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USDA Loans

Zero-down financing for buyers in qualifying rural and suburban areas across the South Carolina.

What Is an USDA Loan?

A USDA loan is a mortgage option backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed to make homeownership more accessible for buyers purchasing in eligible rural and suburban areas. Unlike most loan programs, USDA loans require no down payment at all, making them one of the most affordable paths to homeownership for qualifying buyers.
Many people are surprised to learn how many areas across North and South Carolina actually qualify as "rural" under USDA guidelines — including plenty of suburban communities outside major cities. At Carolina Mortgage Group, we'll help you find out if your target area and household qualify, and guide you through every step of the process.
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Why Choose a USDA Loan?

Why Choose a USDA Loan?

  • No down payment required for eligible buyers
  • Competitive, often below-market interest rates
  • Lower mortgage insurance costs compared to FHA loans
  • Flexible credit guidelines
  • Closing costs can often be rolled into the loan or covered by seller contributions
  • Available for primary residences in qualifying rural and suburban areas

Is a USDA Loan Right for You?

USDA loans tend to work best for buyers who:
  • Are purchasing in a USDA-eligible rural or suburban area
  • Meet household income limits set by the USDA for the area (typically based on local median income)
  • Have a credit score of 620 or higher (some flexibility may apply)
  • Plan to use the home as their primary residence
Not sure if your desired area or household qualifies? We'll check property eligibility and income limits together so you know exactly where you stand before you start house hunting.

Is a USDA Loan Right for You?

How It Works

We make the mortgage process simple, clear, and stress‑free. Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing, our streamlined approach ensures you always know what to expect and what comes next.

Check Eligibility

We confirm that your target area and household income meet USDA guidelines.

Get Pre-Approved

We review your credit, income, and goals to determine your buying power.

Submit Your Documents

Upload everything securely through our portal — we handle the rest.

Close With Confidence

We coordinate your closing and make sure you understand every detail, every step of the way.

Looking at Other Options?

A USDA loan offers incredible value for buyers in eligible areas — but if your situation calls for something different, take a look at our other loan programs below.

Explore more resources

Get a deeper look at USDA loan eligibility, qualifying areas, and tips for navigating rural home financing. Browse our latest articles below to learn more about making USDA work for you.

Got Questions About USDA Loans?

Here are answers to some of the most common questions buyers ask about qualifying for and using a USDA loan.
Frequently Asked Questions

USDA eligibility is based on official USDA maps, not how rural an area feels. Many suburban communities just outside major cities in North and South Carolina actually qualify. We can check any specific address against the USDA eligibility map for you.

Yes. USDA loans are designed for low-to-moderate income buyers, and limits vary by county and household size — generally based on 115% of the area's median income. We'll help you determine whether your household qualifies based on where you're buying.

For eligible buyers, yes — USDA loans allow 100% financing with no down payment required, as long as the home is in an eligible area and you meet income and credit requirements.

Most lenders look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though some flexibility may be available depending on your full financial picture. We'll review your credit and let you know where you stand.

Yes, but it's typically lower than FHA mortgage insurance. USDA loans require an upfront guarantee fee (which can be rolled into the loan) and a small annual fee paid monthly, both of which are usually more affordable than FHA's mortgage insurance premiums.

USDA loans are intended for modest, single-family primary residences in eligible areas. They cannot be used for investment properties, vacation homes, or income-producing properties.

USDA loans typically take 30 to 45 days to close, similar to other loan programs, though timelines can occasionally run slightly longer due to an additional USDA review step in the approval process. We'll keep you updated throughout and help avoid unnecessary delays.

Yes — USDA loans aren't limited to first-time buyers. As long as you meet the income, credit, and property eligibility requirements, you can use a USDA loan whether it's your first home or not.

Ready to See If You Qualify for $0 Down?

Talk to a local loan expert who can check your eligibility and walk you through every step of the USDA loan process.

Contact Information

Phone: 864‑205-5210

Address: Greenville, SC

Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Carolina Mortgage Group provides fast, local mortgage guidance backed by clear communication and competitive loan options. Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, our team makes the process simple, transparent, and stress‑free — giving you confidence from pre‑approval to closing.

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