What Is a USDA Loan?
A USDA loan — officially called the USDA 502 Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan Program — is a government-backed mortgage designed to make homeownership more affordable for low- to moderate-income borrowers in rural areas. With no down payment required, lower interest rates, and flexible credit standards, USDA loans open the door to homeownership for families who might otherwise be priced out.
Key Benefits of a USDA Loan
- No down payment required – one of the last programs in the U.S. with zero down options
- Flexible qualifications – easier approval standards compared to conventional loans
- Forgiving credit requirements – strong credit helps, but isn’t a strict barrier
- Low interest rates – save money over the life of your loan
- Lower mortgage insurance costs – no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required
- No cash to close – closing costs may be gifted, covered by the seller, or financed into the loan
Who Qualifies for a USDA Loan?
To be eligible, borrowers must:
- Meet income limits for their area (generally 115% of the local median income)
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Purchase a home in a USDA-designated rural area (many suburban areas may qualify)
- Plan to live in the home as a primary residence
Did you know? Nearly 97% of U.S. land qualifies as “rural” under USDA guidelines. Many buyers are surprised to find that communities just outside larger cities often meet the requirements.
Why Consider a USDA Loan in Florida?
For buyers in Vero Beach and across the Treasure Coast, USDA loans provide a realistic path to owning a home without the burden of a large down payment. This makes them especially attractive for first-time buyers or families working to get established in a growing community.
Your Guides Through the Process
Tim and Liz Serratt specialize in helping buyers explore every available option — including USDA loans. They’ll walk you through eligibility, help you navigate the paperwork, and ensure you find a financing solution that fits your goals.
Take the First Step Toward Homeownership
If saving for a down payment has held you back, a USDA loan could be the solution. Tim and Liz are here to help you explore your options and get pre-approved.
What our Clients say
Trusted by families across the Treasure Coast.
I’ve been working with Tim Serratt since 2017 — from purchasing my home to several refinances — and most recently, he helped get my new loan approved! Even though I’m on the West Coast and he’s on the East Coast, he always makes me feel like I’m his top priority. He’s incredibly responsive, always answers my calls and questions right away, and goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and stress-free.
I truly appreciate his dedication and professionalism. No matter where I am or what kind of loan I need, he’s the only person I trust to handle it. Highly recommend — a true 5-star loan officer!
Cheers to 8 years friendship Tim🥂 and cheers to new chapter of our life in the new house 🏡 🥂
Tim and his team are the best! Would have not been able to close without him. I was working with a different company before him and there was a lack of communication with what was needed to close. Tim came in with a very short time frame and was very clear with what needed to happen for me to close. He made it happen fast and smoothly. Would recommend for everyone looking for a mortgage.
Tim was absolutely amazing figuring our mortgage out. It was such a stressful situation and the first lender denied us literally at the last minute! But Tim kept us calm and reassured us that it was gonna happen. And let me tell you he did it! He pulled a rabbit out of the hat and made some magic happen! I just cannot say enough about how pleased we are with Contour. Tim and his Wife Liz make an excellent team and even followed up with us when this stressful process was all done. You can tell they really care about their clients. We will definitely be only using them in our next mortgage!