USDA LOANS

No down payment, competitive rates — and more properties qualify than most people think.

USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are designed to support homeownership in rural and suburban areas. In Central Oregon, a surprising number of properties and communities fall within USDA eligible zones. USDA loans also include income limits and geographic restrictions, so eligibility depends on both the property and your household income.

What you generally need:

• Income at or below 115% of the area median income

• Credit score of 640 or higher is typical

• The property must be in a USDA eligible area

• Must be your primary residence

What makes USDA worth considering:

• Zero down payment required

• Lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA

• Competitive fixed rates

Good fit for: Buyers purchasing outside major urban centers who meet the income requirements. If you're looking in Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, or surrounding areas it's worth checking whether you qualify.

Want to know if the property you're looking at is in a USDA eligible zone? I can check that for you quickly.