Home financing in Chase County.

Home financing means borrowing money to buy, build, or repair a house — and paying it back over time, usually 15 to 30 years.

The most common tool is a mortgage: a lender gives you the funds to purchase a property, and the home itself serves as collateral.

You make monthly payments that cover both the principal (the amount borrowed) and interest (the lender's fee for the loan).

There are several types of home loans you might encounter:

• **Conventional loans** — offered by banks and credit unions, typically requiring a credit score of 620 or above and a down payment of 3–20%.

• **FHA loans** — backed by the Federal Housing Administration, with lower credit score requirements (580+) and down payments as low as 3.5%. A popular option for first-time buyers.

• **USDA Rural Development loans** — Chase County qualifies as a rural area, making many properties eligible for USDA loans, which can offer zero down payment to eligible buyers.

• **VA loans** — for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. No down payment required.

• **ITIN loans** — for buyers who do not have a Social Security number but hold an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Several lenders and CDFIs offer these in Kansas.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to pursue homeownership in Kansas. What matters most is your income stability, credit history (or alternative credit if you don't have a score), and ability to repay.

Chase County sits in the heart of the Flint Hills, with Cottonwood Falls as the county seat.

The population is small — under 3,000 residents — and the local economy is anchored by ranching, agriculture, small businesses, and rural services.

Many residents are self-employed or work seasonal and contract jobs, which can make standard income documentation challenging.

**You may qualify if you:**

- Have steady income from ranching, farming, contracting, or a local employer — even if it is seasonal or variable.

- Are self-employed and can show 2 years of tax returns (Schedule C or farm schedules count).

- Have limited or no traditional credit history but can show 12–24 months of on-time rent, utility, or phone payments.

- Use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number.

- Are a veteran or surviving spouse.

- Have a modest income — USDA loan income limits for a family of four in Chase County are typically around $110,650 for the standard guaranteed program (verify current limits at usda.gov).

**Good news for Chase County buyers:** Because the entire county is classified as a rural area by USDA, a much larger share of properties here are eligible for zero-down USDA Rural Development loans compared to urban counties. This is a significant local advantage.

Gathering your documents before you apply saves time and avoids surprises. Here is what most lenders will ask for:

**Income & Employment**

- Last 2 years of federal tax returns (all schedules, including farm or Schedule C if self-employed)

- Last 2–3 months of bank statements

- Recent pay stubs (if employed by someone else)

- Profit-and-loss statement (for self-employed or contractors)

- Farm income records or USDA FSA records if applicable

**Identity & Residency**

- Government-issued photo ID (passport, consular ID, state ID, or driver's license)

- Social Security number OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or prior mortgage statement)

**Credit & Assets**

- Authorization for the lender to pull your credit report

- If you have no credit score: 12–24 months of rent receipts, utility payment history, or phone bills as alternative credit

- Bank account statements showing your down payment and reserves

**Property**

- Purchase agreement (once you have one)

- Property address for USDA rural eligibility check

Tip: Keep paper or digital copies of everything in one folder. Local nonprofits and HUD-approved housing counselors can help you organize these at no cost before you ever walk into a lender's office.