What is a RD Loan?
Contents
A RD loan is a type of mortgage loan that is insured by the United States Department of Agriculture. These loans are available to low- and moderate-income rural homeowners, and can be used to purchase or refinance a home.
Checkout this video:
What is a RD Loan?
A RD loan is a type of mortgage that is insured by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). RD stands for Rural Development. These loans are also sometimes called Section 502 loans, after the section of the Housing Act of 1949 that created the program.
The program’s purpose is to help low- and moderate-income families buy homes in rural areas. USDA Rural Development loans are available in small towns and cities with a population of 20,000 or less.
USDA Rural Development loans are different from other government-backed mortgage programs, such as those insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Veterans Administration (VA). USDA loans have no down payment requirements and offer flexible credit guidelines.
USDA Rural Development loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. The USDA insures these loans against defaults, making it easier for lenders to offer financing to borrowers with low or moderate incomes.
How Does a RD Loan Work?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) home loan program is designed to help families with low to moderate incomes buy homes in rural areas. The program is available in all 50 states, and in more than 3,000 counties nationwide.
To be eligible for a RD Loan, you must:
-Have a credit score of 640 or higher
-Have a total household income that does not exceed 115% of the median income for your area
-Be a U.S. citizen or have legally admitted alien status
-Not have been suspended or debarred from participation in federally funded programs
-Not have owned a home within the past three years
If you meet these eligibility requirements, you can apply for a RD Loan through a participating lender. The USDA does not lend money directly to borrowers; instead, it guarantees loans made by private lenders. This guarantee protects the lender against loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
The USDA Rural Development Loan program offers two types of loans: direct loans and guaranteed loans. Direct loans are made by the USDA to eligible borrowers and do not require a guarantee from a third party. Guaranteed loans are made by private lenders and are guaranteed by the USDA against loss up to 90%.
What are the Benefits of a RD Loan?
The advantages of a RD loan are many, and this type of financing can be a great way to purchase a home. One of the biggest benefits is that you can get a low interest rate on your loan, which can save you money over the life of the loan. In addition, you may be able to get a government subsidy to help with your down payment and/or closing costs. Lastly, if you live in a designated rural area, you may also be able to take advantage of special USDA programs that can make your RD loan even more affordable.
How to Qualify for a RD Loan?
To qualify for a RD loan, you must:
-Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
-Have a credit history that demonstrates a good track record of repaying debts
-Demonstrate the ability to repay the loan
-Not have defaulted on a federal student loan
– Meet additional requirements that may vary by state
How to Apply for a RD Loan?
Applying for a RD loan is a multi-step process.
The first step is to contact a RD-approved lender and complete a loan application. The lender will then contact RD to determine if the applicant qualifies for a loan.
If the applicant qualifies, the next step is to provide RD with information about the property that will be used as collateral for the loan. The property must be located in an eligible rural area and meet certain standards.
Once the property has been approved, the applicant will need to complete a loan closing process with the lender. This process includes signing a promissory note, obtaining insurance, and paying any applicable fees.
Once the loan closing is complete, the applicant will begin making regular payments to the lender. The lender will then forward these payments to RD.