5 Things to Know For First Time Home Buyers in Kentucky

 First Time Home Buyers in Kentucky

1. Do Mortgage Rates Change Daily?

Just like the gas prices at the pump,  mortgage rates can change daily or throughout the day.  Typically mortgage rates are published at 10-11 am daily by most lenders and you can lock up through the close of business which is usually around 6-7 PM.  Mortgage rates can change up or down throughout the day based on various financial, economics, and geopolitical news in the US Financial markets and World markets. Generally speaking, good economic news is bad for rates and vice versa, bad economic news is good for mortgage rates. 

The good news is this: Once you find a home and get it under contract, you can lock your mortgage loan rate. Typically it takes about 30-45 days to close a mortgage loan in Kentucky, so the typical lock is for 30-60 days. If rates get better you may be able to negotiate a better rate with your lender, but they usually have to improve by at least 25 basis points (.25) to do that. Not all lenders offer this option. The longer you lock the loan, the greater the costs. It is usually free to lock in a loan for up to 90 days without having to pay a fee.

What a lot of lenders are experiencing now is that some loans don't close on time for various reasons. You can always extend the lock on the loan but it will costs you usually .125 basis points to do so. If you let the lock expire on the loan, then you have to take worse case pricing on that day when you go to relock. It is usually best to extend the lock on your loan. 

2. What kind of Credit Score Do I need to qualify?

When applying for a mortgage loan, lenders will pull what they call a "tri-merge" credit report which will show three different fico scores from Transunion, Equifax, and Experian. The lenders will throw out the high and low score and take the "middle score" For example, if you had a 614, 610, and 629 score from the three main credit bureaus, your qualifying score would be 614. Most lenders will want at least two scores. So if you only have one score, you may not qualify. Lenders will have to pull their own credit report and scores so if you had it ran somewhere else or saw it on a website or credit card you may own, it will not matter to the lender, because they have to use their own credit report and scores. 

Most lenders will pull your credit report for free nowadays so this should not be a big deal as long as your scores are high enough. 

The Secondary Market of Mortgage loans offered by FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and KHC all have their minimum fico score requirements and lenders will create overlays in addition to what the Government agencies will accept, so even if on paper FHA says they will go down to 580 or 500 in some cases on fico scores, very few lenders will go below the 620 threshold. 

If you have low fico scores it may make sense to check around with different lenders to see what their minimum fico scores are for loans. 

The lenders I currently deal with have the following fico cutoffs for credit scores:

FHA--580 minimum score

VA----580  minimum score

Fannie Mae--620 minimum score

USDA--620 minimum score

KHC with Down Payment Assistance --620 minimum score.

As you can see, 580-620 is the minimum score with most lenders for a FHA, VA, or Fannie Mae loan, is required for the no down payment programs offered by USDA for Kentucky for First Time Home Buyers wanting to go no money down.

3. What are the down payment requirements?

The most popular programs for Kentucky First Time Home Buyers usually involves one of the following housing programs outlined in bold below:

FHA:

FHA will allow a home buyer to purchase a house with as little as 3.5% down. If your credit scores are low, say 680 and below, a lot of times it makes sense to go FHA because everyone pays the same mortgage insurance premiums no matter what your score is, and the down payment can be gifted to you. Meaning you really don't have to have any skin into the game when it comes to down payment. 

They even allow down payment assistance for down payment requirements of 3.5% through eligible parties like Kentucky Housing, Welcome Home Grants and Louisville KY and Covington Kentucky Down Payment Grants. 

 Lastly, FHA will allow for higher debt to income ratios with sometimes getting loan pre-approvals up to 55% of your total gross monthly income. So if  you have a debt to income ratio of over 50%, Fannie Mae will not do the loan and USDA usually likes their debt to income ratios no more than 45%.

Think back to the last time you financed a purchase — be it a home, automobile, or what have you… You may remember having heard the term “debt-to-income ratio.” Today I want to spend some time going over exactly what this ratio is, and to also touch on how it can effect your personal finances.

4. What is your debt-to-income ratio?

Commonly referred to as your “DTI,” your debt-to-income ratio is a personal finance benchmark that relates your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income.

As an example… Let’s say that your gross monthly salary is $5,000 and you are spending $2,800 of it toward monthly debt payments. In that case, your DTI would be an unhealthy 56%.

This version of your DTI is sometimes referred to as your “back-end” DTI. This is often broken down further to give a front-end debt-to-income ratio, which is a component of your back-end DTI.

How to calculate your front-end DTI for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval

Your front-end DTI is calculated by dividing your monthly housing costs by your monthly gross income. Front-end DTI for renters is simply the amount paid in rent, whereas for homeowners it is the sum of mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, and home insurance (i.e., your PITI) divided by gross monthly income.

From above, if that $2,800 in debt payments is attributable to $1,500 in housing costs and $1,300 in non-housing costs, then your front-end DTI is $1,500/$5,000 = 30% (and your back-end ratio is still 56%, as calculated above).

Fannie Mae:

Fannie Mae requires just 3% down with their new Home Possible Program, but if you use their traditional mortgage loan, then 5% is the Fannie Mae Standard. Fannie Mae will go down 620 score, but if your scores are below 680, I would look seriously at the FHA loan program because Fannie Mae has steep increases to the interest rate and the mortgage insurance premiums if your scores are low. 

A couple of good things about Fannie Mae is that you can buy a larger priced home and have a large loan amount due to FHA only allowing most Kentucky Home Buyers a maximum mortgage loan amount of $356,000 for a max FHA loan and $545,000 for Fannie Mae Conventional loans in Kentucky for 2020.

Lastly when it comes to mortgage insurance, FHA mortgage insurance premiums are for life of loan while Fannie Mae mortgage insurance premiums drop off when you develop 80% equity position in your house. 

But as a tell most people, nobody has a loan for 30 years, and the average mortgage is either refinanced or home sold within the first 5-7 years. 

VA Loans- 

VA loans offer eligible Veterans and Active Duty Personnel to buy a home going no money down with no monthly mortgage insurance. This is probably the best no money down loan out there since the rates are traditionally very low on comparison to other government insured mortgages and no monthly mortgage insurance. The VA loan can be used anywhere in the state of Kentucky with the maximum VA loan limit being removed for 2021

USDA Loans- 

USDA loans offer people buying a home in rural areas (typically towns of $20k or less) to buy a home going zero down. 

Income Limits for: Most Locations

Household of 1-4

$110,650

- OR -

Household of 5-8*

$146,050

For non-specific areas, the income limits are $110,650 for a 1-4 member household and $146,050 for a 5-8 member household.

*If a household exceeds 8 members, each additional member receives 8% of the 4-person income limit for their area towards the total.

KHC or Kentucky Housing-

Kentucky First Time Home Buyers typically use KHC for their down payment assistance. KHC currently offers $10,000 for down payment assistance and sometimes throughout the year they will offer low mortgage rates on their mortgage revenue bond program.

 The down payment assistance usually never runs out because you have to pay it back in the form of a second mortgage. It helps a lot of home buyers that want to buy in urban areas that cannot utilizer the USDA program in rural areas. Most of the time the first mortgage is a FHA loan tied with the 2nd mortgage fore down payment assistance.  All KHC programs require a 620 score and rates are locked for 45 days. 

5. What if I have had a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past? 

FHA and VA are the easiest on previous bankruptcies. FHA and VA both require 2 years removed from the discharge date on a Chapter 7. If you are in the middle of a Chapter 13, FHA will allow for financing with a 12 month clean history payment to the Chapter 13 courts, and with trustee permission. 

VA requires 2 years removed from a foreclosure (sheriff sale date of home) and FHA requires 3 years. 

USDA requires 3 years removed from both a foreclosure and bankruptcy, but on the foreclosure they do not go off the sale date. This may save you a little time if you had a previous foreclosure. 

Fannie Mae (Conventional Loan)

Fannie Mae is by far the strictest. They require 4-7  years out of a foreclosure or bankruptcy 

If you have questions about qualifying as first time home buyer in Kentucky, please call, text, email or fill out free prequalification below for your next mortgage loan pre-approval.

Joel Lobb
Senior  Loan Officer

(NMLS#57916)

 Text or call phone: (502) 905-3708

email me at 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 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

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Kentucky Mortgage: Kentucky Housing Income Limits for Mortgage Loans

New Income Limits for KHC Loans in Kentucky

Regular DAP
Purchase price up to $346,644 with Secondary Market.
Assistance in the form of a loan up to $6,000 in $100 increments.
Repayable over a ten-year term at 5.50 percent.
Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.
Affordable DAP
Purchase price up to $346,644​ with Secondary Market.
Assistance up to $6,000.
Repayable over a ten-year term at 1.00 percent.
Borrowers must meet Affordable D​AP income limits.
​MORE ABOUT DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COSTS
No liquid asset review and no limit on borrower reserves.
Specific credit underwriting standards may apply to down payment programs


.​
SECONDARY MARKET FUNDING SOURCE

First-time and repeat homebuyers statewide
30-year fixed interest rate
Principal residence ONLY
Purchase Price Limit: $346,644
Borrower must meet KHC’s Secondary Market Income Limits
Conventional Preferred Program

Minimum credit score of 660
3 percent down payment
Monthly mortgage insurance (charter coverage)
All KHC DAPs applicable
No minimum borrower contribution
No reserves required
80 percent AMI income
Conventional Preferred Plus 80

Minimum credit score of 660
3 percent down payment
Monthly mortgage insurance (standard coverage)
All KHC DAPs applicable
No minimum borrower contribution
No reserves required
Secondary Market Income limits apply
FHA

Insured by the Federal Housing Administration
3.5 percent down payment
All KHC DAPs applicable
Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
Minimum credit score of 620

Refinance Options (Available only through Secondary Market)
Credit qualifying Streamline Refinance and Rate/Term Refinance
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration
Cash back to borrower not to exceed $500
Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
Minimum credit score of 620
VA

Guaranteed by the Veterans Administration for qualified military veterans
No down payment if the property appraises for the sales price or greater
All KHC DAPs applicable
Minimum credit score of 620
No monthly mortgage insurance payments

​ Refinance Options 

(Available only through Secondary Market)
VA IRRRL
​620 minimum credit score
No appraisal required
30-year term
VA existing loan
RH​​S

Guaranteed by Rural Housing Services (RHS)
Home must be located in a rural area as defined by RHS
No down payment if the property appraises for the sales price or greater
All KHC DAPs applicable
Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
Minimum credit score of 620

Refinance Options 

(Available only through Secondary Market)
RHS Streamlined-Assist Refinance Program
620 minimum credit score
No appraisal required
Must have made timely mortgage payments for the last 12 months
30-year term
RHS existing 502 guaranteed loan​

Home Buyer Tax Credit​


KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION
2021 SECONDARY MARKET
GROSS ANNUAL APPLICANT’S INCOME LIMITATIONS
Effective May 1, 2021

Secondary Market Purchase Price Limit — $346,644

KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION 2021 SECONDARY MARKET GROSS ANNUAL APPLICANT’S INCOME LIMITATIONS

KENTUCKY FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS MORTGAGE REQUIREMENTS

Kentucky First Time Home Buyers Programs 

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Programs so you can buy a home with little or nothing down at really low fixed rates.

There are basically 4 mortgage programs for first time home buyers in Kentucky to consider:

1. FHA: 

Kentucky FHA loans are a popular choice in Jefferson County Kentucky first time home buyers because they allow the least down payment of 3.5%, vs Fannie Mae which now requires a 5% investment on primary residences.

The current credit score requirements center around the 580 score for most FHA loans in Kentucky, with no bankruptcies in the last 2 years and no foreclosures in the last 3 years.

Even though FHA insure a mortgage loan down to a 580 credit score or lower sometimes, it is very difficult to find a lender that will approve the loan with scores below 620. Keep that in mind.

The house payment will need to be around 30% of your gross monthly income. For example if you gross around $3000 a month, then the maximum mortgage payment you would qualify would be $1000 a month. If the loan comes back as an accept, the debt to income ratio can be substantially higher than the 31% rule.

All FHA loans are pre-approved through an AUS, an automated underwriting system upfront that will dictate your loan approval. The software underwriting engine looks at your credit, income, assets and figures your loan approval and will recommend an accept, refer/eligible, or refer/ineligible, or out of scope.

Most FHA investors will want a Accept on your underwriting findings to do a loan. It it comes back referred, then there are additional conditions or overlays that could stop your loan from being approved.




Check Kentucky FHA Rates Here----->>>>>>>>

2. VA:

Kentucky VA loans require no down payment but you must have a VA certificate of Eligibility issued by the Veterans Administration to purchase a home using your VA loan entitlement.

The current credit score that most Kentucky VA lenders want is 580. There can be no bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last two years with good reestablished credit.

The maximum debt to income ratio is 41% with a residual income of around $1000 a month after you pay all your bills. For example, if you make $4000 gross monthly, then the maximum house payment along with your other household bills would be set at $3000 a month so as you have the $1000 residual income requirement met. There are some variances on the residual income to whereas it is based on the number of people living in the household and which state you live in.


Check Kentucky VA Mortgage Rates Here------>>>>>>>


3. USDA/Rural Housing:

USDA or Rural Housing loans are not available in the more highly populated counties in Kentucky . The counties of Jefferson and Fayette Counties are not eligible for USDA loans.

USDA loans require no down payment and are subject to income and property eligibility requirements by County..


Check Kentucky USDA  Income Limits Here"----->>>>

Check Kentucky USDA Property Eligibility Limits Here--->>>>

All Kentucky Rural Housing Loans are ran through GUS, Guarantee Underwriting System, an online to determine your loan approval

The Automated Underwriting engine will come back with an Accept, Refer, or Ineligible.

Most USDA mortgage investor want an Accept on the initial underwriting approval to do the loan.

640 is the score that most USDA lenders want, but USDA will go down to a 580 credit score in their guidelines but it is very difficult to get approved.

If you have a score below 640 and trying to go USDA, work on getting your credit scores up first.

4. Kentucky Housing Corp or KHC 

KHC is used for mostly applicants in urban areas of Kentucky that don't have access to USDA or other government agencies to buy a home with no down payment.
Down Payment Assistance for Ky First Time Home Buyer, 100% Financing

How the Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Works

A minimum of 3.5% down payment is required with this loan. Down payment assistance loans are available from $4500-$6,000, and are paid back over a period of ten years. They are typically offered to buyers with limited cash reserves and carry an interest rate of 1 to 5.5%. These loans can make a critical difference to buyers for whom the down payment is an obstacle. Buyers whose 3.5% down payment is less than the $6000 limit may choose to use the remainder of a down payment loan to pay closing costs, further reducing the amount needed to bring to closing.

Kentucky Mortgage: Zero Down Kentucky Mortgages

ZERO DOWN HOME LOANS IN KENTUCKY

There are a few programs that feature zero down payment in Kentucky For Home buyers: USDA and VA. USDA is typically for rural areas, and VA is for military veterans. Lastly Kentucky Housing with the Down Payment Assistance Program of $6,000 and the $5000 Welcome Home Grant.

I’ve included some info on each for you on your home journey to buy a home in Kentucky!

USDA Loans

USDA loans are backed through the Rural Housing Division of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. They are available to millions of eligible primary home buyers with low to moderate incomes or scarce funds for down payments.


Features, benefits and things you need to know:


Zero Down - No down payment is required for USDA loans. Thirty-year, fixed-rate loans with no pre-payment penalty are the norm. Rates are very competitive with conventional loans.


Eligible Property - These loans are limited to "rural" areas, though you might be surprised by some of the suburbs of major metropolitan areas that qualify as rural.


Homes should be modest in size and cost and constructed per local codes and regulations.


Eligible Borrowers - Funds are available for qualified borrowers who earn up to 115% of the area median income.


Even candidates who have had past credit issues with late pays, bankruptcies or foreclosure may be eligible. Borrower's income must support the proposed payments and meet the program requirements for approval. Primary occupancy is required. This program is not for investment properties.


Benefits - Minimum cash is needed to close. The USDA Guarantee Fee and some eligible closing costs may be financed. Gift money, grant money and seller contributions are allowed.

VA Loans

Veteran's Administration or "VA" loans are available for active, non-active and retired Army, Air Force, Marine, Navy, National Guard and Coast Guard vets who meet the established service requirements.
100% financing/No down payment
No monthly mortgage insurance (PMI)
Gift funds acceptable for closing costs
No cash reserve requirements
A variety of terms or loan types available
Available for purchase and refinance
Reduced costs for disabled veterans
Seller can pay for closing costs
Seller pays for any required repairs
No pre-payment penalty
No minimum credit score 2 years removed from bankruptcy or foreclosures
To determine your ability to participate in this program, just provide your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or your Discharge/Separation form (DD214). If you do not have your COE, you can request one using form 26-1880.

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance Programs

From first-time buyers to current homeowners, many state, county and local housing agencies offer affordable loan programs with Down Payment Assistance (DPA), subject to availability of funds and credit qualifying.


Down payment assistance can vary with single products or sometimes can be a combination of products such as Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC), Grants, DPA’s along with closing cost assistance and low interest rates and fees that can help individuals and families become successful homeowners.


All borrowers must qualify for an underlying mortgage product according to the Housing Finance Agency authority (FHA, VA, USDA or Conventional). Housing loan programs are then layered on top to provide additional benefits. If eligible, the borrower can also add a down payment and closing cost assistance to their loan according to individual program guidelines.


What state are you in? I assume Kentucky? I will help you gather more information if this is something you want to look into. The general terms are below:




KHC recognizes that down payments, closing costs, and prep​aids are stumbling blocks for many potential home buyers. Here are several loan programs to help. Your KHC-approved lender can help you apply for the program that meets your need.

Down Payment and Credit Score Requirements for a Kentucky FHA, VA, Conventional, KHC, and USDA Mortgage Loans.

1. Income
You need income. You need to be able to afford the home. But what is acceptable income? Let’s just say that there are two ratios mortgage underwriters look at to qualify you for mortgage payment:
First Ratio – The first ratio, top ratio or housing ratio. Basically that means out of all the gross monthly income you make, that no more that X percent of it can go to your housing payment. The housing payment consists of Principle, Interest, Taxes and Insurance. Whether you escrow or not every one of these items are factored into your ratio. There are a lot of exceptions to how high you can go, but let’s just say that if your ratio is 33% or less, generally, across the board, you’re safe.

Second Ratio- The second ratio, bottom ratio or debt ratio includes the housing payment, but also adds all of the monthly debts that the borrower has. So, it includes housing payment as well as every other debt that a borrower may have. This would include, Auto loans, credit cards, student loans, personal loans, child support, alimony….basically any consistent outgoing debt that you’re paying on. Again, if you’re paying less than 45% of your gross monthly income to all of the debts, plus your proposed housing payment, then……generally, you’re safe. You can go a lot higher in this area, but there are a lot of caveats when increasing your back ratio.

What qualifies as income? Basically, it’s income that has at least a proven, two year history of being received and pretty high assurances that the income is likely to continue for at least three years. What’s not acceptable? Unverifiable cash income, short term income and income that’s not likely to continue like unemployment income, student loan aid, VA education benefits,or short term disability are not allowed for a mortgage loan.
2. Assets
What the mortgage underwriter is looking for here is how much can you put down and secondly, how much will you have in reserves after the loan is made to help offset any financial emergencies in the future.

Do you have enough assets to put the money forth to qualify for the down payment that the particular program asks for. The only 100% financing or no money down loans still available in Kentucky for home buyers are available through USDA, VA, and KHC or Kentucky Housing Loans. Most other home buyers that don't qualify for the no money down home loans mentioned above, will turn to the FHA program. FHA loans currently requires a 3.5% down payment.

Kentucky Home buyers that have access to putting down at least 5% or more, will usually turn to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage programs so they can get better pricing when it comes to mortgage insurance.

These assets need to be validated through bank accounts, 401k or retirements account and sometimes gifts from relatives or employer.. Can you borrower the down payment? Sometimes. Generally if you’re borrowing a secured loan against a secured asset you can use that. But rarely can cash be used as an asset. FHA will allow for gifts from relatives for down payments with little as 3.5% down but Fannie Mae will require a 20% down payment when a gift is being used for the down payment on the home.

The down payment scenarios listed above are for Kentucky Primary Residences only. There are stricter down payment requirements for investment homes made in Kentucky.



3. Credit
620 is the bottom score (again with few exceptions) that lenders will permit. Below a 620, then you're in a world of hurt. Even at 620, people consider you a higher risk that other folks and are going to penalize you or your borrower with a more expensive loan. 720 is when you really start to get in the “as a lender we love you” credit score. 740 is even better. Watch your credit scores carefully. You have three credit scores and the lender will take your middle score.

Kentucky FHA Mortgage Loans currently requires 3 years removal from a foreclosure or short sale and 2 years on a bankruptcy with good reestablished credit.

Kentucky Fannie Mae Mortgage Loans currently requires 4 years removal from a bankruptcy, and 7 years on a foreclosure.

Kentucky VA Mortgage Loans currently requires 2 years removal from a bankruptcy or foreclosure with good reestablished credit.

Kentucky USDA loans require 3 years removal from bankruptcy and foreclosure with good reestablished credit.



4. Appraisal
Generally, there’s nothing you can do to affect this. Bottom line here is…..”is the value of the house at least the value of what you’re paying for it?” If not, then not good things start to happen. Generally you’ll find less issues with values on purchase transactions, because, in theory, the realtor has done an accurate job of valuing the house prior to taking the listing. The big issue comes in refinancing. In purchase transactions, the value is determined as the

Lower of the value or the contract price!!!

That means that if you buy a $1,000,000 home for $100,000, the value is established at $100,000. Conversely, if you buy a $200,000 home and the value comes in at $180,000 during the appraisal, then the value is established at $180,000. Big issues….Talk to your loan officer.
For each one of these boxes, there are over 1,000 things that can effect if a borrower has reached the threshold to complete that box. Soooooooooooo…..talk to a great loan officer. There are so many loan officers that don’t know what they’re doing. But, conversely, there’s a lot of great ones as well. Your loan is so important! Get a great lender so that you know, for sure, that the loan you want, can be closed on!









Conventional Loan




• At least 3%-5% down



• Closing costs will vary on which rate you choose and the lender. Typically the higher the rate, the lesser closing costs due to the lender giving you a lender credit back at closing for over par pricing. Also, called a no-closing costs option. You have to weigh the pros and cons to see if it makes sense to forgo the lower rate and lower monthly payment for the higher rate and less closing costs.

Fico scores needed start at 620, but most conventional lenders will want a higher score to qualify for the 3-5% minimum down payment requirements Most buyers using this loan have high credit scores (over 720) and at least 5% down.

The rates are a little higher compared to FHA, VA, or USDA loan but the mortgage insurance is not for life of loan and can be rolled off when you reach 80% equity position in home.

Conventional loans require 4-7 years removed from Bankruptcy and foreclosure.

Max Conventional loan limits are set at $510.400 for 2020 in Kentucky






Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Program




If you meet income eligibility requirements and are looking to settle in a rural area, you might qualify for the KY USDA Rural Housing program. The program guarantees qualifying loans, reducing lenders’ risk and encouraging them to offer buyers 100% loans. That means Kentucky home buyers don’t have to put any money down, and even the “upfront fee” (a closing cost for this type of loan) can be rolled into the financing.

Fico scores usually wanted for this program center around 620 range, with most lenders wanting a 640 score so they can obtain an automated approval through GUS. GUS stands for the Guaranteed Underwriting system, and it will dictate your max loan pre-approval based on your income, credit scores, debt to income ratio and assets.

They also allow for a manual underwrite, which states that the max house payment ratios are set at 29% and 41% respectively of your income.

They loan requires no down payment, and the current mortgage insurance is 1% upfront, called a funding fee, and .35% annually for the monthly mi payment. Since they recently reduced their mi requirements, USDA is one of the best options out there for home buyers looking to buy in an rural area.

A rural area typically will be any area outside the major cities of Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, Bowling Green, Richmond, Frankfort, and parts of Northern Kentucky .

There is a map link below to see the qualifying areas.

There is also a max household income limits with most cutoff starting at $86,400 for a family of four, and up to $115,600 for a family of five or more.

USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy and foreclosure.

There is no max USDA loan limit.






Kentucky FHA Loan




FHA loans are good for home buyers with lower credit scores and no much down, or with down payment assistance grants. FHA will allow for grants, gifts, for their 3.5% minimum investment and will go down to a 580 credit score.

The current mortgage insurance requirements are kinda steep when compared to USDA, VA , but the rates are usually good so it can counteracts the high mi premiums. As I tell borrowers, you will not have the loan for 30 years, so don’t worry too much about the mi premiums.

THe mi premiums are for life of loan like USDA.

FHA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy and 3 years removed from foreclosure.


Maximum FHA loan limits in Kentucky are set around $331,675 and below.

Kentucky VA Loan






VA loans are for veterans and active duty military personnel. The loan requires no down payment and no monthly mi premiums, saving you on the monthly payment. It does have an funding fee like USDA, but it is higher starting at 2% for first time use, and 3% for second time use. The funding fee is financed into the loan, so it is not something you have to pay upfront out of pocket.

VA loans can be made anywhere, unlike the USDA restrictions, and there is no income household limit

Most VA lenders I work with will want a 580 credit score.


VA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy or foreclosure.




Kentucky Down Payment Assistance






This type of loan is administered by KHC in the state of Kentucky. They typically have $4500 to $6000 down payment assistance year around, that is in the form of a second mortgage that you pay back over 10 years.

Sometimes they will come to market with other down payment assistance and lower market rates to benefit lower income households with not a lot of money for down payment.

KHC offers FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans with their minimum credit scores being set at 620 for all programs. The conventional loan requirements at KHC requires 660 credit score.

Kentucky Zero Percent Down Home loans

Special Government Loan Programs for First Time Home Buyers in Kentucky 

Kentucky Kentucky FHA Loans

Kentucky FHA loans are issued by federally qualified lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration. These loans are designed for low-to-moderate income borrowers who are not able to make a large down payment.

• The required down payment can be as low as 3.5%
• You are required to purchase a mortgage insurance policy or MIP. The MIP has an upfront cost (to be paid during closing) and monthly premium (paid with your mortgage payment each month).
• FHA loans allow you to include a person (who is related by blood, marriage, or law) on the loan who will not occupy the property to help you qualify (Non-Occupant Borrower).

Kentucky VA Mortgage Loans

VA loans are offered by qualified lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This loan is designed to offer long-term financing to eligible American veterans or their surviving spouses.

• VA loans offer a low down payment or even zero down payment options.
• There is no monthly mortgage insurance, however, you are required to pay an upfront funding fee at closing.
• If you put 0% down, you need to pay at closing. You can wrap in the funding fee, and the max LTV is 100%.
• The benefits of a VA loan are available for life. If you repay one loan in full and want to purchase another property, you can use your VA benefits for that purchase also.
• Minimum credit score on paper with VA says they don't require a credit score but you will usually need a minimum 580 with most lenders and a lot of lenders will want a 620 credit score. 

Kentucky USDA Loans

USDA loans are offered by approved lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These loans are designed to encourage low-to-moderate income households to purchase modest, safe, and decent dwellings in eligible rural areas.

• USDA loans do not require a down payment.
• You will need to purchase mortgage. The upfront mortgage insurance can be rolled into the loan amount, max LTV is 102%.
• 640 credit score required usually for a good pre-approval
• maximum debt to income ratios are 45% on the back-end, meaning your new house payment along with your current monthly payments on the credit report cannot be more than 45% of your total gross monthly income

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

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 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Kentucky Housing Qualifying Standards for a Mortgage with Down Payment Assistance For First Time Home Buyers

Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance

KHC recognizes that down payments, closing costs, and prepaids are stumbling blocks for many potential home buyers. Here are several loan programs to help. Your 

Regular DAP

• Purchase price up to $283,900 with Secondary Market or $255,500 with MRB.
• Assistance in the form of a loan up to $6,000 in $100 increments.
• Repayable over a ten-year term at 5.50 percent. A DAP of $6,000 over ten years at 5.50 percent interest would equal a payment of $65.12.
• Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.

Affordable DAP

• Purchase price up to $283,900 with Secondary Market or $255,500 with MRB.
• Assistance up to $4,500.
• Repayable over a ten-year term at 1.00 percent.
• Borrowers must meet Affordable DAP household income limits.

More about down payment and closing costs

• No liquid asset review and no limit on borrower reserves.
• Specific credit underwriting standards may apply to down payment programs.

-- 

Joel Lobb
Senior  Loan Officer

(NMLS#57916)

 phone: (502) 905-3708

 Fax:     (502) 327-9119

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 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.