Yes, you can buy a manufactured home with a USDA loan. USDA loans are designed to help low and moderate-income families purchase homes in rural areas. While USDA loans are commonly associated with traditional single-family houses, they can also be used to buy manufactured homes.

1. USDA Loan Eligibility Requirements

In order to buy a manufactured home with a USDA loan, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

• The home must be located in an eligible rural area, as defined by the USDA.
• You must have a stable and dependable income.
• Your credit history should be responsible and reflect a willingness to meet debts and financial obligations.
• You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or Qualified Alien.
• You must have the legal capacity to incur the loan obligation.
• You must not have been suspended or debarred from participating in federal programs.

2. USDA Loan Property Requirements for Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes must meet certain specifications to be eligible for a USDA loan. These property requirements include:

• The home must be permanently affixed to a foundation.
• It must be classified as real property and meet local building codes and standards.
• The home must have a minimum living area of 400 square feet.
• It must be designed and constructed for year-round living.
• The home must be new and purchased from an approved dealer or retailer.

3. USDA Loan Benefits for Buying a Manufactured Home

Buying a manufactured home with a USDA loan offers several benefits, including:

• No down payment requirement: USDA loans offer up to 100% financing, which means you don’t have to make a down payment.
• Low interest rates: USDA loans have competitive interest rates compared to other loan options.
• Flexible credit requirements: USDA loans may consider applicants with non-traditional credit histories or lower credit scores.
• No maximum purchase price: While there are income limitations for USDA loans, there is no maximum purchase price limit.
• Low mortgage insurance: USDA loans have low upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums.

4. The USDA Loan Application Process

Applying for a USDA loan to buy a manufactured home is similar to the process for buying a traditional home. The steps involved include:

1. Gather the necessary documentation: This typically includes proof of income, employment verification, bank statements, and tax returns.
2. Find an approved USDA lender: Research and choose a lender that offers USDA loans for manufactured homes.
3. Pre-qualification: Get pre-qualified for a USDA loan to determine your eligibility and maximum loan amount.
4. Submit the loan application: Complete the loan application and provide all required documentation to your lender.
5. Underwriting and approval: The lender reviews your application, verifies the information, and decides whether to approve your loan.
6. Closing: If approved, you’ll sign the necessary documents and pay any closing costs.

5. Other Financing Options for Manufactured Homes

If you don’t qualify for a USDA loan or want to explore alternative financing options, there are other programs available to finance the purchase of a manufactured home. These options include:

In conclusion, you can buy a manufactured home with a USDA loan, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and the home meets the necessary property specifications. USDA loans offer several benefits, including no down payment, low interest rates, and flexible credit requirements. However, if you don’t qualify for a USDA loan, there are other financing options available to help you purchase a manufactured home.