USDA Vs. FHA Pro and Con comparison in Clear-Lake, Cerro Gordo County, IA

In 2026, the USDA loan ceiling in Clear-Lake, located within the county of Cerro Gordo, IA, is $285,000. On the other hand, the FHA limit for single-family homes is set at $356,362.

Take advantage of the Lendersa® USDA loan calculator to help you compare the best current rates between USDA and FHA. By determining the income, credit score, reserves, and paperwork needed for qualification, our state-of-the-art mortgage calculator offers a comprehensive view of USDA, FHA, Conforming, and VA options side by side, ensuring you identify the best choice for your financial status in .

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Loan Limits and Down Payment Requirements for 2026 in Clear-Lake, County of Cerro Gordo, IA

Loan Type Loan Limit Down Payment
USDA $285,000 0%
FHA $356,362 3.5%
Conventional Conforming $548,250 3%

Discover USDA and FHA Loan Opportunities in Clear-Lake, IA

The primary aim of Lendersa® is to facilitate your acquisition of the most advantageous USDA or FHA loan quickly and with minimal fuss. Start by choosing one of three paths that will connect you with compatible lenders and available USDA loan programs.

Lendersa USDA loan inquiries and matched results

Defining USDA Loans in IA

A USDA home loan, guaranteed by the U.S. government's Department of Agriculture, often referred to as a USDA rural development loan or USDA mortgage, is tailored for rural communities. Unlike FHA loans requiring a minimum 3.5% down payment, USDA loans are notable for not needing any down payment, making them highly advantageous for eligible borrowers.

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



Clear-Lake Lenders

  • Iowa Heartland Credit Union
  • 1602 South Monroe Avenue, Mason City, IA, 50401
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Iowa Heartland is a not-for-profit financial co-operative that offers many of the same services as banks or other savings and loan institutions. The unique difference is that we are member owned and controlled. Meeting the financial needs of North Iowa's Heartland is our goal at Iowa Heartland Credit Union.

  • CENT Credit Union
  • 25 West State Street, Mason City, IA, 50401
  • Lends in Iowa
  • CENT Credit Union is a financial cooperative whose mission is to provide outstanding financial services, one cent at a time. Our membership is comprised of all health related professionals, health related employees, incorporated and non-incorporated affiliates and organizations of the health care field within a 65-mile radius of Mason City.

  • First Citizens Bank (FCB)
  • 2601 4th St SW, Mason City, IA, 50401
  • Lends in Iowa
  • First Citizens Bank is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Mason City serving 6 North Iowa counties and the Mora, Minnesota community. Currently, the bank has over a billion in assets and employs over 200 people. The bank is uniquely positioned as a locally-owned community bank with enough size to compete technologically.

  • North Iowa Community Credit Union
  • 640 South Federal Ave, Mason City, IA, 50401
  • Lends in Iowa
  • North Iowa Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution offering many of the same services found at banks or savings and loan associations. More importantly, North Iowa Community Credit Union is member-owned by people like you.
    we offered our members confidential credit and systematic savings plans.

  • Reliance State Bank
  • 175 E. 3rd St., Garner, IA, 50438
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Reliance State Bank is a local, full-service bank proudly serving Story City, Garner and the surrounding communities. We offer all the traditional banking products and services you need, along with the latest on-the-go banking options you want. Our commitment is to deliver the highest quality service to each and every customer.

  • MBT Bank
  • 245 East J Street, Forest City, IA, 50436
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Since our beginning in 1945 as Farmers Bank & Trust Company of Crystal Lake, MBT Bank has always focused on improving the services offered to better the lives of customers and the communities we serve. As a community bank, the growth of MBT Bank from its inception, has stemmed from making fiscally responsible decisions

  • The Home Trust & Savings Bank
  • 628 Main Street, Osage, IA, 50461
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Home Trust & Savings Bank has been in the same family for over one hundred years. It started on November 6, 1899, when the bank received its charter and opened for business in the east room of the Cleveland Building, just west of the Merchants Hotel in Osage, Iowa. The bank occupied this location until 1937

  • Farmers Trust & Savings Bank
  • 101 N Main St, Buffalo Center, IA, 50424
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Farmers Trust and Savings Bank is an employee-owned, community bank with offices in Buffalo Center, Lakota, Britt, Lake Mills and Bricelyn . FTSB strives to make our communities better places to live and work. We specialize in ag lending, and offer a variety of products and services to meet your personal and business needs.

  • Family Community Credit Union
  • 1211 N Grand Avenue, Charles City, IA, 50616
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Family Community Credit Union is unique because it is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial organization. It was formed in May of 1960. In order to become a member, you were required to have a union affiliation. In 1982, the members voted to become a Community Credit Union so services could be extended to anyone.