Category: fhe refinance

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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Repair Escrows for Kentucky USDA, FHA, VA, Fannie Mae Home loans

Maximum Repair Escrow Amounts for Kentucky Mortgages: 


 

escrowsholdbacks

Most Kentucky mortgage lenders prefer that each property be 100% complete at the time of closing; however, there are situations that warrant exceptions for escrow holdbacks, such as weather-related circumstances, lack of materials available for finishing, foreclosure sales and short-sales where the seller cannot or will not allow property repairs to be completed prior to closing, among others.

Escrow holdbacks are used to facilitate loan closings for properties that are ready for occupancy but that require minimal completion or repair per the appraisal. The buyer or seller is required to establish a cash escrow that will ensure the completion of the required repairs. The cash escrow will be 1.5 times the cost of the estimated repairs (non-HUD REO properties). The proceeds of the cash escrow are held in an escrow account  until the incomplete items or repair requirements are completed.

Upon completion of the repairs, a final inspection by the appraiser will be required to release funds. Therefore, a Change of Circumstance form to add the inspection fee must be submitted within within 3 days of notification of repair requirements.

Maximum Repair Escrow Amounts for Kentucky Mortgages: 

Kentucky Fannie Mae Loans:
The cost of completing improvements must not represent more than 10% of the “as completed” appraised value of the property.

Kentukcy FHA Loans:
There is no maximum amount to be held in escrow for the cost of repairs required by appraiser.

Kentucky FHA Loans: (HUD REO):
The maximum limit of cost of repairs for escrow holdback is $10,000, plus $1,000 contingency included in the loan amount.

Kentukcy VA Loans:
There is no maximum amount to be held in escrow for the cost of repairs required by appraiser.

Kentucky USDA Loans:
The maximum amount to be held in escrow for repairs required by appraiser cannot exceed $5,000.

Conventional & FHA Repair Escrow Options are available!
CONVENTIONAL

Buyer funded Max. 10% “As Completed Value” 
Any safety, soundness or structural repairs are ineligible
90 days to complete the work$200 Re-inspection fee

FHA

Buyer funded; max.
$5,000 HUD REO must be financed in the loan, max. $10,000
Any safety, soundness or structural repairs are ineligible
Max. $5,000 with $5,500 total escrow hold back with contingency reserve 90 days to complete work
$200 Re-inspection fee

Lenders continue to lower FICO requirements for new homebuyers


Fico Score Requirements for Mortgage Lenders in Kentucky

 

The average agency FICO score for banks is high at 745, compared to 713 at nonbank lending institutions.  Both show FICO requirements are on the way down, but it’s more pronounced at the nonbanks. Here’s why.

Source: Lenders continue to lower FICO requirements for new homebuyers

 

The nation’s major banks are continuing to walk away from FHA-backed mortgages, according to the Urban Institute’s Housing Finance Policy Center February Chartbook.

And not only are nonbanks stepping in to take over the space, overall, they are continuing to ease access to credit.

“Bank and nonbank FICO scores reveal that nonbanks brought the Agency median FICO down four points to 726 between November 2018 and January 2019,” the Urban Institute said in an email.

The average agency FICO score for banks is high at 745, compared to 713 at nonbank lending institutions.  Both show FICO requirements on the way down, but it’s more pronounced at the nonbanks. Why?

Nonbanks are also more accommodating for increasing debt-to-income ratios, even as mortgage rates overall inch upward, driving up monthly mortgage payments for borrowers.

“The median LTV for nonbank and bank originations are comparable, while the median DTIs for nonbank loans are higher,” the report states.

Kentucky FHA Loans Compared to Kentucky Conventional Loans


When it comes to financing a home a buyer is faced with the decision of what type of loan they want. The two most common choices are FHA or Conventional. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Follow the chart below to see which one is a fit for you!

For more information on homes available for FHA or Conventional

Which Loan is better for you?

Kentucky FHA Loans are good for borrowers who have the following:

• Credit scores less than 680.
• Less than 5% down payment and no reserves to use.
• Borrowers with past foreclosures between 3 and 7 years old.
• Borrowers with past short sales between 2 and 4 years old.
• Borrowers who need a gift for the down payment and/or closing costs, prepaid taxes and
insurance.
The FHA Mortgage Insurance premium is a premium that exists for the FHA Loan that is
paid up front and monthly by the homebuyer. This premium protects the lender should the
buyer default. They vary per state and per type of loan Kentucky home buyers qualify for. In Kentucky, upfront mortgage insurance premiums are 1.75%.
Below are the rates per type of loan:
• 15-Year Fixed with down payment more than 10%: .45%
• 15-Year Fixed with down payment less than 10%: .70%
• 30-Year Fixed with down payment more than 5%: .80%
• 30-Year Fixed with down payment less than 5%: .85%

Kentucky Conventional loans are usually reserved for the following:

• Credit scores greater than 680
• Greater than or equal to  5% down payment with reserves
• Borrowers with past foreclosures over 7 years old.
• Borrowers with past short sales between 5-7 years old.
• Borrowers who have a lot of money saved up and want to get rid of mortgage insurance within the first 5 years give or take. 20% equity position is needed for no mi

The biggest difference between conventional loans and FHA loans comes down to the mortgage insurance.  Mortgage insurance is more expensive for FHA loans, but the trade off is a lower fixed rate than conventional loans.

On Conventional loans there is no upfront mortgage insurance like FHA, and if you have a high credit score you can possibly get a lower monthly mi premium as compared to FHA where everybody gets the same mortgage insurance premium not matter your credit score or down payment. 

Lastly, FHA Mortgage insurance is for life of loan, whereas Conventional mortgage insurance or pmi it’s called, is discontinued once you reach the 80% threshold equity position of your home loan.

Again, I would not get too caught in FHA having mortgage insurance for life of loan, because most loans are only kept open a minimum of 5-7 years so a lot of times it may make sense to go with the lower rate and pay the mortgage insurance with FHA because most people don’t hold their mortgage for 30 years.

You can call or text me with your questions and we can compare the differences based on your credit score, down payment and income.

Equal Housing Lender.  NMLS#:57916 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/Rates, terms, and program information are subject to change without notice. Subject to certain approvals, terms and conditions. This is not a commitment to lend.

Not part of any government lending agency and only lending in the State of Kentucky.

Looking at FHA loans vs Conventional loans can arm you with a lot of valuable information as these are the 2 most popular mortgage loan products today. Before getting to the content let’s look at some abbreviations that will need to be defined.

  • PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance
  • MIP stands for Mortgage Insurance Premium
  • Credit Scores are a numerical measure of your credit worthiness, the maximum score is 850
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio measures your monthly income versus your monthly obligations. A good rule of thumb is to try to be below 45%

FHA Loans vs Conventional Loans

Conventional Mortgage Benefits

  • 20% down payment preferred to avoid PMI
  • No upfront PMI
  • 3% Down Payment Conventional Loan Option is available
  • PMI expires once principal balance is less than 78%
  • Houses do not have to be owner-occupied (so they can be used at rentals)
  • Can purchase any condominium and townhome (no FHA regulations)

Conventional Mortgage Disadvantages

  • Significant upfront investment (20% down preferred)
  • Credit score of 620 required
  • No Down Payment Assistance
  • Down Payment must be at least 5% unless you qualify for a 3% conventional mortgage
  • Harder to Qualify for a Conventional Mortgage
  • No government inspection so the home can be in any quality
  • Only a portion of a down payment can be a gift
  • Interest rates are higher than FHA loans

Most of the disadvantages of conventional mortgages stem around qualifications and resources needed upfront. If a borrower has significant resources most of these disadvantages are of little consequence.

Conventional loan rates today

FHA Loan Advantages

The major advantage to going with an FHA loan is that there are much more lax credit standards you have to meet to obtain financing. Usually, FHA mortgages require a lower down payment, can work with lower credit scores, less elapsed time is needed if you have some credit problems (charge-offs, foreclosures) and you can use a non-occupant co-borrower or co-signer (who is a relative) to help you qualify for the loan. That way you can use blended ratios. Blended ratios are debt-to-income ratios that equally blend or combine the primary borrower’s income and the non-occupant co-borrower’s income and monthly payments to help get approval for the loan. Except for HomeReady (formerly Fannie Mae HomePath) mortgages, conventional loans do not allow you to use a non-occupant co-borrower.

  • Government-backed program. Ideal for first-time home buyers
  • Easier to obtain, lower credit scores needed and lower minimum down payment
  • Down Payment minimum is 3.5%
  • All of down payment can be a gift
  • Down Payment Assistance Available (in some circumstances)
  • No reserves required
  • Minimum credit score is 500 (for 3.5% down payment)
  • edition to be approved for FHA so there are less potential upfront repairs needed
  • Lower interest rates than conventional mortgages

FHA Loan Disadvantages

  • FHA loans require the owners to live in the home
  • Mortgage Insurance Premium required if borrowers put down less than 10%
  • Private Mortgage Insurance monthly cost is higher for FHA loans
  • Government Licensed Inspector required to inspect home before sale can be approved
  • Condominiums require FHA approval
  • FHA Loans take longer to process because of government requirements and all mandated repairs have to be completed before sales can be finalized

Most of these disadvantages involve extra requirements or limits added to the process of the house (see Pros and Cons of FHA Loans). Some of these might not be disadvantages depending on one’s personal situation, but they are extra steps to note. Since FHA mortgages are a government program, more care and consideration goes into the process, which may be better in some situations.

 FHA loans vs Conventional loans

There are four important numbers in deciding which loan you will go with: credit scores, down payment amount, debt-to-income, and mortgage insurance percentage rate. Conventional mortgages and FHA home loans have different limits and rates which are important to examine. They also have important differences which affect the availability of properties, the condition of the properties one wishes to buy and how your down payment can be paid. So comparing FHA loans vs Conventional loans can sometimes be a tricky endeavor.

Down Payment Requirements

  • Conventional Mortgages require between 5 and 20% upfront
    • In certain circumstances, down payments can be as low as 3% (Conventional 97 loan program)
  • FHA Mortgages have 2 possibilities
    • If Credit Score is 500-579 then 10% down payment is required (not all lenders will even go down this low)
    • If Credit Score is 580+ then 3.5% down payment is required

Debt-to-Income Ratio

  • Conventional Mortgages’ maximum debt-to-income ratio is 43% (hard cap)
  • FHA Mortgages’ maximum debt-to-income ratio is 45%
    • Soft cap as in certain circumstances this can be adjusted up to 50%

Mortgage Insurance Premium Rates

  • FHA Mortgages
    • If Down Payment is 10% or more the percentage is .80% MIP
    • If Down Payment is less than 10% the rate is .85% MIP.

Credit Score Minimum Requirement

  • Conventional Mortgage minimum credit score
    • Most lenders will require between 620 and 640
    • Some lenders it will be as high as 700
  • FHA Mortgage minimum credit score
    • Credit Score is a minimum of 500 if putting 10% down
    • Credit Score is a minimum of 580 if not

These four numbers are important to know and will affect one’s decision to pursue a particular type of home loan. Knowing your combination of numbers as you are looking to buy a house will help buyers find the best loans for their particular situation.

Other Comparisons

  • All sellers will take conventional mortgages and some sellers will not take FHA Loans
    • People looking for short-sells won’t take FHA because FHA has a longer closing process.
    • If sellers know there are FHA repairs that are needed in order to sell their house, they will not always accept FHA financing.

Thus, if one is wanting a low-risk transaction then the FHA home loan route is a better option to pursue, even though it limits your options for homes that you might wish to buy. If one is looking to fix-up a house and raise its equity quickly then a conventional loan is going to be more beneficial because there are no requirements as to the condition of the house and it’s occupied status.

Down Payment Gifting

  • Making the Down Payments (Assistance and Gifts)
    • Conventional mortgages have no assistance but can be partially fulfilled with a gift
    • FHA Mortgages have loans and assistance programs available and the whole down payment can be fulfilled with a gift

In this article, we have given you the basic parameters of FHA loans vs Conventional loans. The conventional loans are for people who have a better financial track record and can handle a larger upfront cost. Because of PMI, conventional loans are cheaper in the long run if you can put enough of a down payment to get rid of PMI. However, there are no down payment assistance programs to help you reach that goal. FHA loans are for people who are looking to build their investment and in some cases may not have a great financial track record. FHA loans have lower down payment requirements and many grants/forgivable loans to help people wanting to buy a first house in which to live for at least a few years. It is important to assess your situation and decide which mortgage is going to work better for your circumstances.

Conclusion

Both mortgages have a lot of benefits and drawbacks because they are designed for people with different needs. This article has hopefully helped you to get a basic understanding of the different terms and conditions of different mortgage packages when looking at FHA loans vs Conventional loans. Home buying can be an emotional roller coaster and the knowledge in this article will help you navigate the various emotional struggles of home buying.

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FHA STREAMLINES REFINANCE GUIDELINES IN KENTUCKY 2015


Refinancing FHA Mortgage loans. 

FHA STREAMLINES: FHA to FHA Refinance

2014 Kentucky FHA Loan Guidelines for Credit, Down payment, income,

  • 620 minimum Credit Score
  • NO AUS findings run
  • NO Income stated on application or verified
  • NO Appraisal – COSTS CAN NOT BE ROLLED INTO LOAN –No longer an allowable option
  • Verify assets only for cash to close
    • If you pay ALL costs with interest rate credit, no assets needed to be verified.
    • This would mean paying for the re-establishment of their escrows.
    • If they pay for their new escrow account, verify those assets. They will get reimbursed by their previous servicer 2-3 weeks after closing.
  • New annual MI is Life of Loan, but is .85% instead of 1.35% in most cases.
  • FHA loans endorsed prior to May 31, 2009 may be eligible for up front MI of .01
  • Dropping a borrower usually requires credit qualifying – see full guidelines
  • 5% PI & MI reduction required for Net Tangible benefit to be met

We will do a verbal VOE to confirm their employment, but we won’t be verifying income. No DTI calculations are performed.  You WILL need to provide a 3 bureau credit report.

 Remember that a borrower may NOT get any cash back on a streamline so any credit in excess of closing costs must be applied as a principal reduction, with a max of $2k towards principal.

—FHA loans are secured through the FHA, or Federal Housing Administration

Joel Lobb
Senior Loan Officer
(NMLS#57916)

phone: (502) 905-3708
Fax: (502) 327-9119
kentuckyloan@gmail.com
http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/