RUPCO is an official packager of the USDA Rural Development 502 direct loan program. Counseling and completion of approved education is required to obtain these loans and is provided through RUPCO. Loans requirements regarding maximum loan amounts and income limits are set by county and is for eligible properties within designated rural areas.
What does this program do?
Also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, this program assists low- and very-low-income applicants obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a short time. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income.
Who may apply for this program?
A number of factors are considered when determining an applicant’s eligibility for Single Family Direct Home Loans. At a minimum, applicants interested in obtaining a direct loan must have an adjusted income that is at or below the applicable low-income limit for the area where they wish to buy a house and they must demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay debt. Credit history and additional requirements apply.
Can a single person apply or do I need to be part of a family?
Singles, family households and unrelated partners may apply
Applicants must:
- Be unable to obtain a loan from other resources on terms and conditions that can reasonably be expected to meet
- Agree to occupy the property as your primary residence
- Have the legal capacity to incur a loan obligation
- Meet citizenship or eligible noncitizen requirements
- Not be suspended or debarred from participation in federal program
Properties financed with direct loan funds must:
- Generally be 2,000 square feet or less
- Not have market value in excess of the applicable area loan limit
- Not have in-ground swimming pools, Property size must be below 5 acres and not sub dividable
- Not be designed for income producing activities
Borrowers are required to repay all or a portion of the payment subsidy received over the life of the loan when the title to the property transfers or the borrower is no longer living in the dwelling.
Applicants must meet income eligibility for a direct loan.
https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD-DirectLimitMap.pdf
This is not the full list of requirements or conditions of the USDA 502 direct loan program. Additional information or questions can be directed to your counselor or found on the USDA website
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans/ny
USDA FAQ:
What is an eligible area?
https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=sfp
How may funds be used?
How much may I borrow?
What is the interest rate and payback period?
How much down payment is required?
Is there a deadline to apply?
How long does an application take?
What governs this program?
HB-1-3550 – Direct Single Family Housing Loans Field Office Handbook