Question 1

Does Madera qualify for USDA loans?

Accepted Answer

Parts of Madera County are USDA-eligible. Use the USDA property eligibility map to confirm before applying — city center addresses may not qualify.

Question 2

What credit score do I need for FHA vs USDA?

Accepted Answer

FHA accepts scores as low as 500 with 10% down. Most USDA lenders want at least 640, though some go lower with manual underwriting.

Question 3

Can I use down payment assistance with these loans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both FHA and USDA can be paired with California down payment assistance programs. Ask your broker which programs stack with each loan type.

Question 4

Which loan has lower monthly payments?

Accepted Answer

USDA often wins on monthly cost — lower mortgage insurance plus no down payment preserves cash. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.

Question 5

Are there income limits for FHA loans?

Accepted Answer

No. FHA has no income caps. USDA does — limits vary by county and household size, so verify your eligibility early in the process.

Question 6

Which loan closes faster in Madera?

Accepted Answer

FHA typically closes faster. USDA requires an extra approval from the USDA office, which adds time — sometimes two to three weeks.

FHA vs USDA Loans in Madera, CA