The program's full name is the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan program. Most people call them "USDA loans", "Rural Housing Loans" or "Section 502 loans".

USDA loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the program's biggest feature is its option for "no money down" financing. Via the USDA, you can finance 100% of a home's purchase price while getting access to today's low interest rates.

 

If you've never heard of the USDA loan program, you're not alone. It's a niche product serving a fraction of the U.S. housing market, and most banks don't offer them. However, eligible suburban and rural home buyers can use it for 100%, no-money down mortgage financing.

 

Rural loans can be used by first time buyers and repeat home buyers alike. Homeownership counseling is not required to use the USDA program.