There are many benefits, including: no down payment required; borrowers who qualify for a USDA Rural Development home loan have the flexibility to pay nothing out of pocket for a down payment. Additionally, the USDA Loan allows borrowers to use a gift or grant to go toward their mortgage.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives out a variety of loans to help low- or moderate-income people buy, repair or renovate a home in a rural area. Some of the popular types of loans are: the single family direct homeownership loan, the single family guaranteed homeownership loan, the rural repair and rehabilitation loan or grant and the mutual self-help loan. This guide will help you figure out what these loans are and whether you qualify.