Loading
Loading
Gustine is USDA-eligible. That means qualified buyers can purchase here with zero down payment.
Merced County has a strong agricultural base and smaller cities like Gustine fit the USDA rural designation well.
0%
Down Payment
640
Min Credit Score
Government-Backed
Loan Type
45-60 Days
Est. Close Time
Household-Based
Income Limit
USDA Loans in Gustine
USDA loans require stable income, a 640+ credit score for automated approval, and meeting area income limits.
The income cap applies to your entire household — not just the borrowers on the loan. That detail trips up a lot of applicants.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Gustine.
Gustine is USDA-eligible. That means qualified buyers can purchase here with zero down payment.
Merced County has a strong agricultural base and smaller cities like Gustine fit the USDA rural designation well.
USDA loans require stable income, a 640+ credit score for automated approval, and meeting area income limits.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Many banks skip them because the approval process takes longer.
As a broker with access to 200+ wholesale lenders, we find USDA-approved lenders who know how to close these deals efficiently.
The biggest mistake we see: buyers assume they earn too much. USDA income limits are higher than most people expect.
USDA also charges an annual fee — similar to mortgage insurance — but the rate is lower than FHA's annual premium. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
FHA requires 3.5% down. USDA requires zero. For buyers short on savings, that gap is significant.
VA loans also offer zero down — but only for veterans. USDA is the zero-down option for civilian buyers in eligible areas.
Gustine sits in the San Joaquin Valley. Much of the workforce here is in agriculture, dairy, and small business — income types USDA handles well.
Merced County's cost of living is lower than coastal California. That makes hitting USDA income limits more realistic for local buyers.
Yes, Gustine is in a USDA-eligible area. Buyers here can access zero down payment financing through the USDA program.
Most lenders want a 640 credit score for automated approval. Scores below that may still qualify with manual underwriting.
Yes. USDA caps household income, not just the borrowers' income. Limits vary by household size — check current USDA guidelines.
Expect 45-60 days. USDA loans require a second review from the agency, which adds time compared to conventional loans.
Only if the primary use is residential. USDA home loans are for primary residences — not income-producing agricultural operations.
USDA charges an upfront guarantee fee and a small annual fee. Both are typically lower than FHA mortgage insurance costs.