The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides Direct Home Ownership Loans and works with approved lenders by issuing a guarantee on a home mortgage loan.  The USDA Direct Home Ownership Loan follows income limits, requires acceptable credit history with adequate repayment ability and the borrower must show they are unable to acquire conventional credit for their home purchase.  Homes must be of modest size.  The direct loan can be for up to 33 years with no down payment typically required.