Rural and suburban financing

USDA loans. Zero down, outside the city limits.

Q: How do I know if a home is in a USDA-eligible area?

USDA eligibility is determined by the USDA property eligibility map and includes more areas around Charleston than many buyers realize. We can review a property's address and verify whether it qualifies before you make an offer.

Q: Is there really no down payment?

Yes. The USDA Guaranteed Loan Program allows qualified buyers to finance up to 100% of a home's appraised value, meaning no down payment is required. Closing costs may still apply, but in some cases they can be covered through seller concessions or lender credits.

Q: What are the income limits?

USDA income limits vary by county, household size, and program guidelines. Many buyers are surprised to learn the limits are higher than expected. We can review your household income and determine whether you meet the current eligibility requirements.

Q: Can I use USDA for an investment property?

No. USDA loans are intended only for owner-occupied primary residences. They cannot be used to purchase investment properties, rental homes, or second homes. Investors may want to explore conventional or DSCR loan options instead.

Q: Is USDA a government loan from Younited?

USDA loans are guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture through approved lending programs. Younited Lending is an independent mortgage broker that arranges financing through wholesale lenders. Younited Lending is not a government agency and does not represent or endorse the USDA.

A lot of the Lowcountry qualifies as USDA-eligible, including many areas just beyond Charleston and Mount Pleasant. If you are buying in one of them, you may be able to finance the full purchase with no down payment.

Get pre-approved See if your address qualifies

The only other true zero-down loan besides VA

The USDA Guaranteed Loan program was built to help buyers purchase in less densely populated areas. Around Charleston, that covers more ground than most people expect, places like Ravenel, Hollywood, Awendaw, parts of Summerville, Moncks Corner, and much of Berkeley and Dorchester County. If the home sits in an eligible area and your household income fits the program, you can buy with nothing down.

No down payment

Finance up to 100% of the appraised value. Your savings can go toward reserves, closing costs, or moving in.

Lower monthly cost than FHA

USDA's guarantee fees are generally lighter than FHA mortgage insurance, which can mean a smaller monthly payment for a comparable loan.

Built for primary homes

USDA is for the home you live in. It pairs well with first-time buyers who have steady income but limited cash for a down payment.

Two boxes to check: location and income

USDA eligibility comes down to where the home is and what your household earns. Both are easy to confirm, and we will check them for you before you fall in love with a listing.

The property sits in a USDA-eligible area. Eligibility is set by the USDA map, not by how rural a place feels, so a quick check is worth it.
Total household income falls within the program limit for your county and household size. Limits are higher than many people assume.
The home will be your primary residence, not a rental or second home.
Your credit and debt profile fit the program. There is no minimum down payment to clear, which lowers the bar to entry.

Want the fastest answer? Send us the address and your household details and we will confirm both in one conversation.

How USDA compares

Comparison of USDA, FHA, and Conventional loan features
Feature	USDA	FHA	Conventional
Minimum down payment	0%	3.5%	3% to 5%
Mortgage insurance	Guarantee fee, generally lighter	Upfront and monthly MIP	PMI, drops off with equity
Property location	Eligible areas only	Anywhere	Anywhere
Occupancy	Primary home	Primary home	Primary, second, or investment
Income limits	Yes, by county	None	None

Illustration only. Not a rate quote or an offer to extend credit. Program features are subject to change and to lender guidelines.

Common questions

How do I know if a home is in a USDA-eligible area?

Eligibility is defined by the USDA property map, and it covers more of the Charleston region than most buyers expect. Rather than guess, send us the address. We will check it against the current map and tell you yes or no before you write an offer.

Is there really no down payment?

Correct. The USDA Guaranteed program allows financing up to 100% of the appraised value, so a qualified buyer can purchase with no down payment. You will still have closing costs, though those can sometimes be covered by a seller credit or a lender credit.

What are the income limits?

USDA sets a maximum household income that varies by county and the number of people in the household, and the limits are higher than many people assume. We will check your specific number when we review your scenario.

Can I use USDA for an investment property?

No. USDA is for the home you live in as your primary residence. If you are buying a rental, ask us about conventional or DSCR investor financing instead.

Is USDA a government loan from Younited?

The loan is guaranteed under a USDA program, but Younited Lending is an independent broker that arranges the financing through wholesale lenders. We are not a government agency and the program is not endorsed by us.

Find out if your address qualifies

Send us the home you are eyeing and your household details. We will confirm USDA eligibility and map out your options, with no pressure.

Get pre-approved Schedule a call

Younited Lending, LLC | Company NMLS #1927343. Verify licensing at nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Younited Lending is a licensed mortgage broker, not a lender, and arranges but does not make mortgage loans. Licensed in South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, and Virginia. This communication is not a commitment to lend or an offer to extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, and property eligibility. USDA program eligibility, income limits, and fees are set by the USDA and are subject to change without notice. Younited Lending is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USDA or any government agency. Equal Housing Opportunity. 3015 Dunes West Blvd, Suite 506, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 | 843-419-7600.