Category: FHA Loan Checklist for Approval

Kentucky FHA loans


Qualifying for an FHA Loan in Kentucky

Home Loan Programs for Kentucky First-Time Homebuyers


Are you a first-time homebuyer in Kentucky looking to navigate the world of home loans? Understanding the various types of home loan programs available to you can help you make informed decisions about financing your dream home. In this article, we’ll explore different home loan programs, including their credit score requirements, down payment requirements, bankruptcy considerations, debt-to-income ratio requirements, loan limits, and income limits.

Kentucky FHA Loans

Kentucky FHA Credit Score Requirements:

  • Minimum credit score typically ranges from 500 to 580, depending on the lender.

Kentucky FHA Down Payment Requirements:

  • A down payment as low as 3.5% of the purchase price is required. 10% down payment required for scores below 580

Kentucky FHA Bankruptcy Requirements:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Generally, two years must have passed since the discharge date.
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Typically, one year of on-time payments and approval from the bankruptcy court are required.

Kentucky FHA Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements:

  • Front-end ratio (housing expenses): Up to 31% of gross monthly income.
  • Back-end ratio (total monthly debt payments): Up to 43% of gross monthly income.
  • Up to 45% and 56% respectively for borrowers with higher credit scores, down payment and reserves along with good residual income

Kentucky FHA Loan Limits and Income Limits:

  • Loan limits vary by county and property type. Currently $498,257 in all Kentucky Counties
  • Income limits—-No income limits just loan limits.

Kentucky VA Loans

Kentucky VA Credit Score Requirements:

  • While there is no official minimum credit score requirement, most lenders prefer a score of 580 to 620 or higher.

Kentucky VA Down Payment Requirements:

  • No down payment is required for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain spouses.

Kentucky VA Bankruptcy Requirements:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Generally, two years must have passed since the discharge date.
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Typically, one year of on-time payments and approval from the bankruptcy court are required.

Kentucky VA Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements:

  • Flexible debt-to-income ratio requirements, with consideration given to residual income.

Kentucky VA Loan Limits and Income Limits:

  • VA loan limits do not apply, but lenders may have their own limits.
  • No specific income limits, but income must be sufficient to cover monthly expenses.

Kentucky USDA Loans

Kentucky USDA Credit Score Requirements:

  • No minimum score, but credit score typically ranges from 580 and above, depending on the lender.

Kentucky USDA Down Payment Requirements:

  • No down payment is required for eligible properties in designated rural areas.

Kentucky USDA Bankruptcy Requirements:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Generally, three years must have passed since the discharge date.
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Typically, one year of on-time payments and approval from the bankruptcy court are required.

Kentucky USDA Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements:

  • Maximum total debt-to-income ratio is usually 45%.

Kentucky USDA Loan Limits and Income Limits:

  • Loan limits vary by county.
  • Income limits are based on area median income and household size.

Kentucky Conventional Loans

Kentucky Conventional Credit Score Requirements:

  • Minimum credit score typically ranges from 620 to 680, depending on the lender and loan type.

Kentucky Conventional Down Payment Requirements:

  • Down payment requirements can range from 3% to 20% or more, depending on the loan type and borrower qualifications.

Kentucky Conventional Bankruptcy Requirements:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Generally, four years must have passed since the discharge date.
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Typically, two years of on-time payments and approval from the bankruptcy court are required.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements:

  • Maximum total debt-to-income ratio is typically 43% to 50%, depending on the loan type and borrower qualifications.

Loan Limits and Income Limits:

  • Loan limits vary by property type and location.
  • No specific income limits, but income must be sufficient to qualify for the loan amount.

Conclusion

As a first-time homebuyer in Kentucky, you have several home loan programs to choose from, each with its own requirements and benefits. Whether you opt for an FHA loan, VA loan, USDA loan, or conventional loan, it’s essential to understand the credit score requirements, down payment requirements, bankruptcy considerations, debt-to-income ratio requirements, loan limits, and income limits associated with each program. Working with a knowledgeable lender can help you navigate the process and find the best loan program for your financial situation and homeownership goals.

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

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/

NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574The 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 view of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people.
NMLS ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Qualifying for a mortgage loan in Kentucky


Qualifying for a mortgage loan in Kentucky involves understanding the various loan options, meeting credit score requirements, and navigating down payment assistance programs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

Understanding Kentucky Mortgage Options

Kentucky offers several mortgage options tailored to different financial situations:

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Kentucky

The Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) provides programs to assist first-time homebuyers:

Eligibility and Credit Score

To qualify for most mortgages in Kentucky, you’ll need:

Property Evaluation and Final Approval

Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income and property evaluation. Final credit approval is also necessary, ensuring that the borrower can reliably make mortgage payments4.

Here are action steps you can take right now to buy a home in Kentucky in 2024

If you’re planning to buy a home in Kentucky in 2024, here are some essential steps to consider:

1. Focus on improving your credit score to qualify for a mortgage with a low interest rate.
2. Manage your debt-to-income ratio by repaying existing debt, increasing your income, or both.
3. Ensure timely payments on all accounts to maintain a good credit score.
4. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before searching for a home to know your affordability.
5. Keep credit card utilization below 30% and seek down payment assistance programs if needed.


Here are action steps you can take right now to buy a home in Kentucky in 2024

1. Focus on your credit score

FICO credit scores are among the most frequently used credit scores, and range from 350-800 (the higher, the better). A consumer with a credit score of 750 or higher is considered to have excellent credit, while a consumer with a credit score below 620 is considered to have poor credit.

To qualify for a mortgage and get a low mortgage rate, your credit score matters.

Each credit bureau collects information on your credit history and develops a credit score that lenders use to assess your riskiness as a borrower. If you find an error, you should report it to the credit bureau immediately so that it can be corrected.

2. Manage your debt-to-income ratio

Many lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio when making credit decisions, which could impact the interest rate you receive.

A debt-to-income ratio is your monthly debt payments as a percentage of your monthly income. Lenders focus on this ratio to determine whether you have enough excess cash to cover your living expenses plus your debt obligations.

Since a debt-to-income ratio has two components (debt and income), the best way to lower your debt-to-income ratio is to:

  • repay existing debt;
  • earn more income; or
  • do both

3. Pay attention to your payments

Simply put, lenders want to lend to financially responsible borrowers.

Your payment history is one of the largest components of your credit score. To ensure on-time payments, set up autopay for all your accounts so the funds are directly debited each month.

FICO scores are weighted more heavily by recent payments so your future matters more than your past.

In particular, make sure to:

  • Pay off the balance if you have a delinquent payment
  • Don’t skip any payments
  • Make all payments on time

4. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start shopping for a home loan.

Too many people find their home and then get a mortgage.

Switch it.

Get pre-approved with a lender first. Then, you’ll know how much home you can afford.

To get pre-approved, lenders will look at your income, assets, credit profile and employment, among other documents.

5. Keep credit utilization low on your credit cards

Lenders also evaluate your credit card utilization, or your monthly credit card spending as a percentage of your credit limit.

Ideally, your credit utilization should be less than 30%. If you can keep it less than 10%, even better.

For example, if you have a $10,000 credit limit on your credit card and spent $3,000 this month, your credit utilization is 30%.

Here are some ways to manage your credit card utilization:

  • set up automatic balance alerts to monitor credit utilization
  • ask your lender to raise your credit limit (this may involve a hard credit pull so check with your lender first)
  • pay off your balance multiple times a month to reduce your credit utilization

6. Look for down payment assistance in Kentucky

There are various types of down payment assistance, even if you have student loans.

Here are a few:

  • FHA loans – federal loan through the Federal Housing Authority
  • USDA loans – zero down mortgages for rural and suburban homeowners
  • VA loans – if military service
  • Kentucky Housing Down Payment Assistance of $10,000

There are federal, state and local assistance programs as well so be on the look out.



If you want a personalized answer for your unique situation call, text, or email me or visit my website 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

email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://kentuckyloan.blogspot.com

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

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)

FHA
VA
RH​​S

​​​​

​​​​​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
Conventional Preferred ​Program
Conventional Preferred Plus 80
FHA
VA
RH​​S

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.

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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…

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