In short
A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage for a primary residence in a USDA-approved location. Eligible buyers who meet household-income requirements may be able to purchase with as little as zero down. The minimum credit score with the lenders I use is 620, and both the property and the household have to qualify.
Reviewed by Ron Pippin, NMLS #218333 · Last updated October 21, 2026
Can I buy a home with no down payment using a USDA loan?
You may be able to. A USDA loan can allow as little as zero down if the home is a primary residence in a USDA-approved location and your household meets the income requirements. The lenders I work with look for a minimum credit score of 620. You'll still have closing costs and program fees to plan for. I'll check the property address, review how your household income is counted and show you the full monthly payment and cash to close before you commit.
Key takeaways
A USDA loan can let eligible buyers purchase a primary residence in a USDA-approved location with as little as zero down. I'm Ron Pippin with Strategic Mortgage. I start by checking whether the property qualifies, then I go through the household-income rules carefully. I've helped buyers qualify after another lender incorrectly told them they earned too much. As an independent broker, I also compare multiple lenders, so one lender's no isn't the end of the road.
USDA Loans in Ogden, UT: Zero Down Is Closer Than You Think
Most people hear "USDA" and think farms. You don't have to buy a farm to use a USDA loan. If the home is in a USDA-approved location and your household meets the income rules, you may be able to buy with as little as zero down.
I'm Ron Pippin with Strategic Mortgage. I've spent nearly 30 years in mortgages, and USDA is one of the programs where the details really matter. Two things decide most USDA files: where the property is and how household income is counted. Get those right, and a lot of doors can open.
What a USDA Loan Can Do for You
- As little as zero down. If you and the property qualify, you may not need a down payment.
- A primary-residence loan. USDA is built for the home you'll live in.
- Credit requirements you can plan around. The lenders I work with look for a minimum credit score of 620.
Zero down doesn't mean zero cash. You'll still have closing costs, and USDA loans include program fees. I'll walk through all of it with you before you make an offer, so there are no closing-day surprises.
Step One: Is the Property Eligible?
USDA loans are tied to approved locations. The eligible areas often cover more ground than people expect, and they can surprise you in both directions. A home that looks rural might not qualify. A home near town might.
So the first thing I do is check the address. If you're shopping in or around Ogden and you've found a home, send it to me and I'll look it up. If you're still searching, I'll help you understand which areas to focus on before you fall in love with a house.
Step Two: Do You Meet the Household-Income Rules?
This is where I see the most mistakes. USDA has household-income limits, and how income is counted matters. It isn't always as simple as adding up paychecks.
I've helped buyers qualify after another lender incorrectly told them they earned too much. The reason why I ask so many questions about who lives in the home and what income comes in is that the details can change the answer. I review the income rules carefully so you don't get counted out by mistake.
Why Lender Choice Matters
Different lenders can look at the same borrower and come back with different answers. As an independent broker, I have multiple options. I compare offers from multiple lenders and look at costs, guidelines and how each one handles your income. If one lender says no, there's somewhere else to look.
Your rate depends on your scenario and the day's market. Reach out and I'll price it for real.
USDA Compared With Your Other Options
USDA isn't the only path. I'll tell you the difference between USDA, FHA, conventional and, if you're eligible, VA. I'll also check down payment assistance programs. Then I'll explain why I'm recommending one loan over another and what you give up or gain with each choice. Even if USDA works, another loan might fit your plans better. I'll show you both.
A Payment You Can Live With
An approval isn't your household budget. I'll show you the full estimated payment, including principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance and any HOA dues. Then we'll talk about what payment will work for you. You still need room to live after the house payment.
How We Get Started
- Tell me what you're looking for. Where you want to live, who's in the household and your timeline.
- Check the property. I confirm whether the address is in a USDA-approved location.
- Review the income. We go through household income carefully, not just your paycheck.
- Run the numbers. Let's run some numbers together on cash to close and the full monthly payment.
- Compare lenders and close. I shop your file and keep you informed. You'll have my number to call or text the whole way.
Everything on this page is general information and illustrative only. It is not an offer or commitment to lend, and it does not reflect current interest rates or guaranteed terms. Programs, eligibility and guidelines change, and approval depends on your full application. Call or text me for details on your own situation.
Quick facts
- Who it's for
- Eligible buyers in USDA-approved locations
- Minimum credit score
- 620
- Down payment
- As little as zero down
- Income rules
- Household-income requirements apply
- Property
- Must be in a USDA-approved location
- Occupancy
- Primary residence
Is this loan right for you?
Who it's for
- Buyers purchasing a primary residence in a USDA-approved location
- Households that meet USDA income requirements
- Borrowers with a credit score of 620 or higher
- Buyers with limited savings for a down payment
- Anyone told they earn too much who wants a careful second look
Who it may not fit
- Homes outside USDA-approved locations
- Households above the USDA income limits
- Second homes or investment properties
- Buyers whose full payment would leave no room in their budget
Pros and cons
Pros
- As little as zero down for eligible buyers
- Eligible areas can be broader than people expect
- Minimum credit score of 620 with the lenders I use
- Careful income review can change the answer another lender gave
- I compare multiple lenders for your file
Trade-offs to weigh
- Property must be in a USDA-approved location
- Household-income limits apply
- Primary residence only
- Closing costs and program fees still apply
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to buy a farm or live way out in the country?
No. USDA loans are tied to approved locations, and those areas can cover more ground than people expect. The best way to know is to check the specific address. Send it to me and I'll look it up.
What credit score do I need for a USDA loan?
The lenders I work with look for a minimum credit score of 620. I'll also look at your income, debts and full payment to make sure the loan actually fits your budget.
A lender told me I make too much for USDA. Is that the final answer?
Not necessarily. USDA uses household-income rules, and how income is counted can change the result. I've helped buyers qualify after another lender incorrectly told them they earned too much. Let's go through your numbers carefully and see.
Is a USDA loan really zero cash out of pocket?
Zero down payment is possible if you qualify, but you'll still have closing costs and program fees. I'll show you what you'd actually need to bring to closing, and we can check whether assistance programs could help.
Can I use a USDA loan for a rental or second home?
No. USDA loans are for a primary residence you'll live in. If you're buying a second home or an investment property, I have other options we can look at.
What will my interest rate be?
Your rate depends on your scenario and the day's market. Reach out and I'll price it for real.
Related loan programs
Before you rule yourself out, let's run some numbers together. Strategic Mortgage compares multiple lenders and checks down payment assistance before you start shopping.
FHA financing offers more flexible credit and qualifying requirements, starting with a 520 or better credit score. Strategic Mortgage compares it with your other options.
I help eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses use their VA benefit with a clear look at entitlement, funding fees, closing costs and the full payment.
Last updated October 21, 2026 · Reviewed by Ron Pippin, NMLS #218333. This page is educational and not a commitment to lend; program details change — ask for current figures.