USDA Loans ยท The Best-Kept Secret

USDA Loans, $0 Down Just Outside the City

If you're open to living just outside the city, there's a loan with zero down and cheaper mortgage insurance than FHA. Send Connor an address and he'll tell you in seconds if it qualifies.

Get My Free Game Plan
$0
Down Payment
640
Streamlined Approval
115%
of Area Median Income
1% + 0.35%
Mortgage Insurance

Figures are typical 2026 guidelines and vary by borrower, property, and lender overlays; all loans subject to credit approval.

Why USDA is the best-kept secret in lending

  • $0 down payment for eligible buyers and properties
  • The cheapest government mortgage insurance: a 1% upfront guarantee fee plus 0.35% per year, roughly half of FHA's annual cost
  • Income limits are higher than most people assume, up to 115% of the area median income
  • Great for buyers with little savings but steady income

The two things to check

USDA has both a property location requirement and a household income limit. Many commutable areas around SW Washington qualify, parts of Ridgefield, Battle Ground, La Center, and the surrounding countryside. There's no official minimum credit score, but 640 enables streamlined GUS approval (below that means manual underwriting). Note that the income of all adults in the household counts toward the cap, not just the borrowers.

Eligibility maps get redrawn over time, so an address that qualifies today may not later. Connor checks any specific address and your income against current USDA maps and limits before you make an offer, and can pair USDA with down payment assistance for a near-zero-out-of-pocket purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there really no down payment on a USDA loan?

Yes. For eligible buyers and properties, USDA allows 100% financing with $0 down, plus the lowest government mortgage insurance.

How do I know if a property is USDA-eligible?

USDA maintains property eligibility maps. Send Connor any address and he'll confirm eligibility, usually within a minute.

What credit score do I need for USDA?

There's no official minimum, but a 640 score enables streamlined automated (GUS) approval. Lower scores may still qualify through manual underwriting.

What are the USDA income limits?

Household income must generally be at or below 115% of the area median, counting all adults in the home. Connor will confirm the current limit for your area and family size.

Ready to talk numbers?

Get a personalized mortgage game plan in one business day, no credit pull required to start.

Start Now   or call (360) 713-2995

Explore More