HomeFAQDo USDA loans require a down payment?
USDA Loans

Do USDA loans require a down payment?

Answered by Onias Derilus, Mortgage Capital · NMLS# 1859012 · Florida licensed mortgage broker

No. USDA loans offer true 100% financing with no down payment for eligible buyers, which makes them one of the few zero-down options alongside VA. You can even finance the guarantee fee.

You'll still need funds for closing costs, though seller concessions or a lender credit can cover those. We'll structure a USDA purchase to minimize your cash to close.

Zero down

No. USDA loans offer 100% financing, so no down payment is required. It is one of only two loan types, alongside VA, that allow you to buy with nothing down.

That makes USDA a powerful option for buyers who have steady income but little saved.

Other costs to plan for

You will still have closing costs, though a seller credit or the loan structure can help cover them. USDA also has a small upfront and annual guarantee fee.

We map your true cash-to-close. Reach out and we will show what a zero-down USDA purchase really costs.

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Official resources

Verify the details for your own situation against these government and agency sources: USDA Single-Family Housing Guaranteed program and CFPB Owning a Home guide.

Related USDA Loans Questions

What credit score do I need for a USDA loan?USDA loan credit score standards are set by lenders, not USDA: most look for 640, which enables streamlined automated approval.What are USDA loan property requirements?USDA property requirements are straightforward: the home must be in a USDA-eligible area, be your primary residence, and be modest, safe, and structurally sound — no income-producing farms or large acreage beyond what's typical for the area.How long does USDA loan approval take?USDA loans take about 30 to 45 days, sometimes slightly longer than conventional because the file gets a final sign-off from the USDA after the lender's underwriting.
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