California USDA Home Loan

California USDA Loan for Rural Homes

You are ready to buy. We are ready to help. A California USDA loan offers a path to homeownership with no down payment in rural California. Let us walk through it together.

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California USDA loan home

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Thousands of families just like yours have found clarity  and confidence with the guidance of a leading  mortgage lender dedicated to their success.

California USDA loan

Find Out About California USDA Loans

California USDA loans are designed for buyers in rural areas who want to skip the down payment. Income guidelines vary by location, and many communities outside major cities are included. We can help you find out if this loan fits your situation.

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Our Refinance Rates

Our Rates For You

USDA 30 Year Purchase

Zero Down Start
Monthly payment
$2,053.64
Rate Points (cost)
3
(
$10,500
)
Rate
5.800%
APR
5.500%
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Effective date:
2026-04-02

USDA 15 Year Purchase

Fast Track Equity
Monthly payment
$2,915.81
Rate Points (cost)
3
(
$10,500
)
Rate
5.800%
APR
5.500%
Talk numbers with an expert
Effective date:
2026-04-07

Rates and APR shown are based on a $350,000 loan amount, 850 credit score, primary residence, single family home, 75% loan to value ratio, and owner occupied property. Payment example assumes no other liens on the property and includes principal and interest only. Taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, and escrow items are not included and will increase the actual payment. Rates, APR, and points are subject to change without notice and may vary based on credit profile, property type, occupancy, loan to value, loan amount, and other qualifying factors. Not all borrowers will qualify.

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How a California USDA Loan Helps You

A California USDA loan removes the biggest hurdle to buying a home. No down payment means you keep your savings. Competitive rates mean your monthly payment stays manageable. This is how families get into homes faster.

No Down Payment

Keep your savings where they are. A California USDA loan lets you buy without putting money down. That cash stays available for moving, furniture, or just peace of mind.

Rates That Fit Your Budget

USDA loans often come with rates lower than other loan types. That means a monthly payment you can feel good about.

Room to Breathe on Credit

We look at your whole picture, not just a number. If you have had some bumps along the way, we can still talk about your options.

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California USDA loan benefits
Process

From Here to Home With a California USDA Loan

01

Let Us Get to Know You

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you are looking for. We listen first and help you understand what a California USDA loan can do for you.

02

Find Your Home

Once you know what you can afford, the fun part begins. Shop for homes in rural California knowing you have financing ready to go.

03

We Handle the Details

Paperwork, coordination, timelines. We take care of it so you can focus on packing boxes and picking paint colors.

04

Get Your Keys

Closing day arrives and you become a homeowner. We are with you every step until you walk through your new front door.

USDA Loans compared with other mortgage loans

Feature
Down payment
Who it helps
Credit flexibility
Property limits
Mortgage insurance
Best for

USDA

FHA

Conventional

VA

Zero down for eligible buyers
3.5% minimum
3%–20% depending on lender
Zero down for veterans and service members
Rural and suburban buyers under income limits
Buyers with lower credit or small savings
Strong credit buyers with larger savings
Veterans, active duty, and eligible spouses
Flexible if income and property qualify
Lower scores accepted
Higher credit needed for best terms
Very flexible for those who qualify
Must be in USDA eligible area
No location limits
No location limits
No location limits
Annual fee, usually lower than FHA
Upfront and monthly premiums
PMI if under 20% down, can be removed
None required
Affordable homes outside the city
Easier credit with low down payment
Broad options with strong credit and savings
Lowest cost path for veterans and service members
Take Your First Step
Talk To a USDA Expert
4.9 rating across 35K+ reviews (Expirence, Google, Zillow, Trustpilot)

Real people. Real challenges. Real mortgage success.

Thought the USDA process would take forever. Bob at Oxford had us pre approved and moving in Long Beach faster than expected. Managed the extra program steps efficiently and we closed in about 45 days. Zero down and on a timeline that worked with our lease ending. Bob delivered.

Wade Perry

Long Beach
,
California

We wanted a home with a garage and workshop space near Riverside. The USDA program through Chad at Oxford made it affordable. Zero down, reasonable payment, and plenty of room for projects. Chad handled the program requirements and we handled the moving. Perfect arrangement.

Doris Baker

Riverside
,
California

Spent months researching loan programs online and somehow missed USDA entirely. Carlton at Oxford brought it up for our Bakersfield purchase and it was clearly the best option. Zero down, low fees, great rate. All that research and the answer came from one phone call to Carlton.

Sophia Phillips

Bakersfield
,
California

We were about to re sign our lease in Fresno when Brock at Oxford showed us a USDA purchase would cost about the same monthly. Zero down meant we didn't need to keep saving. Let the lease expire, bought the house, and locked in a fixed payment. Brock showed us the math that changed our minds.

Jeremy Davis

Fresno
,
California

Our lease was up in 60 days and we needed to move fast. Brandon at Oxford confirmed USDA eligibility for our Oakland area, got us pre approved immediately, and closed with time to spare. Nothing down and no gap in housing. Brandon understood the urgency and made it happen.

Tanya Murray

Oakland
,
California

Every time I pull into our driveway near Sacramento I think about how close we came to giving up on buying. Bailey at Oxford showed us the USDA program and everything fell into place. Nothing down, affordable payment, and a home that's ours. Bailey turned almost giving up into actually moving in.

Tanisha Patel

Sacramento
,
California

Never thought I'd write a review for a lender but Antonio at Oxford earned it. The USDA purchase on our San Francisco home was smooth, the zero down payment was life changing, and Antonio treated us like people, not just a file number. If your area qualifies, call Antonio. You won't regret it.

Jacqueline Reyes

San Francisco
,
California

Closing day on our San Jose USDA purchase was emotional. Nothing down, a home with space, and a monthly cost that works. Angellise at Oxford made the dream of homeownership accessible when other paths felt blocked. My kids have a yard and I have a mortgage I can handle. That's everything.

Janice Freeman

San Jose
,
California

I grew up in apartments. The idea of owning land and a home near San Diego felt like a fantasy. Alex at Oxford turned it into reality through the USDA program. Zero down, a payment I can afford, and a yard I still walk through some mornings just because I can. Alex gave me something I never thought I'd have.

Morgan Jones

San Diego
,
California

Buying on acreage near Los Angeles with a well water system. Abigail at Oxford managed the USDA property requirements without any delays. Water test, septic inspection, everything checked and cleared. Zero down and we have the rural property we've always wanted. Abigail made it happen.

Bryce Nelson

Los Angeles
,
California
FAQ

California USDA Loan FAQ

Still unsure? Talk to someone who hears you, not a script.

Get Your USDA Answers
Ask A USDA Expert
What is a California USDA loan?

A California USDA loan is a government backed home loan that lets you buy in rural California with no down payment. It is designed for buyers who want affordable financing in eligible areas across California.

Do California USDA loans require a down payment?

No. California USDA loans offer 100% financing, meaning you can buy a home without any down payment. This makes homeownership possible even if you have not saved for years.

What are California USDA loan income limits?

California USDA loan income limits vary by county and household size. Most California counties allow household incomes up to 115% of the area median, typically $90,000 to $130,000 for a family of four.

What credit score do I need for a California USDA loan?

Most lenders prefer a 640 credit score for California USDA loans, but lower scores may still work. We look at your whole financial picture, not just the number.

What areas in California are USDA loan approved?

Many rural and suburban areas in California are approved for USDA loans. Communities with populations under 35,000 often qualify. We can check any California address instantly.

How long does a California USDA loan take to close?

California USDA loans typically close in 30 to 45 days. The timeline includes lender review and USDA approval. We keep things moving so you get your keys on schedule.

What are California USDA loan interest rates?

California USDA loan rates are often lower than conventional mortgages because of the government backing. Your exact rate depends on market conditions and your financial profile.

Still have a question?
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