USDA loans — 100% financing in rural Colorado and Florida.
Buy a home with zero down in eligible rural and suburban areas. Lower mortgage insurance than FHA, competitive rates, and local expertise for USDA-eligible counties.
Program guidelines at a glance
Rough guidelines only — actual qualification depends on the full loan file (credit depth, reserves, property type, occupancy, and investor overlays). We'll confirm your exact numbers in writing.
| Guideline | USDA Guaranteed 30-yr Fixed USDA-eligible rural & suburban properties |
|---|---|
| Min FICO | 640 (GUS automated approval) · 580 manual underwrite Best pricing at 680+ |
| Min down payment | 0% 100% financing of appraised value |
| Max DTI | 41% standard · up to 50% with GUS approval & comp factors |
| Reserves | Not required |
| Income limits | Household income capped at 115% of area median (varies by county & household size) |
| Occupancy | Primary residence only, 1 unit |
| Property eligibility | Must be in USDA-eligible area Most rural CO and FL towns qualify; check the USDA map |
| Mortgage insurance | Upfront 1.0% + annual 0.35% (much cheaper than FHA MIP) |
| Cash-out refi | Not allowed — rate/term refi only |
| Doc type | Full doc (W-2 / tax returns) |
USDA Guaranteed 30-yr Fixed
USDA-eligible rural & suburban properties
- Min FICO
- 640 (GUS automated approval) · 580 manual underwriteBest pricing at 680+
- Min down payment
- 0%100% financing of appraised value
- Max DTI
- 41% standard · up to 50% with GUS approval & comp factors
- Reserves
- Not required
- Income limits
- Household income capped at 115% of area median (varies by county & household size)
- Occupancy
- Primary residence only, 1 unit
- Property eligibility
- Must be in USDA-eligible areaMost rural CO and FL towns qualify; check the USDA map
- Mortgage insurance
- Upfront 1.0% + annual 0.35% (much cheaper than FHA MIP)
- Cash-out refi
- Not allowed — rate/term refi only
- Doc type
- Full doc (W-2 / tax returns)
0% down payment
No down payment required — one of the few true 100% financing options left for primary residences.
Lower mortgage insurance
USDA guarantee fees are typically lower than FHA mortgage insurance premiums, reducing your monthly cost.
Rural Colorado & Florida expertise
We know which counties, towns, and even specific addresses qualify for USDA financing.
How USDA loans work
USDA Guaranteed Loans help moderate-income families buy homes in eligible rural areas. The USDA guarantees the loan, allowing lenders to offer 100% financing with rates that are typically very competitive.
Down payment: 0% — no down payment is required. Closing costs can sometimes be covered by seller concessions or rolled into the loan in certain cases.
Income limits: Your household income generally cannot exceed 115% of the area median income for your county. We can check this for you in minutes.
Property requirements: The home must be in a USDA-eligible area, meet minimum property standards, and be your primary residence.
Credit & DTI: Most lenders look for 640+, though 600 may work with manual underwriting. Debt-to-income ratios up to 41% are standard, with flexibility for strong files.
Who USDA loans are best for
- Buyers in rural Colorado or Florida counties
- First-time buyers who haven't saved a large down payment
- Families who want lower monthly mortgage insurance costs
- Buyers with moderate income and decent credit
- Those purchasing in small towns and suburbs outside major metros
USDA loans by city
These Colorado and Florida markets have strong USDA eligibility and are popular with zero-down buyers.
USDA loans in Montrose
Median: $465K
View guideUSDA loans in Ridgway
Median: $785K
View guideUSDA loans in Pueblo
Median: $285K
View guideUSDA loans in Gunnison
Median: $565K
View guideUSDA loans in Pagosa Springs
Median: $575K
View guideUSDA loans in Cortez
Median: $345K
View guideUSDA loans in Delta
Median: $365K
View guideUSDA loans in Leadville
Median: $465K
View guideUSDA loans in Greeley
Median: $395K
View guideUSDA loans in Woodland Park
Median: $475K
View guideUSDA loans in Cañon City
Median: $335K
View guideUSDA loans in Alamosa
Median: $245K
View guideUSDA loans in Pensacola
Median: $295K
View guideUSDA loan FAQs
What is a USDA loan?+
A USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan is a zero-down-payment mortgage for buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture backs the loan, allowing lenders to offer 100% financing with competitive rates.
What areas qualify for USDA financing?+
USDA eligibility is based on location, not just population. Many areas outside major city centers qualify, including most of Montezuma, Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Ouray, Archuleta, and Chaffee counties in Colorado. In Florida, parts of Escambia, Okaloosa, and rural counties qualify.
Are there income limits for USDA loans?+
Yes — USDA loans are designed for low-to-moderate-income households. Income limits vary by county and household size, but generally cap at 115% of the area median income. Most Colorado and Florida rural county limits are generous enough to cover typical household incomes.
What credit score do I need?+
Most USDA lenders prefer a minimum credit score of 640, though some programs accept scores as low as 600 with manual underwriting.
Do USDA loans require mortgage insurance?+
USDA loans have an upfront guarantee fee (typically 1% of the loan amount) and an annual fee (0.35%) rolled into the monthly payment. This is generally lower than FHA mortgage insurance.
Can I use a USDA loan for an investment property?+
No — USDA loans are for primary residences only. You must occupy the home as your main residence.
How does USDA compare to FHA?+
USDA offers 0% down versus FHA's 3.5%. USDA mortgage insurance is cheaper, but USDA has income limits and geographic restrictions. FHA is available everywhere and has more flexible credit guidelines.
See if your area qualifies for USDA
We'll check USDA eligibility for your target property and walk you through 100% financing. Free, no obligation.
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