Step 2: USDA Loan Income Limits | Moreira Team Mortgage (2024)

We are continuing our discussion on USDA home loans. This step covers the income limits you must meet in order to be eligible for a USDA mortgage. A mortgage that may provide you with 100% financing, below-average mortgage rates and lower mortgage interest payments.

In case you missed the first step in this guide, check it out below:

Step 1: What is a USDA Home Loan?

Who Qualifies for a USDA Loan?

USDA loans are not available to all borrowers and they are not available in all housing markets. We will cover location and property eligibility later on in this series. Right now, we want to focus specifically on the income limits. USDA home loans are for home buyers with low-to-moderate income for their areas.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers this loan program to provide 100% financing and great mortgage rates to borrowers who need more help than those with higher incomes. As they put it, these loans are reserved for those with “modest means.” The USDA will not guarantee a mortgage loan for any household that exceeds a maximum income level for the area where they are buying a home.

USDA Income Limits

To be eligible for a USDA home loan, a household’s annual earnings cannot exceed the median household income for the area by more than 15%. There are allowances for larger households, though. The income limit for a household with eight people will be 8% higher than it is for a household with less than four people. In other words, 23% above the median income. The limits are based on the median household income for the area. For example, a home buyer in an eligible suburban Atlanta community will have a higher income cap than a borrower in rural Georgia.

USDA income limits also have a floor that is based on household size:

  • 1 – 4 member household must have a minimum annual income of $86,850.
  • 5 – 8 member household must have a minimum annual income of $114,650.

To look up USDA income limits in your specific state and county, check the USDA income eligibility website.

What You Need to Know About USDA Income Requirements

Because the terms on USDA loans are so favorable, the USDA is very strict about income qualifying requirements. They are not going to back mortgages to households which make significantly higher incomes compared to their area’s median. The goal of USDA home loans is to make rural housing more affordable to those who may not otherwise be able to afford buying a home. FHA loans also help first-time home buyers with low-to-moderate income, but they do not offer 100% financing. Interest rates and private mortgage insurance (PMI) fees are also usually higher than with USDA loans.

USDA loans are mostly for first-time home buyers, but some repeat home buyers will be eligible if they haven’t owned or occupied their own property in the past three years. In our next article, we will talk about credit score requirements for USDA home loans.

If you are interested in buying a house in a rural area and think you might be eligible for a USDA-backed loan, contact us today to see if you qualify, and learn if a USDA loan is right for you and your family.

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Step 2: USDA Loan Income Limits | Moreira Team Mortgage (2024)

FAQs

Step 2: USDA Loan Income Limits | Moreira Team Mortgage? ›

USDA income limits also have a floor that is based on household size: 1 – 4 member household must have a minimum annual income of $86,850. 5 – 8 member household must have a minimum annual income of $114,650.

What is the maximum debt to income ratio for a USDA mortgage? ›

USDA Loan Approval

The standard debt to income (DTI) ratios for the USDA home loan are 29%/41% of the gross monthly income of the applicants. The maximum DTI on a USDA loan is 34%/46% of the gross monthly income. USDA will allow these DTI ratios with compensating factors.

How does USDA calculate household income? ›

USDA Annual Household Income - the total projected household income. When calculating annual income, every adult earner in the household will be considered. Adjusted Annual Income - is calculated by subtracting qualified deductions from the annual household income.

What is adjusted income for an USDA loan? ›

ADJUSTED INCOME is annual income less the following allowable deductions: Dependent, child care expenses, elderly household, disability assistance, and medical expenses. The conditions for a deduction must be met in order for it to be applied.

What happens to my USDA loan if my income changes? ›

Can our payment change? Annually, the amount paid by you and Rural Development is reviewed. Your payments can change based on changes in your total household income. Usually, if your income increases, your mortgage payments will increase.

What is the debt-to-income ratio limit for qualified mortgages? ›

As a general guideline, 43% is the highest DTI ratio a borrower can have and still get qualified for a mortgage. Ideally, lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio lower than 36%, with no more than 28%–35% of that debt going toward servicing a mortgage. 1 The maximum DTI ratio varies from lender to lender.

Can you pay off debt to qualify for an USDA loan? ›

Yes, GUS and the application will need to reflect the additional funds needed for closing and the lender must verify the applicant has the funds available to close. debt? No, paying off an existing debt is not an eligible loan purpose.

What is the USDA limit for 2024? ›

Loan Limits

As of March 2024, most of the rural areas USDA guaranteed loans cover have a standard limit of $398,600. Higher cost counties have higher limits between $431,400 and $919,800. Some counties are so high cost or densely populated that standard USDA loans aren't available.

What is the income that is never counted for USDA? ›

Net income is considered for self-employment earnings and interest/dividends from real or personal property. For FULL time students who are not an applicant or the spouse of the applicant, only count the first $480 for earned annual income.

What determines household income? ›

Household income is the adjusted gross income from your tax return plus any excludible foreign earned income and tax-exempt interest you receive during the taxable year.

What is grossing up income for USDA? ›

If the income is not subject to Federal taxes, the amount of continuing tax savings from the nontaxable income will be added to the applicant's repayment income. This is called “Grossing Up”.

Can my boyfriend live with me if I have an USDA loan? ›

Only the USDA borrower and their immediate family members can reside on the property. If the borrower or a family member needs regular or full-time care, the caretaker cannot live in the residence.

What are adjusted gross income limitations? ›

Many of the deductions and credits that taxpayers commonly take advantage of each year are subject to AGI limitations. If you itemize deductions, for example, you must reduce your medical and dental expenses by 7.5% of your AGI. This means that you can only deduct the amount that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI.

What are the disadvantages of a USDA loan? ›

USDA Loan Disadvantages: What are the downsides of a USDA loan?
  • Income Limits. To qualify for a USDA loan, your household income must fall within 115% of the local median household income. ...
  • Property Restrictions. ...
  • Occupancy Requirements. ...
  • USDA Program Fees. ...
  • Longer Underwriting Timeline.
Jan 26, 2024

What would cause a USDA loan to be denied? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the most common reasons for a failed USDA loan application include insufficient income, debt-to-income ratios that are too high, and credit history or score issues. A study conducted in 2020 found that 24% of USDA loan applications were denied due to credit score issues.

Can USDA take my tax refund? ›

This process is utilized after a loan meets specific certification criteria, and/or when the Agency has no other acceptable method of collecting an outstanding debt. The Servicing Office may request interception of any federal payment a customer may receive, including: Federal income tax returns.

What is the maximum debt-to-income ratio for home possible? ›

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Freddie Mac doesn't provide a maximum DTI requirement, though borrowers should aim for a DTI equal to or less than 50%. This is a general DTI guideline when qualifying for a mortgage. Property type: Owner-occupied primary residences are eligible for Home Possible financing.

What is the credit score for an USDA loan? ›

Approved USDA loan lenders typically require a minimum credit score of at least 620 to get a USDA home loan. However, the USDA doesn't have a minimum credit score, so borrowers with scores below 620 may still be eligible for a USDA-backed mortgage.

What is the maximum allowable debt-to-income ratio? ›

Your particular ratio in addition to your overall monthly income and debt, and credit rating are weighed when you apply for a new credit account. Standards and guidelines vary, most lenders like to see a DTI below 35─36% but some mortgage lenders allow up to 43─45% DTI, with some FHA-insured loans allowing a 50% DTI.

What is the DTI limit for FHA in 2024? ›

DTI measures your monthly earnings against all existing loan payments, including your potential new mortgage. The FHA-recommended limit is a DTI ratio of 43%. However, even if you have a higher DTI ratio, lenders can still consider you if you have considerable cash reserves and a high income.

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