As summer winds down, many people begin exploring rural living options before fall sets in. That makes it the perfect time to join a team of expert hobby farm lenders through United Ag Lending.
We provide structured financing programs that accommodate homestead properties, hobby farm scenarios, and even manufactured homes, all under a single loan strategy.
Let’s explore the situations covered by our hobby farm financing and how you can partner with us as a lender.
Where Homesteading Meets Hobby Farming: What Loan Officers Should Know
Today’s homestead buyer isn’t necessarily looking to run a full-scale farm. They’re often seeking a return to simplicity with room for a garden, chickens, or simply a few acres to call their own. What used to be called “homesteading” has, for many, shifted into hobby farming—small-scale agriculture that supports a rural lifestyle, not a commercial operation.
From a lending standpoint, a homestead loan typically applies to rural properties of 5 acres or more, with a primary or secondary residence on-site. These buyers are often motivated by lifestyle goals like growing food, raising animals, and enjoying wide-open space.
Manufactured homes can qualify under these programs when they meet structural, foundation, and zoning standards. This opens up options for clients looking for affordability and flexibility on rural land.
Think of these scenarios as rural loans with light agricultural use for clients who don’t fit into conventional lending boxes. Whether they want to raise livestock, run a seasonal farm stand, or simply get away from city life, our hobby farm programs can support their vision.
Our Other Programs
Are homestead and hobby farm type properties not sounding like what your client’s looking for? Check out our other ag lending programs.
Hobby Farm Loan Program Highlights
We’re proud to be among the nation’s leading wholesale hobby farm lenders—ready to assist you and your client with properties that meet the following parameters:
- Minimum 5 acres; up to 160+ acres case-by-case
- Primary or second homes allowed
- Manufactured, modular, barndominiums, log & shed homes allowed
- Horse facilities & up to 50 head of livestock allowed
- Schedule F income permitted (if not sole income)
- Cash-out, purchase & rate/term refinancing allowed
- Land/construction loan consolidation into a permanent mortgage
- Land value can exceed 30% of appraised value
- Dwelling value only needs to be 25% of total (or less, case-by-case)
- Multi-parcel financing allowed if parcels are close
- Fixed 15- & 30-year terms available
Partner With a Lender Who Understands Rural Living
As more clients look to embrace the homestead lifestyle, whether through hobby farming or a manufactured home, you increasingly need to offer reliable financing that goes beyond conventional programs. At United Ag Lending, we specialize in supporting these unique scenarios with purpose-built products and loan-officer-focused services.
Together, we can structure and submit loans that make sense for your borrowers’ goals. Get in touch with us to speak with a United Ag Lending account manager and start submitting deals.
