Yes, in eligible semi-rural areas around the Sacramento metro. USDA Guaranteed loans offer $0 down with no upfront mortgage insurance and lower monthly mortgage insurance than FHA. The catch: the property has to be in a USDA-eligible area, and your income has to fall within USDA's limits for the county.
USDA loans (technically USDA Guaranteed loans) cover 100 percent of the purchase price with zero down payment required. They are designed for low-to-moderate-income borrowers buying in rural and semi-rural areas. The good news: USDA's definition of 'rural' is broader than most people think.
Many areas you wouldn't expect qualify. Galt, Wilton, Herald, Sloughhouse, Walnut Grove, Isleton, and parts of Elk Grove's southern fringe are USDA-eligible. North of Sacramento, Antelope, Foothill Farms, North Highlands, Citrus Heights, and parts of Roseville have eligible pockets. Eastern Sacramento toward Rancho Murieta and El Dorado Hills' rural areas also qualify in select census tracts. USDA's eligibility map is the single source of truth; we check it for any property you're considering.
USDA Guaranteed loan income limits adjust by county and household size. For Sacramento County, the limits run higher than many people assume, often making moderate-income families with two stable incomes eligible. We confirm your exact eligibility based on household size and current annual income.
USDA allows up to 6 percent in seller-paid closing costs. Combined with $0 down, qualified buyers often close USDA loans with effectively zero cash out of pocket. Reserves are typically required but minimal for primary residence purchases.
If your target property is in central Sacramento, Folsom proper, or El Dorado Hills proper, USDA likely doesn't apply. If your household income is above USDA limits, you'd shift to FHA + DPA or conventional. If you plan to use the home as anything other than your primary residence, USDA is not an option.
No. USDA Guaranteed is for any qualified borrower buying in an eligible area, regardless of profession. Many suburban areas qualify.
Sometimes. USDA has specific manufactured home rules: must be new (or specific used categories), permanent foundation, real property classification. We verify program fit before writing the offer.
Most lenders want 640+ for USDA Guaranteed. Lower scores may qualify with stronger compensating factors.
Generally no, CalHFA's primary programs pair with FHA or conventional, not USDA. USDA's $0 down structure reduces the typical use case for additional DPA.
21-35 days typical. USDA underwrites get an additional GUS automated underwriting pass that adds time vs. FHA.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or guarantee of approval. Loan programs, rates, terms, and eligibility requirements are subject to change and depend on credit, income, property, occupancy, program guidelines, and other underwriting factors. Equal Housing Opportunity. PRMG Mortgage. NMLS 225375. Ken Clark Jr. NMLS #225375.
Certified Mortgage Advisor and Branch Manager at PRMG Mortgage (NMLS #75243). 28 years in mortgage lending. Specializes in FHA, VA, conventional, DPA, jumbo, Non-QM, renovation, and construction financing for buyers and investors in Sacramento, New Jersey, and 47 other states (NY excluded). Three-time Gold Award winner for Best Mortgage Company in Sacramento (2023, 2024, 2025). NMLS #225375.
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