Cal DPA Down payment help, with sources

USDA Section 502 Guaranteed

USDA Section 502 Guaranteed is a loan program (0% down, guaranteed) from USDA Rural Development. Available statewide. Up to 100% toward a home purchase. First-time buyer status is not required. Income limit: 115% moderate-income limit: the greater of 115% of U.S. median family income, 115% of the state and state non-metro average, or 115/80 of the area low-income limit. FY2026 standard: $122,800 for 1-4 persons, $162,100 for 5-8; higher-cost counties are higher (HB-1-3555 Appendix 5, PN 657, effective 07-13-2026). Applies to adjusted annual income of all adult household members..

Up to 100%
Listed as open as of May 2026

Available statewide.

First-time buyerNot required
Income limit115% moderate-income limit: the greater of 115% of U.S. median family income, 115% of the state and state non-metro average, or 115/80 of the area low-income limit. FY2026 standard: $122,800 for 1-4 persons, $162,100 for 5-8; higher-cost counties are higher (HB-1-3555 Appendix 5, PN 657, effective 07-13-2026). Applies to adjusted annual income of all adult household members.
Minimum credit score640
Maximum DTI29%
OccupationsRural areas per USDA eligibility map
Property typesSFR, condo, PUD, modular; rural-eligible address
OccupancyOwner-occupied primary
Eligible loan productsUSDA
Sales price capNo USDA hard cap; reasonable for area; based on appraised value
Repayment1% upfront guarantee fee + 0.35% annual fee
StackingLayers with DPA
Notes100% financing including financed guarantee fee. Income limits per HH size + county.
Source USDA Rural Development·official program page·Listed
Cal has not re-checked this listing recently. Confirm the current terms with the program administrator before relying on them.

Provider: USDA Rural Development · program details at the provider’s site.

Check what you qualify for Ask Cal about your situation

See if USDA Section 502 Guaranteed fits your purchase

Tell Cal how to reach you and a licensed loan officer will walk through this program, what it stacks with, and what you would actually qualify for. No spam, no list-selling.

More National and multi-state programs