
Contact our land loan experts to discover what farm loan type will best support your blooming agricultural business. Importance of Using a Lender Specializing in Hobby Farms. 80 maximum loan-to-value 680 credit score (and no history of bankruptcy or foreclosures). In most cases, the qualifications for a rural home/hobby farm loan include the following: Minimum of five acres. Whether it’s financing small hobby farm loans or large-scale citrus loans, we are here to assist you. Common Qualifications for a Rural Home/Hobby Farm Loan. WHAT IS A HOBBY FARM LOAN Primary residence and owner-occupied Maximum loan amount up to 1.5 million Properties ranging from 5-160 acres Home value should. Here at AgAmerica Lending, we understand the ins and outs of ag lending. grass fed beef, heirloom vegetables, game birds, goats, essential oils, farmhouse cheese, wine, etc.).įinancing agricultural land can be tricky, confusing business. Determine a profitable niche for your hobby farm (i.e.Be sure that you are ready and willing to put in the necessary time and sweat. Realize that starting a farm – even a small farm – takes a lot of work. Some agricultural operations may not be viable in your area. The type of farm you start depends on many factors, including the soil, topography, climate, distance from major centers, etc. Contact your local branch of the department of agriculture for ideas on what might work for your hobby farm.Farmer’s markets are everywhere these days and are usually a great place to sell plants, food, and crafty creations. Produce something to sell at farmer’s markets.Don’t rely on one crop or product to produce income for your farm. Invest in professionally-installed fencing.Read books on hobby farming, tap into resources online, and consult other successful hobby farmers. Be as self-sufficient as possible, but don’t let your pride get in the way.There’s no need for fancy-schmancy equipment and supplies right away. Start out slow with minimal equipment and infrastructure. In the midst of a crisis, keeping your cool is paramount. Create a formal, strategic business plan. Record everything you spend so you won’t end up paying for it in taxes at the end of the year. Consider “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” your new mantra. If you are seriously delinquent on your federal student loans or income taxes you may not qualify for an FHA loan.Here’s a few hobby farm ideas to implement, so you’re well on your way toward creating a viable and successful small-scale agricultural business. If the property is vacant for 30+ days then a water test is required. The appraiser will need to inspect the appliances and sump pump. Gift funds are allowed in conjunction with this loan as long as they are accompanied by a gift letter and donor bank statement.ĭuring the appraisal, all utilities must be turned on. Hobby farmers have wealth or income from other sources (such as wages, non-farm self-employment, pension, dividend, and interest) that permits them to farm for. So your mortgage lender takes on less of a risk since FHA will pay a claim if you default on the mortgage. In order to secure the guarantee of FHA, qualified borrowers are required to purchase mortgage insurance- and premium payments are made to FHA. This loan is not funded by FHA but instead is funded by your mortgage lender and insured by Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Why is it different from other mortgages? It is important to note that this loan is only an option for a primary residence and won’t work for investment properties or second homes, like vacation homes. While the FHA loan is commonly used by first time homebuyers, it is not strictly for first time buyers and can be used for any home purchase as long as the qualifications are met. Often this loan program is used by first time homebuyers or those who have not had an opportunity to build their credit or savings for down payment. It is designed for low-to-moderate income borrowers.

The FHA loan has helped grow homeownership rates in large cities and for minorities since it’s inception in 1934. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is a great option for borrowers without a large amount saved for a down payment.
