Question 1

Do I need to put money down for a USDA loan in Clovis?

Accepted Answer

No — USDA loans require zero down payment. You borrow 100% of the purchase price. Instead of PMI, you pay a 1% upfront fee and 0.35% annually on the loan balance.

Question 2

What's the monthly payment on a $200,000 USDA loan in Clovis?

Accepted Answer

At 6.125% / 6.182% APR on a $200,000 purchase, principal and interest runs $1,215 monthly. That's on a 30-year fixed with 740 FICO, 0.429 discount points ($858 upfront), 30-day lock as of April 8, 2026.

Question 3

What income do I need to qualify for USDA in Clovis?

Accepted Answer

Your household income must stay below 115% of Fresno County's median ($71,434), which caps you at $82,149 annually. That's a hard limit — no exceptions. If you exceed it, you're ineligible for USDA.

Question 4

Does USDA have mortgage insurance like FHA?

Accepted Answer

No PMI. USDA replaces it with a 1% upfront guarantee fee and 0.35% annual fee on the loan balance. The annual fee never cancels, but it's typically lower than FHA's lifetime insurance cost.

Question 5

Can I use USDA to buy anywhere in Clovis?

Accepted Answer

Only in USDA-eligible rural areas. Clovis qualifies, but your specific property address must fall within USDA boundaries. Your lender verifies this during underwriting — it's non-negotiable.

USDA Loans in Clovis: Zero-Down Financing for Central Valley Homebuyers