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USDA loans require the property to sit in an eligible rural or suburban zone. Most of the City of San Bernardino itself does not qualify.
San Bernardino County is massive. Outlying areas like Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and unincorporated zones may have USDA-eligible parcels worth checking.
0%
Down Payment
640 (typical)
Min Credit Score
1% of loan amount
Upfront Fee
0.35% of balance
Annual Fee
30–45 days
Est. Close Time
USDA Loans in San Bernardino
Zero down payment is the headline. But you still need stable income, a 640+ credit score with most lenders, and a debt-to-income ratio under 41%.
Income limits apply. USDA caps household income based on county and family size. Exceeding the limit disqualifies you — even if your credit is perfect.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Bernardino.
USDA loans require the property to sit in an eligible rural or suburban zone. Most of the City of San Bernardino itself does not qualify.
San Bernardino County is massive. Outlying areas like Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and unincorporated zones may have USDA-eligible parcels worth checking.
Zero down payment is the headline. But you still need stable income, a 640+ credit score with most lenders, and a debt-to-income ratio under 41%.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Fewer still process them efficiently. USDA approvals run through the agency itself, adding time to closing.
We work with wholesale lenders who actively close USDA deals. That matters when you're competing for a home in a tight market.
The biggest mistake buyers make is assuming a San Bernardino address is USDA-eligible. Always run the property address through the USDA eligibility map first.
USDA has two loan types: Guaranteed and Direct. Most buyers use Guaranteed — that's what we broker. Direct loans go through USDA directly and have stricter income floors.
FHA needs 3.5% down. Conventional needs at least 3%. USDA is the only zero-down option that doesn't require military service.
The tradeoff is location. VA has no area restrictions. USDA ties you to eligible zones. If the property you want is in the city core, FHA or conventional is likely your path.
San Bernardino County covers over 20,000 square miles. That's actually an advantage for USDA buyers. Dozens of smaller communities within the county sit in eligible zones.
Areas farther from the city center — think the mountain communities or high desert fringes — tend to have lower price points and stronger USDA eligibility overlap.
Most of the city proper is not eligible. Check the specific address on the USDA eligibility map — boundaries can be surprising.
Most lenders require 640. Some go lower with manual underwriting, but expect more scrutiny and a longer approval timeline.
Yes. There's a 1% upfront guarantee fee and a 0.35% annual fee. Both are lower than FHA mortgage insurance. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
USDA counts all household income — not just the borrower's. San Bernardino County limits vary by family size. Check current limits before you apply.
Expect 30-45 days minimum. USDA requires its own approval layer on top of the lender's process. Plan accordingly when making offers.
The home must meet USDA property condition standards. Major repairs or structural issues can kill the deal. It's not a renovation loan.