Loading
Loading
McFarland sits in the heart of Kern County's agricultural corridor. That geography works in your favor — USDA designates most of this area as eligible rural territory.
Zero down payment is the headline benefit here. For buyers in a working-class community like McFarland, that distinction changes who can actually close.
0%
Down Payment Required
640 (automated)
Min Credit Score
USDA rural zone
Property Eligibility
1% of loan amount
Upfront Guarantee Fee
0.35% of balance
Annual Fee
30–45 days
Typical Close Time
USDA Loans in McFarland
USDA loans have two hard gates: property location and household income. McFarland clears the location test. Income limits depend on household size — exceed them and you're out.
Credit-wise, most lenders want a 640 score for automated approval. Below that, you can still qualify, but expect manual underwriting and a longer process.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in McFarland.
McFarland sits in the heart of Kern County's agricultural corridor. That geography works in your favor — USDA designates most of this area as eligible rural territory.
Zero down payment is the headline benefit here. For buyers in a working-class community like McFarland, that distinction changes who can actually close.
USDA loans have two hard gates: property location and household income. McFarland clears the location test. Income limits depend on household size — exceed them and you're out.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Smaller community banks often skip them. Big retail banks process them slowly. Wholesale lenders through a broker are usually the fastest path.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders at SRK CAPITAL. Several specialize in USDA volume. That matters — USDA-experienced underwriters catch fewer surprises at closing.
The income limit trap catches buyers off-guard. USDA counts ALL household income — not just borrowers on the loan. A working spouse or adult child living at home can push you over the limit.
USDA loans also carry a guarantee fee. There's an upfront fee rolled into the loan and an annual fee built into your payment. Plan for both before you compare against FHA.
FHA requires 3.5% down. USDA requires nothing. On a $250,000 purchase, that's $8,750 you keep in your pocket. That's the most direct comparison for McFarland buyers.
VA loans also offer zero down — but only for veterans. If you don't have VA eligibility and you're buying in McFarland, USDA is the strongest no-down option available.
McFarland's USDA eligibility isn't guaranteed forever. As cities grow, USDA redraws rural boundaries. Buyers waiting on the sidelines risk losing eligibility if McFarland's status changes.
Kern County's agricultural economy means many buyers here are hourly or seasonal workers. USDA's income calculation can work in your favor if your annual income stays under the threshold.
Yes, McFarland is currently in a USDA-eligible rural zone. Eligibility can change if USDA redraws boundaries, so confirm before you start shopping.
Limits depend on household size and county. USDA sets them — your broker can run the exact number for your situation before you apply.
Below 640, you'll need manual underwriting. It's harder but not impossible — lenders look at your full financial picture, not just the score.
USDA doesn't set a hard loan limit. Instead, your income, debts, and ability to repay determine how much you can borrow.
Expect 30–45 days minimum. USDA files require a second review by the USDA Rural Development office, which adds time vs. FHA or conventional.
Yes, with documented income history. Lenders typically want two years of seasonal income records to establish a reliable earnings pattern.