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Owner-Occupant & First-Buyer

USDA Rural Development Loan (Zero Down)

0% down in USDA-eligible areas — includes many suburban zip codes.

Overview

USDA Section 502 Guaranteed loans offer 100% financing for owner-occupied homes in USDA-designated rural areas — which surprisingly include many suburban commuter towns. Income limits apply (typically 115% of area median). Upfront guarantee fee (1%) + annual fee (0.35%) — cheaper than FHA MIP. No PMI in the traditional sense.

Best fit
Moderate-income buyersSuburban / small-town buyersFirst-time buyers
Estimated impact
Skip 3–20% down + lower monthly vs FHA

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