condominium projects (must meet FHA, VA, Fannie, or Freddie approval)
  • ✓Modular homes permanently affixed
  • ✓New-construction manufactured homes (existing MH generally ineligible unless part of a USDA pilot)
  • ✓Property must be modest in size, design, and cost for the area — no in-ground pools on new construction
  • ✓No income-producing farms, working ranches, or commercial acreage

Income & employment

  • ✓All household members 18+ have income counted for eligibility (even non-borrowers)
  • ✓Only borrower income counts for repayment/DTI ratio
  • ✓W-2, self-employment, retirement, Social Security, disability, alimony, child support all acceptable with documentation
  • ✓Non-taxable income can be grossed up per HB-1-3555 Ch. 9
  • ✓Seasonal / part-time / bonus / OT income requires 2-year history
  • ✓Rental income from other properties requires documented 2-year track record

Compensating factors that strengthen approval

  • +GUS Accept/Eligible finding
  • +Middle FICO 680+
  • +Housing payment shock under 100% (new PITI vs current rent)
  • +2+ years stable employment
  • +Cash reserves ≥ 2 months PITI (not required but strengthens manual UW)
  • +Long-term positive credit depth (24+ months seasoning on tradelines)

Common ineligible or disqualifying scenarios

  • −Property in a non-USDA-eligible area
  • −Household adjusted income above the county moderate-income limit
  • −Second homes, vacation homes, or investment properties
  • −Working farms or income-producing acreage
  • −Foreclosure or Ch. 7 discharge inside the 3-year waiting period without extenuating circumstances
  • −Household liquid assets above USDA asset-test threshold without down payment contribution
  • −In-ground pool on new construction

Sources: USDA Rural Development Handbook HB-1-3555, USDA Property and Income Eligibility Tools at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov, and rd.usda.gov. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (Company NMLS# 2620881) is not affiliated with USDA Rural Development. This is not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend; binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

How to get a USDA loan with Simply Approved Mortgages

  1. 1

    Confirm property eligibility

    Check the property address on the official USDA Property Eligibility Map.
  2. 2

    Confirm income eligibility

    Run adjusted household income against the county moderate-income limit on the USDA Income Eligibility tool.
  3. 3

    Pull credit and pre-approval

    Simply Approved Mortgages runs the file through GUS (USDA's Guaranteed Underwriting System) and issues a written pre-approval.
  4. 4

    Property under contract

    Submit the fully executed purchase agreement.
  5. 5

    USDA appraisal and file assembly

    Standard full-doc underwriting. Appraisal must confirm the property meets USDA MPRs (safe, sanitary, structurally sound).
  6. 6

    USDA Conditional Commitment

    USDA reviews and issues a Conditional Commitment for Loan Note Guarantee.
  7. 7

    Close and fund

    Sign, wait for funding, and get the keys.
Expert Insight
The single biggest USDA planning miss is property eligibility. Many buyers assume "rural" means farmland — the reality is that USDA-eligible areas include many suburbs and small towns just outside major metros. Check the official Property Eligibility Map before you assume USDA is off the table. Your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can pre-check any address in seconds.
Simply Approved Mortgages Team
Licensed Loan Officers • NMLS# 2620881

Want this applied to your own file?

A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer reviews your credit, income, and property against current FHA guidelines and follows up with estimated figures. Educational only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Key qualifying numbers

USDA loan (Section 502 Guaranteed) — max LTV, credit score & DTI at a glance

The four numbers most borrowers ask about first. Full underwriting matrix and citations are further down the page.

Max LTV

100%

Zero down + 1.00% up-front guarantee fee financeable above (USDA HB-1-3555 Ch. 6).

Min credit score

640

Required for GUS automated approval; lower scores require manual UW with compensating factors (HB-1-3555 Ch. 10).

Max DTI

41%

29% front / 41% back on GUS "Accept"; higher back-end permitted with strong compensating factors.

Income limit

≤ 115% AMI

Household income capped at 115% of USDA-defined moderate-income limit for the county (Rural Development income lookup).

Guidelines subject to change; lender overlays may apply. Illustrative only — not a rate quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer confirms the numbers on your actual file.

Qualifications & requirements

USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loan qualifications: what you actually need to qualify

RequirementTypical standardNotes
Credit score640+ for GUS automated approval; 640– requires manual underwritePer USDA HB-1-3555 Chapter 10.
Income limit≤ 115% of area median household income (AMHI)Adjusted household income including all adult members. Check the USDA Income Eligibility tool.
Down payment$0 (100% LTV of appraised value; up-front guarantee fee may be financed above 100%)Per 7 CFR 3555.101.
Debt-to-income29% housing / 41% total (GUS); higher with compensating factorsHB-1-3555 Chapter 11.
Property locationMust be in a USDA-designated rural areaCheck eligibility at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov.
OccupancyOwner-occupied primary residence onlyNo investment property, no vacation homes.
Eligible property & term1-unit homes, PUDs, eligible condos, and eligible manufactured homes; 30-year fixed onlyNo ARMs and no 2–4 unit properties on USDA Guaranteed.
Refinance eligibilityOnly an existing USDA guaranteed or direct loan can be refinanced; no cash-outUSDA does not refinance other loan types into a USDA loan.
Conventional-credit testIneligible if you can obtain traditional conventional financingGenerally applies if you have 20% down plus closing costs in verifiable non-retirement liquid assets and still meet 28%/36% ratios.
Guarantee fees1.00% upfront + 0.35% annualSet by USDA for FY 2024–2025. Reviewed annually.
Employment2-year stable history typicalNon-traditional credit accepted for thin-file borrowers.
ReservesNot required for most filesReserves may help offset weaker compensating factors.

Sources: 7 CFR Part 3555, USDA Handbook HB-1-3555, USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Loan Program. Individual results vary; guidelines subject to change.

What you can do with this loan

✓

Purchase an existing single-family home in an eligible rural area

✓

Purchase new construction from an approved builder

✓

Purchase a manufactured home on a permanent foundation (post-2006 with pilot expansions)

✓

Refinance an existing USDA loan via USDA Streamlined-Assist or Streamlined Refinance

✓

Include eligible closing costs into the loan when the appraisal supports it

✓

Finance minor repairs and improvements needed to meet HUD Handbook 4000.1 property standards

USDA Loan: Pros and Cons

Pros of a USDA loan

  • +0% down for eligible low-to-moderate-income buyers in USDA-eligible rural areas
  • +Annual fee 0.35% is lower than FHA annual MIP (currently 0.55%) — meaningful monthly savings
  • +Upfront guarantee fee 1.00% is lower than FHA UFMIP (1.75%)
  • +Seller concessions up to 6% of the sales price for closing costs and prepaids
  • +"Rural" is defined broadly — many suburbs and small towns qualify
  • +Streamlined-Assist Refinance for existing USDA borrowers — no appraisal, no credit qualification required

Cons / trade-offs of a USDA loan

  • −Property must be in a USDA-designated rural area — verify on the official Property Eligibility Map
  • −Adjusted household income must be at or below the county moderate-income limit
  • −Primary residence only — no second homes or investment property
  • −Standard 29%/41% DTI can be tight for higher-cost markets
  • −30-year fixed only — no ARMs on USDA Guaranteed
  • −GUS refer/manual underwriting requires stronger compensating factors

See where you stand on these requirements

A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will review your credit, income, and reserves against real program guidelines — no obligation.

Worked example

How this loan actually works — a full example

A family of four with $85,000 household income buys a $275,000 single-family home in an eligible USDA rural area with $0 down and finances the USDA upfront guarantee fee.

Inputs

Purchase price
$275,000
Down payment
$0 (100% financing)
Upfront guarantee fee (financed)
1.00% of loan amount
Illustrative rate (30-yr fixed)
6.75%
Annual guarantee fee
0.35% of average scheduled balance
Property taxes
$180/mo
Homeowner's insurance
$95/mo

Calculation

  1. 1
    Base loan
    $275,000
  2. 2
    Upfront guarantee fee financed
    $275,000 × 1.00% = $2,750
  3. 3
    Total loan amount
    $277,750
  4. 4
    Principal & interest (30-yr @ 6.75%)
    ≈ $1,802 / month
  5. 5
    Monthly annual fee (Year 1 est.)
    ≈ $81 / month
  6. 6
    Taxes + insurance
    $275 / month
  7. 7
    Estimated total payment
    ≈ $2,158 / month
Outcome
Illustrative only. Actual approval depends on GUS underwriting, adjusted household income, property eligibility, and current fee schedule. Not a quote or commitment to lend.

Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

Real-world USDA loan scenarios

✓

First-time buyer, 0% down

Household at $85k income, 700 middle FICO, purchases a $310,000 home in a USDA-eligible small town with 0% down. Upfront 1.00% guarantee fee financed into the loan.

✓

Moderate-income family, seller-paid closing

Family of four negotiates 6% seller concessions to cover closing costs and prepaids, bringing cash-to-close to just the earnest money.

✓

Rural suburb

Buyers surprised to learn the outer edge of a mid-size metro they were considering is USDA-eligible on the official map. Guarantee fee saves ~$500/year vs comparable FHA scenario.

✓

Streamlined-Assist Refinance

Existing USDA borrower refinances into a lower rate via Streamlined-Assist — no appraisal, no credit qualification, and payment must drop by at least $50.

Pricing snapshot

Live ratesLive pricing. Rates are retrieved from our pricing provider when you run a scenario.

USDA Loan Rates — Today's Options at a Glance

Four real options from today's wholesale pricing for one documented sample scenario per program — no form needed. Updated twice each business day, about 10 AM and 2 PM Eastern. Your own rate depends on your credit, down payment, property, state and lock date.

Live pricing tool

Live ratesLive pricing. Rates are retrieved from our pricing provider when you run a scenario.

USDA Loan Rates Today — Live Pricing Engine

Enter your scenario to see live wholesale pricing for Florida and Colorado. Figures are illustrative and not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend; binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

USDA loan pricing tool

Live ratesLive pricing. Rates are retrieved from our pricing provider when you run a scenario.

USDA Guaranteed pricing for eligible rural properties. We are not affiliated with USDA. Every figure shown comes from our pricing provider for the scenario you enter — nothing is estimated.

Pricing shown is based on the scenario entered and wholesale pricing available at the time of the search. It is not a rate lock, loan approval, commitment to lend, or guarantee of terms. Rates and pricing change frequently and expire. Your actual rate, APR, payment, and costs depend on a complete application, verified credit and income, property and appraisal review, and lender underwriting approval. Binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate. Payment shown is principal and interest only and excludes taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS# 2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

Live market pricing

Today's USDA loan rates (2026)

USDA loan pricing is quoted daily and depends on credit, loan amount, LTV/CLTV, occupancy, and lender program. Figures below are for education only — your binding rate and APR appear on your Loan Estimate.

  • ✓USDA loans are securitized in Ginnie Mae pools alongside FHA and VA — pricing generally tracks FHA rates
  • ✓30-year fixed only (no ARMs on USDA Guaranteed)
  • ✓Upfront guarantee fee 1.00% can be financed into the loan
  • ✓Annual fee 0.35% of average scheduled unpaid principal balance — lower than current FHA annual MIP (0.55%)
  • ✓Seller concessions up to 6% of the sales price for closing costs and prepaids

What affects your rate

  • ✓

    Credit score

    GUS approval typically requires 640+ middle FICO. Lower scores may require manual underwriting.

  • ✓

    Property eligibility

    Must be in a USDA-designated rural area — verify on the official USDA Property Eligibility Map.

  • ✓

    Household income

    Adjusted household income at or below the county moderate-income limit (typically $112k–$121k for 1–4 person households).

  • ✓

    DTI

    Standard 29% housing / 41% total. GUS can approve higher with compensating factors.

  • ✓

    Loan purpose

    Purchase and refinance eligible. Streamlined-Assist Refinance offers a simplified path for existing USDA borrowers.

Rates and APRs shown are illustrative and change daily. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear on your official Loan Estimate. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, NMLS# 2620881. Equal Housing Opportunity.

USDA Loan Payment Calculator

Estimate a full PITI payment on your USDA loan with a plain-English breakdown of principal & interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and HOA — plus a loan amortization summary. Illustrative only; your Loan Estimate will show the binding figures.

Estimate your payment
Home price$450,000
$
Down payment$45,000 (10.0%)
$
Interest rate6.25%
%
Loan term30 years
Credit tier (FICO)740-759
Property taxes (annual %)1.20%
%
Homeowner's insurance (annual)$1,650
$
HOA (monthly)$0
$
Principal & interest
$2,494
Taxes + insurance
$588
Loan amount
$405,000
Estimated monthly payment (PITI)
Illustrative — binding figures on your Loan Estimate
$3,082

Monthly payment breakdown

Principal & interest$2,494 · 81%
Property taxes (1.20%/yr)$450 · 15%
Homeowner's insurance$138 · 4%

Loan amortization summary (30-year term)

Total interest paid
$492,716
Total paid over term
$897,716
Year 1 · to interest
$25,178
Year 1 · to principal
$4,746

Assumes a fixed-rate 30-year loan held to maturity with no prepayments. Actual amortization varies with extra principal payments, escrow adjustments, PMI/MIP, and any rate resets on an ARM.

Free • No obligation

Use my estimate — see today's rates

We'll pre-fill your calculator numbers into the quote form below. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will personally connect with you to walk through your scenario.

Home price$450,000
Down payment$45,000 (10.0%)
Loan amount$405,000
Rate / term6.25% · 30y
Credit tier740-759
Est. total PITI$3,082
See Today's Rates

Pre-approval is a soft check with no SSN and no hard credit pull. Not a loan approval or commitment to lend — binding figures appear on your federally required Loan Estimate.

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Continue on our secure application page. Your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will review your numbers and follow up within one business day.

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Wholesale advantage

Compare loan officer compensation on your mortgage quote

Loan officer compensation is part of the cost of a mortgage. On eligible residential loans, Simply Approved Mortgages generally uses 1.5% lender-paid compensation. Enter the compensation shown on another lender's Loan Estimate to see the difference in dollars.

Simply Approved Mortgages compensation (1.5%)$4,500
Quote you entered (2.75%)$8,250

Compensation difference on this illustration: $3,750.

How lower compensation can help you

Room for a lower rate

When less compensation is built into pricing, there can be room for a lower interest rate, which may lower your monthly payment.

Possible credits toward closing

Depending on the rate you choose, pricing can sometimes include a lender credit toward third-party closing costs, so you may bring less cash to closing.

More purchasing power

A lower rate means a lower monthly payment, which can lower your debt-to-income ratio and may help you qualify for more home on the same income.

Wholesale, not retail

As a mortgage broker we compare pricing from wholesale lenders instead of offering a single bank’s retail pricing.

Tip: On page 2 of your Loan Estimate, look at Section A, "Origination Charges." If the lender pays the loan officer, that compensation usually does not appear there as its own line; it is built into the interest rate. That is why comparing the rate and any lender credits side by side matters.

Get a second opinion on your Loan Estimate

Already have a Loan Estimate from another bank or broker? Share it with a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer, who will compare the rate, fees and credits side by side with options we can arrange. No cost to request a review.

Illustration only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend; binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate. Lender-paid compensation is paid by the lender, not directly by you, and is part of the loan's pricing, so the loan is not free of costs. A lower compensation figure does not by itself guarantee a lower rate or lower closing costs; individual results vary by credit, loan type, property and market conditions. Residential lending in FL and CO only. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

Get Ready

Document Checklist for your USDA loan

Gathering these documents up front helps your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer issue a stronger pre-approval and move your USDA loan to Clear-to-Close faster. Actual items required vary by scenario — your loan officer will confirm the final list.

Choose your income type

Only the income documents that apply to you are shown. Switch tabs if you have multiple income sources — your loan officer will confirm which apply.

W-2 / Employed Income

  • ✓Most recent 30 days of paystubs (all borrowers, all jobs)
  • ✓W-2s for the last 2 years (all employers)
  • ✓Two-year employment history with employer names, addresses, and dates
  • ✓Verification of Employment — written (WVOE) or electronic (EVOE through a third-party payroll service); your loan officer orders it with your signed authorization
  • ✓Employment reverification within 10 days before closing — verbal or electronic, required on every file
  • ✓Bonus / commission / overtime: 2-year history if used to qualify
  • ✓Recent job change: offer letter and first paystub after start date
  • ✓Retirees / fixed income: Social Security award letter, pension statements, 1099-R

Assets & Reserves

  • ✓Most recent 2 months of bank statements (all pages)
  • ✓Most recent quarterly statement for retirement / brokerage / 401(k)
  • ✓Gift funds: signed gift letter + donor bank statement + transfer proof
  • ✓Large deposit letters of explanation with source documentation

Identity & Residency

  • ✓Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
  • ✓Social Security card or ITIN letter
  • ✓Two years of residency history with addresses

Credit & Liabilities

  • ✓Written credit report authorization
  • ✓Letter of explanation for any late payments, collections, or inquiries
  • ✓Bankruptcy discharge papers or foreclosure documentation (if applicable)
  • ✓Child support / alimony order (if paying or receiving)
  • ✓Divorce decree / separation agreement (only if applicable)

Property & Purchase

  • ✓Fully executed purchase contract with all addenda
  • ✓Earnest money deposit receipt + source of funds
  • ✓Homeowners insurance quote (binder before closing)
  • ✓HOA / condo questionnaire and dues statement (if applicable)

USDA-Specific Documentation

  • ✓USDA property eligibility confirmation (rural area check)
  • ✓Household income documentation for ALL adults in home
  • ✓Childcare expense documentation (used in income calc)
  • ✓Full-time student status documentation (if 18+ in household)

Educational checklist only. Not a commitment to lend and not a complete list of conditions. Documentation requirements are governed by agency guidelines (Fannie Mae Selling Guide, FHA Handbook 4000.1 incl. Update 18 (August 12, 2026), VA Lender's Handbook, USDA HB-1-3555) and individual investor overlays. Your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will provide your specific document list based on your scenario.

Credit Documentation & Monitoring

Credit Reports and Credit Monitoring for your USDA loan

Credit is one of the four underwriting buckets every lender reviews — and one of the few you can actively improve before you apply. Monitoring your credit throughout the process helps you catch errors, fraud, and score changes early, which protects your approval timeline and your rate.

Step 1 · Lender Pull

Ordering Credit for Your Pre-Approval File

Once you sign your loan application (Form 1003) and disclosures, your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer orders a tri-merge residential mortgage credit report (RMCR) from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is a hard inquiry, but FICO's model treats mortgage inquiries within a 45-day window as a single event, so shopping lenders during that window will not stack on your score.

  • What we need from you: signed borrower authorization, government-issued photo ID, Social Security number (or ITIN), and current address.
  • What the report shows underwriters: middle FICO score, open tradelines, minimum payments, late history, collections, public records, and recent inquiries.
  • How long it's valid: 120 days for conventional loans and for FHA/VA/USDA (HUD guidelines, VA Lender's Handbook Ch. 4). Older reports must be re-pulled before closing.
  • Rapid rescore: if a legitimate error is on your report, we can request a rapid rescore in 3–7 business days after you supply documentation from the creditor.
Pay for Your Credit Report →

This link redirects to our third-party credit vendor's payment portal. You pay the report fee directly so we can pull your tri-merge credit report for your pre-approval file. A credit pull is required for underwriting; this is not a commitment to lend.

Step 2 · Self-Check

Review and Monitor Your Credit at MyITINCredit.com

Before we pull your file, review and monitor your credit at MyITINCredit.com. Their $1 promotional trial gives you tri-bureau visibility plus ongoing credit monitoring so you can catch changes, disputes, or new accounts as they appear — not after they've already delayed your loan.

  • Verify accuracy: confirm names, addresses, SSN/ITIN, and every open account belong to you.
  • Dispute errors: the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to dispute inaccurate items directly with the bureau — no charge.
  • Address collections and charge-offs: a settled or paid collection can be documented in advance so it does not stall underwriting.
  • Pay down utilization: credit-card balances reported below 30% of the limit typically produce the strongest scores.
  • Avoid new credit: do not open new cards, finance a car, or co-sign for anyone from now through closing.
  • Monitor continuously: credit monitoring alerts you to new inquiries, balance changes, and potential identity theft while your loan is in process.
Check & Monitor Your Credit at MyITINCredit.com →

MyITINCredit.com is a service operated by Simply Approved Corporation (a DBA of that entity), which is the parent company of Simply Approved Mortgages LLC. Simply Approved Mortgages may receive subscription revenue if you choose to enroll. Credit monitoring through MyITINCredit.com is optional and is not required to apply for or obtain a mortgage with us. Promotional pricing, trial terms, and monitoring features are set by MyITINCredit.com and subject to change.

Why credit monitoring matters during a mortgage — A single new collection, missed payment, or unauthorized inquiry can change your qualifying score or trigger additional underwriting conditions. Typical minimum scores* — Conventional 620, FHA 580 (3.5% down) or 500 (10% down), VA no HUD minimum (most lenders 580–620), USDA typically 640, Jumbo 680–740, Doctor Mortgage 680–700+, Non-QM/DSCR varies by program, ITIN 620–680 alternative credit. Investor and lender overlays apply; individual results vary. Not a commitment to lend.

Trusted government resources

These independent government resources can help you research mortgage programs, rates, and your rights before you apply.

Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, the CFPB, the FTC, the VA, or any other government agency. Links are provided for your independent verification.

FAQs reviewed by Simply Approved Mortgages · November 2026

Still have questions? Get answers on your scenario

Start a short request and a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer responds within one business day with next steps and a document checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions About USDA Loans 2026

Answers to the most common about USDA loans 2026 questions, written by licensed loan officers.

A USDA loan is a residential mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development under the Section 502 Guaranteed Rural Housing program. Private lenders make the loan (Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is a broker that arranges it, not a direct lender); USDA guarantees a portion against loss. The guaranty allows lenders to offer 0% down for eligible low-to-moderate-income buyers purchasing in a USDA-eligible rural area.
Ask Sam AI

Ask SAM anything about mortgages

SAM is the Simply Approved Mortgages AI assistant. It answers general questions using the reviewed guides published on this site and links you to the primary government source. It is educational only — it does not quote a rate, payment, APR, approval or commitment to lend. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer reviews every scenario before any terms are confirmed.

Hi, I'm SAM — an AI assistant for Simply Approved Mortgages. I can explain loan programs, closing costs, DTI, down payments and which calculator or guide to use. I'm not a licensed loan officer, and nothing here is a quote, approval or commitment to lend.

SAM is an AI assistant — not a licensed loan officer, attorney, CPA or financial adviser. Answers are educational only, are not a quote, lock, offer or commitment to lend, and material loan terms must be reviewed by a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer. Never share SSN/ITIN, date of birth, account numbers or passwords in chat. Residential mortgage loans are arranged in Florida and Colorado. Start My Approval.

Ask Sam AI provides general educational information only. It is an automated assistant, may be incomplete or out of date, and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Nothing it produces is a rate quote, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Never share a Social Security number, ITIN, date of birth, account number or password in chat. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow our reporting

Add Simply Approved Mortgages as a preferred source on Google

We update these guides as HUD, FHFA, VA, USDA and CFPB publish new figures. If you want our updates to show up more often when you search Google, you can mark us as a preferred source from the Top Stories carousel:

  1. 1Sign in to your Google account and search a mortgage topic such as "mortgage rates".
  2. 2Select the icon next to "Top stories" to open the preferred sources panel.
  3. 3Search for Simply Approved Mortgages, tick the box, and save.

Preferred sources is a Google Search feature controlled entirely by you and by Google. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) does not control search results and makes no representation about how or whether our content will appear. Educational content only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

FHA product library

Explore every FHA loan product and topic

Deep-dive references on each FHA program, insurance rule, waiting period, and qualifying calculator.

How this page connects

Where this fits in the USDA rural lending library

This page sits inside our USDA rural lending coverage.

What most readers open next

Explore the full guide

Keep reading — the rest of the buying playbook

Each of these is a deep-dive on one piece of the purchase mortgage process. Bookmark whichever you need next.

By state and city

USDA Rural Development Home Loans by State, City, and County

County loan limits, property taxes, insurance costs, and market conditions change what this program looks like locally. Pick your market for the version written for it. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado.

Internal library

Related mortgage guides across our library

Follow the next relevant guide for your scenario.

Simplify Your Mortgage Journey with These Resources

Pre-Approval Request

Start My Approval

Complete this short request and a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will personally review your scenario. The form only asks what your program actually needs. Submitting it is not an application for credit and is not a commitment to lend.

USDA loan

Tell us about your scenario

The form below is tailored to USDA loan — only the questions and documents your program needs.

Step 1 of 2 · about 90 seconds
See your options — one short screen
Encrypted connection (HTTPS) NMLS# 2620881 Equal Housing Opportunity

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is licensed to arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado only. We ask first so we never collect a mortgage inquiry we are not licensed to act on.

USDA Guaranteed loans finance 100% of the appraised value in eligible rural areas.

What's your goal?
Purchase price$450,000
$

A range is enough here — no credit report is pulled and your credit is not affected.

Estimated monthly payment at these numbers
$3,390

Illustrative estimate only — not a quote, rate lock, offer of credit, or commitment to lend.

Submitting this form is not an application for credit and is not a commitment to lend. No credit report is pulled at this step.

No obligation to apply Encrypted connection Verify NMLS# 2620881
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Talk To A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer

Property eligibility, adjusted household income, and GUS submission handled on your scenario.

Equal Housing OpportunityEqual Housing OpportunityMortgage Broker — Not a LenderNMLS ID# 2620881NMLS Consumer AccessFlorida Mortgage Broker License #MBR7685Colorado Mortgage Company Registration

Licensing & Disclosures

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC | NMLS #2620881

Florida Branch Office (Miami, FL) | Branch NMLS #2688012

Florida Mortgage Broker License #MBR7685 | Colorado Mortgage Company Registration

Business Phone: (877) 813-7219

Equal Housing Opportunity

Broker identification. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is a mortgage broker and is not a direct lender. We arrange residential mortgage loans with third-party wholesale lenders and do not make the lender's final credit decision or fund the loan. We arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Business-purpose mortgage products may be arranged in additional states only where permitted by applicable law and pursuant to applicable licensing requirements or exemptions.

Credit and program terms. All loans are subject to lender credit approval, underwriting, acceptable appraisal or valuation when required, title review, insurance, and supporting documentation. Eligibility, programs, rates, APRs, points, lender credits, fees, payments, terms, loan amounts, down-payment requirements, mortgage insurance, and availability may vary based on borrower, property, occupancy, credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, lender, loan program, and state and may change without notice. Not all applicants, properties, products, or programs will qualify or be available in every state. Nothing on this site constitutes a loan approval, rate lock, offer, commitment to lend, guarantee of approval, or guarantee of terms or closing.

Rates, payments and calculators. Rates, APRs, payments, down payments, loan amounts, home values, estimated equity, savings, affordability estimates, closing costs, and other calculator or scenario results displayed on this site are estimates or illustrations unless expressly stated otherwise. Actual loan terms may differ. Taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, association dues, lender charges, broker compensation, discount points, third-party charges, and other costs may apply. Advertised rates, payments, APRs, down payments, and other credit terms are subject to the assumptions and disclosures presented with the applicable advertisement. Applicable loan terms and disclosures will be provided as required for the particular transaction.

Mortgage products. FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, non-QM, HELOC, reverse mortgage, down-payment-assistance, investment-property, DSCR, and other mortgage products referenced on this site are subject to their individual eligibility, underwriting, property, occupancy, and program requirements. Product availability varies by lender and jurisdiction. References to a mortgage product or program do not constitute a determination that a borrower or property qualifies.

Government-backed programs. Government-backed or government-insured mortgage programs referenced on this site may be subject to requirements established by the applicable government agency in addition to lender requirements. Government insurance or guaranties generally protect participating lenders against certain losses and do not constitute a guarantee of borrower approval.

Business-purpose products. DSCR, investment-property, and other business-purpose mortgage products referenced on this site are intended for qualifying business-purpose transactions. Business-purpose loans may be subject to different requirements and protections than consumer-purpose residential mortgage loans. Borrowers are responsible for accurately disclosing property occupancy and intended use.

Down payment assistance. Down payment or closing-cost assistance programs referenced on this site may be administered by governmental entities, housing finance agencies, nonprofit organizations, lenders, or other third parties. Program availability, funding, assistance amounts, eligibility requirements, repayment or forgiveness provisions, and other terms vary and may change or become unavailable without notice. Listing or referencing a program does not guarantee funding, eligibility, or mortgage approval.

Government affiliation. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not a government agency and is not affiliated with, acting on behalf of, sponsored by, or endorsed by HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, or any other federal, state, or local government agency. References to government agencies, programs, benefits, data, forms, or resources are provided for informational purposes and do not imply government sponsorship or endorsement of Simply Approved Mortgages LLC.

Fair lending. Equal Housing Opportunity. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC conducts business in accordance with applicable federal and state fair-housing and equal-credit-opportunity laws and does not discriminate on any prohibited basis.

No professional advice. Content on this site is educational and general in nature and is not legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, estate-planning, or individualized government-benefits advice. Consumers should consult appropriate qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

Third-party content. References or links to government agencies, lenders, assistance programs, products, services, or other third-party websites are provided for informational purposes or convenience. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC does not control and is not responsible for third-party content, availability, accuracy, or privacy practices.

NMLS Consumer Access: Verify Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, NMLS #2620881.

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, 633 W 5th St, Ste 2600, Los Angeles, CA 90071 · 877-813-7219 · support@simplyapprovedmortgages.com. State licensing details available at the NMLS Consumer Access link above. © 2026 Simply Approved Mortgages LLC.

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