USDA Loans


Find the home loan option that’s right for you. Start with a Free Mortgage Consultation.

USDA Rural Development Loans

Designed to encourage homeownership in eligible rural areas, USDA loans provide 100% financing for qualified buyers. Despite the name, these loans aren’t limited to farms or large parcels of land. They can be used to purchase single-family homes in many small towns, suburban neighborhoods, and rural communities that meet USDA eligibility requirements.

Get a No-Obligation Rate and Closing Cost Analysis!


Choose Your Option.

Who Can Get a USDA Loan?


USDA loans require that you buy a single family home as your primary residence in an eligible area and your household income is below their limit for the county where the home is located. Also, you’ll need a minimum 640 credit score and maximum debt to income ratio of 41% (exceptions made up to 46% with compensating factors). The interest rate and closing cost structure of USDA loans are best suited for clients with low to moderate income interested in buying a home in an eligible area with no money down.

Benefits of USDA Loan


  • Best 0% down payment loan available to non-veterans
  • Purchase and refinance loans available for primary residences (refinance loans only available to current USDA mortgage loan holders)
  • Streamline refinance available for fast and easy way to reduce your interest rate/payment with no appraisal and little or no closing costs
  • Lower down payment and mortgage insurance premiums than FHA Loans
  • Clients with a previous bankruptcy can qualify 3 years after discharge
  • Clients with a previous foreclosure can qualify 3 years after sheriff’s deed transfer
Posted on Google Google
Marina Younger profile picture
Marina Younger
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had unexpectedly found our dream home and needed to get pre approved on what seemed like an impossibly short timeline to make an offer, but Dan came through for us and with a rate that beat all others. If you want a business that you can call that picks up the phone and it's exactly who you need to talk to, you've found the right place.
Posted on Google Google
Brett Peterson profile picture
Brett Peterson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dan, Heidi, and the Educated Mortgage team made the refinancing process a breeze and easy to understand. They answered every question we had. We definitely plan on working with them again.
Posted on Google Google
Holly Lowry profile picture
Holly Lowry
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dan and his team helped me with a refi and it took forever (on my part not theirs :D) but his team and him answered all my questions and gave me what I needed to work on things and we got it done! Will definitely be going back to them when I need another refi.
Posted on Google Google
Chris B. profile picture
Chris B.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Such a great experience! Dan & Heidi are relentless - so professional, such good communication and follow up, made everything super easy. The tools they use are also great. I shopped brokers and had a few I was dealing with and asking questions to, but in the end I'm so glad we chose Educated Mortgage for our recent condo purchase.
Posted on Google Google
Mike Layman profile picture
Mike Layman
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I absolutely love these guys! Best service, best prices and easy to work with
Posted on Google Google
Jessica Gilbertson profile picture
Jessica Gilbertson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can not say enough good things about Educated Mortgage. We had the pleasure of working with Dan and Heidi. From the beginning conversations with Dan to the loan application to the processes with Heidi all the way up through the closing, the experience was beyond exceptional. Communication with us very efficient and they worked very hard for us. Our situation was extraordinary and definitely presented challenges but they never gave up on us. We actually spoke with Dan several months prior to this and he gave us advise on things we needed to work on, which we did and when we called him back he was ready to go to work for us. Even after the closing, he will watch our loan and mortgage rates and let us know if and when the time could be right to refi. They are there for you from the beginning and we will still be there months or years down the road to help. Even if it is just to ask some questions. Educated Mortgage is just amazing.
Posted on Google Google
Carrie Neu profile picture
Carrie Neu
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Friendly people.
Posted on Google Google
Dan Davis profile picture
Dan Davis
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great people to work with, made the process of the mortgage very easy to understand. Definitely would recommend
Posted on Google Google
Peggy Sheets profile picture
Peggy Sheets
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It was out second time with Educated Mortgage and it went as smooth as first time.Dan and Heidi were great explaining things and keeping us informed.We refinanced out home,took care of some credit card and student loan debt and enough for a tree removal.and our mortgage is still affordable.we recommend them highly.Al and Peggy Sheets

USDA Home Loans: A Perfect Choice for Rural Areas


The dream of homeownership can feel out of reach when you’re facing the challenge of saving for a substantial down payment. Conventional mortgages require a minimum of 3-5% down, that’s $9,000 to $15,000 on a $300,000 home. This massive barrier keeps qualified families trapped in endless rent cycles, unable to build wealth or put down roots.

USDA home loans eliminate this obstacle completely. With zero down payment required and competitive rates, you could stop renting and start building equity today.

Your Zero-Down Solution Starts Here

Imagine moving into your own home without depleting your savings account. While others spend years watching prices climb as they save for a down payment, USDA loan recipients are already building equity. That’s your money working for you, not enriching a landlord. At Educated Mortgage, we specialize in helping families navigate the USDA loan process with expert guidance every step of the way.

Why USDA Loans Transform Lives

These government-backed mortgages offer benefits traditional financing simply can’t match:

  • 100% financing with competitive interest rates
  • Income-based qualification designed for working families
  • Lower mortgage insurance than other zero-down programs
  • Available in 97% of U.S. locations, including suburban communities
  • Flexible credit requirements that work with your situation

Keep Your Savings Where They Belong

Skip the down payment and keep your hard-earned money for what matters, emergency funds, home furnishings, or unexpected expenses. You’ll build home equity from day one while maintaining financial flexibility.

Take the First Step Today

Not sure if you qualify? Wonder if your dream home is in an eligible area? Our Free Mortgage Consultation provides clarity in minutes.

The Educated Mortgage team has helped countless families unlock USDA financing opportunities they didn’t know existed. We’ll review your unique situation, explain your options in plain English, and guide you through every detail of the process.

Ready to Stop Renting and Start Owning?

Contact us today for your free consultation. Our mortgage experts will show you exactly how USDA financing can make homeownership possible. Even if you thought it was years away.

Don’t let another month of rent slip through your fingers. Discover how USDA home loans and expert guidance from Educated Mortgage can turn your homeownership dreams into reality.

Helping First-Time Home Buyers & Homeowners Across Wisconsin

At Educated Mortgage, we provide expert mortgage solutions for first-time home buyers and all home purchasers across Wisconsin. Whether you’re looking for a low down payment option through WHEDA’s first-time home buyer programs or a conventional loan, we offer tailored financing solutions to meet your needs.

WHEDA loans provide affordable pathways to homeownership with down payment assistance and competitive rates, making it easier for first-time buyers to transition from renting to owning. Additionally, we offer conventional, FHA, and VA loan options for those looking to refinance or purchase a new home.

Find out about your options today!


We’re committed to making your mortgage experience seamless and stress-free. We process, underwrite, and fund all loans right here in our Madison office, ensuring faster service, personalized support, and lending decisions made by experts who understand our local market.