USDA Home Loans for Teachers

Last Updated on July 7, 2021 by Maggie Looker

There are several types of home loans specifically for teachers, because we all know they deserve a chance at homeownership with the tough job they have. But did you know that there is a specific government-backed loan for teachers looking to buy a home in rural areas? A USDA home loan for teachers requires zero down payment, is designed for lower credit scores, first time home buyers, and can be used across most of the United States? It’s called a USDA Home Loan, and while it sounds too good to be true, it’s the perfect mortgage option for teachers across the country.

What is a USDA Home Loan?

USDA loans are an option for teachers who wish to buy a home in rural areas, and are insured by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA defines “rural” as a town with a population of less than 35,000 people. Since almost 97% of the United States land is considered rural, that makes almost everywhere an eligible location.

The USDA created these mortgages to “assist low- and very-low-income applicants obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas…” What this means is that teachers making under a certain household threshold, who meet other eligibility requirements, can qualify for USDA home loans. First time home buyers as well as people who have owned a home in the past can qualify for these mortgages.

We urge you to look at what the household income requirements are in your area before you think you won’t qualify. Not only do the guidelines vary by county and state, but the income guidelines apply to ALL adults living in the household. So, if your retired parents live with you, or your adult children are still at home full time, the income threshold is higher. Find out what the income eligibility is in your state.

Benefits of USDA Home Loans for Teachers

USDA Home Loans for teachers offer low interest rates, and do not require a down payment. It is an excellent option for those who are finding it difficult to come up with any amount for a down payment, let alone the traditional 20%. They’re also perfect for someone with lower credit who is unable to qualify for conventional or other mortgage loans.

Since demand for teachers in rural areas is usually in high demand, chances are you might need to move to a more rural area at some point in your career. Or, maybe you’re already renting in a district that is USDA-defined rural and are looking to buy a house. USDA home loans can be used by first time home buyers, but they can be used to build a home on land, or to renovate an existing home. A USDA home loan is a good choice for any of these situation, if you qualify.

The main advantages of USDA home loans are:

No required down payment. You may put a down payment down if you wish, for any amount.
You are able to pay back the loan early with no penalties.
USDA home loans have fixed interest rates, meaning your rate will always stay the same.
Loan terms are generally 33 years, meaning you have that long to pay the loan back. This is longer than a typical conventional home loan, making payments even lower.
USDA loans do not technically have a credit minimum. However, most lenders will ask for a score around 640.
You can use a USDA home loan to build a new home or buy an existing home.
USDA loans can also help refinance or renovate your current home (if you live in an approved rural area).

Requirements for a USDA Home Loan

One of the down sides to USDA home loans is their strict requirements. All requirements must be met to be considered eligible.

If you’re not sure if you or the property you wish to buy is eligible, you can check the USDA approved areas for your state. You can also talk to a Homes for Heroes loan specialist, who will be able to walk you through the requirements and answer all your questions.

Plus, our loan specialists have reduced lending fees for teachers and other heroes like law enforcement, healthcare workers, military, EMS, and firefighters. This is just one of the ways Homes for Heroes can save you even more on your home purchase.

USDA Home Loan Eligibility

You must be a U.S. citizen, or meet certain noncitizen requirements.
You must be without decent, safe, and sanitary housing options.
Must be unable to obtain a loan from other sources, like conventional or FHA loans.
The home you buy with the USDA home loan must be your primary residence.
You must be eligible to receive other federal programs.

There are some other requirements that you’ll need to meet in order to purchase a home, regardless of loan type. These are:

Good Credit History

To get a USDA home loan, you should have a credit score of at least 640. While there is technically no minimum credit requirement, loan lenders like to see scores of 640 and up.

Lenders will use your past payment history and income to assess your creditworthiness. Creditworthiness is determined by looking comprehensively at your ability to pay back the loan. If you have not been regularly paying your bills or credit cards, you are unlikely to get approval for a USDA home loan.

Lenders also require borrowers have a certain minimum monthly income to qualify for any type of loan. This is to ensure that you’ll be able to afford your monthly mortgage payments. If you do not make the lender minimum, your loan may also not be approved.

In the case of USDA home loans, your household also cannot make over the maximum amount determined by the USDA. This is because USDA loans are intended to help those with low to moderate income.

Stable Income

This loan requires that you have stable, regular income for at least the past two years. It is crucial to prove to your lender that you regularly get paid. Homes for Heroes lending specialists are always working with teachers, and understand the nature of your profession, like electing to not receive a paycheck the months school is not in session, or picking up a summer school or tutoring position. They will be able to use your work history to get you the loan you need.

This may include calling your current employer to better understand your hours and pay, and to verify that you are in fact employed. Your lender will also want to see proof of income in the form of your W2’s from the previous two years, along with tax returns.

History of Debt

To be approved for any home loan, you must also show your lender that you are willing to pay the loan. That is very different from the ability to pay. Your lender will want to see proof that you have made all payments on time for the last several months. This includes all other loans and credit card bills. If any payments are going to collections, you will probably not qualify for the USDA home loan.

USDA Home Loans vs. Conventional Home Loans

Besides the USDA home loan for teachers, the most common type of mortgage loan in the United States is the Conventional home loan. USDA home loans have some unique advantages compared to conventional loans. Here’s how they compare:

USDA Home Loans do not require down payments. USDA loans are able to be financed 100%. To get a conventional loan, you almost always have to provide a down payment, usually a minimum of 3%. Then, the difference of the down payment and the price of the home is provided in the loan value.
There are income limitations to buy a home with USDA home loans, based on your state and county. Conventional home loans do not have restrictions on income, although you usually need to make a certain percentage of the loan amount for a lender to approve your application.
To get a USDA home loan, you must buy the property in a USDA approved area. On the other hand, you can use a conventional home loan for property anywhere.
USDA home loans can only be used as your primary residence. Conventional loans can be used on any kind of home, including second homes, vacation homes, or cabins.
One of the stipulations of a USDA home loan is that the home you are buying is for your residential use and not for investment. This also includes doing any kind of business from your home, like a side-hustle. But, you can get a conventional loan to buy an investment property to rent out, or do other for-profit business at.

Property Requirements

The home you wish to buy with a USDA home loan needs to serve as your primary residence. It also needs to be in a USDA-approved area. However, the loan can be used to buy new construction, condos, townhouses, manufactured homes, or foreclosed homes.

These homes must also pass an inspection to ensure that they have essential requirements like adequate roofing, operational electrical and plumbing, and are structurally sound.

The reason these things are a requirement is so that you are living in safe housing. The USDA does not want to see you get sick or injured living in your home. They also know that some of these issues can be very expensive to fix. Since these loans are designed for low and moderate incomes, fixing these homes up can be an expensive challenge.

Also, if you have an unsafe home, the odds go up that the house becomes unlivable or condemned before the end of the loan, which can lead to higher instances of defaulting on the loan. The USDA wants to make sure they can receive compensation for the entire loan.

The property requirements of a USDA eligible house are:

Located in a rural area defined by the USDA.
The home must be less than 2,000 square feet.
The property cannot have an in-ground swimming pool.
You can not use the property for anything relating to producing income.
Must pass specific items on the inspection.

USDA Home Loans for teachers can help you purchase a home, even if you think it might not be possible. It is an excellent choice for those planning to move to, or already live in, a rural area. This loan finances 100% of the total property value, ensuring that you can comfortably move in. It is a fabulous loan option for teachers looking to purchase a home.

Want to save even more on your home purchase? Sign up for Homes for Heroes home buying program. It’s free to sign up, and there’s no obligation for you. Simply sign up today and a real estate agent will reach out and discuss your home buying needs.

As a thank you for being a teaching hero, Homes for Heroes real estate agents will give back part of their commission to you in cash after your closing. On average, our heroes save over $2,400 when buying a home. Sign up today!