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Marina sits in Monterey County, and USDA eligibility here surprises a lot of buyers. Many assume USDA is only for farmland — it's not.
USDA-eligible areas include smaller cities and suburban pockets near rural zones. Marina's designation can shift, so verify eligibility before you fall in love with a property.
640
Min Credit Score
0%
Down Payment
Government-Backed
Loan Type
30-45 Days
Est. Close Time
County-Based
Income Limit
USDA Loans in Marina
USDA loans require no down payment. You need a 640 credit score for automated underwriting approval through most lenders.
Income limits apply. Your household income — everyone living there — must stay under the USDA limit for Monterey County. That number adjusts for family size.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Marina.
Marina sits in Monterey County, and USDA eligibility here surprises a lot of buyers. Many assume USDA is only for farmland — it's not.
USDA-eligible areas include smaller cities and suburban pockets near rural zones. Marina's designation can shift, so verify eligibility before you fall in love with a property.
USDA loans require no down payment. You need a 640 credit score for automated underwriting approval through most lenders.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Fewer still know how to close them efficiently. USDA files go through a two-step approval — lender underwriting, then USDA review.
That second review adds time. A broker with access to USDA-approved wholesale lenders can reduce delays and find the best rate available for your profile.
The USDA guarantee fee works like FHA mortgage insurance but costs less. There's an upfront fee rolled into the loan plus a small annual fee.
Buyers who qualify for USDA but also qualify for VA should compare both. VA has no funding fee waiver for disabled vets — that often wins. But USDA is the next best zero-down option.
FHA requires 3.5% down. Conventional needs at least 3%, and without 20% down you pay PMI. USDA needs zero — that's the clearest advantage.
The tradeoff is eligibility. USDA has income caps and geographic restrictions. FHA and conventional don't care where the property sits.
Marina is a small coastal city in Monterey County. Its USDA eligibility status has changed over time as population figures get updated.
As of April 2026, confirm each specific address on the USDA property eligibility map before applying. Neighboring areas in Monterey County may qualify even if a specific street does not.
Parts of Marina may qualify, but eligibility is address-specific. Check the USDA property eligibility map before applying.
USDA sets limits by county and household size. Monterey County limits are higher than many inland counties due to area median income.
USDA loans typically take 30-45 days. USDA's second review adds time beyond standard lender underwriting.
USDA is for single-family primary residences only. Condos must meet USDA approval requirements — few do.
Yes, but it's called a guarantee fee. The annual fee is lower than FHA's monthly mortgage insurance premium.
Most lenders require 640 for automated approval. Scores below that require manual underwriting and stricter documentation.