USDA Loans are zero down payment mortgages that makes you homeownership for suburban and rural homebuyers. USDA loans are guaranteed by the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program a part of the United States Department of Agriculture.
USDA home loan also have less rates than conventional mortgages because the government is taking on risk associated with lending.USDA loans does not require borrowers to pay for traditional private mortgage insurance.
Types of USDA Loans?
There are three USDA home loan Programs
Direct Loans
Issued by USDA, these mortgages are for very low income applicants who are without safe housing or cant access a traditional home loan.Income thresholds differ for every region.These loans offer term of up to 38 years. With subsidies,interest rates is 1%.
The USDA commonly issues direct loans for homes with a market value below the area loan limit.Rural areas have loan limits closer to $330000.
Loan guarantees
The USDA guarantees a mortgage issued by a contesting local tender, permitting borrowers to qualify for low mortgage interest rates without a down payment.Borrowers only have to pay an upfront fee for 1% and yearly fee of 0.35% of loan balance which is amortized across monthly payments.Borrowers donot have to pay for PMI.This costs less than traditional PMI.
Home improvement loans and grants
These loans and grants allow homeowners to repair or upgrade their homes.Grants have a maximum of $10,0000 and Loans are peak at $40,000.Loan terms are for 20 years with a 1% interest rate.If the borrower sell the home within three years they have to repay grant money.Loan and grant package also combine providing upto $50,000 in total assistance.
Qualifying for a USDA guaranteed mortgage
Income threshold to qualify for USDA guaranteed home loan differ by household size and location.The borrower household income can not increase 115% of the median income in the county where their new house is located.
USDA guaranteed home loans can fund only owner occupied primary residences.Borrowers must also
- Be a US Citizen or permanent resident
- Have a proven history of dependable income
- Borrowers without credit history can be evaluated through alternative criteria.Have a credit history that shows a reliable to repay debts and marks of at least 640 to qualify for streamline processing.
The monthly installment on loan must be 29% or less of the borrowers monthly income.Other monthly debt installment cannot exceed 41% of the borrower income.
Qualifying for a Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan
The USDA also directly issues loans to low income borrowers.To qualify for Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan borrowers must:
- Be a US Citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Currently be without safe,sanitary housing
- Meet income limits which are designated by county and metro area.
- Be unable to meet the qualifications necessary to obtain another kind of mortgage
Borrowers who have been prohibited from federal programs would not be eligible for a Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan.This mortgage can not be used to finance a properly that is valued above the area loan limit.
