Home Loans
USDA Loans
Zero down payment. Competitive rates. Available in more areas than most people realize. If you are buying in an eligible rural or suburban area and your income falls within program limits, a USDA loan might be one of the best mortgage deals available — and most buyers have never heard of it.
0%
Down Payment Required
Low
Mortgage Insurance
100%
Financing Available
What Is a USDA Loan?
A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was created to help low-to-moderate income buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. The defining feature is 100% financing — meaning no down payment required. It is one of only two loan programs that offer this benefit, alongside VA loans.
Despite the name, USDA loans are not just for farms or remote countryside. Many suburban communities around Colorado Springs and throughout the state fall within USDA-eligible boundaries. The eligibility map has expanded significantly over the years, and a lot of buyers are surprised to find that homes they are already considering qualify for the program.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's See If You Qualify for USDA
No pressure, no runaround. Todd and Aaron will check eligibility, run the numbers, and tell you straight up if this is the right fit.
Key Benefits
Zero Down Payment
Finance 100% of the purchase price. One of only two loan programs in the country that offers this benefit.
Low Mortgage Insurance
USDA mortgage insurance rates are significantly lower than FHA, which keeps your monthly payment more manageable.
Competitive Rates
Because the loan is government-backed, lenders can offer rates that compete with conventional products even without a down payment.
Flexible Credit Guidelines
USDA does not require a perfect credit profile. Buyers with a 640 or above typically qualify for streamlined processing.
Who Qualifies?
USDA loans have two main eligibility requirements: the property must be in a USDA-eligible area, and the borrower’s household income must fall within program limits for their county. Both are more flexible than most buyers expect.
General requirements include:
- The home must be located in a USDA-eligible rural or suburban area
- Household income at or below 115% of the area median income for your county
- Credit score of 640 or above for streamlined processing, though lower scores can still qualify
- The home must be your primary residence
- Stable income and employment history, typically two years
- Debt-to-income ratio generally at or below 41%, though exceptions exist
Todd and Aaron can check property and income eligibility for you in minutes. Many buyers find out they qualify for USDA when they assumed they would not.
Good to Know
USDA income limits are based on total household income, not just the borrower's. That means all adults living in the home may need to be counted, even if they are not on the loan.
Todd and Aaron will walk through the income calculation with you to confirm eligibility before you go any further in the process.
Most Underused Loan
0% Down.
Most Skip It.
USDA is one of the most overlooked loan programs in the country. Most buyers never ask about it. The ones who do often find it is the best deal available to them.
How the Process Works
Confirm Property and Income Eligibility
Todd and Aaron check the USDA eligibility map for the property and review your household income against the program limits for your county. This step takes minutes and tells you right away if USDA is an option.
Get Pre-Approved
We verify your income, credit, and eligibility and issue a pre-approval letter so you can make offers with confidence. No estimates -- a real approval based on your actual file.
Find Your Home and Go Under Contract
Shop for eligible properties within your pre-approved amount. Once you are under contract, we open the file and get moving immediately.
Lender Underwriting and USDA Review
USDA loans go through two rounds of approval -- lender underwriting and then a USDA agency review. We manage both processes and keep you updated throughout so nothing catches you off guard.
Close and Move In
Once both approvals are in hand, we schedule closing. With zero down and the option to roll in closing costs, many USDA buyers close with very little out of pocket.
Typical Timeline
30-50
Days to Close
The USDA agency review adds time compared to conventional loans. We plan for it from the start and build the timeline into your contract so there are no surprises with your seller.
Worth Knowing
Two Approvals. One Process.
USDA loans require both lender approval and USDA agency sign-off. It sounds complicated but Todd and Aaron have done this many times and know exactly how to keep both moving in parallel so you do not lose unnecessary time.
Common Questions
Do I have to buy a farm or rural property to use a USDA loan?
No. The USDA eligibility map includes many suburban communities that most people would not consider rural. Towns like Fountain, Calhan, Peyton, and parts of Elbert County near Colorado Springs all fall within eligible areas. The easiest way to check is to have Todd or Aaron run the address. It takes two minutes.
What are the income limits for a USDA loan?
USDA income limits vary by county and household size. The program is designed for low-to-moderate income buyers, defined as households earning up to 115% of the area median income. In El Paso County, that number is higher than many buyers expect. Todd and Aaron will run the calculation for your specific household so you know exactly where you stand.
How does USDA mortgage insurance compare to FHA?
USDA mortgage insurance is significantly cheaper than FHA. USDA charges a 1% upfront guarantee fee and a 0.35% annual fee. FHA charges 1.75% upfront and 0.55% or more annually. Over the life of the loan, the difference adds up to thousands of dollars in savings on a USDA loan.
Can I use a USDA loan if I have owned a home before?
Yes, as long as you do not currently own a home and the property you are buying will be your primary residence. USDA does not restrict the program to first-time buyers. What matters is that the home you are purchasing meets eligibility requirements and that you do not own another qualifying property at the time of closing.
Why does a USDA loan take longer to close than a conventional loan?
USDA loans require two layers of approval — the lender’s underwriting process and a separate review by the USDA agency. That second step adds time. Todd and Aaron account for this from the start and work to keep both approvals moving in parallel. With an experienced team managing the file, the extra time is predictable and manageable.
Still Have Questions?
Just Ask. We Pick Up the Phone.
No automated phone trees, no waiting on hold. You get Todd or Aaron directly.
Call Todd: (719) 482-5359 Call Aaron: (404) 455-5710