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Chowchilla sits in Madera County's agricultural heartland. That rural character is exactly what makes USDA loans worth talking about here.
Much of this area qualifies for USDA's Rural Development program. Zero down payment financing is available to buyers who meet income limits.
0%
Down Payment
640 (automated)
Min Credit Score
Government-Backed
Loan Type
By household size
Income Limit
30–45+ days
Typical Close Time
USDA Loans in Chowchilla
USDA loans have two hard requirements: property location and borrower income. The home must be in an eligible rural zone — Chowchilla generally clears that bar.
Income limits are set by household size and county. Most lenders want a 640 credit score for USDA's automated approval. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Chowchilla.
Chowchilla sits in Madera County's agricultural heartland. That rural character is exactly what makes USDA loans worth talking about here.
Much of this area qualifies for USDA's Rural Development program. Zero down payment financing is available to buyers who meet income limits.
USDA loans have two hard requirements: property location and borrower income. The home must be in an eligible rural zone — Chowchilla generally clears that bar.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Many banks skip them entirely because the volume is low and the approval process takes longer than conventional loans.
At SRK CAPITAL, we work with 200+ wholesale lenders — including specialists in USDA Rural Development. We find the ones who actually close these deals.
The biggest USDA mistake I see: buyers assume they qualify on income without checking the household total. USDA counts everyone in the home — not just borrowers on the loan.
Sellers in Chowchilla are generally open to USDA offers. The rural market here moves slower than the Bay Area. That gives you time to work through the process.
FHA requires 3.5% down. Conventional requires at least 3%. USDA is the only standard purchase loan with true zero down — no military service required.
VA beats USDA if you've served — no mortgage insurance, no income limits. But for civilian buyers in Chowchilla, USDA is usually the lowest cost entry point.
Madera County's income limits for USDA are set at levels that fit most local wage earners. This isn't a high-income county — the limits work in buyers' favor here.
Property eligibility in Chowchilla should be confirmed directly with USDA's online map tool. Boundaries can change, and not every address inside city limits will qualify.
Most of Chowchilla is in USDA-eligible territory. Confirm your specific address on USDA's property eligibility map before making an offer.
Limits vary by household size and are set by USDA for Madera County. A broker can check your specific number before you apply.
USDA charges an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee — not traditional PMI. The annual fee is typically lower than FHA's monthly insurance.
USDA loans take longer than conventional — often 30 to 45 days or more. Start the process early and don't lock into a short closing deadline.
Yes, but the land must be typical for the area and not income-producing. Large agricultural parcels may not qualify.
Most lenders require a 640 for automated underwriting. Scores below that may still qualify through manual review with strong compensating factors.