Loan programs

USDA Loans in Utah

No down payment for eligible buyers in qualifying rural and suburban areas — and more of Utah qualifies than most people expect.

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The basics

What a USDA loan is

A USDA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed to support homeownership in rural and suburban areas. For eligible buyers and eligible homes, it requires no down payment.

"Rural" is broader than it sounds. Plenty of growing Utah communities outside the urban core qualify — the only way to know for a specific home is to check the address, which we do as a matter of course.

Location-based eligibility

The home must sit in a USDA-eligible area. We check the exact address against the current USDA maps — no guessing.

Household income limits

Eligibility also considers your household income relative to the area. The limits are set by the USDA and vary by county and household size.

A guarantee fee instead of PMI

Rather than private mortgage insurance, USDA loans carry a guarantee fee — paid upfront and as a small ongoing portion of the payment.

Honest fit

Is it the right fit?

A good fit if…

  • You are buying outside the urban core
  • Your household income fits the area limits
  • You want a no-down-payment path and are not VA-eligible
  • You are buying a primary residence

Worth weighing

  • Geographic eligibility rules the option in or out — the address decides, not the wish
  • Household income caps apply and count more than just the borrowers on the loan
  • Primary residences only — no second homes or investment properties

Program availability and guidelines depend on your situation and current investor requirements. This is general information, not an offer to lend or a commitment to lend.

Questions

Common USDA loan questions

Which areas of Utah qualify for USDA loans?
Eligibility is set by USDA maps that change over time, and it is address-specific. Many communities outside the Wasatch Front urban core qualify. Send us an address and we will check it against the current maps.
Is there really no down payment?
For eligible buyers purchasing eligible homes, yes — USDA loans do not require a down payment. Closing costs still apply, though some can be negotiated or financed depending on the situation.
Do income limits apply to USDA loans?
Yes. USDA eligibility considers total household income relative to limits for your county and household size. We will check where you stand as part of pre-qualification.

Want to run your own numbers first? Try how much house you can afford — or read about buying a home in Utah.

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Programs people weigh against this one

FHA

Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, with lower down-payment options and more flexible credit guidelines.

  • Lower down payment options
  • Flexible credit guidelines
  • Best for: Lower down payment, flexible credit

First-Time Buyer

A guided path for your first home, including down-payment-assistance options where available.

  • Assistance options where available
  • Range of credit profiles
  • Best for: Buying your first home

Buying in a specific part of the state? See our Utah area guides.

Think your area might qualify?

Send us the address. Checking USDA eligibility takes minutes and costs nothing.

Get pre-qualified