USDA Home Loans in California

See If My Area Is USDA Eligible

First Capital Mortgage Inc. is a California mortgage broker headquartered in Modesto, with a branch in Indio, serving buyers and homeowners across the state, from the Central Valley to the Coachella Valley and everywhere in between. Many of the small towns around Modesto, Turlock, Oakdale, and the desert communities near Indio qualify for USDA financing, and buyers are often surprised to learn their target neighborhood is eligible.

How a USDA Loan Works

The USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Loan is a zero-down mortgage for moderate-income buyers in designated rural and suburban areas. The USDA guarantees the loan, which lets lenders offer competitive fixed rates with no down payment. You pay a one-time guarantee fee, usually financed into the loan, and a small annual fee that is lower than FHA mortgage insurance.

Who Qualifies

The property is in a USDA-eligible area (much of Stanislaus, Merced, San Joaquin, and eastern Riverside County outside the city cores)
Household income is within the USDA limit for the county, which is higher than most people expect
The home will be your primary residence
Credit history is reasonable; USDA has no fixed minimum score, though lenders typically look for 640 or better

The USDA Loan Process

Start Here. The online application takes about 15 minutes. Basic personal info, income, and permission to review credit.
We shop it. One file goes to 25+ wholesale lenders, and we come back with the options that actually fit your scenario.
Compare in plain English. Rate, payment, cash to close, and the trade-offs between them, side by side.
Close on time. Most purchases fund in under 30 days, with a weekly update so you and your agent always know where things stand.

USDA Questions We Hear Every Week

How do I know if a house is eligible?

Send us the address. We check the USDA eligibility map and the income limit for that county the same day.

Is there a loan limit?

There is no set USDA loan limit. Your maximum is based on your income and debts, and we calculate it during pre-approval.

Can I use gift funds or seller credits?

Yes. Gifts can cover closing costs, and sellers can contribute up to 6% of the price toward your costs.

Start Here: 15-Minute USDA Application

Not Sure USDA Is the Right Fit?

That is exactly the conversation to have before you apply. Call (209) 522-7100 or send us a note, and we will tell you straight whether it fits or whether a different program serves you better. You can also compare every option on our California loan programs page.