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Murrieta sits in a sweet spot for USDA eligibility. Parts of the city and surrounding Riverside County fall within USDA-designated rural areas.
Zero down payment is rare in California. USDA loans make it possible for buyers who qualify on income and location.
0%
Down Payment
640 (standard)
Min Credit Score
1% of loan amount
Upfront Guarantee Fee
0.35% of balance
Annual Fee
30-45 days
Typical Close Time
USDA Loans in Murrieta
USDA loans have two hard requirements: the property must be in an eligible area, and your income must fall within county limits.
Most lenders want a 640 credit score for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but harder to get approved.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Murrieta.
Murrieta sits in a sweet spot for USDA eligibility. Parts of the city and surrounding Riverside County fall within USDA-designated rural areas.
Zero down payment is rare in California. USDA loans make it possible for buyers who qualify on income and location.
USDA loans have two hard requirements: the property must be in an eligible area, and your income must fall within county limits.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Fewer still know how to close them fast. Delays at lenders unfamiliar with the program are common.
As a broker, we shop USDA loans across 200+ wholesale lenders. That means more options and fewer surprises at closing.
Check the USDA eligibility map before falling in love with a property. One street can be eligible; the next block might not be.
USDA has two fees: an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee. Both are lower than FHA mortgage insurance. That matters over a 30-year loan.
FHA requires 3.5% down. Conventional requires at least 3%. USDA requires nothing — if you qualify.
The tradeoff is geographic and income restrictions. VA loans also offer zero down, but only for veterans. USDA serves civilian buyers who meet the criteria.
Murrieta's outer neighborhoods and rural edges of Riverside County are more likely to hit USDA eligibility than the city core.
As of April 2026, USDA maps are updated periodically. Areas that qualify today may not qualify after the next revision. Lock in while eligibility holds.
Parts of Murrieta qualify. You must verify each property address on the USDA eligibility map before applying.
USDA income limits depend on household size and county. All household earners count — not just the borrower.
Yes, but it's called a guarantee fee. The annual fee is typically lower than FHA mortgage insurance premiums.
USDA loans require a second review by the agency. Expect 30-45 days minimum. Work with a lender experienced in the program.
No. USDA loans are for single-family primary residences only. Investment properties and multi-unit buildings don't qualify.
Most lenders require 640 for automated approval. Lower scores may go through manual underwriting, which is stricter.