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Tehachapi sits in a USDA-eligible zone. That means qualified buyers can purchase with zero down payment.
Most California cities lost USDA eligibility as populations grew. Tehachapi still qualifies — and that matters a lot for buyers short on cash.
0%
Down Payment
640
Min Credit Score
1% of loan
Upfront Fee
0.35% / yr
Annual Fee
30–45 days
Typical Close Time
USDA Loans in Tehachapi
USDA loans have two hard requirements: the property must be in an eligible area, and your income must fall under the local limit.
You also need a 640 credit score for automated underwriting. Below that, approvals are manual and much harder to get.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi sits in a USDA-eligible zone. That means qualified buyers can purchase with zero down payment.
Most California cities lost USDA eligibility as populations grew. Tehachapi still qualifies — and that matters a lot for buyers short on cash.
USDA loans have two hard requirements: the property must be in an eligible area, and your income must fall under the local limit.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Many banks don't bother because volume is low.
Wholesale lenders often have stronger USDA programs than retail banks. A broker with access to 200+ lenders can find options most buyers never see.
USDA approval takes longer than FHA or conventional. Budget 30–45 days at minimum. Rural Development offices have their own review step.
The upfront guarantee fee (1% of loan amount) can be rolled into the loan. The annual fee (0.35%) gets split into monthly payments. Neither is a dealbreaker, but know they exist.
FHA requires 3.5% down. Conventional requires at least 3%. USDA requires nothing — that's a $10,000–$15,000 difference on a typical Tehachapi purchase.
VA loans also offer zero down, but only for veterans. If you don't have VA eligibility and you're buying in Tehachapi, USDA is the strongest no-down option available.
Tehachapi's location in eastern Kern County keeps it within USDA's rural designation. Verify eligibility on every address — boundaries can shift.
The area attracts remote workers and retirees from LA and the Bay Area. Many don't know USDA is an option here. That's your advantage as an informed buyer.
Yes, as of April 2026, Tehachapi falls within USDA-eligible rural boundaries. Always confirm individual property addresses before assuming eligibility.
USDA income limits depend on household size and county. Check the USDA eligibility site for current Kern County limits before applying.
The property must meet USDA condition standards. Significant repairs often disqualify a home — it needs to be move-in ready.
USDA charges 1% upfront and 0.35% annually. FHA charges 1.75% upfront and 0.55% or more annually — USDA is cheaper.
Expect 30–45 days minimum. USDA requires a Rural Development review step that adds time beyond standard underwriting.
Yes. USDA offers a streamline refinance program with limited paperwork. Your loan must be current and the refinance must lower your payment.