“Rural” may be closer than you think.

How to check an address

1. Open the official USDA eligibility website.
2. Select the appropriate Single Family Housing program.
3. Accept the USDA disclaimer and open the property eligibility map.
4. Enter the complete address and review the current result.
5. Ask the participating lender to confirm eligibility during the application process.

What types of places may qualify?

USDA eligibility can include rural communities, small towns and some areas beyond dense urban cores. Eligibility is not synonymous with farmland, and it does not require the borrower to operate a farm.

Property-use requirements

• The home generally must be the borrower's primary residence.
• It should be residential and meet applicable program and lender standards.
• Investment homes, vacation homes and second homes generally do not qualify.
• Income-producing or primarily commercial/agricultural properties can present eligibility problems.
• The appraisal and lender review determine whether the specific property meets current requirements.

Property condition

USDA financing is intended for safe, sound and sanitary housing. An appraisal is not the same as a comprehensive home inspection. Buyers should consider an independent inspection and understand repair requirements before closing.

Can a new construction home qualify?

Certain new construction transactions may be eligible when the borrower, property, builder, documentation and lender process satisfy current USDA requirements. Availability varies by lender and transaction structure.

Do condominiums or manufactured homes qualify?

Some property types may qualify only when specific USDA, lender, project, construction, title and documentation requirements are met. Do not assume eligibility from property type alone; ask for a transaction-specific review.