RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The USDA loan - zero-down financing for life outside the city.
Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA loans bring zero-down homeownership to eligible rural and small-town areas — which covers a remarkable amount of Montana, South Dakota, and rural Washington.
$0
DOWN PAYMENT
640+
TYPICAL CREDIT SCORE
Most
OF MT & SD QUALIFIES
WHAT IT IS
Made for the towns and country between the cities.
The USDA loan is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to encourage homeownership in less-dense areas. If the home is in an eligible location — and a surprising share of Montana, South Dakota, and rural Washington is — you can buy with no down payment.
Two things determine eligibility: the property's location and your household income, which must fall under a limit set for the area. In exchange, you get zero down and a modest guarantee fee that's lighter than FHA's mortgage insurance.
For families looking just outside Vancouver, across the Montana plains, or throughout small-town South Dakota, it's one of the most overlooked and valuable loans available. I'll check your exact address against the USDA map for you.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Where a USDA loan shines
& where to look twice.
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A Strong Fit If...
You’re buying in a rural or small-town area
Your household income is moderate for the area
You have little saved for a down payment
Your credit score is around 640 or higher
-
Worth Weighing...
The home must be in a USDA-eligible location
Household income limits apply by area
Intended for primary residences only
A guarantee fee applies (lower than FHA’s)
WHAT IS NEEDED
Typical requirements at a glance.
Guidelines, not guarantees — your exact picture depends on the full application. Here's the honest ballpark.
Down Payment
$0 for eligible buyers and properties
Credit Score
Typically 640+ for streamlined approval
Income Limits
Household income must fall under the area’s cap.
Location
Property must be in a USDA-eligible rural area.
Guarantee Fee
Upfront + annual fee, lighter than FHA mortgage insurance.
HOW IT GOES
USDA loan, start to keys.
CHECK ELIGIBILITY
I can run your target address and income against USDA’s maps and limits - fast.
01
PRE-APPROVAL
We confirm the loan fits and set your budget.
02
FIND AN ELIGIBLE HOME
You shop within qualifying areas; appraisal confirms value.
03
CLOSING
Sign and move in - often with zero down payment.
04
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Common questions about USDA loans.
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USDA publishes an eligibility map. Send me an address and I'll check it on the spot — much of Montana, South Dakota, and rural Washington qualifies.
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They vary by county and household size. Moderate-income families often qualify even when they assume they earn too much. I'll check your specific numbers.
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Yes, for eligible buyers and properties. There's a guarantee fee, but it's typically lighter than FHA's mortgage insurance and can be financed into the loan.
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The home must be your primary residence and in an eligible area. Working farms and income-producing properties have separate programs.
KEEP EXPLORING
Other Loan Types.
NO PRESSURE, NO OBLIGATION
Curious whether your dream spot qualifies for zero down?
Send me the address. I’ll check the USDA map and your income eligibility - no obligation.
CALL (360) 600-8250 - LICENSED IN WA - MT - SD - NMLS #2650609