Property Requirements

• Must be located in a USDA-eligible rural or suburban area

• Primary residence only (no second homes or investments)

• Single-family homes, some condos, and new construction may qualify

• Property must meet USDA safety and livability standards

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Income Guidelines

• Household income cannot exceed 115% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county

• All adult household income is counted, even if they are not on the loan

• Stable, reliable income required (typically a 2-year history)

• Overtime, bonus, commission, and self-employment income may be used with documentation

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Credit Guidelines

• 640 minimum credit score for automated approval

• Scores below 640 may be considered with manual underwriting

• Limited late payments in the past 12 months

• Waiting periods apply for bankruptcy or foreclosure

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Debt-to-Income (DTI)

• Target ratios: 29% housing / 41% total debt

• Higher ratios may be approved with strong compensating factors

Down Payment Assistance Made Simple

Get help with your home purchase through grant and forgivable assistance programs.

•  Receive 2.5%–3.5% of the purchase price toward your down payment and sometimes closing costs—no second mortgage, no monthly payments, no repayment required.

• Or access Flexible options repayable assistance up to 3.5%–5% of the purchase price to cover down payment and closing costs. Forgivable funds may be forgiven after meeting program requirements, while repayable options offer structured payments with no income limits.

Both programs make homeownership more affordable and accessible, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade.