How do I check if a property qualifies?

Use the USDA Property Eligibility map at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov. Enter the full street address — eligibility is parcel-specific, not city-wide.

What's the income limit for my area?

USDA publishes guaranteed-loan income limits by county and household size. The limit increases with household size and varies by region. Your loan officer can pull the exact figure for your county.

Is there really no down payment?

Yes — USDA Guaranteed loans allow 100% financing. You'll still need to cover closing costs (which the seller can contribute toward up to 6%) and any earnest money.

What's the difference between USDA Guaranteed and USDA Direct?

Guaranteed loans are made by approved private lenders and backed by USDA — this is the program most borrowers use. Direct loans are funded by USDA itself and target low- and very-low-income borrowers with subsidized rates and longer terms.

Are condos and manufactured homes allowed?

USDA allows certain condos and new manufactured homes that meet specific HUD standards, but the property must still be in an eligible area and meet USDA's property requirements. Existing manufactured homes generally are not eligible under the standard Guaranteed program.

What credit score do I need?

640+ FICO is the threshold for streamlined automated underwriting on the Guaranteed program. Borrowers below 640 may still qualify through manual underwriting if the rest of the file is strong.

How long does USDA take to close?

USDA Guaranteed loans typically close in roughly the same timeframe as conventional or FHA, with the addition of a USDA conditional commitment step after the lender's underwriting approval. Plan for 30–45 days from contract to close.

USDA Loans in Columbia, SC | Limits, Requirements

Eligible rural and designated suburban borrowers. Income limits apply, but no down payment required.

Borrowers in Columbia, South Carolina can use USDA financing for primary residences in most cases, subject to the 2026 loan limit applicable to South Carolina. Talk to a licensed loan officer to confirm eligibility for your situation — credit, debt-to-income ratio, and property type all factor into approval.

Before reaching out, verify any loan officer's current licensing through NMLS Consumer Access. MLO Finder shows source-linked review snapshots where available but is not a lender and does not originate loans.

USDA Single Family Housing loans are a zero-down financing option for borrowers buying primary residences in USDA-eligible rural and designated suburban areas, subject to household income limits. The Guaranteed program (the most common) is originated by approved lenders and backed by USDA; the Direct program is funded by USDA itself for lower-income borrowers.

Borrowers around Columbia, South Carolina researching USDA need to confirm two things up front: that the exact property address is on the USDA eligibility map, and that household income falls under the current South Carolina county limit. A licensed loan officer experienced with USDA in your area can run both checks in a few minutes and tell you whether the program fits before you fall in love with a specific house. Verify any loan officer's current licensing through NMLS Consumer Access before applying. MLO Finder is a directory, not a lender.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a loan offer, rate quote, or commitment to lend. Verify any loan officer's current licensing through NMLS Consumer Access. MLO Finder is a directory, not a lender, and does not originate loans.

USDA Loans in Columbia, SC

What this loan type means for Columbia buyers.

Who USDA loans are for in Columbia.

What it takes to qualify for a USDA loan.

Common myths about USDA loans.

USDA loan limits in South Carolina.

Helpful Guides & Resources

Licensed mortgage professionals serving Columbia.

John Whitley Hinks Jr

Julius Lamont Watson

Karen Lynn Swanson

Katie Gambrell Stokes

Kelley Crimmins Hunt

Lauren Sawyer Foster

Leslie Anne Biddle

Luis X A Watson

Mark H. Tibshrany

Martha Ann Neal

Mary Gervais Brantley

Michael Lynn Wetzel

USDA loan questions Columbia buyers ask.

USDA financing in Columbia, SC.

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