USDA Vs. FHA Pro and Con comparison in Essex, Chittenden County, VT
In 2026, the USDA loan limit for Essex, located in Chittenden county, VT, is $347,700. In contrast, the FHA limit for a single-family home is $492,200.
Use the Lendersa® USDA loan calculator to assess current USDA versus FHA rates, as well as the income, credit, reserves, and documents needed for eligibility. Our advanced calculator allows you to compare USDA, FHA, Conforming, and VA programs side by side to decide which suits your financial needs in best.
2026 Loan Limits and Down Payment Requirements in Essex, Chittenden, VT
Loan Type
Loan Limit
Down Payment
USDA
$347,700
0%
FHA
$492,200
3.5%
Conventional Conforming
$726,200
3%
Exploring USDA and FHA Loan Options in Essex, VT
Lendersa® aims to secure you the best USDA or FHA loan quickly and without hassle. Select one of three pathways to align with the right lenders and programs.
A USDA home loan, backed by the Department of Agriculture, is also known as a USDA rural development loan or USDA mortgage, intended exclusively for rural areas. Unlike FHA loans, which require at least a 3.5% down payment, USDA loans require none.
57 River Rd, Suite 1009, Essex Junction, VT, 05452
Lends in Vermont
Mansfield Mortgage is your local Vermont mortgage company. Helping Vermonters find the right home loan since 2006. Trying to find the right home loan can be difficult – finding the right mortgage company to help you get your loan can be even harder. With literally thousands of lenders to choose from borrowers can easily become overwhelmed.
NEFCU is the largest credit union in Vermont serving members who live, work or attend school in many Vermont counties and some in New Hampshire. The Credit Union has over $1 billion in assets and more than 85, 000 members. We constantly strive to provide local and affordable products that are in the best interest of our members.
Vermont Home Mortgage Group is committed to helping you find the right mortgage product for your needs. Paul Cannizzaro brings 31 years of experience in mortgage lending in Vermont. As an award winning mortgage broker for Bank of Vermont, BancBoston Mortgage Corporation and Vermont Federal Bank.
Vermont Federal Credit Union was founded in 1953 as the Burlington Postal Employees Credit Union. Just a short time later, the Credit Union was renamed to the U.S. Government Employees Credit Union of Chittenden County. Our connection to these roots remains strong as many government employees in Vermont are still loyal members.
NorthCountry Federal Credit Union IN 1950, the employees of General Electric in Burlington, Vermont organized a credit union. The goal was to lend and borrow from one another at rates better than those offered by commercial banks. Over time, that little financial cooperative has grown into one of Vermont’s largest and most innovative credit unions.
210 College Street, Suite 201, Burlington, VT, 05401
Lends in Vermont
Northfield Savings Bank is a local, community bank that provides full-service banking to individuals, families and businesses – from Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Business Loans to Checking Accounts and Online Banking. With 13 branches across Central and Northwest Vermont, we are proud to be the largest bank headquartered in Vermont
Opportunities Credit Union is Vermont’s only community development credit union. Uniquely committed to Vermonters of low wealth, Opportunities’ mission is to build wealth, community, and opportunity through a fair and affordable financial system. Our primary market is Vermont’s 90, 000 low-income households.
Asaro Mortgage was established in 2011 in Burlington, Vermont. The owner and broker is James Asaro. He has over 10 years of mortgage experience and hundreds of satisfied customers. James has lived in Burlington since 1996 and is a graduate from both Champlain College and the University of Vermont.
Spruce Mortgage, we understand what Vermont Homebuyers want – low mortgage rates, a quick turnaround, and honest advice. We know, because we’re Vermonters, too. Offering complimentary pre-approvals, loan estimates, and rate locks, it is no surprise as to why so many people choose us over our competitors
