Question 1

Is Benicia considered rural for USDA purposes?

Accepted Answer

Parts of Benicia and surrounding Solano County qualify. Check the USDA eligibility map by exact property address before assuming yes or no.

Question 2

What are the income limits for USDA loans in Solano County?

Accepted Answer

Limits vary by household size. Solano County limits are set by USDA and updated periodically — your broker can pull the current figures for your household.

Question 3

Do USDA loans require mortgage insurance?

Accepted Answer

USDA uses a guarantee fee instead of mortgage insurance. There's an upfront fee and a smaller annual fee built into your monthly payment.

Question 4

How long does a USDA loan take to close in California?

Accepted Answer

Expect 30–45 days with a USDA-experienced lender. Files going through manual underwriting or conditional state approval take longer.

Question 5

Can I use a USDA loan to buy a fixer-upper in Benicia?

Accepted Answer

The property must be in decent condition at closing. Major repairs or structural issues can cause the loan to be denied during appraisal.

Question 6

What credit score do I need for a USDA loan?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require 640 for automated approval. Below 640, manual underwriting is possible but requires a stronger overall file.

USDA Loans in Benicia, CA — Zero Down if You Qualify