Question 1

Does Salinas qualify for USDA loans?

Accepted Answer

Parts of the Salinas area qualify — it's property-specific. Use the USDA eligibility map or ask your broker to check a specific address.

Question 2

What is the income limit for USDA in Monterey County?

Accepted Answer

Limits vary by household size and are set by USDA annually. A broker can pull the current limit for your exact household.

Question 3

Can I use USDA to buy a home with no money at all?

Accepted Answer

No down payment is required. You still need to cover closing costs unless the seller agrees to concessions or you roll them in.

Question 4

How does the USDA guarantee fee work?

Accepted Answer

There's a 1% upfront fee that rolls into your loan. There's also an annual fee added to your monthly payment. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.

Question 5

How long does USDA loan approval take?

Accepted Answer

USDA adds a final review step that FHA and conventional skip. Budget extra time — closings can run 30-45 days or longer depending on volume.

Question 6

What credit score do I need for a USDA loan in Salinas?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders want 640 for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting is an option but adds complexity and time.

USDA Loans in Salinas, CA — Zero Down in Monterey County