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Burlingame doesn't qualify for USDA financing. The program targets rural areas and specific suburban zones — not affluent Peninsula cities near San Francisco.
San Mateo County has some USDA-eligible pockets in Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. But anything east of Highway 1 falls outside program boundaries.
USDA Loans in Burlingame
USDA loans require properties in designated rural zones and borrowers below area income caps. For San Mateo County, household income can't exceed $150,300 for families up to four.
Credit scores as low as 580 can qualify with some lenders. The program requires zero down payment but charges an upfront guarantee fee of 1% plus annual premiums.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Burlingame.
Burlingame doesn't qualify for USDA financing. The program targets rural areas and specific suburban zones — not affluent Peninsula cities near San Francisco.
San Mateo County has some USDA-eligible pockets in Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. But anything east of Highway 1 falls outside program boundaries.
USDA loans require properties in designated rural zones and borrowers below area income caps. For San Mateo County, household income can't exceed $150,300 for families up to four.
Most lenders offer USDA loans but few Peninsula borrowers use them. We work with wholesale partners who process these in qualifying areas like Pacifica or La Honda.
Approval takes 30-45 days due to USDA underwriting layers. Sellers in competitive markets often favor conventional or FHA offers with faster closings.
I've closed maybe three USDA loans in San Mateo County over five years. They work for coastside buyers stretching to afford anything in this market.
If you're looking at Burlingame, FHA or conventional makes more sense. FHA requires just 3.5% down and doesn't have geographic restrictions.
FHA loans work anywhere and need 3.5% down with 580 credit. Conventional loans require 5% down but drop mortgage insurance faster once you hit 20% equity.
VA loans beat USDA for veterans — zero down, no income caps, and accepted statewide. Community mortgage programs through local credit unions sometimes waive PMI below 20% down.
Burlingame sits too close to SFO and San Francisco to meet USDA rural definitions. The program uses census data and population density to draw boundaries.
If you're set on zero down in San Mateo County, look at coastside properties or consider VA if you're military. Otherwise plan for at least 3.5% down with FHA.
No. Burlingame exceeds USDA population and proximity limits. The program doesn't cover Peninsula cities near San Francisco.
Coastal zones like Half Moon Bay and Pescadero qualify. Most areas east of Highway 1 don't meet rural criteria.
VA loans for veterans offer zero down statewide. Non-veterans need at least 3.5% down with FHA financing.
Yes. Household income can't exceed $150,300 for families up to four. These caps apply even in qualifying areas.
Approval takes 30-45 days and adds uncertainty. Conventional and FHA close faster in competitive markets.