How we research

Where questions come from

We start with the wording real readers use, collected from free public search suggestions, and keep only questions that fit this site's subject.

Sources we rely on

Pages cite these primary sources, among others. Each guide lists the exact sources it used at the bottom of the page.

• USDA Rural Development: Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
• USDA Rural Development: Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans
• USDA Income and Property Eligibility site
• USDA HB-1-3555 Guaranteed Loan Technical Handbook
• USDA Rural Development: State offices
• HUD: Find a HUD-approved housing counselor
• CFPB: Buying a house, tools and resources

How a page is checked

1. Each factual statement is matched to a primary source.
2. Plain-language wording is compared back to the source so meaning is not lost.
3. The review date at the top of the page is updated only after that check.

Pages written this way

• USDA eligible areas map: how to check if a property qualifies
• USDA income limits: who counts in household income
• USDA occupancy rules: main residence and who can live in the home
• USDA loan requirements: credit and payment history overview
• USDA eligible areas that changed status: why the map moves
• Next steps after USDA eligibility: from map check to closing
• USDA direct vs guaranteed loans: which one fits?
• What kinds of homes qualify for a USDA loan?

About the USDA eligibility walk-through

The USDA eligibility walk-through uses only what you type, works entirely in the browser and keeps nothing.