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USDA Loan

Zero Down in
More Places Than You'd Think

You don't have to live in the middle of nowhere. A lot of suburban areas qualify — and most buyers are surprised when they find out theirs does too.

What Is a USDA Loan?

A government-backed loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture designed to help moderate-income buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas — often with no down payment required. The eligibility map covers far more ground than most people expect.

$0
Down payment required for eligible buyers in qualifying areas
Source: USDA Rural Development
1%
Upfront guarantee fee (can be rolled into loan)
Source: USDA.gov
0.35%
Annual fee on remaining balance — lower than FHA MIP
Source: USDA.gov

Is This Loan Right for You?

✔ Great fit if…

  • You're buying in an eligible area
  • Your household income is within USDA limits for your county
  • You want $0 down payment
  • You want lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA

✗ May not be the best fit if…

  • The property is in an ineligible area
  • Your household income exceeds the USDA limit for your county
  • You're buying an investment property or second home

The Numbers at a Glance

Down payment $0 for eligible buyers in qualifying areas Source: USDA Rural Development
Upfront guarantee fee 1% of loan amount — can be rolled into the loan Source: USDA.gov
Annual fee 0.35% of remaining loan balance per year, paid monthly — lower than FHA's annual MIP Source: USDA.gov
Income limits Vary by county and household size — check eligibility at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov Source: USDA.gov
Property location Must be in a USDA-eligible area — many suburban communities around Colorado Springs qualify, including parts of Fountain, Pueblo West, and Walsenburg Verify your address: USDA eligibility map
Property types Primary residence only

What People Get Wrong About USDA Loans

Myth
"USDA is only for farms or very rural areas."

Many suburban neighborhoods — including areas near mid-sized cities — are USDA-eligible. The eligibility map is updated periodically and might surprise you. The only way to know for sure is to check your specific address.

Myth
"You need a low income to qualify."

USDA has income limits, not minimums — it's designed for moderate-income buyers, not just very low income. Many working families qualify without realizing it.

Myth
"USDA loans take much longer to close."

USDA loans do require an extra approval step, but in most cases the timeline is only a bit longer than a standard loan — and the $0 down benefit is worth it for eligible buyers.

Let's Check If Your Area Qualifies

It takes just a few minutes to find out if USDA could be your path to $0 down.

1
We check if your target area is USDA-eligible
2
We look at your household income against USDA limits for your county
3
If it's a fit, you could be looking at a home with zero down payment
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This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting guidelines. Terms, rates, and programs are subject to change. Kathie Fish NMLS #2609071 | Client Direct NMLS #1065732