Your Most Trusted Partner in Home Purchase Loans & Refinance Loans
NMLS # 1912387
Open Hours: Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Unlock homeownership in Tampa’s eligible suburbs with no down payment, low rates, and expert local guidance.
100% financing available
Lower credit score accepted (620+)
Fast, expert pre-approval process
No PMI + competitive USDA rates
Over 2,000 happy customers and 1,000+ successful deals
99.6% process efficiency and fast turnaround times
Local Tampa mortgage brokers with deep knowledge of USDA, FHA, VA, and conventional loans
Personalized guidance at every step — we make sure you fully understand your options
Team of licensed, NMLS-certified mortgage professionals dedicated to your success
Income caps vary by county and household size. For example, in 2025, a family of four in many Florida counties must earn below $112,450. With the state’s median income for that household size around $107,712, many families qualify. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio should typically be below 41–44%.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620. A stronger credit history, steady employment, and low debt will boost your chances. If you’re rebuilding credit, we can help guide you.
To apply, be prepared to submit:
Having these ready speeds up the underwriting and approval process.
Many buyers are surprised their home qualifies. Use the USDA eligibility map to check if your address falls in a rural housing service zone. This includes Tampa-area suburbs like Riverview, Seffner, and Wesley Chapel.
USDA loans often offer some of the lowest interest rates available, frequently coming in below FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan rates and competitive with VA (Veterans Affairs) loans. This means you could save significantly over the life of your loan thanks to lower monthly payments and less interest paid overall. The USDA program’s focus on affordability makes it a great choice for eligible buyers.
Instead of traditional mortgage or home insurance fees, USDA loans require a loan guarantee fee. This includes:
These fees are generally lower than FHA mortgage insurance premiums, helping reduce your overall loan costs while still protecting the lender.
Get an early estimate of how much you can borrow based on your income, credit, and debt. This helps set your budget and jump-start your home search.
Prequalification
A lender reviews your financial documents—like pay stubs, tax returns, and credit history—to give you a conditional loan amount. Pre-approval strengthens your offer.
Pre-Approval
Partner with a local real estate agent who understands Tampa’s USDA-eligible areas. They’ll help you find a home that meets program guidelines.
USDA-eligible areas
The USDA requires an appraisal to verify the home’s value and condition. After that, your lender completes underwriting. At closing, you’ll sign the final paperwork and get your keys.
Loan Approval
USDA loans have strict income limits to ensure they serve low-to-moderate income buyers. If your household income exceeds the allowable limit, your application may be denied. Additionally, the property must be located in an USDA-eligible area. Choosing a home outside these designated zones, even in Tampa suburbs, can disqualify your loan.
Financial qualifications play a big role. A history of loan default, a credit score below the USDA minimum (generally 620) or a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio that’s too high can result in denial. However, Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions offers expert advice and resources to help you improve your credit and reduce debt, increasing your chances of approval.
| Feature | USDA Loan | FHA Loan | VA Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 0% (No down payment required) | Typically 3.5% down | 0% (No down payment required) |
| Mortgage Insurance (PMI) | No PMI, but USDA Guarantee Fee applies | Requires monthly mortgage insurance | No PMI |
| Minimum Credit Score | 620+ | 580+ (with 3.5% down) | No set minimum, but lenders often require 620+ |
| Location Limits | Must be in USDA-eligible rural/suburban areas | No location restrictions | No location restrictions |
| Income Limits | Yes, income caps apply | No income limits | No income limits |
Understand which loan type suits your needs best based on down payment, location, and income.
To qualify, you must meet the USDA’s requirements for income, credit score (typically 620+), debt-to-income ratio, and property location. The home must be in a USDA-eligible area, and your household income must fall within local program limits. Stable income and clean credit history improve your chances.
Despite specific guidelines, USDA loans are often easier to access than conventional options. With no down payment, low interest rates, and flexible credit standards, they’re a great path to homeownership—especially when working with a local mortgage broker like Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions.
USDA loan interest rates are among the lowest for government-backed programs—often below FHA and competitive with VA loans. Rates change daily based on the market and your financial profile.
