If you’re interested in your financing options for buying or building a home outside a major urban area, you might want to consider the various rural housing loans offered by the United States government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an official government organization offering various loans to support communities in rural areas.
Here is some more of the basic information about rural housing loan opportunities:
Section 502 direct loans
One of the simplest types of loan assistance offered by the USDA is called a Single-Family Housing Direct Loan Program, or Section 502 loan. With these loans, the government lends the money directly to the homebuyer to buy, repair or build a new home in a qualified rural area.
Section 502 loans don’t require down payments, don’t require mortgage insurance, and typically have low, fixed interest rates. Payment assistance options can even lower interest rates even further.
USDA housing repair loans
Another option for rural housing is through the Section 504 Home Repair loan program. The USDA offers these loans to help potential homeowners bring home codes up to current standards, make necessary repairs, and address any safety or health issues with a property.
Determining your eligibility
How do you know if you’re eligible for a rural housing service home loan? There are some key factors determining eligibility, such as:
- The location of the home you want to purchase or repair has to be in a low-population area.
- An applicant’s household income must be below a certain threshold.
- The applicant needs to show proof of credit history, though the minimum credit score is much lower than many other types of loan.
- The property has to be used as a primary residence.
Is a rural housing loan right for you? While these are just the basic facts about direct loans and other government-sponsored housing programs, this information can help you determine whether you might qualify.
About the Author
Carolyn Ross
Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment.
She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.
Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents. She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years.
This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.
