USDA Loans

Zero down for homes outside the city core — more of the Portland metro qualifies than you'd guess.

Overview

A USDA loan is a zero-down mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. 'Rural' is more generous than it sounds: communities on the edges of the Portland metro — parts of Yamhill, Columbia, and Clark County, and towns like Newberg, Estacada, and Battle Ground — often qualify. If you're open to living outside the city core, USDA can put you in a home with no down payment and competitive rates. We check address eligibility in minutes.

Who It's For

Buyers open to living outside the Portland city core

Households with little or no down payment saved

Moderate-income families (USDA has income limits by county)

First-time buyers priced out of close-in neighborhoods

Anyone eyeing Newberg, Estacada, Battle Ground, or similar communities

How It Works

Eligibility Check

We check the address (or the towns you're considering) against the USDA map and confirm your income fits the county limits. Takes minutes.

Pre-Approval

Standard pre-approval with the zero-down structure priced in, so you know your real monthly payment.

USDA Review

After underwriting, USDA gives its sign-off. We build the extra days into your offer timeline so nothing surprises you.

Close

Zero down at the closing table. Keep your savings for the house itself.

Requirements

Down Payment0%

LocationUSDA-eligible area (we check your address)

IncomeUnder USDA limits for your county and household size

Credit Score640+ for streamlined approval

OccupancyPrimary residence only

These are general guidelines, not a quote or commitment to lend. Actual terms depend on credit approval, income, and underwriting — not all applicants will qualify, and programs and requirements are subject to change without notice. Through Movement Mortgage we have access to additional programs with different requirements. Contact David & Bri for options specific to your situation.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

True zero down payment

Competitive rates — often below conventional

Lower mortgage insurance cost than FHA

Closing costs can be rolled in or covered by seller credits

Puts real homeownership in reach without years of saving

Considerations

Only works in USDA-eligible areas — close-in Portland doesn't qualify

Household income limits apply

Primary residences only — no investment properties

Processing adds a USDA review step, so closings run slightly longer

FAQ

5 questions

What areas near Portland qualify for USDA loans?

Eligibility follows USDA's rural map, which includes much more of the metro edge than people expect — parts of Yamhill, Columbia, Marion, and Clark County, and towns like Newberg, Estacada, Sandy, Molalla, and Battle Ground. Send us an address and we'll check it same-day.

Is USDA really zero down?

Yes — 100% financing, no down payment. You'll still have closing costs, but those can often be covered through seller credits or rolled into the loan when the appraisal supports it.

What are the USDA income limits?

Limits vary by county and household size, and they're higher than most people assume — many two-income households still qualify. We'll check your numbers against the current limits in the first conversation.

USDA vs. FHA — which should I pick?

If the home is in an eligible area and your income fits, USDA usually wins: zero down beats 3.5% down, and USDA's monthly insurance cost is lower. If the address doesn't qualify, FHA is the fallback. We'll price both.

How long does a USDA loan take to close?

Plan on 30-45 days. USDA adds its own review after underwriting, which can add a few days to a couple of weeks depending on their queue. We track it and keep your agent in the loop.

Ready to explore usda?

Schedule a complimentary consultation. We'll review your situation and tell you honestly whether this is the right move.

Get Pre-Approved →Schedule a Call →