A USDA loan in Texas is a government-backed loan provided by the US Department of Agriculture. One that appeals to many homebuyers in the United States is the USDA home loan. If you are wondering why this type of mortgage is highly sought, this read will shed some light.
If you are planning on buying a home, it pays to understand the various loan options available to you. This financing option aims to enable low-income individuals to purchase a home they can afford as it comes with zero-downpayment and low-interest rates. They are offered to people in rural areas as a means of boosting homeownership in less industrialized regions.
USDA home loans work just like other government-backed home loan options. You work with a USDA loan lender, get preapproved, put down an offer on the house, get a loan appraisal, and lastly, to closing.
The zero-down payment is the biggest advantage of USDA loans Texas, but there’s a huge array of other benefits you might not be aware of. That being said, here are several USDA loan benefits and facts that you might find interesting if not surprising.
You can only qualify for a USDA loan if you live in a rural region, but you’ll be surprised to learn how the United States Department of Agriculture defines the term ‘rural’. According to their guidelines, a rural area is any place with a total population of less than 35,000. As a matter of fact, about 97% of US residents are eligible for this type of mortgage. So, unless you are looking to enjoy the bright lights of a city, you probably qualify for a USDA loan.
When you come across the term ‘rural’, chances are a huge ranch with many acres is what comes to mind. However, this could not be further from the truth. USDA mortgages cover just about any kind of property that you’re eyeing, from existing or newly-built single-family homes to modular or manufactured houses and even townhouses and condos.
USDA loan is actually an umbrella term for two types of loans:
This is a form of loan where you secure funds straight from the United States Department of Agriculture. In order to qualify, you must have an income between 50% and 80% of the average local median income. A USDA direct loan comes with a longer term, usually up to 38 years instead of the typical 30, and will have lower interest rates in order to make the repayments more affordable.
This is similar to other government-backed mortgages such as FHA and VA loans. It utilizes the household income numbers mentioned above, and can only be secured through a USDA approved lender. Since the US Department of Agriculture guarantees this type of loan, they are more stringent on the guidelines and you must have a credit score of 580 minimum.
While this type of mortgage is appealing to most people, it is not for every budget. As mentioned earlier, the USDA and approved lenders look at your household income when assessing your eligibility. If you make more than 115% of the region’s median income, you cannot qualify for the loan.
The lenders assess the total household income and this includes individuals who will not be obligated to the new loan. The US Department of Agriculture’s income limits usually reflect the cost of living and may vary depending on the size of your family, where you are purchasing and more.
If you have queries about your eligibility, don’t hesitate to consult a USDA home loan specialist.
Are you on the search for a rental property or a vacation home? If that’s the case, then a USDA home loan won’t make the cut. That’s because USDA mortgages are meant for primary residences, or simply a house where you will spend most of your time.
USDA Loans Can be Secured Even When Facing Bankruptcy or Foreclosure
If you are facing financial hardship, you might have questions regarding USDA loans and bankruptcy. Well, the good thing is that you can still secure a USDA home loan even after foreclosure or bankruptcy. Generally, the USDA requires a 3-year waiting period in order to qualify for USDA mortgage after facing Chapter 7 bankruptcy or foreclosure. There are certain exceptions, but these are usually on a case by case assessment.
For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the waiting period is one year, but you have to make a year of on-time payments.
Conclusion
As you can see, USDA home loans are quite appealing, and if you are eligible, there is no reason to consider it over other conventional types of mortgages.
Texas USDA loans, often times referred to as Rural Development, or RD loans; may be the best choice for your Texas home loan! USDA Home loans are government guaranteed home mortgages for borrowers living in rural and suburban communities in Texas. There are many benefits to Texas USDA loans.
In addition to low fixed rates and no mortgage insurance, USDA loans are the only home mortgage available to the general public that will allow borrowers to finance up to 100%. In other words, USDA loans offer NO MONEY DOWN home loans! Simply put, if you live in a suburban, or rural community, you will not find a better home mortgage option.
When exploring USDA Home Loans in Texas, home buyers put their trust in TexasUSDALoans.org. As a Texas mortgage lender, we put our years of experience to work for you. We have worked hard to earn our reputation as the go-to Rural Development Loan Specialists in Texas. Our access to a full range of mortgage products assures our clients will find the right loan with the best rates, terms, and costs available to meet their unique set of circumstances. Applying for a USDA loan is fast and easy.
We look forward to serving you and earning your business!!
There are a couple of items you should be aware of before applying for a USDA Home Loan. USDA Home Loans have specific requirements for funding a home loan. The first most important factor is a borrowers income. Depending on the county you live in, that will determine the max income limits for a Texas USDA Loan. USDA Lenders in Texas will also look at your assets. If you have too many assets, you may not qualify for a USDA Loan in Texas. With the reduced about of PMI compared to an FHA loan, a USDA Loan is an excellent option for a First time home buyer.
"*" indicates required fields
