USDA Loans
0% down payment mortgage for eligible rural and suburban areas in Texas, Florida, and more. The only government-backed loan with zero down for non-veterans.
USDA-approved lenders in TX & FL
USDA Guaranteed Loan
The standard USDA loan — issued by private lenders and backed by USDA. Zero down.
- 0% down payment
- FICO 640+ typical (620+ with manual underwriting)
- Annual MIP: ~0.35% (lower than FHA)
- No upfront MI (only 1% guarantee fee)
- Primary residence only
USDA Direct Loan
Issued directly by USDA. For very low-income borrowers in rural areas.
- 0% down payment
- Extremely low interest rates (subsidized)
- Income must be below 50–80% AMI
- Apply directly through USDA office
- Payment subsidy available
USDA Eligible Areas — Texas
Many areas in Texas qualify for USDA loans, including suburbs of major cities.
- Texas Hill Country
- East Texas communities
- Rio Grande Valley suburbs
- Areas outside Austin, Houston, DFW metro
- Use USDA eligibility map to confirm
USDA Eligible Areas — Florida
Significant rural and suburban areas in Florida qualify for USDA financing.
- North and Central Florida communities
- Areas outside Orlando, Tampa, Miami metro
- Panhandle rural areas
- Small cities and suburbs with <35,000 population
- Use USDA eligibility map to confirm
USDA Loan Requirements
- FICO 640+ (620+ with manual underwriting)
- Household income ≤ 115% of area median income (AMI)
- Property must be in USDA-eligible area
- Primary residence only
- US citizen, permanent resident, or qualified alien
- Stable employment history (2 years)