Big Spring blends West Texas grit with small-town comfort, wide skies, friendly neighbors, and plenty of room to grow. You’re close to outdoor gems like Big Spring State Park and Comanche Trail Park, with quick access to I-20 for commutes toward Midland–Odessa. Housing is comparatively affordable in the city’s outskirts and surrounding communities, Coahoma, Forsan, Sand Springs, and rural pockets across Howard County, making USDA home loans a smart option if you’re looking for space, value, and steady monthly payments.
USDA mortgages are built to make homeownership affordable outside dense urban cores. You’ll choose between the USDA-Guaranteed Rural Housing Program, which is originated by approved lenders and backed by USDA, and the USDA-Direct Home Loan Program, which is funded and serviced directly by USDA. Both options are for primary residences in USDA-eligible areas of Big Spring and Howard County, and both use household income limits tailored to family size.
The Guaranteed program, with its flexible credit requirements and the option to buy with no down payment required, empowers you to step into homeownership. The home needs to be modest, safe, and located in a USDA-eligible area; many addresses outside Big Spring’s denser core qualify. The seller may pay closing costs or, if the appraisal allows, finance them into the loan. You’ll see a small upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee folded into your monthly payment, both designed to keep the program sustainable without spoiling the zero-down advantage.
The Direct program targets very low- to low-income households that need greater affordability. USDA underwrites and services the loan and may provide payment assistance that temporarily lowers your effective interest rate, making your monthly payment more manageable. You’ll purchase a modest, safe, and sanitary home in an eligible rural or suburban area and show that you cannot obtain reasonable credit elsewhere. Standard terms are 33 years (up to 38 years for qualifying very-low-income borrowers), which stretches affordability while protecting your budget.
If you’re shopping near Coahoma, Forsan, Sand Springs, and the rural stretches of Howard County, you’ll likely find ample USDA-eligible addresses with acreage possibilities, workshops, or newer builds in small subdivisions. These areas keep you close to Big Spring ISD, regional employers, local healthcare, and recreation while offering the privacy and space that make rural living attractive, and that’s exactly where the USDA program shines.
Q: Can I buy inside Big Spring city limits?
A: Some addresses may qualify, but USDA focuses on rural and suburban zones. Many homes just outside the city center and across Howard County are eligible; verify each address during pre-qual.
Q: What credit profile works for USDA?
A: USDA doesn’t set a single hard minimum score. For Guaranteed loans, lenders look for established credit and a clean 12-month history; Direct can use alternative credit (rent, utilities, insurance) to demonstrate reliable payment patterns.
Q: Can I finance closing costs with USDA?
A: Yes, if the appraised value exceeds the purchase price, some costs can be financed. Seller credits are also allowed within program limits.
Q: Are new builds allowed?
A: They can be, provided the builder and property meet USDA standards and the home is in an eligible area. Many buyers also find great value in existing homes across rural Howard County.
Ready to take the next step toward homeownership with a Texas USDA Loan? Get prequalified in just a few minutes and find out how much you can invest in your future.
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If you’re dreaming about a place with elbow room and a payment that makes sense, USDA can get you there, often with zero down. Call us today at (877) 280-4833. Our team will guide you through the pre-qualification process, during which we’ll confirm your target address and help you choose the USDA-Guaranteed or USDA-Direct route that best fits your income and timeline. With local guidance on Big Spring and Howard County’s eligible neighborhoods, you can move forward confidently and make rural homeownership real.
