Understanding the No Money down USDA Mortgage
Buying a home in Wisconsin with no down payment is still a reality thanks to the USDA program. The Rural Development section of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made great strides in the past two years to educate loan officers and potential borrowers of the benefits of this program. The mortgage offered by the USDA is quite different from other programs and is a great way for people to purchase a home without a costly down payment.
Mortgage Insurance
Unlike conventional loans and FHA loans, the USDA loan does not require any mortgage insurance. This means that every dollar of every payment is going towards the principal, the interest or the escrow for the home.
Closing Costs Paid by Seller
A conventional loan allows the seller to pay closing costs up to 3% of the purchase price. Similarly, FHA will allow the seller to pay closing costs up to 6% of the purchase price. However, USDA has no limit on the amount that can be paid by the seller. This means it is possible to find a house and purchase it without paying a down payment or any closing costs.
Property Location
In order to be considered for the USDA loan a home must be located in an area designated as rural by the USDA. However, would it surprise you to learn that of the 72 counties listed in Wisconsin, 50 of those counties are considered rural? And the remaining 22 counties have sections that are considered rural. This means that there are numerous homes that could be eligible for this type of loan.
Income Limits
There are also some limits on the person’s income. The USDA bases the limits on the total number of people that will occupy a home. For example, a family made up of a mom, dad, and three children under the age of 18 will be allowed more income than just a married couple. A Wisconsin loan officer can look up the limits for each county and let you know if you meet the guidelines.
Loan Limits
The maximum amount allowed for a USDA loan is different for each county in Wisconsin. However, the limits are very liberal. Some counties, such as Ozaukee and Dane, will allow qualifying borrowers to get a loan up to $230,000.
Not For Select Buyers
Some people are under the impression that the USDA loan is only for Wisconsin borrowers looking for their first home. However, nothing could be further from the truth. People buying their first home or their fifth home can use the USDA loan. The only stipulation is that the property must be the borrower’s primary residence.
It has been mentioned in the news a lot in the past three years that mortgage rates are at an all-time low. When rates are so low it is only a matter of time before they start to rise. Take the opportunity to talk to a Wisconsin loan officer and find out if you can get a home using the USDA loan.
This communication is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon by you. Rock Realty is not a mortgage lender and so you should contact a USDA lender directly to learn more about its mortgage products and your eligibility for such products.
Additional Mortgage INFO
FHA
- Getting Approved for an FHA Mortgage
- HUD/FHA $100 Down Payment Program
- Which Mortgage? FHA 203K or HomePath Loan
- Using FHA 203K Loan to Purchase a Fixer-Upper
