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GSFA Platinum® USDA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

Rural Housing mortgage option from GSFA for California USDA-designated rural areas that can be combined with closing cost assistance.

GSFA Platinum® USDA Loan

  • Introduction
  • Quick Facts
  • Pros & Cons
  • Availability
  • Occupancy & Property Type
  • Income & Purchase Price Limits
  • Key Features & Conditions
  • Other Limitations
  • Mortgage Insurance & Fees
  • Grant, Bond & Other Add-On Programs
  • Similar Loan Programs
  • Related Resources

Program Description

The 30-year fixed USDA program from GSFA for California rural areas can be combined with the Platinum® down payment assistance program—which offers up to 5.5% in down payment and closing cost assistance. Loan program is serviced by US Bank.

Tags
100% FinancingRural AreasState Housing Loan Program
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GSFA Platinum® USDA Loan

Min. Credit Score

640

Min. Down Payment

0%

Max Loan Amount

$726,200

Qualification variables shown here are for 1-Unit Primary Residences, and loan amount ranges vary based on US County. Register Now to see if this loan program is a good fit for you, find your county limits, and find more options for purchasing a home.

Pros & Cons
  • Can be combined with up to 5.5% in assistance
  • Flexible qualifying guidelines with perfect credit not required
  • Also available for multi-family properties (2-4 units)
  • Restricted to USDA rural designated areas only
  • USDA funding and annual fees apply
  • Income limits apply
Program Availability

GSFA Platinum® USDA Loans are available in 1 state.

*Limited Availability: There are parts of California that don’t qualify for a USDA Loan. To verify property or area eligibility, visit the official USDA website at https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility.

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An RMM PROLender can help you see if this or a different loan program is the right fit for your unique situation. Get Started.

“GSFA's programs provide homebuyers the opportunities to purchase a home with little-to-no money out of pocket and without first time homebuyer requirements or perfect credit to qualify."

Occupancy & Property Types

Qualification factors for this program can vary based on how you intend to occupy the property and what type of property you are purchasing. By registering for a free account , you can check program limits for all property and occupancy types.

Occupancy Types

Available Property Types for Primary Residence
Income & Purchase Price Limits

Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI), as well as purchase price and income limits, are important factors when qualifying for a home loan program. By registering for a free account , you can find the exact program limits for this program and others in your area and for your unique scenario.

Debt-to-Income Limit

50.00%

Purchase Price Limit

No Limits

Income Limit

$91,900 - $238,200

Annual Household (1-2) Income

Qualification variables shown here are for 1-Unit Primary Residences, and loan limit ranges vary based on US County. Amounts may be rounded. Exact amounts can be accessed by registering for a free account.

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Key Features
  • USDA loan program option from GSFA for rural California areas
  • Can be combined with GSFA's Platinum® Program
  • Program is NOT limited to first time homebuyers
Additional Conditions
  • Homebuyer education is required if for at least one borrower if any of the borrowers are a first time homebuyer
  • Can be combined with GSFA Platinum® Standard, GSFA Platinum® "Select", and GSFA Platinum® "Assist-to-Own" down payment assistance programs
  • Limited to owner-occupied primary residences only
Other Limitations

In some circumstances, there are specific requirements you must meet or homebuyer education courses you must attend in order to be eligible for the loan program.

No other program limitations

A Homebuyer Education Class may be required for this loan program.

Class Name: CreditSmart® Homebuyer U or Other

If all borrowers are first time homebuyers, then it is mandatory to complete approved homebuyer education or counseling. Freddie Mac CreditSmart® Homebuyer U or Fannie Mae HomeView are approved options that can satisfy this requirement.

Mortgage Insurance & Fees

Most mortgage programs require mortgage insurance when you are financing more than 80% of the purchase price or appraised value. Some programs may also have an associated funding fee, paid at the time of closing, or an annual fee. Learn all about the different fees here.

Mortgage Insurance
No Mortgage Insurance

This program does not require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

Funding Fee
Type: USDA Gurantee Fee

The USDA loan program requires the borrower to pay a funding fee called the "Upfront Guarantee Fee" that is equal to 1.00% of the loan amount and can be financed into the loan.

Annual Fee
Type: USDA Annual Fee

The USDA loan charges an annual fee based on the total remaining balance of the mortgage at a .35% rate.

Estimated Closing Costs: 2.5%

These amounts are just an estimate. Your closing costs include things like loan origination fees, discount points, appraisal fees, title insurance, taxes, deed recording fees, and other charges.

Grants, Bonds & 2nd Mortgages

There are certain programs that can be combined with this GSFA Platinum USDA program to help cover all or a portion of your down payment and closing costs, or provide additional borrower benefits.

GSFA Platinum® Standard Program
|GSFA Platinum USDA

GSFA Platinum® Standard Program provides up to 5% in down payment assistance as a standard second mortgage with repayment.

Max. Loan Amount

$726,200

Min. Credit Score

640

Min. Down Payment:

0%

Details
GSFA Platinum® "Assist-to-Own" Program
|GSFA Platinum USDA

GSFA Platinum® "Assist-to-Own" Program provides up to 5.5% in down payment assistance in the form of a deferred payment mortgage combined with a gift.

Max. Loan Amount

$726,200

Min. Credit Score

640

Min. Down Payment:

0%

Details
GSFA Platinum® "Select" Rural
|GSFA Platinum USDA

The GSFA Platinum® "Select" Rural Program provides up to 5% in down payment assistance in combination with the USDA first mortgage.

Max. Loan Amount

$726,200

Min. Credit Score

640

Min. Down Payment:

0%

Details
Similar Loan Programs

If you think this home loan program may be a good fit for you, you may also want to check out the following programs that share many similarities with the current program.

GSFA OpenDoors® USDA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

Rural Housing mortgage option from GSFA for California USDA-designated rural areas that can be combined with closing cost assistance.


Details
IHFA Tax-Exempt RD Targeted

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Lowest Rates, Zero Down

Tax-Exempt RD rural development loan program for targeted Idaho Counties with below market interest rates and down payment assistance options.


Details
Pinellas County HFA HOME KEY USDA-RD Loan Program

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

USDA program for Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk County, FL residents seeking down payment assistance, offered by the Pinellas County HFA


Details
TSAHC USDA Purchase Loan

Best For: Low Credit Scores, Zero Down

USDA program for Texas residents seeking down payment assistance, offered by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC).


Details
Chenoa Fund FHA Manufactured Home Purchase Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Credit Scores, Lowest Rates, Easy Qualification

Low down payment requirements, easier qualification guidelines, lower rates, and flexible terms for first time homebuyers and beyond.


Details
GSFA OpenDoors® VA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

VA program for California Veterans or Active-Duty Military homebuyers with competitive interest rates and up to 6.5% in available assistance.


Details
TDHCA USDA Purchase Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

USDA program for Texas residents seeking down payment assistance, offered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).


Details
IHFA RD Purchase Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

RD rural development loan program for Idaho residents with competitive interest rates and down payment assistance options.


Details
AZIDA USDA-RD Purchase Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

USDA rural develpment option for Arizona residents seeking down payment assistance, offered by The Arizona Industrial Development Authority (AZIDA).


Details
GSFA Platinum® VA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Zero Down

VA program for California Veterans or Active-Duty Military homebuyers with below market interest rates and up to 5.5% in available assistance.


Details
Related Resources
Calculate Income Limits Using Area Median Income

Income limits are used to determine whether or not a home buyer is eligible for certain mortgage programs, including down payment assistance programs or incentives that can help make home buying more affordable. It identifies the maximum income level set by each housing authority for its program participants, and varies from county to county across the US. Often, the tool used to establish this maximum income level is often called Area Median Income, or AMI.

Read More
Tips for a Simple Loan Approval

Believe it or not, following these simple tips can not only make or break your home buying experience, but it can also either save or cost you valuable time and money. If you aren’t completely sure if something you’re planning to do will help or hurt the status of your loan approval, you should always contact your loan officer to advise before you act.

Read More
2023 USDA Loan Guide

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a complex, multifaceted entity that wears multiple hats. Under this umbrella is Rural Development, an agency part of USDA with the ultimate goal to help improve the economy and quality of life for Americans living in rural communities.

Read More
First Time Homebuyer Guide

Being a first-time homebuyer has its fair share of challenges. One of your biggest obstacles will be competing against other new or seasoned buyers. While bidding wars have tapered since the previous buying season, they can still occur.

Read More

Visit our Mortgage Education Center for more resources.

* Some loan programs may not be offered by all featured lenders of ReviewMyMortgage.com and qualification guidelines may vary between them. Our team makes their best effort to keep loan program information up to date. Loan programs may change without warning. ReviewMyMortgage.com does not guarantee or offer any loan products. ReviewMyMortgage.com is strictly an educational resource hub for consumers

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