USDA loan
No down payment for homes outside the city
USDA Rural Development loans help moderate-income buyers purchase in eligible towns across central and western Massachusetts.
USDA loan: how it works
The USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program offers 100% financing in areas the Department of Agriculture defines as rural. In Massachusetts that includes many towns people would not think of as rural, such as parts of Sturbridge, Templeton, Ware and much of Franklin County.
Household income must be at or below 115% of the area median, which in Worcester County is about $132,000 for a family of four in 2026. The program charges a 1% upfront guarantee fee and a 0.35% annual fee, both lower than FHA.
We check address eligibility before you tour a home and verify household income early, so there are no surprises after you are under contract.
What's included with Harborview
- 30-year fixed rate only
- Closing costs can be financed if value supports it
- Seller concessions up to 6%
- Gift funds allowed
- New construction eligible
- Address eligibility check before you offer
The process, step by step
Your loan officer stays with you the whole way, and you get status updates by text at every milestone.
Check the map
We confirm the address and your household income qualify.
Pre-approval
Automated underwriting through USDA's GUS system.
Lender approval
Our team clears conditions and submits your file to USDA.
USDA commitment and close
USDA issues its guarantee, then you close with your attorney.
Benefits worth knowing
100% financing
Buy without a down payment in eligible towns.
Lower fees than FHA
Both the upfront and annual guarantee fees cost less.
Room to breathe
Financed closing costs keep more cash in your account after move-in.
Qualifying guidelines
General guidelines only. Exceptions and overlays apply, and your loan officer will review your situation.
| Factor | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Location | Property must be in a USDA-eligible area |
| Household income | At or below 115% of area median, all adult earners counted |
| Credit score | 640 for automated approval |
| Debt-to-income | 29% housing and 41% total, flexible with approval |
| Occupancy | Primary residence, single-family only |
Related programs
Buy a homeFHA loan
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans make ownership reachable with lower scores and smaller savings.
Learn more
Buy a homeVA loan
Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses.
Learn more
Buy a homeFirst-time buyer programs
MassHousing, ONE Mortgage and down payment assistance options, plus a loan officer who walks you through every step.
Learn more
USDA questions
More answers in our full FAQ.
Eligibility changes with census data. Many towns in Worcester, Franklin, Hampshire and Berkshire counties qualify in whole or part. Send us an address and we will check it the same day.
For eligibility, yes, all adult household income counts. For qualifying for the payment, only borrowers on the loan are counted.
No. The program is for single-family homes, including eligible condos and townhouses.
Ready to see your USDA numbers?
A pre-approval takes about 10 minutes online and does not affect your credit score. A local loan officer follows up the same day.
- Soft credit check
- 24-day average close
- 4.9 from 1,284 reviews
