As a former U.S. Army Captain and Loan Officer (NMLS #920439), Mitch Casteel strives to educate Veterans and active duty military members about their VA benefits. Mitch has helped over 1,000 Veterans make use of the VA home loan and currently serves as a Homeowner Specialist at Veterans United.
Updated on April 10, 2024 Veterans: Check requirements and rates for 2024 VA loans Expert Reviewed Within this ArticleChoosing between a USDA and VA loan can be a challenging decision. Depending on your specific circumstances and qualifications, one loan type may be more favorable than the other.
USDA loans, offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, are ideal for low to moderate-income buyers looking to purchase in rural or suburban areas.
On the other hand, VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and available to Veterans, active duty service members and some surviving spouses.
When deciding between a VA loan or a USDA loan, it’s important to consider both the similarities and differences of each mortgage type.
In 2023, over 377,000 VA loans were originated, compared to just slightly over 35,000 USDA loans.
Based on the most recently updated HMDA data as of 2024.
Although USDA and VA loans each cater to different demographics, they share similar benefits.
USDA loans and VA loans both:
» CALCULATE: Calculate your VA Loan savings
Choosing between a USDA or VA loan can be a challenging decision. While some VA loan requirements are similar to USDA, the two have key differences.
Below is a table outlining the essential factors when comparing USDA loans to VA loans.
While USDA interest rates are lower than other loan types, a .232 percent difference when compared to VA interest rates can equal thousands in interest savings over the life of the mortgage.
Over the last year, VA interest rates were slightly lower than USDA. However, interest rates largely depend on your financial situation.
USDA loans are subject to specific loan limits that depend on the borrower's income, location and size of the household. The limits vary depending on your situation, so it’s best to talk with your loan officer to determine your maximum loan amount. These limits are in place to ensure the program serves low to moderate-income homebuyers effectively.
Generally, VA loans don't have loan limits. In January 2022, a law was passed removing loan limits for first-time VA loan borrowers, allowing them to borrow as much as a lender is willing to lend without a down payment. However, limits may still apply to those who have previously used the VA loan benefit or reduced VA entitlement.
A VA loan typically offers more flexibility than a USDA loan if you have your full VA entitlement.
See What You Qualify ForAnswer a few questions below to speak with a specialist about what your military service has earned you.
A USDA loan is exclusively designed for homes located in eligible rural and suburban areas. The property must meet certain criteria and is obligated to an appraisal to ensure it’s safe, sanitary and structurally sound.
While VA loans are more flexible regarding the location, they still maintain strict standards for property conditions. VA-financed homes must pass a VA appraisal focusing on specific Minimum Property Requirements to ensure the home is safe, structurally sound and sanitary.
USDA and VA loans both require appraisals, but USDA loans are generally stricter due to location requirements.
USDA loans have an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee. The upfront fee is 1% of the loan amount due at closing, while the annual fee of 0.35% is paid monthly. Although these fees aren't as high as traditional private mortgage insurance (PMI), the annual fee is ongoing for the life of the loan.
VA loans have a one-time funding fee. The amount varies from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on the down payment amount and whether this is the borrower’s first VA loan. For first-time use of a VA purchase loan, the funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. It can be paid upfront or rolled into the total loan amount. Some VA loan applicants are exempt from paying the funding fee and may waive the fee altogether.
For a USDA loan of $200,000, the total amount financed would be $202,000 with an additional $700 annual fee. For a VA loan of $200,000, the total amount financed would be $204,600 with no annual fee. It would take approximately 4 years for the total cost of the USDA loan to exceed the VA loan when factoring in the annual fee. After this point, the USDA loan will effectively be more expensive than the VA loan.
VA loans may be more cost-effective, but each situation is unique. Always calculate the total costs over the life of the loan.
USDA loans typically have closing costs ranging from 2% to 6% of the total loan amount. These can often be rolled into the loan or covered by up to 6% seller concessions, easing the initial financial outlay for the buyer.
In contrast, closing costs for VA loans typically range from 3% to 6% of the total loan amount, but the VA caps how much a Veteran can pay through “non-allowable fees.” Seller concessions are allowed up to 4%.
If you're on a tight budget, USDA seller concessions are more favorable at up to 6% of the loan amount.
Deciding if a USDA or VA home loan is better depends on your situation and needs.
A VA loan might be the best option if you want to avoid income and loan limits or your credit score is on the lower end. Although there is a one-time VA funding fee, you may qualify for an exemption, which isn’t possible for USDA program fees.
A USDA loan may be a better option if you are looking to purchase a home in an eligible rural area or meet the low to moderate income limit. These loans also allow more opportunity when negotiating costs with the home seller.
No matter what your homebuying goals are, Veterans United is here to help. Talk with a VA home loan expert to get a complete comparison for your unique homebuying journey.
As a former U.S. Army Captain and Loan Officer (NMLS #920439), Mitch Casteel strives to educate Veterans and active duty military members about their VA benefits. Mitch has helped over 1,000 Veterans make use of the VA home loan and currently serves as a Homeowner Specialist at Veterans United.
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