USDA Rural Development Loan | Adam Terasinski

USDA Rural Development Loan

0% down payment for qualifying buyers in eligible rural and small-town areas.

How a USDA Loan Works

USDA Rural Development loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are designed to support homeownership in qualifying rural and small-town areas.

For eligible buyers and properties, USDA can offer 0% down payment with a 30-year fixed rate — which can dramatically lower the cash you need to get into a home compared to many other programs.

Who This Loan Is Usually Best For

  • Buyers comfortable living outside the core city footprint in an eligible area
  • Households whose income fits within USDA program limits for their family size
  • First-time or move-up buyers who want 0% down and a fixed payment
Location + income based USDA isn’t about being a “farmer.” It’s about buying in the right area with the right income level. I’ll run both: we’ll check the address on the USDA map and run your household income against the current guidelines.

Key Benefits

  • 0% down payment for eligible properties and income levels
  • 30-year fixed-rate structure — no surprise adjustments later
  • Often lower mortgage insurance cost than some other low-down-payment options
  • Can be a strong way to become a homeowner without draining your savings

What to Know About Rules & Limits

  • The property must be in a USDA-eligible area on the official map
  • Household income must be within program limits (which vary by county and family size)
  • Primary residence only — no second homes or investment properties
  • Standard property condition and livability rules apply
Check USDA Eligibility for Your Address
Send over the property address and your basic info — I’ll confirm if USDA is even on the table and show how it stacks up against FHA and conventional for your real numbers.
How do I know if a home is in a USDA-eligible area?

USDA publishes an official eligibility map. Rather than guessing, I’ll run the exact address for you and confirm whether the property qualifies under the current guidelines.

Is USDA only for first-time buyers?

No. You don’t have to be a first-time buyer, but the home must be your primary residence and you still need to meet the income, credit, and property requirements.

Can I use USDA to buy a multi-unit or investment property?

USDA is intended for owner-occupied primary residences. Certain property types may be allowed, but pure investment or second homes are not. If you’re looking at rentals or multi-units, we’ll look at other programs that fit that strategy.

*USDA Rural Development loans are subject to geographic and income eligibility rules, as well as full underwriting review of credit, income, assets, and property. This content is general in nature and is not a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. Program terms and availability can change without notice.*