How to get approved for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan in 2024


To determine if you can get approved for a Kentucky mortgage, several factors need to be considered, including your credit score, income, employment history, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment. Here’s a general overview of what lenders typically look for:

  1. Credit Scores : Most Kentucky Mortgage  lenders prefer a credit score of 620 or higher for conventional loans. FHA loans may accept lower credit scores, starting around 500, but a higher score (typically 580 or above) can improve your chances and offer better terms.

    Here are the general credit score requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae mortgage loans in Kentucky:

    Loan Program Minimum Credit Score Requirement Additional Notes
    FHA Loan 500 to 580 A credit score of 500 to 579 requires a 10% down payment; a score of 580 or higher requires a 3.5% down payment.
    VA Loan No minimum score VA lenders are more flexible with credit scores, but most lenders prefer a score of 620 or higher.
    USDA Loan no minimum score USDA lenders  typically require a minimum credit score of 640 or higher.
    Fannie Mae Loan 620 or higher Fannie Mae loans generally require a credit score of 620 or higher.
  2. Income and Employment History: Lenders evaluate your income stability and 2 year employment history to ensure you have a reliable source of income to make mortgage payments. Consistent employment and sufficient income are crucial.

    Here’s a chart outlining the employment and work history requirements for Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae mortgage loans:

    Loan Program Employment History Work History Guidelines
    Kentucky FHA Loan 2 years of consistent employment with steady income 2 years of stable employment, including gaps explained Employment can include salaried, self-employed, or contract positions. Gaps in employment may require explanations and documentation.
    Kentucky VA Loan Stable income with continuous employment Stable work history with no significant gaps VA loans focus on the stability of income rather than specific employment duration. Military service may fulfill employment requirements.
    Kentucky USDA Loan 2 years of stable employment with reliable income 2 years of continuous employment, including explanations for gaps USDA loans prioritize consistent income and employment history. Gaps may require explanations and additional documentation.
    Fannie Mae Loan 2 years of employment with steady income and job stability 2 years of stable employment, including explanations for gaps Fannie Mae loans emphasize a stable work history with a focus on income stability. Gaps in employment may need explanations and additional documentation.

    These guidelines provide an overview of the employment and work history requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae mortgage loans. Lenders may have specific criteria and may consider factors such as income stability, type of employment, gaps in employment, and documentation of income sources. Borrowers should consult with a mortgage professional or lender to understand the detailed employment and work history requirements for their loan application.

  3. Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Lenders typically prefer a DTI ratio of 31% to 45% on front end ratio and up to 55% on the back-end ratio, although some may accept higher ratios with compensating factors.

    Here’s a chart comparing the debt ratio requirements forKentucky FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae mortgage loans:

    Loan Program Front-End DTI Ratio Back-End DTI Ratio Guidelines
    Kentucky FHA Loan Up to 45% Up to 56.99% Front-end DTI includes housing-related expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance). Back-end DTI includes all monthly debts.
    Kentucky VA Loan 41% or higher  41% or higher  VA guidelines do not have specific DTI ratio limits but focus on residual income after accounting for housing and debt costs.
    Kentucky USDA Loan Up to 33% Up to 45% Front-end DTI includes housing expenses. Back-end DTI includes all monthly debts.
    Kentucky Fannie Mae Loan Up to 40% Up to 50% Front-end DTI includes housing expenses. Back-end DTI includes all monthly debts.
  4. Down Payment: The amount of your down payment can also impact your approval chances. A larger down payment can lower your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) and reduce the lender’s risk.

    Here’s a down payment chart for Kentucky  FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae mortgage loans:

    Loan Program Minimum Down Payment Down Payment Source
    Kentucky FHA Loan 3.5% of purchase price Can be from personal savings or gift funds
    Kentucky VA Loan 0% (No down payment) N/A (VA loans offer 100% financing)
    Kentucky USDA Loan 0% (No down payment) N/A (USDA loans offer 100% financing)

    Kentucky Fannie Mae Loan

    3% to 5% of purchase price Can be from personal savings or gift funds

     

  5. Other Factors: Lenders may also consider your savings and assets, existing debts, credit history, and the type of mortgage you’re applying for (e.g., FHA, VA, USDA, conventional).

To get a more accurate assessment of your mortgage approval chances, it’s best to consult with a mortgage lender or broker. They can review your financial situation, credit history, and specific loan requirements to determine your eligibility and help you navigate the mortgage approval process.

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/MBR1574

 

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).

 

 A Guide to Buying Your First House in Kentucky: Loan Programs and Requirements

down payment, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and work history requirements for Kentucky Mortgage loan approval for FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Down Payment Grants


 

Are you a first-time homebuyer in Kentucky looking to navigate the various loan programs available? Understanding the options and requirements for FHA, USDA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Kentucky Housing Down Payment Assistance Programs can make your journey to homeownership smoother.

In this guide, we’ll explore each program’s down payment, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and work history requirements to help you make informed decisions.

 Kentucky FHA Loan Program

Down Payment: FHA loans typically require a minimum down payment of 3.5% of the purchase price.

Credit Score: While FHA loans are more flexible with credit scores, a score of 500 to 580 is usually required, depending on the lender.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Front-end DTI ratio should not exceed 45%, and back-end DTI ratio should not exceed 50 to 56.99%.

Work History:A two year table employment history with at least 2 years of consistent income is preferred.

 Kentucky USDA Loan Program

Down Payment: USDA loans offer zero down payment options for eligible properties in designated rural areas.

Credit Score: No minimum score, however a minimum credit score of 640 or higher is typically required for USDA loans.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Maximum DTI ratio is 41 to 45.99%, although some lenders may allow higher ratios with compensating factors.

Work History: A two year employment history and consistent income are important for USDA loan approval.

Kentucky VA Loan Program

Down Payment:*VA loans offer zero down payment options for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses.

Credit Score:While there is no specific credit score requirement, most lenders prefer a FICO score of 620 or higher.

Debt-to-Income Ratio:Maximum DTI ratio varies by lender but generally ranges from 41% to 50%.

Work History: VA loan applicants should have a two year stable employment history or a reliable source of income.

 Kentucky Fannie Mae Loan Program

Down Payment: Fannie Mae loans may require a down payment as low as 3% for first-time homebuyers, and 5% down for repeat homebuyers

Credit Score: A minimum credit score of 620 or higher is typically required for Fannie Mae loans.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Maximum DTI ratio varies by lender and loan program but generally ranges from 45% to 50%.

Work History: A two year stable employment history with steady income is important for Fannie Mae loan approval.

 Kentucky Housing Down Payment Assistance Programs

Kentucky offers various down payment assistance programs, such as the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible homebuyers.

Down Payment: Down payment assistance programs can help cover part or all of the down payment requirement, depending on the program and eligibility criteria. $10,000 down payment assistance loan through KHC and 5% grant program through other lenders.

Credit Score: 60 Minimum credit score requirements vary by program but are generally in line with FHA or conventional loan requirements are 660.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Maximum DTI ratio may vary by program, and additional guidelines may apply. 40% to 50% typically is the range

Work History: Two year Stable employment and income verification are typically required for down payment assistance program eligibility.

Navigating the homebuying process in Kentucky involves understanding the requirements and benefits of different loan programs and down payment assistance options. Whether you choose an FHA, USDA, VA, Fannie Mae loan, or utilize Kentucky Housing Down Payment Assistance Programs, working with a knowledgeable mortgage professional can help you find the right financing solution for your first house purchase in Kentucky.

Contact a trusted mortgage broker or lender to explore your options, determine eligibility, and start your exciting journey to homeownership in the beautiful state of Kentucky.

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/MBR1574

 
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).
 

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).