What Is A RHS Loan?

If you feel like you may not be able to buy a mortgage because you do not have sufficient income, an RHS loan might just be the golden key into your own home.

What Is A RHS Loan?

RHS Loan or Rural Housing Service loan is defined as a programme under the United States Department of Agriculture that has the sole purpose of improving the lives and living standard of people with moderate, low or very low incomes.  It started in 1994 and has now expanded to not include only homeowners but also community facilities like libraries, schools, municipal buildings, child care centres, shelters, equipment like fire trucks, ambulances etc.

An RHS loan is, in its most basic sense, a mortgage that helps people who might not have been able to qualify for a mortgage otherwise. It helps borrowers in not only purchasing homes but also in their construction and repairs. The RHS may lend the mortgage directly or may guarantee a loan from one of the lenders that work under its umbrella ie borrowers for residences can go for either a Single Family Housing Direct loan or a Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan. Existing homeowners can go for Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants for renovations and repairs.

There is no cap on the maximum loan amount allowed to a borrower. It is primarily determined by the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.

RHS Loan Requirements

To secure an RHS Loan, some basic requirements have to be met. These may vary in different states, and according to the type of loan that you may be going for as well, so check with your local RHS office before you apply for a loan.

1. Ability to repay: The borrower must show proof of a steady income to satisfy the lender for the repayment of the loan. This is usually done by providing tax returns on his income.
2. Minimum Credit Score: RHS loans require a very low credit score as compared to other mortgages. As a minimum, a credit score of 640 is required.
3. Debt-to-income ratio: This ratio is set at a maximum of 41% and should ideally be less than this.
4. Location Requirements: The property for which the loan financing is required should be located in an area that qualifies as a rural area, as specified by the USDA/RHS. In general, a rural area is defined as any town, village, county, city or locality that is not a part of an urban area, with a population of no more than 2500, or between 2500 and 10,000 with additional conditions.
5. Size of the dwelling: The size of the house should generally be not more than 2000 square feet.
6. Dwelling purpose: The house should not have any business or commercial purpose behind its purchasing or renovation. It shouldn’t have a swimming pool and the primary borrower should use the house for his own living. He or she is not allowed to sublet it or rent it out. Duplexes do not qualify for a loan.
7. Failing to obtain other loans: If the borrower has not been denied a conventional mortgage, he or she can not apply for the RHS loan. Only applicants who have been unable to secure another loan are eligible for this.
8. Dwelling value: The market value of the dwelling should not be more than the area loan limit.
9. Legal Requirements: The applicant should have the legal eligibility to sign up for a loan. They must not have been suspended from acquiring a loan or engaging in financial activities. They should be US citizens, or immigrants holding legal status within the country.

You can check if you reside in an eligible rural area by putting in the address of your house in the USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site. Requirements for Single Family Housing Guaranteed loans are less strict as compared to those for Single housing Direct loans.

RHS Loan Income Limits

Besides the general requirements for securing an RHS loan are concerned, applicants must also fulfil the limits on income as specified by the USDA. The general guidelines for RHS loan income limits for 2020 are:

1. 1-4 member household: Total annual income of no more than $90,300.
2. 5-8 member household: Total annual income of no more than $119,200.
3. Greater than8 member household: Total annual income of 4 people household + 4% additional of this amount for each family member.
4. Salary: The applicant’s salary must not be more than 15% of the local median salary.

The loan income limits are subject to variation according to the state. For example, the income limit will be more for applicants living in states with a high cost of living. To check the family income limits set for your area, go to USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site.

Direct RHS Loans Terms

The direct RHS loan terms are generally more flexible than conventional loan terms to accommodate the people from middle to low and very low-income families. Borrowers are still required to pay principal, interest, taxes and insurance on their mortgage.

1. Loan Period: The loan period is 33 years and goes up to 38 years for borrowers who may be unable to pay within this time limit.
2. Down Payment: No down payment is required for this loan.
3. Payment of Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance: This can be either 24% of the borrower’s adjusted annual income or 1% on the Rural Development loan plus tax and insurance, whichever may be higher.

RHS Loan Interest Rates

Since the RHS loans are guaranteed by the government, this reduces the risk for lenders, who then tend to keep the rates for these loans typically lower than conventional loans. These loans are usually 0.5 to 0.7% lower than FHA and conventional loans. The best RHS Loan interest rate for 2020 stand at 3.07%. The interest rate you may be required to pay can vary from this rate depending on your credit score, income and USDA insurance provider.

The RHS loan is a great way for applicants who have a moderate credit score but are still unable to finance themselves for their house repairs or purchase. Under the RHS you may be able to finance 100% of the payment of your house. This way, everyone has access to a safe, secure and healthy living space for themselves and their families.