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Wasco sits in Kern County's agricultural core. That rural character makes it a strong candidate for USDA loan eligibility.
USDA loans are built for areas exactly like this. Zero down payment, government-backed, and income-capped to keep costs accessible.
640
Min Credit Score
0%
Down Payment
1% of loan
Upfront Guarantee Fee
0.35% of balance
Annual Fee
30–45 days
Est. Close Time
USDA Loans in Wasco
You need a 640 credit score for automated USDA approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but harder to get done.
Income limits apply to your entire household — not just the borrowers on the loan. Kern County limits vary by household size.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Wasco.
Wasco sits in Kern County's agricultural core. That rural character makes it a strong candidate for USDA loan eligibility.
USDA loans are built for areas exactly like this. Zero down payment, government-backed, and income-capped to keep costs accessible.
You need a 640 credit score for automated USDA approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but harder to get done.
Not every lender does USDA. Many retail banks skip it entirely. You need a lender who actively works the USDA Guaranteed Loan Program.
At SRK CAPITAL, we pull from 200+ wholesale lenders. We know which ones close USDA deals fast and which ones stall at underwriting.
The biggest USDA mistake I see: buyers assume they qualify without checking the income limit. It's a hard cap. One dollar over kills the deal.
USDA also requires the home to pass a property condition check. Fixer-uppers won't fly. The home needs to be move-in ready at closing.
FHA needs 3.5% down. Conventional needs at least 3%. USDA is the only standard program that goes to zero — and keeps mortgage insurance low.
VA beats USDA if you've served. No down payment, no mortgage insurance. But VA is for veterans only. USDA is open to any qualified buyer.
Wasco's economy runs on agriculture and energy. Many buyers here are hourly or seasonal workers. USDA's income averaging rules can help with variable income.
Rural appraisals in Kern County can be tricky. Comps are spread out. Work with a broker who knows how to support value in agricultural markets.
Wasco's rural character makes it a strong candidate. Eligibility is confirmed by USDA's property map — we check this for every deal.
You need a 640 for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but requires a stronger overall file.
Yes. Limits are based on household size and county. Every person living in the home counts — not just who's on the loan.
No. USDA requires the home to be move-in ready. Major repairs or habitability issues will kill the appraisal.
USDA charges a 1% upfront guarantee fee and 0.35% annual fee. FHA's annual MIP runs 0.55% or higher — USDA is cheaper long-term.
Plan for 30-45 days minimum. Rural appraisals and USDA underwriting add time — don't lock a short rate without buffer.