USDA Rural Development Overview

Eligibility 

USDA Rural Development is typically the best home loan option for first time buyers that are not military veterans, assuming the property is in an eligible rural area. USDA RD loans even offer 100 financing with no down payment. Continue reading below to learn more about USDA RD home loans, income limits & guidelines.

GMFS Mortgage has funded over 14,300 USDA Rural Development home loans!

sunset over a wheat field

Why does USDA Rural Development offer home loans?

This USDA program helps mortgage lenders work with low and moderate income families living in rural areas to make homeownership a reality. Per the USDA, providing affordable homeownership opportunities through the rural development (RD) home loan program promotes prosperity, which in turn creates thriving communities and improves the quality of life in rural areas.

USDA RD Loan Features

  • 100% financing (zero money down)
  • Can be used to purchase your primary residence or refinance for rate term
  • Expanded qualifying ratios and flexible credit guidelines
  • Must be deemed eligible rural area by USDA  (check USDA RD eligibility)
  • Income limits based upon the number of people living in house, varies by geographical area
  • Loan up to appraisal value to finance closing costs
  • RD Guarantee fee of 1% (Financeable)
GMFS Mortgage ranked the #1 Guaranteed Rural Housing Lender in Louisiana for June 2024

Recognition for GMFS Mortgage:

GMFS Mortgage ranked Best USDA Mortgage Company in Louisiana for 2018 by Ask a Lenderk a Lender
  • GMFS Ranked #1 Louisiana Lender for USDA Rural Development Loans 2025 (source)
  • GMFS Ranked #1 Louisiana Lender for USDA Rural Development Loans 2024 (source)
  • GMFS Ranked #1 Louisiana Lender  for USDA Rural Development Loans 2023 (source)
  • GMFS Ranked #1 Louisiana Lender and #11 nationwide for USDA Rural Development Loans 2022 (source)
  • GMFS Mortgage Loan Officer ranked #3 in country and #1 in Louisiana for Rural Development originator
  • GMFS Mortgage ranked top lender in #1 Louisiana and #5 in Alabama, #10 nationwide for USDA Rural Development Loans for 2020 (source)
  • GMFS Mortgage ranked top lender in #1 Louisiana and #5 in Alabama for USDA Rural Development Loans for 2019
  • GMFS Mortgage Loan Officer has been verified #1 Rural Development originator in U.S. for 2016 and 2017
  • June 2018:   GMFS Top 25 Producer – Arkansas for the period of 10/1/15 – 9/30/17
  • Fiscal year 2017:    [Results not released yet]
  • Fiscal year 2016:   GMFS #1 Lender – Louisiana
  • June 2016:   Charlene Richard of GMFS Named USDA Rural Development Underwriter of the Year
  • Fiscal year 2015:    GMFS #1 Lender – Louisiana

Let’s Talk

Contact a GMFS Mortgage Loan Officer today!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Had a great experience with the Johnson team, very efficient and answered all questions I had. Thank you for making this process easy and smooth. I would recommend Brad and his team to anyone looking to purchase or refinance!

NinjaNick July 28, 2026
Rating: 5 out of 5

Brad was very professional and knowledgable. He worked with us through a very dynamic and truthfully difficult file. There were no delays and we could not have been more happy with his service.

Colette Tucker B. Zachary – July 30, 2026
Rating: 5 out of 5

Stephanie and her team weee great to work with. they kept us informed about our loan throughout the entire process

Jason M. Prairieville – July 29, 2026
Rating: 5 out of 5

The entire process was handled in a timely and professional manner with no delays all the way to the closing table.

Gary F. Prairieville – July 27, 2026
Rating: 5 out of 5

Very helpful

Clint W. Zachary – July 26, 2026

What Sets Us Apart

A Lender Who Cares

With GMFS Mortgage, you’re not just getting a loan—you’re getting a team that’s all in, every step of the way.

Established

Since 1999, we’ve helped over 150,000 people across 23 states become homeowners.

Efficient

Everything from processing to closing happens under one roof. That means fewer hiccups…and more high-fives.

Trusted

A+ BBB rating. Torch Award for Marketplace Trust. A reputation built on doing the right thing.

Experienced

Our team averages 14+ years in the industry—and a lifetime of showing up for our clients.

*Government loans such as FHA, USDA and VA typically have more flexible guidelines than conventional loans but interest rates are typically higher.

*Not a commitment to lend.  All loans subject to credit and property approval.  The following terms are for illustrative purposes only.  Rates, payments, and loans terms vary by consumer based on their individual qualifying information.   The payment amount illustrated does not include the amounts for taxes, property insurance, or mortgage insurance. 

Purchase PriceLoan AmountInterest RateAPRTerm
$239,000$227,0506.5%6.725%30