What is the minimum credit score I need to qualify for a Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA and KHC Conventional mortgage loan?


What is the minimum credit score I need to qualify for a Kentucky mortgage currently?

Question:
What is the current minimum credit scores needed to qualify for a Kentucky mortgage Loan?
Answer:
The minimum credit score needed to qualify for a Kentucky mortgage depends on the type of loan program you are looking to obtain, this could be the reason that you have received conflicting answers.
The most common types of mortgage are Conventional, FHA, USDA, VA, and KHC mortgage loans in Kentucky. I’ll explain each briefly below and the minimum credit score needed to qualify for each loan program. Keep in mind these are continuously changing and can vary by lender do to credit overlays.
Kentucky Conventional or Fannie Mae  
Conventional loans make up the majority of mortgages in the US. They are also known as conforming loans, because they conform to specific guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • Minimum Credit Score is 620
  • What Are the Conforming Loan Limits for 2024?
    Property Type Minimum Conforming Loan Limit Maximum Conforming Loan Limit
    One-unit $766,550 $1,149,825
    Two-unit $981,500 $1,472,250
    Three-unit $1,186,350 $1,779,525
    Four-unit $1,474,400 $2,211,600

  • You can use a conventional loan to buy a primary residence, second home, or rental property
  • Conventional loans are available in fixed rates, adjustable rates (ARMs), and offer many loan terms usually from 10 to 30 years
  • Down payments as low as 3% and 5% depending on Home Ready or straight conventional loan.
  • No monthly mortgage insurance with a down payment of at least 20%
  • Max Debt to Income Ratio of 50%
KENTUCKY FHA MORTGAGE
An FHA loan is a mortgage issued by federally qualified lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans are designed for low-to-moderate income borrowers who are unable to make a large down payment.
  • Minimum Credit Score is 500 with at least 10% down
  • Minimum Credit Score is 580 if you put less than 10% down
  • The maximum loan amount varies by Geographical Area, for 2024 is  $498,257
  • Upfront and Monthly Mortgage Insurance is required regardless of the Loan to Value
  • FHA Loans are only available for financing primary residences
  • Maximum Debt to Income Ratio of 50% (unless mitigating factors justify allowing a higher DTI) up to 57% in some instances with strong compensating factors.
KENTUCKY USDA RURAL HOUSING LOAN 
    • 100% Financing
    • Cities and towns located outside metro areas-see link (https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=sfp
    • Do NOT have to be a Kentucky First Time Home Buyer
    • No Down Payment
    • 30 year low fixed rate loans
    • No Prepayment Penalty
    • Great Low FIXED Interest Rates
    • No max loan limits, just income limits
    • Possible to Roll Closing Costs into Loan if Appraises Higher
    • No Cash Reserves Required
    • UNLIMITED Seller Contribution toward Closing Costs
    • 100% Gifted Closing Costs allowed
    • Primary Residents only (no rentals/investment properties)
    • Debt to income ratios no more than 45% with GUS approval and 29 and 41% with a manual underwrite.
    • Only Need a 580 Credit Score to Apply*** Most USDA loans need a 620 or score higher to get approved through their automated underwriting system called GUS. 640 usually required for an automated approval upfront.
    • No bankruptcies (Chapter 7) last 3 years and no foreclosure last 3 years. If Chapter 13 bankruptcy possible to go on after 1 year
     
  • KENTUCKY VA Mortgage
  • 100% Financing Available up to qualifying income and entitlement
  • Must be eligible veteran with Certificate of Eligibility. We can help get this for veterans or active duty personnel.
  • No Down Payment Required
  • Seller Can Pay ALL Your Closing Costs
  • No Monthly Mortgage Insurance
  • Minimum 580 typically Credit Score to Apply–VA does not have a minimum credit score but lenders will create credit overlays to protect their interest.
  • Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, & Retired Veterans Can Apply
  • No bankruptcies or foreclosures in last 2 years and a clear CAVIRS
  • Debt to income ratios vary, but usually 55% back-end ratio with a fico score over 620 will get it done on qualifying income and if it is a manual underwrite, 29% and 41% respectively
  • Can use your VA loan guaranty more than once, and in some cases, can have two existing VA loans out at they same time. Call or email for more info on this scenario.
  • Cost of VA loan appraisal in Kentucky now costs a  minimum $605 with a termite report needed on all purchase and refinance transactions unless a condo.
  • 2 year work history needed on VA loans unless you can show a legitimate excuse, ie. off work due to injury, schooling, education etc.
  • You cannot use your GI Bill for income qualifying for the mortgage payment.
KENTUCKY HOUSING DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE 100 FINANCING 

The view and opinions stated on this website belong solely to the authors, and are intended for informational purposes only.  The posted information does not guarantee approval, nor does it comprise full underwriting guidelines.  This does not represent being part of a government agency. The views expressed on this post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people

Top 4 reasons why mortgage applications are denied



1. Debt-to-income ratio

Whether you go through a traditional bank or a mortgage lender, your debt-to-income ratio is one of the most important elements of your mortgage application. This ratio is a simple measure of how much debt you carry expressed as a percentage of the amount of money you earn before taxes and deductions each month.

To figure out your debt-to-income ratio, add up all of your monthly debts (including student loans, car payments, credit card bills, and other loans with fixed payments, but not including utilities bills and other variable monthly expenses) and divide it by your gross—or pre-tax—monthly earnings. Most mortgage lenders are looking for a debt-to-income ratio that doesn’t exceed 45 to 50 %, and that includes the mortgage payment you are applying to take on.

If your debt-to-income ratio is too high to consider taking out a mortgage at the moment, that’s a good sign that it’s time to focus on paying down debt before doing any serious house-hunting.”


There are some exceptions to the 45% to 50% rule, but in general, this is the number you want to keep in mind when you do your initial debt-to-income ratio calculations. Not only does this tell you whether you are carrying more debt than most lenders are willing to work with, it will also tell you how much mortgage you can realistically hope to borrow. By paying off any one (or more) of your debts, you’d free up more money to go toward a potential mortgage.

If your debt-to-income ratio is too high to consider taking out a mortgage at the moment, that’s a good sign that it’s time to focus on paying down debt before doing any serious house-hunting.

2. Credit score

This is another biggie. As you probably know, credit scores are used by lending institutions to assess each individual’s creditworthiness based on their financial history, including payment history (on-time versus late or missed payments), total amount of debt, length of credit history, and other factors. Credit scores, which are measured slightly differently across three major reporting agencies, range from 300 to 850 and are considered to be an at-a-glance measure of the trustworthiness of individual borrowers.

In general, credit scores below 620 are typically considered subprime and may make it more challenging to get a mortgage, especially with the most competitive interest rates. (If your credit score is in the subprime category, you aren’t alone: as of 2015, a little over half of American consumers—56%—were found to have subprime scores.)

Those with lower credit scores may still be able to get a mortgage—it will likely just require more shopping around (and having more cash on hand for a down payment is helpful, too). While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each require a minimum credit score of 620, the FHA has more forgiving parameters, making FHA loans a better bet if you are in credit-repairing mode.

FHA loans were created in the 1930s to make homeownership more widely accessible, and their guidelines stipulate that credit scores as low as 500 may be accepted with a 10% down payment. Credit scores of 580 or above, meanwhile, may be eligible with as little as 3.5% down. Remember, though, that you will need to identify lenders that don’t apply additional credit score overlays on top of these minimum requirements in order to actually score a mortgage with the lowest required scores.

Keep in mind, also, that anytime you apply for a new loan, you’ll typically accrue a “hard inquiry” on your credit report as your potential lender checks out your credit history. Too many hard inquiries can negatively impact your credit score, so if you know you will be applying for a mortgage soon—or if you’ve already been pre-approved for a mortgage—you’ll want to avoid applying for any other loans (like credit cards or car loans) until after you’ve secured your mortgage.

3. Employment history

Your employment history is another major factor when it comes to your mortgage application. In general, most lenders want to see at least two years of consistent of employment history at the time you apply for your mortgage.

Requirements may differ depending on whether you are paid a salary versus hourly wages, work part-time versus full-time, and whether you are employed or self-employed. Note, too, that different lenders may handle income from things like a second job and overtime differently; these sources of income may not always be allowed to count toward your overall income on your mortgage application. Given these variables, you should be sure to tell potential lenders the details of your employment situation at the outset to make sure you don’t hit any unforeseen bumps in the road.

If, after approaching a handful of lenders, you find that your employment history is a little too spotty, now may be the time to focus on remaining consistently employed for a year or two before applying for a mortgage.

4. Appraisal issues

Occasionally, a mortgage application may be denied because of issues with the property itself and how it is valued rather than your own personal information.

Remember that the sale price of a home may not always correspond with the appraised value of the home. The appraised value is based on local comps, or other comparable houses that have recently sold in the same area, and other factors. Because the house you are buying will be used as collateral against your home loan, lenders use appraisals to confirm that the mortgage amount you are requesting is in line with the actual value of the house. If the appraised value is significantly lower than the agreed-upon sale price, you’ll either need the seller to come down off their price, or you would need to pay the difference out of pocket.

Note that especially unique properties—think geodesic domes and other, less striking examples—may come up against appraisal issues because of a lack of relevant comps.




Have Questions or Need Expert Advice? Text, email, or call me below:

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS ID #1364

Text/call: 502-905-3708
fax: 502-327-9119
email:
 kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

The view and opinions stated on this website belong solely to the authors, and are intended for informational purposes only. The posted information does not guarantee approvalnor does it comprise full underwriting guidelines. This does not represent being part of a government agency. The views expressed on this post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the view of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people.
NMLS ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Kentucky FHA Loan Requirements for 2024

Originally posted on Kentucky FHA Mortgage Lender:
Kentucky FHA Loan Requirements The requirements for Kentucky FHA loans are set by HUD. Borrowers must have a steady employment history of the last two years within the same industry or line of work. Recent college graduates can use their transcripts to supplant the 2 year work history…


Kentucky FHA Loan Requirements for 2024 to include Credit Fico Scores, Down Payment, Income and Job history

FHA

An FHA loan is a mortgage issued by federally qualified lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans are designed for low-to-moderate income borrowers who are unable to make a large down payment.

  • Minimum Credit Score is 500 with at least 10% down
  • Minimum Credit Score is 580 if you put less than 10% down

  • FHA Guidelines

    FHA Mortgage Guidelines

  • Upfront and Monthly Mortgage Insurance is required regardless of the Loan to Value
  • FHA Loans are only available for financing primary residences
  • Maximum Debt to Income Ratio of 50% (unless mitigating factors justify allowing a higher DTI)

Kentucky FHA Loan Requirements

The requirements for Kentucky FHA loans are set by HUD.

  • Borrowers must have a steady employment history of the last two years within the same industry or line of work. Recent college graduates can use their transcripts to supplant the 2-year work history rule as long as it makes sense.
  • Self-Employed will need a 2-year history of tax returns filed with IRS. They will take a 2-year average.
  • FHA requires a 3.5% down payment. Can be gifted from family member or from retirement savings plan, or money saved-up. Any type of cash deposits is not allowed for down payments. No exceptions to this rule!! This is one of the biggest issues I see in FHA underwriting nowadays.
  •  FHA loans are for primary residence occupancy. Not rental houses.
  • Borrowers must have a property appraisal from a FHA-approved appraiser.
  • Borrowers’ front-end ratio (mortgage payment plus HOA fees, property taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowners’ insurance) needs to be less than 31 percent of their gross income, typically. You may be able to get approved with as high a percentage as 43 percent. If the Automated Underwriting System gives you an Approved Eligible you can go higher on the debt ratios
  • Borrowers must have a minimum credit score of 580 for maximum financing with a 3.5% down payment
  • Borrowers must have a minimum credit score of 500-579 for maximum LTV of 90 percent with a minimum down payment of 10 percent. Most lenders will not go below 580 to 620 score, and very few lenders will go to 580 score. It’s best to work on getting your scores up before you apply or work with a loan officer to improve them.
  • 2 years removed from Chapter 7 is required with good pay history after bankruptcy
  • 1 year removed from Chapter 13 is okay with an excellent pay history with the Chapter 13 plan and permission from trustee. You will need to qualify with the Chapter 13 payment along with new house payment. Again, scores will play into your loan pre-approval.
  • Typically, borrowers must be three years out of foreclosure and have re-established good credit. Exceptions can be made if there were extenuating circumstances and you’ve improved your credit. If you were unable to sell your home because you had to move to a new area, this does not qualify as an exception to the three-year foreclosure guideline.



FHA 

Low Down Payment which can be 100% gift from family member or Grant Program
Seller can pay closing costs-Maximum 6% of purchase price
There is maximum mortgage amount for each county. Check FHA loan limit for your county.
Non-occupant co-signers are allowed on this program.
FHA Approved Condos-Single family home-2-4 unit properties, and PUDs are eligible.
Fast automated underwriting approval available. Also, the file can be manually underwritten by a live person to get loan approval if you do not receive approval through automated underwriting system.

FHA Foreclosure Program 

Must be HUD Owned property or FHA Foreclosure in HUD Participating Communities
$100 Down Payment than standard FHA program
580 minimum credit score
Single family, 1-4 unit properties, HUD approved condominiums, and PUDS eligible

https://youtu.be/-kZbDJVgwY8

2. Kentucky Housing Corporation Down Payment Assistance for 2024.

Kentucky Down payment assistance loans are available up to $10,000 for Mortgage

Down payment Assistance for Kentucky Homebuyers $10,000 Through KHC

KHC recognizes that down payments, closing costs, and prep​aids are stumbling blocks for many potential home buyers. We offer a special loan program to help with those. Your KHC-approved lender can help you apply.

Eligibility: Both first-time and repeat home buyers purchasing a single-family dwelling. Purchase price can be no more than $481,176. Applicant’s income must be within applicable secondary market limits in effect. If KHC’s Homebuyer Tax Credit is used, then household income must be under the Homebuyer Tax Credit income limits.

Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) First Mortgage Products
Eligibility: Must be a first-time home buyer, unless purchasing a single-family dwelling in a targeted county. Purchase price can be no more than $481,176. Gross annual household income must be within applicable limits in effect. All non-borrowing occupants age 18 or older must disclose income and complete Non- Borrowing Occupant Form.
KHC ELIGIBILITY AND CREDIT STANDARDS OVERVIEW (Not intended to be an all-inclusive list.)
Home Buyer Eligibility

KHC can help both first time and repeat home buyers statewide.

Must be a U.S. citizen or legal status to be in U.S.

Applicant’s income ONLY through Secondary Market.

Property must be the borrower’s principal residence.

Borrower cannot own any other residential property at time closing for all loans with MRB Funding.

Any Borrower that meets both the income and purchase price limit can have access to Down Payment Assistance.
Kentucky Housing Credit Standards

620 minimum credit score required for FHA, VA, & RHS.

660 minimum credit score required for Conventional.

Debt ratios: 40/50%

Collections in most cases do not need to be paid-off in full.

Bankruptcies and foreclosures must be discharged two to seven years.

Non-taxable income can be grossed-up.
Property Eligibility

Both new and existing property.

Both new & existing Manufactured Housing.

With RHS only new construction Manufactured housing is allowed.

Purchase price limit of $481,176 for Secondary Market, MRB Loans, and Tax Credit.

Full appraisal required on all KHC loans.

With Existing Property, VA is the only loan product that requires a termite inspection.

A termite soil treatment certificate is required on ALL new construction
Regular Down Payment Assistance Programs (DAP) Only home buyers obtaining a Kentucky Housing Corporation first mortgage are eligible for DAP funds.
Interest Rate with DAP applicable.
Eligible KHC Mortgages FHA, RHS, VA, HFA Preferred, & HFA Preferred Plus 80 Income Eligibility
Secondary Market or Mortgage Revenue Bond Property Eligibility New and Existing Properties
Borrower Eligibility First-time and Repeat Home Buyers Amount Up to $10,000
Not required to be at maximum LTV first mortgage amount Terms 3.75% amortized over 10 years Purchase Price Limit $481,176 AUS
Borrower must qualify with additional monthly payment.
With AUS approval, can go up to 40/50% with all loans.
Required Repairs Buyer or seller must use OWN funds to pay for repairs DAP

Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRB)

​​​​

​​​​​Secondary Market Funding Source

  • First-time and repeat homebuyers statewide
  • 30-year fixed interest rate
  • Principal residence ONLY
  • Purchase Price Limit:  $481,176
  • Borrower must meet KHC’s Secondary Market Income Limits

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior Loan Officer

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223
Company ID #1364 | MB73346

Text/call 502-905-3708
kentuckyloan@gmail.com

 NMLS Consumer Access for Joel Lobb 

Privacy Policy

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708.

Disclaimer: No statement on this site is a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet Loan-to-Value requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines and are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over the life of a loan. Reduction in payments may reflect a longer loan term. Terms of any loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant Equal Opportunity Lender. NMLS#57916

— Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. The content in this marketing advertisement has not been approved, reviewed, sponsored or endorsed by any department or government agency. Rates are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification.

http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/0bfJs9b6bK8TGoc6mQk9hIu

Kentucky FHA Mortgage Lender

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Kentucky FHA Loan Requirements

The requirements for Kentucky FHA loans are set by HUD.

  • Borrowers must have a steady employment history of the last two years within the same industry or line of work. Recent college graduates can use their transcripts to supplant the 2 year work history rule as long as it makes sense.
  • Self-Employed will need a 2 year history of tax returns filed with IRS. They will take a 2 year average.
  • FHA requires a 3.5% down payment. Can be gifted from family member or from retirement savings plan, or money saved-up. Any type of cash deposits are not allowed for down payments. No exceptions to this rule!! This is one of the biggest issues I see in FHA underwriting nowadays.
  •  FHA loans are  for primary residence occupancy. Not rental houses.
  • Borrowers must have a property appraisal from a FHA-approved appraiser.
  • Borrowers’ front-end ratio (mortgage payment plus HOA fees…

View original post 453 more words

Repossession on a credit report for FHA Loan

How to handle a Repossession on a credit report for FHA Loan Approval?


How to handle a Repossession on a credit report for FHA Loan Approval?

Q: How should evidence of a previous repossession being on a Borrower’s credit report for an FHA loan be handled?

A: A Borrower can still owe money after a car or other property has been repossessed by a lender. The loan should be documented with evidence that any outstanding debt that may have resulted from the repossession is included in the qualifying DTI.

Documentation must be included in the loan file by either the borrower or from a credit supplement verifying whether or not any debt was left outstanding after the repossession.

If there is any debt outstanding after the repossession the terms of repayment must be provided and the debt must be included in the DTI.
If the remaining debt has gone into collections or been charged off ensure all FHA collection and/or charge-off requirements are met.

Does FHA require collections to be paid off for a borrower to be eligible for FHA financing?
A Collection Account refers to a Borrower’s loan or debt that has been submitted to a collection agency by a creditor.

If the credit reports used in the analysis show cumulative outstanding collection account balances of $2,000 or greater, the lender must:

•     verify that the debt is paid in full at the time of or prior to settlement using an acceptable source of funds;
•     verify that the Borrower has made payment arrangements with the creditor and include the monthly payment in the Borrower’s Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI); or
•      if a payment arrangement is not available, calculate the monthly payment using 5 percent of the outstanding balance of each collection and include the monthly payment in the Borrower’s DTI.

Collection accounts of a non-borrowing spouse in a community property state must be included in the $2,000 cumulative balance and analyzed as part of the Borrower’s ability to pay all collection accounts, unless excluded by state law.

Unless the lender uses 5 percent of the outstanding balance, the lender must provide the following documentation:

•     evidence of payment in full, if paid prior to settlement;
•     the payoff statement, if paid at settlement; or
•     the payment arrangement with creditor, if not paid prior to or at settlement.

For manually underwritten loans, the lender must determine if collection accounts were a result of:

•     the Borrower’s disregard for financial obligations;
•     the Borrower’s inability to manage debt; or
•     extenuating circumstances.

The lender must document reasons for approving a mortgage when the Borrower has any collection accounts. The Borrower must provide a letter of explanation, which is supported by documentation, for each outstanding collection account. The explanation and supporting documentation must be consistent with other credit information in the file.

For additional information see Handbook 4000.1 II.A.4.b.iv(M); II.A.5.a.iii(D), II.A.5.a.iv(O)  at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/administration/hudclips/handbooks/hsgh

All policy information contained in this knowledge base article is based upon the referenced HUD policy document. Any lending or insuring decisions should adhere to the specific information contained in that underlying policy document.
Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916
 
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
 

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:
          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion will also no longer include medical collection debt under at least $500 on credit reports


The three nationwide credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, announced that effective July 1, 2022, they will no longer include medical debt that was paid after it was sent to collections on consumer credit reports.

The companies’ CEOs provided a joint statement on the decision to change their approach to medical collection debt reporting:

“Medical collection debt often arises from unforeseen medical circumstances. These changes are another step we’re taking together to help people across the United States focus on their financial and personal wellbeing,” said Mark W. Begor, CEO Equifax; Brian Cassin, CEO Experian; and Chris Cartwright, CEO TransUnion. “As an industry we remain committed to helping drive fair and affordable access to credit for all consumers.”

The time period before unpaid medical collection debt would appear on a consumer’s report will be increased from 6 months to one year, according to a press release, “giving consumers more time to work with insurance and/or healthcare providers to address their debt before it is reported on their credit file.”

In the first half of 2023, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion will also no longer include medical collection debt under at least $500 on credit reports.

The changes will remove nearly 70% of medical debt in collections accounts from consumer credit reports.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-medical-debts-to-be-removed-from-consumers-credit-reports-11647604803

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle

Louisville, KY 40223

Company NMLS ID #1364

click here for directions to our office

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/