USDA Vs. FHA your options comparison in Ames, Story County, IA

In 2025, the USDA loan ceiling for Ames, within the bounds of Story county, IA, is $336,500. Comparatively, the FHA cap for a single-family home is $472,030.

Utilize the Lendersa® USDA loan calculator to assess today’s leading USDA and FHA rates, establishing the income, credit score, reserves, and documentation required for qualification. Our sophisticated mortgage calculator offers a side-by-side view of USDA, FHA, Conforming, and VA loans, aiding your decision on the optimal program for your financial needs in .

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2025 Loan Ceilings and Down Payment Essentials in Ames, Story County, IA

Loan Type Loan Ceiling Initial Payment
USDA $336,500 0%
FHA $472,030 3.5%
Conventional Conforming $726,200 3%

Exploring USDA and FHA Loan Paths in Ames, IA

The objective of Lendersa® is to help you secure the most suitable USDA or FHA loan swiftly and with ease. Choose from three initial approaches that align you with lenders and USDA loan options.

Match outcomes from Lendersa USDA loan requests

Understanding USDA Loans in IA

A USDA home loan, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is frequently referred to as a USDA rural development mortgage and is exclusively available in rural locations. Unlike FHA loans requiring at least a 3.5% down payment, a USDA mortgage needs no down payment.

Enter your location to find out if it qualifies for USDA rural housing loan?



  • Sun Federal Credit Union
  • 1627 Holland Road, Maumee, OH, 43537
  • Sun Federal is a full-service financial cooperative, established in 1950. As an employee, retiree, member or student of one of our sponsor groups, or if you live, work, worship, attend school or regularly conduct business in a designated development area, you and members of your immediate family or household are eligible to join Sun Federal
  • Glass City Federal Credit Union
  • 1340 Arrowhead Drive, Maumee, OH, 43537
  • Glass City Federal Credit Union has been proudly serving the Northwest Ohio community since 1947.Currently, Glass City provides optimum financial services to over 26, 000 members, and more than 200 businesses, organizations, and associations in the region. With five full-service branch locations in Maumee, Toledo, and Bowling Green,
  • Your Mortgage Group LLC
  • 1715 Indian Wood Circle, Suite 200, Maumee, OH, 43537
  • YMG is a boutique brokerage that understands the mortgage experience is not one size fits all…it’s your size fits you.That’s why our first priority is to keep you in mind as we navigate your experience.We have closed BILLIONS in loans for thousands of clients.Whether you’re a first time home buyer or a seasoned investor, we have the experience.
  • Capital Home Loans LLC
  • 6546 Weatherfield Ct, Unit C2, Maumee, OH, 43537
  • Capital we are dedicated to serving the community by providing competitive mortgage options. Buying a home is a great step towards financial success and our team is here to make that process as smooth as possible. Reach out to us today to find out how Capital can help you and Ready To Help You Through The Mortgage Process
  • Savage Mortgage Services, Ltd
  • 655 Beaver Creek Circle, Maumee, OH, 43537
  • Savage Mortgage Services, Ltd. began in May 2002 as a joint venture between Billy Horn and Savage & Associates in order to offer residential mortgage services to Savage clients. We offer various loan programs, including fixed-rate loans with 10-30 year terms, adjustable rate mortgages, conventional and jumbo loans.
  • Huron Valley State Bank
  • 130 South Milford Road, Milford, MI, 48381
  • Huron Valley State Bank officially opened for business in August 2005 as Huron Valley’s first community bank. We are proud to be owned by local investors, governed by local directors and managed by people who live in and support this community. Our mission is to be the financial services provider of choice within our community.
  • Green Oak Lending Group LLC
  • 560 North Milford Road, Suite 202, Milford, MI, 48381
  • Our mission is to serve with honesty, integrity and competence. Our goal is to provide home loans to our clients while providing them with the lowest interest rates and closing costs possible. Furthermore, we pledge to help borrowers overcome roadblocks that can arise while securing a loan. Most importantly, we promise to help you.
  • Champion Credit Union, Inc.
  • 4140 West Laskey Road, Toledo, OH, 43623
  • Champion Credit Union was chartered by the state of Ohio in 1941. Since that time Champion Credit Union has grown to include more than 5, 900 members and assets of over 75 million dollars. The credit union began in the shipping room in 1942, but due to growth, has expanded with three locations to serve members
  • Midwest Mortgage Investments
  • 5450 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH, 43623
  • Midwest Mortgage is dedicated to making the mortgage loan process quick and easy for you! We provide a variety of mortgage loan types for purchase and refinance. You can be sure the mortgage loan you choose is exactly right for your budget and situation.We offer the most competitive interest rates in Ohio, and serve customers with mortgage loans.
  • TruCommunity Bank ND
  • 205 Main Street, Turtle Lake, ND, 58575
  • TruCommunity Bank is the new, shared name of three banks in McLean County, North Dakota — Farmers Security Bank, Garrison State Bank & Trust, and Bank of Turtle Lake. TruCommunity Bank has roots going back to 1919. We’re stronger and more efficient together, and ready for the future too. It’s Community banking at its best.
  • Legacy Mortgage Services
  • 329 Warfield Blvd, Suite A, Clarksville, TN, 37043
  • Legacy Mortgage is committed to providing quality service in a friendly atmosphere while helping you obtain the mortgage that is right for you. Your personal homebuying situation is unique, therefore we offer a tremendous variety of products tailored to meet your specific goals. Our top priority is to simplify the process
  • Banner Capital Bank
  • 205 State St, Harrisburg, NE, 69345
  • In 1964, we opened our doors under the brilliant blue skies of Harrisburg, Nebraska—a rural farming community in the heart of The Nebraska Panhandle. One firm handshake at a time, we earned the trust of our customers, allowing us to expand and create new relationships around Nebraska and then into Wyoming.