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Dan Ardis Mortgage Specialist, Barrett Financial Group
Barrett Financial Group Commercial Division
Zero Down, Rural Eligible Areas

USDA Loans in Bakersfield and Kern County

USDA Rural Development loans offer 100% financing, zero down payment, for homes in eligible areas of Kern County. Many communities near Bakersfield qualify. Dan checks your property address and income upfront so there are no surprises.

0% Down Payment Required No Monthly PMI Structure Lower Annual Fee Than FHA Many Kern County Areas Eligible
Check USDA EligibilityCall Dan: (661) 342-9381

How USDA Compares to FHA in Kern County

For eligible properties and borrowers, USDA is often the lower-cost option over time.

FactorUSDA GuaranteedFHA
Down Payment0%3.5%
Upfront Fee1% (can roll in)1.75% UFMIP
Annual Fee0.35% of balance0.55% MIP (30yr)
Min Credit Score620 (most lenders)580 (FHA minimum)
Property LocationRural/eligible areas onlyAny area
Income LimitsYes, household-basedNone
Property TypesSFR, some condosSFR, condos, 2-4 unit

USDA-Eligible Communities in Kern County

Eligibility is determined at the individual property address level, not by city name alone. This list is a general guide, Dan confirms each address before you go under contract.

Tehachapi
Shafter
Wasco
McFarland
Delano
Arvin
Lamont
Taft
Buttonwillow
Maricopa
Frazier Park
Lake Isabella
Ridgecrest (partial)
Unincorporated Kern County areas

Bakersfield city limits are generally not USDA-eligible due to population density. However, properties just outside city limits, in unincorporated Kern County, or in surrounding communities often do qualify. Always verify the specific address.

Dan Ardis
Dan's Take on USDA in Kern County
NMLS# 1412272

USDA is the most overlooked zero-down loan program in Kern County. Everyone knows about VA, but USDA doesn't get the attention it deserves, especially for buyers who want to live outside the city in communities like Shafter, Wasco, or Tehachapi.

The math usually works in USDA's favor for eligible borrowers. The annual fee is 0.35% versus FHA's 0.55%, and unlike FHA, USDA's annual fee decreases as your balance goes down. Over a 30-year loan that adds up to real savings. I walk every eligible borrower through the comparison before recommending which program to use.

USDA Loan FAQs for Kern County

Does Bakersfield itself qualify for USDA loans?
The city of Bakersfield proper is generally not USDA-eligible because it exceeds the rural population threshold. However, many communities surrounding Bakersfield, including Tehachapi, Shafter, Wasco, Delano, McFarland, Arvin, Lamont, and parts of unincorporated Kern County, do qualify. USDA eligibility is property-specific, and Dan checks the exact address in the USDA Property Eligibility tool.
What are the income limits for USDA loans in Kern County?
USDA income limits for Kern County are based on household size and are adjusted annually. For a household of 1-4 people, the standard limit is approximately $110,650 per year. For households of 5-8 people, the limit increases to roughly $146,050. Income is calculated as total household income, including all occupants who earn income, not just borrowers on the loan.
What credit score do I need for a USDA loan?
USDA does not set a minimum credit score, but most lenders, including the lenders Dan works with, require a 620 minimum. With scores above 640, USDA loans can be processed through the automated underwriting system (GUS), which speeds up approval. Lower scores may require manual underwriting.
Is a USDA loan truly zero down?
Yes. The USDA Guaranteed Loan program allows 100% financing with no down payment required. There is a 1% upfront guarantee fee (which can be rolled into the loan) and an annual fee of 0.35% of the outstanding balance, which is paid monthly. Despite these fees, USDA is often cheaper than FHA over the life of the loan for eligible borrowers.
Can I use a USDA loan to buy a manufactured home?
USDA loans can be used for some manufactured homes, but the guidelines are more restrictive. The home must be on a permanent foundation, meet certain size and construction requirements, and the property must be in an eligible rural area. Not all lenders will do USDA manufactured home loans, Dan works with lenders who do.
How long does a USDA loan take to close?
USDA loans typically take 30-45 days to close. In some cases, the file must go to USDA for manual approval, which can add time. Dan builds this into the timeline upfront so your purchase contract is structured with adequate time.

Related Pages

Down Payment Assistance Kern CountyFHA Loans BakersfieldFirst-Time Home Buyer BakersfieldVA Loans BakersfieldCalHFA Loans Bakersfield

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Dan verifies property eligibility and income limits before you make an offer.

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Buy in Kern County With Zero Down Through USDA

Dan checks your property address and income against current USDA guidelines at no cost. Call (661) 342-9381 or apply online.

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