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Waterford sits squarely in USDA-eligible territory. Many buyers here qualify for zero down financing without knowing it.
Stanislaus County has strong agricultural roots. That rural character works in buyers' favor when USDA eligibility maps are drawn.
0%
Down Payment
640 preferred
Min Credit Score
0.35% of balance
Annual Fee
1% (financeable)
Upfront Fee
45-60 days
Est. Close Time
USDA Loans in Waterford
USDA loans require stable income, decent credit, and a property in an eligible area. Most lenders want a 640 credit score minimum.
Income limits apply. Your household income must fall below the USDA cap for Stanislaus County — typically set by family size.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Waterford.
Waterford sits squarely in USDA-eligible territory. Many buyers here qualify for zero down financing without knowing it.
Stanislaus County has strong agricultural roots. That rural character works in buyers' favor when USDA eligibility maps are drawn.
USDA loans require stable income, decent credit, and a property in an eligible area. Most lenders want a 640 credit score minimum.
Not every lender offers USDA loans. Many banks skip them because the approval process is slower and more paperwork-heavy.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. A handful specialize in USDA and move these files fast. That's who we send your deal to.
USDA files take longer than conventional. Budget 45-60 days to close. Rural Development has its own review layer after lender approval.
The annual fee — 0.35% of the loan balance — is low. Upfront guarantee fee runs 1% and can be rolled into the loan. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
FHA requires 3.5% down. USDA requires zero. That's $10,500 saved on a $300,000 home before closing costs.
VA beats both if you've served — no down payment and no mortgage insurance. For civilians in Waterford, USDA is the strongest zero-down option available.
USDA eligibility maps get updated periodically. Waterford's boundaries have held rural status, but always verify before you fall in love with a property.
Stanislaus County income limits are more generous than Bay Area counties. More Waterford households qualify than buyers expect.
Yes, as of April 2026, Waterford falls within USDA-eligible boundaries. Always confirm the specific property address before applying.
Limits vary by household size. A family of four typically has a higher cap than a single borrower — check the USDA eligibility site for current figures.
Plan for 45-60 days. USDA Rural Development adds a review step after lender approval that extends the timeline.
Some manufactured homes qualify, but USDA has strict property standards. The home must be permanently affixed and meet HUD guidelines.
USDA charges a 1% upfront guarantee fee and a 0.35% annual fee. Both are lower than FHA mortgage insurance costs.
Only if the appraised value supports it. Sellers can also cover closing costs — that's a common move in slower Stanislaus County markets.