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Cathedral City sits in the Coachella Valley, deep in Riverside County. USDA eligibility here depends on specific census tract designations — not every address qualifies.
Run your address through the USDA eligibility map before you fall in love with a property. Boundaries shift, and some Cathedral City neighborhoods are in, some are out.
0%
Down Payment
640 (GUS)
Min Credit Score
1% of loan
Upfront Fee
0.35% of loan
Annual Fee
45-60 days
Est. Close Time
USDA Loans in Cathedral City
USDA loans require zero down payment. That's the headline. But income limits are strict — your household income must stay under the local cap for your family size.
Credit requirements are flexible compared to conventional loans. Most lenders want a 640 score for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but slower.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Cathedral City.
Cathedral City sits in the Coachella Valley, deep in Riverside County. USDA eligibility here depends on specific census tract designations — not every address qualifies.
Run your address through the USDA eligibility map before you fall in love with a property. Boundaries shift, and some Cathedral City neighborhoods are in, some are out.
USDA loans require zero down payment. That's the headline. But income limits are strict — your household income must stay under the local cap for your family size.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Many banks skip them entirely. That's where a broker with access to 200+ wholesale lenders makes a real difference.
USDA loans carry a guarantee fee — 1% upfront and 0.35% annual. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions. Shopping lenders on this product matters.
I see deals fall apart when buyers assume their address qualifies without checking. Verify the property address first, then check your income against the county limits.
USDA underwriting is handled through two tracks: GUS automated approval or manual. Manual takes longer and needs stronger compensating factors. Plan for extra time if your score is under 640.
FHA needs 3.5% down. USDA needs zero. If your address qualifies, USDA wins on upfront cash. But FHA has no income cap and broader property eligibility.
VA loans also offer zero down — and no annual mortgage insurance. If you're a veteran, VA beats USDA almost every time. Compare both before deciding.
Cathedral City is a mid-Coachella Valley city bordered by Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. Its density and classification mean USDA eligibility isn't guaranteed across the city.
The desert market here moves. Properties that sit in eligible zones can still appraise tricky. USDA appraisals follow strict guidelines — condition matters as much as value.
Parts of Cathedral City may qualify. Check the USDA property eligibility map using the exact address before you make an offer.
Income limits depend on household size and are set annually by USDA. Check current limits at the USDA eligibility site.
USDA charges 1% upfront and 0.35% annual. FHA charges 1.75% upfront and 0.55% annual — USDA is cheaper long-term if you qualify.
Condos are rarely USDA-eligible. Most approvals go to single-family homes in qualifying zones.
Expect 45-60 days. USDA requires a second review layer beyond standard underwriting, which adds time.
Yes, but income calculation is strict. Two years of tax returns are required, and losses reduce qualifying income significantly.