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USDA loans offer zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban buyers. Los Gatos sits in Santa Clara County — one of the most expensive counties in California.
Most of Los Gatos falls outside USDA-eligible zones. Eligibility is set by the USDA's property map, not by how rural a neighborhood feels.
0%
Down Payment
640
Min Credit Score
County-capped
Income Limit
45–60+ days
Est. Close Time
USDA Loans in Los Gatos
Two things must align for a USDA loan: the property must be in an eligible area, and your income must stay under the county limit.
Santa Clara County income limits are among the strictest in California. High local salaries often push borrowers over the USDA threshold.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Los Gatos.
USDA loans offer zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban buyers. Los Gatos sits in Santa Clara County — one of the most expensive counties in California.
Most of Los Gatos falls outside USDA-eligible zones. Eligibility is set by the USDA's property map, not by how rural a neighborhood feels.
Two things must align for a USDA loan: the property must be in an eligible area, and your income must stay under the county limit.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Fewer still have experience with Santa Clara County eligibility edge cases.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. Finding one with real USDA experience in this area matters more than just rate-shopping.
Most Los Gatos addresses will fail the USDA property eligibility check. Run the address before doing anything else.
If your address passes, lock in a lender fast. USDA loan processing runs longer than conventional — often 30 to 45 days extra.
FHA loans require 3.5% down but have no geographic restrictions. For most Los Gatos buyers, FHA is the more practical low-down option.
Community Mortgage programs in Santa Clara County may offer down payment help without USDA's location and income hurdles.
Los Gatos borders unincorporated Santa Clara County land. Some fringe addresses near Highway 17 or the Santa Cruz Mountains may qualify.
As of April 2026, USDA eligibility maps have been under review nationally. Verify any address directly on the USDA eligibility site before assuming.
Most of Los Gatos is not USDA-eligible. Some unincorporated or fringe addresses may qualify — check the official USDA map by address.
USDA sets income limits by county and household size. Santa Clara County limits are low relative to local salaries — many buyers exceed them.
USDA loans require a second level of government approval. Expect closing timelines 30 to 45 days longer than a standard conventional loan.
USDA rarely approves condos. The property type and location both must meet USDA standards — single-family homes in eligible areas are the norm.
Most USDA lenders want a 640 score or higher. Some lenders may go lower with manual underwriting, but those programs are harder to find.
Yes. USDA charges an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee. Both are lower than FHA mortgage insurance premiums for most borrowers.