1. $0 Down Payment
That’s right—no down payment required. While most conventional loans require 3% to 20% down, USDA loans let you finance 100% of the home’s purchase price. This is a huge advantage for first-time buyers who are still building up savings.
2. Lower Monthly Payments
USDA loans typically offer lower interest rates than conventional mortgages. Plus, the mortgage insurance is much more affordable. The result? More manageable monthly payments and long-term savings.
3. Flexible Credit Guidelines
Worried your credit score isn’t perfect? Many USDA-approved lenders can work with scores as low as 620, and sometimes even lower with strong compensating factors like steady income or rental history.
4. Closing Costs Can Be Rolled In
Another perk: USDA loans allow you to roll eligible closing costs into the loan, reducing how much cash you need upfront.
To be eligible for a USDA loan, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
Live in the home full-time (no investment properties)
Income below 115% of the area median (for Rutherford County, that’s around $90,300 for a 1–4 person household or $119,200 for 5–8)
A credit score of 620+ is ideal, but exceptions exist
Stable income and employment history
And again—it bears repeating—the entire county is eligible, including neighborhoods in Rutherfordton, Spindale, Forest City, and Lake Lure.
Here’s how to move forward if you’re ready to explore this option:
Get Pre-Approved
Start by getting pre-approved by a USDA-approved lender (like me!). I’ll help determine how much you can qualify for and what your monthly payments would look like.
Search Eligible Properties
Good news: all of Rutherfordton qualifies! You’re free to shop homes anywhere in the county and still take advantage of this 100% financing program.
Submit Your Offer
Once we find your dream home, I’ll work with your realtor to submit a strong, competitive offer—backed by your USDA pre-approval.
Close with Confidence
From underwriting to the closing table, I’ll guide you step by step. You’ll know what to expect at every stage—and I’ll be just a call or text away when questions pop up.
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, unsure how to get started, a USDA loan might be your perfect match. You can stop throwing money away on rent and start building equity in a home of your own—right here in Rutherfordton.
I’m Francine Mira, your bilingual mortgage loan originator licensed in NC, SC, VA & FL. I’ve helped dozens of first-time buyers take advantage of USDA loans, and I’d love to help you too.
Let’s make your homeownership dream happen—with $0 down and full support every step of the way.
Contact Me Today for a Free Pre-Approval
Call/Text: 828-429-8368
Email: francine@mmcapitalllc.com
Apply Online: Apply Here
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Loan Officer
Mathewson Mortgage Capital | NMLS: 2603041