Appraisal Requirements for USDA

There are appraisal requirements and guidelines that must be followed with respect to the department of USDA.
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  • No Floodplain: Properties cannot be located in the 100-year flood plain. If the home you want to buy is in a floodplain then we have other loan programs available.
  • Restricted to rural and semi-rural areas deemed by zip code and map. If you want to buy a home in an urban area we have other loan programs available.
  • Property to be move in ready. Appraisal must pass FHA appraisal guidelines.  This is really commonsense. Must have AC, Furnace, no broken windows, no holes in the roof, you must be able to live in the home by the time of closing. You can buy a home that needs minor repairs or upgrades. You can get up to $5,000 for making minor repairs or making upgrades.
  • Acreage: One of the great things about USDA loans, you are allowed to buy a home with acreage. There is no maximum acreage limit.
  • Well/septic: There does need to be distance of usually 100 feet from the well and septic. Also, the well and septic will also have to be inspected for sanitation.