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South Lake Tahoe sits in El Dorado County — and parts of it fall within USDA-eligible rural zones. That matters if you want zero down.
USDA eligibility is property-specific. One street qualifies. The next one doesn't. You have to check the USDA map before you fall in love with a listing.
640 (automated)
Min Credit Score
0%
Down Payment
Upfront + annual fee
Mortgage Insurance
45-60 days
Typical Close Time
Vary by profile
Rates
USDA Loans in South Lake Tahoe
You need a 640 credit score to get through most USDA automated approvals. Below that, manual underwriting kicks in — slower and stricter.
Income limits apply. USDA is designed for moderate-income buyers. If your household earns too much, you're out — regardless of how good your credit is.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in South Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe sits in El Dorado County — and parts of it fall within USDA-eligible rural zones. That matters if you want zero down.
USDA eligibility is property-specific. One street qualifies. The next one doesn't. You have to check the USDA map before you fall in love with a listing.
You need a 640 credit score to get through most USDA automated approvals. Below that, manual underwriting kicks in — slower and stricter.
Not every lender offers USDA. Banks and credit unions often skip it. Wholesale lenders that specialize in government programs are your best bet.
At SRK CAPITAL, we work with 200+ wholesale lenders. We know which ones process USDA loans fast and which ones let files sit for weeks.
The biggest mistake I see: buyers assume South Lake Tahoe qualifies everywhere. It doesn't. Some parcels near the city core are ineligible.
Run the address through the USDA eligibility tool first. If it clears, then we talk income limits, loan sizing, and lender options.
USDA and FHA both serve buyers with limited cash. FHA requires 3.5% down. USDA requires zero — but only if the property and income qualify.
VA beats both if you've served. No down payment, no mortgage insurance. USDA has an upfront guarantee fee and annual fee — VA doesn't.
Tahoe's real estate runs seasonal. Inventory tightens in summer. USDA's slower close times can cost you a deal in a competitive window.
El Dorado County's rural character is an asset here. Eligible properties exist — cabins, mountain homes, and neighborhoods just outside the tourist core.
Parts of it are. Eligibility is property-specific. Check the USDA map for each address you're considering.
USDA sets limits by household size and county. Check current limits on the USDA website or ask us to run the numbers.
USDA adds a rural development review step. Expect 45-60 days. Plan for that in Tahoe's competitive summer market.
Yes — an upfront guarantee fee plus an annual fee. It's cheaper than FHA mortgage insurance for most borrowers.
No. USDA requires the home to be your primary residence. Investment properties and second homes don't qualify.
Most lenders want a 640 score for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting applies with stricter guidelines.