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Mariposa sits deep in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Most of Mariposa County qualifies as USDA-eligible rural territory.
That matters because USDA loans require zero down payment. In a state where down payments often run six figures, that's a real advantage.
0%
Down Payment
640
Min Credit Score
1.00%
Upfront Guarantee Fee
0.35%
Annual Fee
45–60 days
Typical Close Time
USDA Loans in Mariposa
USDA loans have income limits tied to your county and household size. You can't earn too much — but the limits are higher than most borrowers expect.
You need a 640 credit score for automated underwriting. Below that, approvals are possible but manual underwriting applies and scrutiny increases.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Mariposa.
Mariposa sits deep in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Most of Mariposa County qualifies as USDA-eligible rural territory.
That matters because USDA loans require zero down payment. In a state where down payments often run six figures, that's a real advantage.
USDA loans have income limits tied to your county and household size. You can't earn too much — but the limits are higher than most borrowers expect.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Some banks skip them entirely because the approval process runs longer than conventional loans.
Working with a broker who has access to USDA-approved wholesale lenders matters here. We can find you a lender who actually closes these deals.
USDA loans carry a guarantee fee — 1% upfront and 0.35% annually. Roll the upfront fee into the loan so you keep cash in your pocket.
The annual fee acts like mortgage insurance. It's cheaper than FHA's MIP. That savings adds up over a 30-year loan in Mariposa.
FHA requires 3.5% down and carries higher mortgage insurance costs. USDA wins on monthly payment for eligible Mariposa buyers.
VA beats USDA for veterans — no down payment and no ongoing mortgage insurance. But USDA serves buyers who don't have military service.
Mariposa's rural character is exactly what USDA was designed for. Properties outside town limits often sit on larger parcels — confirm USDA eligibility early.
Mariposa properties can include acreage. USDA allows this, but the home must be the primary purpose of the property. Large agricultural operations won't qualify.
Yes. Most of Mariposa County meets USDA rural eligibility requirements. Confirm the specific property address on the USDA eligibility map before applying.
Limits vary by household size. Mariposa County limits are set by USDA for rural California areas — check the current tables or ask us directly.
No. USDA loans are for homes, not raw land. The property must have a dwelling and be used as your primary residence.
Plan for 45–60 days. USDA loans require a secondary review by the USDA Rural Development office, which adds time.
It functions similarly but costs less than FHA's MIP. The 0.35% annual fee is lower than FHA's 0.55% for most loan terms.
Yes. Sellers can contribute toward closing costs. This is worth negotiating, especially in a slower Mariposa market.