USDA Maps Updated

Earlier this month, USDA updated the maps that determine if homes are eligible for USDA financing. USDA allows eligible home buyers to purchase a home with no down payment. In order the qualify, the borrowers must meet the income limit requirements and the property needs to be in a designated rural area.

Current eligible areas include areas like Enumclaw, Fall City and Vashon Island as well as parts of Black Diamond and parts of Duvall. The specific address really needs to be ran as homes directly across the street from each other may or may not be eligible. [Read more…]

USDA Income Limits updated for 2017

The income limits for USDA no-down payment mortgages has been recently updated…of course this took place soon after I posted income limits! 😉  Just goes to show you that you have to keep in mind that guidelines are constantly changing in the mortgage industry and just because it’s published on a blog (or any website), it may not be the most current or accurate information. What that said…here is the updated post. [Read more…]

USDA Income Limits

EDITORS NOTE June 5, 2017: Of course USDA income limits were updated right after I published this post! Please click here for 2017 income limits for USDA mortgages in Washington state.

USDA offers a no-down payment mortgage program which is available in rural areas (typically a town with population of 10,000 or less). USDA does not have loan limits, the program is limited by household income and if the property is in a USDA designated location. [Read more…]

USDA to reduce Guarantee and Annual Fees

2014-09-03_usdaEffective October 1, 2016, the upfront guarantee fee and annual fee (paid monthly) will be reduced with USDA mortgages. This new fee structure will take place until September 30, 2017, the end of the fiscal year for USDA.

[Read more…]

USDA Upfront Guarantee Fee Increase

2014-09-03_usdaUSDA has increased the upfront funding fee (aka “upfront guarantee fee”) by an additional 0.75 percent as of October 1, 2015.  From USDA:

On October 1, 2015 the upfront guarantee fee for purchase and refinance loans will increase from 2 percent to 2.75 percent.  The annual fee will remain at 0.50 percent for purchase and refinance loans.  This change is necessary to maintain the program’s operational cost structure, which requires no congressional subsidy support to offset credit costs.

[Read more…]

USDA Income Limits – Updated!

USDA has released new income limits effective April 1, 2015. USDA offers a no-down payment mortgage program which is available in rural areas (typically a town with population of 10,000 or less). USDA does not have loan limits, the program is limited by household income and if the property is in a USDA designated location.

[Read more…]

Changes to USDA Mortgages

2014-09-03_usdaUSDA offers mortgages with no down payment for homes that are located in designated rural areas to borrowers who meet household income limits. The mortgage rates are very competitive and the mortgage insurance (technically called “guarantee fees”) are very affordable. It’s truly a great program for those who qualify and are buying a home in rural areas, like Duvall, Enumclaw or Anacortes.

Recently, USDA issued Handbook 3555 with updated regulations for USDA mortgages. Here are just a few of the changes:

[Read more…]

USDA Income Limits for Washington State

USDA has published updated income limits for their zero down mortgage program which is available in rural areas. Other mortgage programs, like FHA or conventional, has loan limits which limits availability. USDA does not have loan limits, the program is restricted by household income. 

USDA offers a government backed program that allows zero down payment on homes that are in a designated rural community for families earning less than a certain income. A majority of Washington State single family residences (homes and condos) qualify…of course if you live in metropolitan areas like Seattle or Bellevue, odds are your home will not. However, if you’re considering areas like Duvall, parts of Maple Valley, Vashon or Bainbridge Island, it may qualify for zero down financing.

[Read more…]