AskMike.

USDA Loans

USDA loans offer 100% financing for homes in eligible rural and suburban-edge areas — and “rural” is far more generous than people assume. Plenty of communities within commuting distance of Chicago — out past the collar counties in Kane, McHenry, Kendall, Grundy and Will — qualify. If you’re flexible on location, this can be the cheapest path to keys.

What would my payment be?Ask Mike about USDA loans

Is this you?

  • Buyers looking at smaller communities and exurban areas
  • Households within USDA income limits for their county
  • Buyers who want $0 down without VA eligibility
  • First-time buyers stretching a starter budget further
Mike · Branch Manager & Loan Officer
We’re looking outside the metro… any programs for that?
Send me the town — seriously. USDA covers way more of northern Illinois than people realize, and it’s $0 down. I can check any address against the eligibility map in about 30 seconds.

Questions friends actually ask

What areas qualify for a USDA loan in Illinois?

Eligibility is address-specific, but large portions of Illinois outside the Chicago metro core qualify — including many commuter towns past the collar counties and across the Indiana line. Mike can check any specific address against the current USDA eligibility map instantly.

Are there income limits for USDA loans?

Yes — USDA loans are designed for low-to-moderate income households, with limits that vary by county and household size. The limits are higher than most people expect, so it’s worth checking before assuming you’re over.

Is a USDA loan better than FHA?

When you qualify for both, USDA often wins: $0 down versus 3.5%, and a lower annual fee than FHA’s mortgage insurance. The trade-offs are the location and income requirements — which is exactly the comparison Mike runs for you.

Keep exploring

Conventional Loans

The workhorse of home financing — flexible terms, competitive costs, and down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers.

Learn more →

FHA Loans

The first-time buyer favorite — 3.5% down, friendlier credit requirements, and forgiving guidelines for real-life finances.

Learn more →

VA Loans

For those who served — $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and some of the strongest terms in all of lending.

Learn more →

Not sure yet?

That is literally what Mike is for. One conversation, all your options side by side, zero pressure to move forward.

Text Mike · 312-667-7681 →Apply with Mike at Fairway

Applications happen on Fairway's secure site — never here.