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Truckee sits in Nevada County's mountain market where $200,000 buys a solid entry-level home. At 6.125%, your monthly payment runs $1,215 for principal and interest alone.
The county's median household income of $84,905 stretches further in Truckee than in the Bay Area. USDA eligibility depends on the property location, not your income, but that county median matters for debt-to-income calculations.
6.125%
Interest Rate
$1,215
Monthly P&I
740
FICO Minimum
$0
Down Payment
None
Mortgage Insurance
30-45 days
Closing Timeline
USDA Loans in Truckee
USDA loans require a 740 FICO minimum (though some lenders go to 680). You put zero down — that's the whole point. Your debt-to-income ratio must stay under 41%, which means your total monthly debt can't exceed 41% of your gross income.
Nevada County's median household income of $84,905 translates to about $7,075 per month. That income level clears the USDA debt-to-income test on a $200K loan with room to spare.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Truckee.
Truckee sits in Nevada County's mountain market where $200,000 buys a solid entry-level home. At 6.125%, your monthly payment runs $1,215 for principal and interest alone.
The county's median household income of $84,905 stretches further in Truckee than in the Bay Area. USDA eligibility depends on the property location, not your income, but that county median matters for debt-to-income calculations.
USDA loans require a 740 FICO minimum (though some lenders go to 680). You put zero down — that's the whole point. Your debt-to-income ratio must stay under 41%, which means your total monthly debt can't exceed 41% of your gross income.
USDA loans in California are less common than conventional or FHA, but they're not rare. Most mortgage brokers and retail lenders offer them. The challenge isn't availability — it's that USDA has strict property eligibility rules.
Closing timelines run 30-45 days for USDA loans. Underwriting is straightforward if your income and credit are clean. Appraisals take longer because USDA appraisers check for rural eligibility and property condition.
USDA makes sense in Truckee if you're buying under $250,000 and the property qualifies. Zero down is the real win — you're not scraping together 5-10% for a down payment.
The catch is property eligibility. Not every Truckee home qualifies for USDA. If your target property sits outside the eligible zone, USDA is off the table. Call your lender early to verify the address.
FHA loans also work in Truckee and don't require rural eligibility. But FHA charges mortgage insurance for life if you put down less than 10%. USDA has no mortgage insurance at all.
Conventional loans require 5-20% down and typically need a 700+ FICO. USDA asks for 740 FICO but zero down. If you have cash for a down payment, conventional might pencil lower.
Truckee's mountain location means winter weather, seasonal tourism, and outdoor recreation drive the local economy. Schools here serve a mix of year-round residents and seasonal families.
The town sits at 6,000 feet elevation, which affects property insurance and appraisals. Winter maintenance costs are real. Lenders factor this into their property valuations. USDA appraisers will note the elevation and seasonal access issues.
No — USDA loans require zero down. You borrow 100% of the purchase price. The property must be in a USDA-eligible rural area, which Truckee is. No down payment, no PMI, no funding fee. That's the core benefit of USDA.
At 6.125% APR on a $200,000 USDA loan, your principal and interest payment is $1,215 per month. That doesn't include property taxes, insurance, or the 0.35% annual USDA fee.
Most lenders require 740 FICO for USDA loans. Some go as low as 680, but 740 is the standard. Your debt-to-income ratio must stay under 41%. If you're at 680 FICO, your rate will be higher and your approval tighter.
No — USDA loans require primary residence occupancy. You must live there as your main home. Second homes, investment properties, and vacation rentals don't qualify. If you're buying to rent it out or use seasonally, USDA is not an option.
Expect 30-45 days from application to closing. USDA appraisals take longer because the appraiser verifies rural eligibility and property condition. If everything is clean, you'll close in 35 days.