If you’ve been watching the headlines lately, you know that the 2025 real estate market has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Between fluctuating interest rates and home prices in Jackson and Josephine counties holding steady at a median of $423,750, many would-be buyers feel "locked out" because they simply don't have $20,000 or $50,000 sitting in a bank for a down payment.

But what if I told you there is a "secret" map of Southern Oregon where you can buy a home with zero money down?

It’s called the USDA Rural Development Loan, and in our region, it is a total game-changer.

The "Zero-Down" Reality: 98% of Our Region Qualifies

The biggest misconception about USDA loans is that you have to buy a "farm" to qualify. In reality, the government classifies almost all of Southern Oregon—outside of the core urban centers of Medford and Grants Pass—as "rural."

If you are willing to look just 10–15 minutes outside the city limits, you could save thousands in upfront costs.

Where Can You Buy? The Southern Oregon Zero-Down Map

Jackson County

In Jackson County, nearly every town except for Medford and Central Point is currently eligible.

• The "Wine Country" Loop: Jacksonville, Ruch, and Applegate.

• The North County Corridor: Eagle Point, Shady Cove, Trail, and Butte Falls.

• The South Valley: Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix.

• The Rogue River Run: Gold Hill and Rogue River.

• Commuter Favorites: White City and Prospect.

Josephine County

In Josephine County, almost the entire county qualifies. Only the immediate city limits of Grants Pass are excluded.

• The Illinois Valley: Cave Junction, Selma, Kerby, and O'Brien.

• The North County: Wolf Creek, Sunny Valley, and Leland.

• The West Outskirts: Merlin, Galice, Wilderville, and Murphy.

• The South County: Williams and Takilma.

Do You Qualify for a USDA Loan in 2026?

To take advantage of this program, there are three main boxes to check:

1. The Property: It must be your primary residence (no investment properties) and located in one of the eligible zones listed above.

2. The Income: The USDA program is designed for low-to-moderate-income households. For 2025/2026, the standard limit for a 1–4 person household in our area is approximately $119,850. If your household earns less than this, you likely qualify!

3. The Credit: Most lenders look for a score of 640+ for automated approval, though some can go lower with manual underwriting.

Stop Waiting and Start Looking

The conversation usually sounds like this: "I can't afford a down payment, so I'll just wait." In a slow market like the one we are seeing at the end of 2025, waiting is often the most expensive choice you can make. When you use a Zero-Down loan, you aren't just buying a house; you're stopping the "rent drain" and starting to build equity in one of the most beautiful regions in the country.

Want to see the current list of homes that qualify for $0 down? I’ve already done the legwork for you. I have a custom search set up for every active, USDA-eligible home in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Or, if you want to know if a specific house you saw online qualifies, send me a text or DM! Let’s get you into a home this year without draining your savings account.