USDA Loans
USDA loans support homebuying in eligible rural and some suburban areas, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and can allow financing with no down payment.
Who this may fit
- Buyers purchasing in USDA-eligible areas (many parts of Utah outside dense metro cores qualify — this needs to be checked property by property)
- Buyers with limited savings for a down payment
- Buyers within the program's household income limits for their area
Typical advantages
- Financing with no down payment in many eligible scenarios
- Mortgage insurance costs are often lower than FHA
- Competitive interest rate pricing
Potential drawbacks
- Property must be in a USDA-eligible area — this rules out many urban and some suburban locations
- Household income limits apply and vary by county and household size
- Guarantee fees (upfront and annual) apply, similar in concept to mortgage insurance
Qualification considerations
- Property location must fall within a USDA-eligible area — we check this address by address
- Household income must fall within program limits for the area and household size
- Steady, qualifying income and reasonable credit history
Down payment
USDA is one of the few remaining true no-down-payment options for eligible buyers and properties.
Mortgage insurance
Instead of traditional PMI, USDA loans carry an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee, which is usually lower than comparable FHA mortgage insurance.
Property considerations
This is the biggest USDA-specific consideration: the property has to be in an eligible area. Parts of Weber, Box Elder, and Cache County — among others — include USDA-eligible zones worth checking.
When another program might make more sense
If the home you want is inside a USDA-ineligible area, or your household income is above the local limit, FHA or conventional with down payment assistance may be a better fit.
Loan guidelines, limits, and mortgage insurance requirements change and vary by lender, credit profile, and property. Nothing on this page is an offer of credit or a guarantee of eligibility — it's a starting point for a real conversation about your specific situation.
USDA FAQ
Does 'rural' mean I can't buy near a city?
Not necessarily — USDA eligibility maps include a lot of area that doesn't feel remote at all. It's worth checking a specific address rather than assuming.
Are there income limits?
Yes, based on household size and county, and they're updated periodically. We'd check current limits against your household.
Is USDA slower to close than other loans?
It can involve an additional review step compared to conventional or FHA, so timeline expectations are worth discussing upfront.
Want to know if USDA actually fits your numbers?
Let's look at your credit, cash, and income together and talk through real options.