Simpler Living With USDA Home Loans
Benefits of USDA Home Loans
USDA Loans offer more accessible membership opportunities for individuals and families meeting specific income and property criteria in eligible areas. Qualified homebuyers who have found a USDA-eligible property can:
- Buy with a down payment as low as 0%
- Have a less-than-perfect credit score
- Fold closing and finance costs into their loan
- Pay a lower-than-market interest rate
- Get private mortgage insurance (PMI) for just 0.35% annually
Low USDA loan rates
Fixed USDA loan rates
Adjustable-rate loans
Mortgage loan originator
and servicer information
- Mortgage Loan Originator Information about Mortgage Loan Originator Information
The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act), requires credit union mortgage loan originators and their employing institutions as well as employees who act as mortgage loan originators to register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS), obtain a unique identifier, and maintain their registration in accordance with the requirements of the SAFE Act.
University Credit Union's registration is NMLS #409731, and our individual originators' names and registrations are as follows:
- Merisa Gates - NMLS ID #188870
- Estela Nagahashi - NMLS ID #1699957
- Miguel Olivares - NMLS ID #2068660
- Michelle Pacheco - NMLS ID #662822
- Britini Pender - NMLS ID #694308
- Sheri Sicka - NMLS ID #809498
- Elizabeth Torres - NMLS ID #1757889
Under the SAFE Act, consumers have easy access to information at no charge regarding mortgage loan originators via www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
- Mortgage Loan Servicing Information about Mortgage Loan Servicing Information
Content: Requests for information related to or resolution of an error or errors in connection with an existing mortgage loan must be made in writing via the U.S. mail to:
University Credit Union/TruHome
Member Service Department
9601 Legler Rd.
Lenexa, KS 66219Mortgage payments may be sent via U.S. mail to:
University Credit Union/TruHome
PO Box 219958
Kansas City, MO 64121-9958Contact TruHome by phone during business hours at:
855.699.5946
5 am - 6 pm PST Monday-Friday, 6 am - 11 am PST Saturday
Frequently asked questions
- How does a USDA loan work?
USDA loans offer lenient financing requirements to homebuyers looking to purchase a home in a rural area. Less-than-perfect credit scores and restricted incomes don’t automatically disqualify applicants, and USDA annual mortgage insurance rates are typically low.
- How do I qualify for a USDA loan through University Credit Union?
Begin by checking to see if you’re under the income limit for your chosen community (usually 115% of the median income). Then, find a home that qualifies for USDA financing. Finally, apply for your USDA loan. Contact one of our mortgage professionals for assistance.
- What credit score do I need for a USDA loan?
There is no official minimum credit score for USDA mortgage loans, but many USDA-approved lenders look for a score of at least 640. However, there are alternative ways to prove your creditworthiness, like a record of paying bills on time.
- Can I buy land with a USDA loan?
Yes, you can buy eligible land with a USDA loan if you plan to build a home on it within six months. Your loan will cover the land, construction, and ultimate mortgage costs. Talk to one of our for more information.
- Can I refinance a USDA loan through University Credit Union?
You can refinance a USDA home loan under specific guidelines provided by the USDA. You can refinance into a conventional, FHA, or VA loan. You must wait at least 12 months to refinance your USDA loan.
University Credit Union offers membership to employees, students and alumni of UCLA, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University, Saint Mary's College, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Arlington, Abilene Christian University, Mount St. Mary's University, Chabot College and Las Positas College, West Coast Conference Universities, Western Athletic Conference Universities, and other universities throughout California. UCU offers a variety of products and services including checking accounts, credit cards, home mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, commercial loans, insurance, investments, as well as digital banking.