The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a division called the RHS (Rural Housing Service) that offers a complete range of services to home buyers. The idea behind this rural housing movement is to help develop rural communities. Community services like clinics, child care services, fire departments, police and schools are dependent on property taxes as a source.

The RHS offers guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants for several purposes. Among these are purchasing a home, building a new home or repairing/renovating an existing home. Applicants need to meet a set of criteria based on income. The limits are very liberal and are attainable.

Rates start at 4.5% for low income applicants regardless of what the PLR is at the time of the purchase.

For the north central area of Florida, this is an excellent opportunity for consumers. This is especially true for first time homebuyers in the area of north central Florida. At the present time, housing prices are down and it is a good time to buy in this area. The USDA loan parameters make this a prime program.

First, north central Florida is not significantly affected by hurricanes. The areas to the east and west are where the real danger is located. As a result, hurricane insurance is available at lower rates. This makes the area very attractive for many buyers in many situations; especially first time buyers.

The USDA loans are available for not only a purchase, but to build a brand new home OR repair an existing home OR renovate an existing home. Imagine the possibilities of being able to purchase a property at tax sale prices and using the remainder of the loan money to renovate the property to your liking. Literally, you could have the home of your dreams for a song.

The level of your income is not a factor either. The loans are available at differing rates for differing levels of financial responsibility. The dividing lines for the rates are determined by the area the home is located in. For instance, a moderate income level in Alachua county Florida will differ from the same moderate income level in Dade county Florida.

The USDA's Rural Housing Service web page has a full table of these levels. You can actually look at properties in separate locations and pick the one that best fits your pocket. It is actually possible to get the house you have always dreamed of at a price you NEVER thought possible.

Add the fact that the coastlines are accessible in either direction by car. A couple of hours west and you are at the Gulf Coast, go east and there's the Atlantic Ocean.

So if you are looking at homes in the north central Florida area, take a serious look at USDA rural home loans. Great for first time buyers from all walks of life.