Loading
Loading
San Juan Bautista sits in San Benito County — and that geography matters. USDA eligibility is tied to rural designation, and much of this area qualifies.
Zero down payment financing is rare. In a county where saving a 20% down payment takes years, USDA changes the math completely.
0%
Down Payment
640 (standard)
Min Credit Score
County-based cap
Income Limit
30-45 days
Est. Close Time
Vary by profile
Rates
USDA Loans in San Juan Bautista
USDA loans have two hard requirements: the property must be in an eligible rural area, and your income must fall within USDA limits for San Benito County.
Most lenders want a 640 credit score for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but harder to get approved. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Juan Bautista.
San Juan Bautista sits in San Benito County — and that geography matters. USDA eligibility is tied to rural designation, and much of this area qualifies.
Zero down payment financing is rare. In a county where saving a 20% down payment takes years, USDA changes the math completely.
USDA loans have two hard requirements: the property must be in an eligible rural area, and your income must fall within USDA limits for San Benito County.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Banks often skip them — the approval process is slower and requires USDA sign-off on top of standard underwriting.
Wholesale lenders through a broker tend to have stronger USDA programs. More options means better pricing and fewer overlays — lender-added restrictions beyond USDA's base rules.
The property address determines USDA eligibility — not the city name. Run the address through USDA's eligibility map before you fall in love with a listing.
USDA also charges guarantee fees: an upfront fee rolled into the loan and an annual fee built into your monthly payment. Factor both into your total cost comparison.
FHA loans require 3.5% down and charge mortgage insurance for the life of the loan in most cases. USDA requires zero down and its annual fee is typically lower.
Conventional loans need at least 3% down and reward higher credit scores with better rates. USDA beats conventional for buyers who qualify but lack a down payment.
San Juan Bautista is a small, historic community. Properties here are often older — USDA has property condition requirements, so a fixer-upper may not qualify.
San Benito County income limits apply at the household level. If multiple adults earn income in your home, all of it counts toward the cap — even non-borrowers.
Much of San Benito County qualifies as a rural area. Run your specific property address through the USDA eligibility map to confirm before applying.
USDA sets income limits by county and household size. Check the USDA income eligibility tool — all adult household income counts, not just borrowers.
USDA charges a guarantee fee, not traditional mortgage insurance. There's an upfront fee and a smaller annual fee added to your monthly payment.
Only if it meets USDA's minimum property standards. Homes with major structural or safety issues typically won't pass USDA's appraisal requirements.
Expect 30-45 days minimum. USDA requires a second approval layer beyond standard underwriting, which adds time. Plan ahead when making offers.
No. USDA is strictly for primary residences. Investment properties and vacation homes are not eligible under this program.