Home financing in Seward County.

Home financing simply means borrowing money to buy a house — and then paying it back over time, usually 15 to 30 years, with interest. The loan is secured by the home itself, which means the lender has a legal claim on the property until the loan is fully paid off. This type of loan is called a mortgage.

There are several kinds of home loans available in Seward County:

• **Conventional loans** — Offered by banks and credit unions, not backed by the government. Usually require a credit score of 620 or higher and a down payment of 3–20%.

• **FHA loans** — Backed by the Federal Housing Administration. These allow down payments as low as 3.5% and are more flexible on credit scores. A common starting point for first-time buyers.

• **USDA Rural Development loans** — Because much of Seward County is classified as rural, many buyers here can qualify for a USDA loan with zero down payment. This is one of the most useful programs in this region.

• **VA loans** — For eligible veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses. No down payment required.

• **ITIN loans** — Designed for buyers who do not have a Social Security number but do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). These are offered by select local and regional lenders.

No matter which loan type fits you, the real key is finding the right local partner — a lender, credit union, or nonprofit who knows Seward County and is committed to helping you succeed.

Seward County's economy is centered on agriculture, meatpacking (notably the National Beef plant in Liberal), trucking, and small businesses. Many residents are self-employed contractors, seasonal workers, or immigrants working steady jobs — and all of these backgrounds can qualify for home financing with the right approach.

**You may qualify if you:**

- Have worked the same job or in the same industry for at least 1–2 years

- Can show consistent income, even if it's seasonal or contract-based

- Have a credit score of 580 or higher (lower scores may still qualify with ITIN or FHA loans)

- Have savings for a down payment, closing costs, or both — though USDA loans require no down payment

- Have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number — some local lenders specifically offer ITIN mortgage programs

**Self-employed contractors:** You'll need two years of tax returns to document your income. Working with a tax preparer who understands self-employment before you apply makes a big difference.

**Agricultural and meatpacking workers:** Consistent employment at a major local employer like National Beef can strengthen your application significantly. Even if your income fluctuates with overtime, lenders average your earnings across 24 months.

**Rural geography is an advantage:** Because Liberal and most of Seward County qualify as rural under USDA guidelines, the USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program is available here — often with zero down payment and competitive rates.

Gathering your paperwork early makes the process smoother. Here is what most lenders in Seward County will ask for:

**Identity & Residency**

- Government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID such as Matrícula Consular)

- ITIN letter from the IRS (if you do not have a Social Security number)

- Proof of residency status, if applicable

**Income**

- Last two years of federal tax returns (W-2s or 1099s)

- Last 30 days of pay stubs

- If self-employed: two years of business and personal tax returns, plus a year-to-date profit and loss statement

**Assets & Savings**

- Last two to three months of bank statements

- Documentation of any gifts toward your down payment

**Property**

- Purchase agreement signed by you and the seller

- Home inspection report (strongly recommended)

**Credit**

- The lender will pull your credit report; you do not need to bring this

- If you have no traditional credit history, some lenders accept alternative credit references: 12 months of on-time rent payments, utility bills, or remittance records

**Tip:** Keep digital and physical copies of everything. Organize documents by category in a folder before your first lender meeting. This shows preparedness and speeds up the underwriting process.