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Modesto sits in Stanislaus County — and parts of the area fall inside USDA-eligible zones. That means zero down financing is a real option here, not just a rural fantasy.
USDA loans are government-backed. They're designed for moderate-income buyers in areas the USDA classifies as rural or suburban. Modesto's outer edges often qualify.
0%
Down Payment
640
Min Credit Score
45-60 Days
Est. Close Time
Government-Backed
Loan Type
Yes — By Family Size
Income Limits
USDA Loans in Modesto
You need a 640 credit score to qualify with most USDA lenders. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but much harder to get approved.
Income limits apply. USDA caps household income based on county and family size. Stanislaus County limits are moderate — check before you assume you qualify.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Modesto.
Modesto sits in Stanislaus County — and parts of the area fall inside USDA-eligible zones. That means zero down financing is a real option here, not just a rural fantasy.
USDA loans are government-backed. They're designed for moderate-income buyers in areas the USDA classifies as rural or suburban. Modesto's outer edges often qualify.
You need a 640 credit score to qualify with most USDA lenders. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but much harder to get approved.
Not every lender does USDA loans. Some banks don't bother because volume is low. That's why a broker with access to 200+ wholesale lenders matters here.
USDA loans take longer to close than conventional. Government review adds time. Budget 45-60 days minimum and tell your seller upfront.
The biggest USDA mistake I see: buyers fall in love with a house before checking the address. Run the USDA eligibility map before you tour a single home.
USDA charges two fees — an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee. Both are lower than FHA's mortgage insurance. That's real monthly savings for qualified buyers.
FHA requires 3.5% down. Conventional requires at least 3%. USDA requires nothing. For a buyer without savings, that's the difference between buying now or waiting years.
The tradeoff is flexibility. FHA and conventional work anywhere. USDA is locked to eligible addresses. If the house doesn't qualify, the loan doesn't exist.
Modesto's suburban growth means some neighborhoods that were rural five years ago are now ineligible. USDA redraws maps periodically. Always verify current eligibility.
Stanislaus County income limits fit many working families in Modesto. Teachers, healthcare workers, and trade workers are common USDA borrowers here.
No. Only specific zones qualify. Run the USDA property eligibility map before shopping for homes in Modesto.
Limits vary by household size. Check the USDA's official income limit tool for current Stanislaus County figures.
Plan for 45-60 days. USDA requires a government review that adds time compared to conventional loans.
No. USDA loans are for primary residences only. Investors need to look at conventional or portfolio products.
Often yes, if the property qualifies. USDA has no down payment and lower monthly fees than FHA. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most lenders require 640. Below that, manual underwriting is available but approval is harder to achieve.