For many families and individuals, the dream of owning a home feels just out of reach — often because of rising home prices, limited savings for a down payment, or uncertainty about qualifying for a traditional mortgage. But what if there was a home loan program specifically designed to make homeownership more affordable, with little to no down payment required and flexible qualification guidelines?
That’s exactly what USDA Loans were created to do.
Backed by the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA Loans are a powerful mortgage option designed to help people purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. These loans offer some of the most attractive benefits in the mortgage market, including 100% financing, low interest rates, and reduced mortgage insurance costs.
At Garden City Mortgage Team, we are proud to help buyers and families take advantage of USDA Loans to achieve affordable homeownership. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating to a quieter community, or simply looking for a more budget-friendly mortgage option, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We understand that buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions of your life, and we believe everyone deserves access to clear guidance and the best loan programs available.
Let’s explore how USDA Loans work, who qualifies, and why this program could be the perfect solution for your homeownership goals.
A USDA Loan is a government-backed mortgage program designed to encourage homeownership in eligible rural and suburban communities. These loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which allows lenders to offer more affordable terms and reduced risk.
One of the most attractive features of USDA Loans is the ability to finance 100% of the home’s purchase price — meaning no down payment is required in most cases.
Unlike FHA Loans, which require a minimum down payment of 3.5%, or Conventional Loans, which often require 5% to 20%, USDA Loans eliminate one of the biggest barriers to homeownership.
USDA Loans also come with lower interest rates compared to many traditional mortgage options and reduced mortgage insurance costs, making monthly payments more affordable.
These loans are intended for primary residences only and are available to borrowers who meet certain income and location requirements.
At Garden City Mortgage Team, we work closely with USDA-approved lenders to ensure our clients receive the best possible terms while navigating the application process smoothly.
USDA Loans are an excellent option for many buyers who are looking for affordable homeownership opportunities outside of major metropolitan areas.
First-time homebuyers often benefit greatly from USDA Loans because of the zero down payment requirement and lower overall costs. Without needing years of savings to cover a down payment, buyers can move into homeownership sooner.
Families seeking more space and quieter neighborhoods frequently choose rural or suburban communities that qualify for USDA Loans. These areas often offer larger properties, lower housing costs, and a higher quality of life.
Buyers with moderate incomes may also find USDA Loans appealing, as the program is specifically designed to assist households within certain income limits.
Even repeat homebuyers can qualify, as long as the home will be used as a primary residence and all eligibility guidelines are met.
If you’ve ever assumed that rural living meant being too far from conveniences, you may be surprised. Many USDA-eligible areas are just outside major cities and offer easy access to schools, shopping, healthcare, and employment centers.
Understanding how USDA Loans fit among other mortgage programs is essential when deciding which option is best for you. At Garden City Mortgage Team, we offer a wide variety of loan programs to ensure every borrower finds the right solution.
FHA Loans are popular for their low down payment and flexible credit requirements. However, they still require a minimum 3.5% down payment and include mortgage insurance premiums.
USDA Loans go a step further by offering 100% financing and lower mortgage insurance costs, making them even more affordable for eligible buyers.
Conventional Loans typically require higher credit scores and larger down payments. While they can be a great option for many buyers, USDA Loans offer more accessibility for those who qualify by location and income.
VA Loans are one of the best mortgage benefits available for eligible veterans and active-duty service members, offering zero down payment and no mortgage insurance.
USDA Loans serve a similar affordability purpose but are available to civilian buyers who meet eligibility requirements.
Jumbo Loans are designed for high-value properties that exceed conventional loan limits and require stronger financial profiles and larger down payments.
USDA Loans are focused on affordability and moderate-priced homes in eligible areas.
DSCR Loans are used by real estate investors and qualify based on rental income. USDA Loans are strictly for owner-occupied primary residences.
Bank Statement Loans help self-employed borrowers qualify using deposit history rather than tax returns. While USDA Loans typically require traditional income documentation, some self-employed buyers may still qualify depending on circumstances.
Bridge Loans are short-term financing tools used during property transitions. USDA Loans are long-term mortgage solutions for permanent homeownership.
Although USDA Loans already offer zero down payment, some buyers may still use Down Payment Assistance programs to help with closing costs or additional expenses.
At Garden City Mortgage Team, we proudly offer:
Bank Statement Loans
Bridge Loans
Conventional Loans
Down Payment Assistance
DSCR Loans
FHA Loans
HELOC Loans
Jumbo Loans
USDA Loans
VA Loans
This comprehensive range allows us to tailor the perfect financing plan for every client.
While USDA Loans are designed to be accessible, they do come with specific eligibility criteria.
The property must be located in a USDA-approved rural or suburban area. Many people are surprised by how broad these areas are — often just outside major cities.
Our team at Garden City Mortgage Team can quickly check whether your desired location qualifies.
USDA Loans are intended to support low to moderate-income households. Income limits vary by region and family size.
We’ll help you determine whether your household income falls within acceptable limits.
While USDA Loans are flexible, most lenders prefer a credit score of 640 or higher for streamlined processing. Lower scores may still qualify with additional review.
Borrowers must demonstrate stable income and the ability to repay the loan through pay stubs, tax returns, or other documentation.
The home must be used as your primary residence. USDA Loans cannot be used for vacation homes or investment properties.
The home must meet USDA safety and livability guidelines, verified through an appraisal.
USDA Loans are known for their affordability.
Instead of traditional private mortgage insurance, USDA Loans include a guarantee fee structure:
There is an upfront guarantee fee (usually around 1% of the loan amount) that can often be rolled into the loan.
There is also a small annual fee paid monthly, which is typically lower than FHA mortgage insurance premiums.
In addition to these fees, borrowers will pay standard closing costs such as appraisal, title services, lender fees, and escrow charges.
Because of competitive interest rates and low insurance costs, USDA Loans often result in lower monthly payments than many other loan options.
At Garden City Mortgage Team, we walk you through every cost clearly so there are no surprises.
We begin with a personalized discussion about your homeownership goals, income, location preferences, and financial situation. We’ll determine whether USDA Loans are a good fit and explore other programs if needed.
You’ll provide income documentation, bank statements, and other required paperwork. We make this process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Once you’ve found a home, we verify that it meets USDA location and property requirements.
An appraisal confirms the home’s value and condition. Underwriters review your application to ensure compliance with USDA guidelines.
Once approved, we guide you through closing and soon after you receive the keys to your new home.
Choosing the right lender can make all the difference in your homebuying experience.
At Garden City Mortgage Team, we bring years of mortgage expertise and a client-first approach to every transaction.
We don’t just process loans — we educate, guide, and support our clients from start to finish.
Our experience across FHA Loans, Conventional Loans, VA Loans, USDA Loans, HELOC Loans, Jumbo Loans, DSCR Loans, Bank Statement Loans, Bridge Loans, and Down Payment Assistance ensures we always recommend the best solution for your unique situation.
We pride ourselves on transparency, communication, and personalized service.
Your success is our priority.
Do USDA Loans really require no down payment?
Yes. Most USDA Loans offer 100% financing, meaning no down payment is required.
Are USDA Loans only for farms or rural homes?
No. Many suburban areas qualify. You may be surprised how close to cities USDA-eligible areas can be.
Can I use a USDA Loan if I’ve owned a home before?
Yes. As long as you meet eligibility requirements and the home will be your primary residence.
Do USDA Loans have lower interest rates?
Often yes. USDA Loans typically offer competitive rates compared to traditional mortgages.
How long does the USDA Loan process take?
Most USDA Loans close within 30 to 45 days, though additional USDA approval steps may slightly extend timelines.
If you’re looking for an affordable path to homeownership with no down payment and low monthly costs, USDA Loans from Garden City Mortgage Team could be the perfect solution.
Our team is here to guide you through every step — from eligibility to closing — with care and expertise.
We’d love to help you explore your USDA Loan options.
Business Name:
Garden City Mortgage Team
Loan Officer:
Shaun Utterson
Phone Number:
📞 (910) 444-9567
Email:
✉️ sutterson@emmloans.com
At Garden City Mortgage Team, we’re committed to helping you move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s find the right solution for you.
With Shaun Utterson Mortgage Services, you gain a dedicated partner committed to guiding you through every step of the home financing process. I combine deep industry knowledge with personalized service, ensuring that each loan solution aligns with your unique goals and financial situation. Whether you are purchasing your first home, refinancing, or investing in property, I provide clear communication, expert advice, and a seamless experience from start to finish. My focus is on building trust, delivering competitive solutions, and empowering borrowers to make confident decisions.
Personalized Guidance: Tailored mortgage solutions designed to meet each borrower’s unique needs.
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Choosing the right mortgage partner can make all the difference in your homeownership journey. At Rapid Closing, we combine speed, expertise, and personalized care to deliver financing solutions that are tailored to your goals. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, refinancing, or exploring specialized programs, our team is dedicated to making the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free. With Rapid Closing, you’re not just getting a loan—you’re gaining a trusted partner who stands by you every step of the way.
Fast & Reliable Closings – Streamlined processes that save you time and stress.
Wide Range of Loan Programs – From FHA and VA to DSCR, Jumbo, and USDA loans.
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Flexible Solutions – Options designed for first-time buyers, investors, and unique situations.
Shaun Utterson
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #2157825 | Company NMLS #2926
Corporate Address: 1950 Route 70 East, Suite 300, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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Corporate Address: 8900 Business Park Dr. Austin, TX 78759
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