USDA Loans in Fresno & the Central Valley
A USDA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps low-to-moderate-income buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. USDA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment required.
Who USDA Loans May Be Right For
Buyers purchasing homes in eligible rural or suburban areas of the Central Valley who meet household income limits.
Advantages
- 0% down payment required
- Below-market interest rates
- Competitive mortgage insurance costs
- Closing costs can sometimes be rolled into the loan or paid by the seller
Things to Consider
- The home must be in a USDA-eligible rural or suburban area
- Household income must meet USDA limits for the area
- The home must be your primary residence
Credit Considerations
USDA loans typically require a credit score of around 640 or higher, though manual underwriting may be available for lower scores in some cases.
Down Payment Considerations
No down payment is required — USDA loans offer 100% financing for eligible properties and borrowers.
How the Application Works
- 1
Check eligibility
We confirm the home's location and your household income meet USDA requirements.
- 2
Get pre-qualified
We review your finances to pre-qualify you for a no-down-payment USDA loan.
- 3
Find an eligible home
Shop for a home within a USDA-eligible area to use as your primary residence.
- 4
Close with zero down
Finalize underwriting, complete the USDA appraisal, and close with no down payment.
Typical Documentation
- 30 days of pay stubs
- Two years of W-2s and federal tax returns
- Two months of recent bank statements
- Documentation of all household income
- Photo ID and Social Security number
USDA Loans Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas around Fresno qualify for USDA loans?
Many rural and suburban parts of the Central Valley — including areas of Madera and rural Fresno County — may qualify. Eligibility depends on the property's location and your household income. We can verify eligibility for any specific address.
Does a USDA loan require a down payment?
No. USDA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment required for eligible borrowers and properties, making them one of the few true zero-down options alongside VA loans.