I specialize in Kentucky First Time Homebuyers FHA, VA, USDA & Rural Housing, KHC and Fannie Mae mortgage loans. I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy their first home or refinance their current mortgage for a lower payment; Kentucky First time buyers we still how available down payment assistance with KHC. Free Mortgage applications/ same day approvals. Web site is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA govt agency. Text/call 502-905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com NMLS 57916 NMLS 1738461
The loan must be for a property used for your primary residence.
The property must be appraised by an FHA-approved appraiser.
The property must be safe, sound and secure, in compliance with minimum property standards as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD.
You must have a valid Social Security number and be a legal resident of the U.S.
You must have a minimum credit score of 580 with a down payment of at least 3.5 percent, or a minimum credit score of 500 with a down payment of at least 10 percent.
You may not have delinquent federal debt or judgments, or debt associated with past FHA loans.
You must have steady employment history.
You must make a down payment of at least 3.5 percent of the purchase price. If the down payment was gifted by a family member, documentation is required.
You must have a DTI ratio that does not exceed limits.
Any judgments or collections on the credit report must be resolved or satisfactorily explained.
Any required waiting period has passed, as follows:
Event
Waiting period
Waiting period with extenuating circumstances (nonrecurring events beyond your control that result in sudden, significant, prolonged reduction in income or a catastrophic increase in financial obligations)
Chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy
Four years
Two years
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Two years from discharge, or four years from dismissal
Two years
Multiple bankruptcies
Five years if more than one filing in last seven years. Most recent bankruptcy must have been caused by extenuating circumstances.
Three years from most recent discharge or dismissal
Foreclosure
Seven years
Three years, with additional requirements after three years up to seven years: 90 percent maximum loan-to-value purchase, principal residence, limited cash-out refinance
Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, preforeclosure sale (short-sale), or charge-off of mortgage account
Four years
Two years
Debt-to-Income Ratio Limits for Kentucky FHA Loans
Two DTI ratio figures are calculated when considering an Kentucky FHA mortgage. Thefront-end DTIratio is your total monthly housing expense, which includes the mortgage principal and interest, mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance, property taxes and applicable homeowners association fees, divided by your total monthly income. The back-end DTI ratio is your total monthly debt obligation, including housing, minimum credit card payments, auto loans, student loans and any other required monthly debt payment, divided by your total monthly income.
Standard FHA front- and back-end DTI limits are 31 percent and 43 percent, respectively. If you earn $3,500 per month, your front-end DTI cannot exceed $1,085 and the sum of all your monthly debt obligations cannot exceed $1,505. f Applications for Kentucky FHA borrowers with lower salaries and higher DTIs are manually underwritten. Manual underwriting means that your lender assigns a person to review your loan application and documents, versus running your information through an automated underwriting system. Manually underwritten FHA loans allow for front- and back-end DTI ratios of up to 40 percent and 50 percent, respectively. To qualify for these higher DTI limits, you will need to meet other requirements.
This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute loan approval. Program availability, limits, and terms change — contact us to confirm current eligibility and funding.
Kentucky Mortgage Loans with Past Credit Issues: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Options
Kentucky mortgage loans after credit challenges: your options and next steps
If you’ve had late payments, collections, bankruptcy, or other setbacks, you’re not out of the game. Kentucky homebuyers routinely qualify using the right loan structure, realistic timelines, and clean documentation. Below is a practical breakdown of FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC down payment assistance—plus smart internal and external resources.
Program overview
FHA loans in Kentucky
Potential approvals down to 500 with at least 10% down or 10% equity on a refinance.
580+ score typically enables 3.5% down payment.
Gift funds and DPA allowed; flexible underwriting for limited credit depth.
To qualify for an FHA loan in Kentucky, you'll need to meet several requirements. Here's a detailed breakdown of what lenders will be looking for in 2025:
Credit Score Requirements
While the FHA itself doesn't set a minimum credit score, most Kentucky FHA lenders do. For 2025, you'll generally need a credit score of at least 580 to qualify for the 3.5% low down payment option. If your score is between 500 and 579, you may still be eligible, but you'll likely need to make a larger down payment of at least 10%.
It's important to note that different lenders may have varying credit score requirements, with some requiring scores of 620 or higher. Shopping around with multiple Kentucky FHA lenders can help you find one that works with your specific credit situation.
Down Payment Requirements
As mentioned, the minimum down payment for an FHA loan is 3.5% of the purchase price for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. This down payment can come from several sources:
Your personal savings
A gift from a family member (with proper documentation)
Down payment assistance programs available in Kentucky
Funds from a retirement account (with restrictions)
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio
Your DTI ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes towards paying your monthly debts. For FHA loans, your housing DTI (mortgage payment including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees) should ideally be no more than 31% of your income, and your total DTI (all debts) should be no more than 43%.
However, with a strong credit score and other compensating factors, you may be approved with a higher DTI, potentially up to 55% in some cases. Kentucky FHA lenders will evaluate your entire financial picture when making this determination.
Income and Employment Requirements
You'll need to demonstrate a steady employment history for the past two years. Your income must be verifiable through pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation. Self-employed individuals will need to provide at least two years of tax returns to demonstrate consistent income.
Recent college graduates may be able to use their education to satisfy the employment history requirement if they can show their degree relates to their current employment.
Property Requirements
The home you're buying must be your primary residence - you cannot use an FHA loan for investment properties or vacation homes. The property also needs to meet the FHA's minimum property standards, which means it must be safe, sound, and secure. An FHA-approved appraiser will inspect the property to ensure it meets these standards.
Eligible property types in Kentucky include single-family homes, condominiums (in FHA-approved projects), townhomes, and multi-unit properties (up to 4 units) where you'll live in one of the units.
2025 FHA Loan Limits in Kentucky
For 2025, the FHA has set the following loan limits for all counties in Kentucky:
Single-Family Home (1-unit): $524,225
2-Unit Property: $671,200
3-Unit Property: $811,275
4-Unit Property: $1,008,300
These limits apply to all 120 Kentucky counties, as there are no high-cost county exceptions in the state for 2025. This means whether you're buying in Jefferson County (Louisville), Fayette County (Lexington), or any rural Kentucky county, the same loan limits apply. It's important to note that these limits can change annually based on housing market conditions.
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)
FHA loans require two types of mortgage insurance premiums that protect the lender in case of default:
Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP)
This is a one-time premium of 1.75% of the loan amount, which is typically financed into the loan rather than paid out of pocket at closing. For example, on a $200,000 loan, the UFMIP would be $3,500.
Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)
This premium is paid monthly as part of your mortgage payment. The amount varies from 0.45% to 1.05% of the loan amount annually, depending on your loan term, loan-to-value ratio, and down payment. For most borrowers with the minimum 3.5% down payment, the annual MIP is 0.85% of the loan amount.
Unlike conventional loan PMI, FHA MIP typically cannot be removed unless you refinance to a conventional loan or pay down your loan balance to 78% of the original purchase price (and the loan is at least 5 years old).
How to Apply for a Kentucky FHA Loan
Applying for an FHA loan in Kentucky is a straightforward process when you work with an experienced Kentucky FHA mortgage lender. Here are the detailed steps you can expect:
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
The first step is to get pre-approved with an FHA-approved lender. During pre-approval, the lender will review your credit, income, assets, and debts to determine how much you can borrow. This gives you a clear idea of your budget and shows sellers that you are a serious buyer in Kentucky's competitive housing market.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You will need to provide various financial documents, including:
Recent pay stubs (typically last 30 days)
Tax returns for the past 2 years
Bank statements for the past 2-3 months
Employment verification letter
Valid government-issued identification
Social Security card
Documentation of any additional income sources
Step 3: Find a Home
Once you are pre-approved, you can start shopping for a home that meets your needs and the FHA's property requirements. Consider working with a real estate agent familiar with FHA loans and Kentucky's housing market to help you find suitable properties.
Step 4: Complete the Loan Application
After you have an accepted offer on a home, you will complete the full loan application with your Kentucky FHA lender. This includes providing updated documentation and any additional information requested by the underwriter.
Step 5: Home Appraisal and Inspection
The lender will order an FHA appraisal to ensure the home meets FHA property standards and is worth the purchase price. You may also want to get a separate home inspection for your own peace of mind.
Step 6: Final Underwriting and Approval
The underwriter will review all documentation and make a final decision on your loan. They may request additional documentation or clarification during this process.
Step 7: Closing
Once your loan is approved and all conditions are met, you will close on your new Kentucky home and get the keys!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get an FHA loan with a bankruptcy?
Yes, it is possible to get an FHA loan after a bankruptcy. Generally, you will need to wait at least two years after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge and have re-established good credit. For a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may be able to qualify after making 12 on-time payments in your plan, with court approval.
Are FHA loans only for first-time homebuyers?
No, FHA loans are available to all qualified homebuyers, not just first-time buyers. They are a great option for anyone who can meet the eligibility requirements, including repeat buyers and those looking to refinance.
What is the difference between an FHA loan and a conventional loan?
The main differences include down payment requirements (3.5% vs typically 5-20%), credit score requirements (580 vs typically 620+), and mortgage insurance (MIP vs PMI). FHA loans are generally more accessible but require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan in most cases.
Can I use an FHA loan to buy a fixer-upper in Kentucky?
Yes, the FHA 203(k) renovation loan program allows you to finance both the purchase and renovation costs in a single loan. This can be a great option for buyers looking to purchase and improve a home in Kentucky.
How long does it take to close on an FHA loan in Kentucky?
Typically, FHA loans take 30-45 days to close from the time of application, though this can vary based on the lender, property type, and complexity of your financial situation.
Ready to Get Started with Your Kentucky FHA Loan?
Don't let another month go by without taking action toward homeownership. Kentucky's housing market is competitive, and having your financing in place gives you a significant advantage.
Our experienced Kentucky FHA mortgage specialists are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Find the Right Kentucky FHA Mortgage Lender
Choosing the right lender is just as important as choosing the right loan. Look for a Kentucky FHA mortgage lender that is experienced with FHA loans and can guide you through the process smoothly. A good lender will:
Answer your questions promptly and thoroughly
Help you understand your options and loan terms
Work with you to find a loan that fits your financial situation
Provide competitive rates and fees
Have experience with Kentucky's local housing market
Offer excellent customer service throughout the process
Kentucky Housing Market Insights for 2025
Understanding Kentucky's housing market can help you make informed decisions about your FHA loan. As of 2025, Kentucky continues to offer relatively affordable housing compared to national averages, making it an attractive state for first-time homebuyers using FHA loans.
Major Kentucky cities like Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro each offer unique opportunities for FHA loan borrowers. Rural areas of Kentucky also present excellent value propositions for families looking to maximize their purchasing power with an FHA loan.
An FHA loan can be an excellent path to homeownership for Kentucky residents, offering flexible requirements, competitive rates, and low down payment options. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer in Louisville, a growing family in Lexington, or anyone in between looking to purchase a home in the Bluegrass State, an FHA loan might be the perfect solution for your needs.
The key to success is working with an experienced Kentucky FHA mortgage lender who understands both the FHA program requirements and the local Kentucky housing market. Take the first step today by getting pre-approved and discovering how much home you can afford with an FHA loan.
Ready to take the next step towards homeownership in Kentucky?
About the Author
Joel Lobb is a licensed Kentucky Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #57916) with more than 20 years of experience helping families across Kentucky achieve homeownership. Specializing in FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC loan programs, Joel has guided over 1,300 families through the mortgage process—including hundreds of borrowers with credit scores in the 580–620 range.
Licensing Information
• NMLS Personal ID: 57916
• Company NMLS ID: 1738461 (EVO Mortgage)
• Licensed to originate mortgage loans in Kentucky only
• Equal Housing Lender
Legal Disclaimers
This website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Loan programs, rates, and requirements are subject to change without notice. Not all borrowers will qualify. This information is not endorsed or sponsored by FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, or any government agency.
Joel Lobb is licensed to originate mortgages in Kentucky only.
Equal Housing Lender. All rights reserved. Licensed by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Kentucky, having a solid credit score is essential for qualifying for popular mortgage programs like FHA, VA, USDA, or KHC loans. Here are six actionable tips to improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting approved for your dream home loan.
1. Pay Your Monthly Bills on Time
Here are six tips for improving your credit score for a fresh financial start
1. Pay Your Monthly Bills on Time Paying monthly bills is a necessary chore that has a definite effect on your credit score. According to the FICO scoring model, your payments account for as much as 35 percent of your total score. Create reminders for due dates or establish a calendar for yourself to ensure you get everything paid on time.
2. Reduce Your Debts Got credit card debt? Start paying it off now. Part of your credit score is based on the amount of available credit you have, known as your credit utilization ratio. So if you're carrying high balances, you'll want to lower them as soon as possible. Create a personal budget with a goal of reducing your spending so that it's lower than your income. Then, use any monthly surplus for your credit card debts until they're gone for good.
3. Limit Credit Inquiries
Looking for a new apartment? What about a mortgage? In either situation, try and group your applications together as much as possible. Applications for new lines of credit will generate a "hard pull" on your credit, and having too many of them in a short period of time can lower your score. However, credit reporting agencies usually consider a group of applications within a short period of time as one pull, as long as they're in the same category.
Similarly, limit yourself to opening up no more than one or two credit cards per year, which also generate hard pulls. Even if you get a ton of offers in the mail for stellar sign-up bonuses, they're likely to be offset by the damage to your credit. FICO reports that new credit and credit inquiries account for 10 percent of your total score.
4. Don't Cancel Old Cards
Have a card you don't use anymore? Don't close it. This can negatively affect your score as it lowers your amount of available credit. Instead, use it about once per month and don't forget to pay the bills in full, and on time.
5. Request Credit Limit Increase
If you only have one card and you're constantly approaching your spending limit, call the bank and ask for an increase in your credit line. This will raise the amount of available credit, which will eventually improve your score.
6. Take Care of Late Payments Before They Hit Your Score
If you do happen to miss a payment, contact the card issuer immediately. If you have good history built up, the company may agree to not report your late payment. Even if you can't avoid a late-payment fee, be sure to get your account up to date as soon as possible so you can limit the damage.
Your credit score is yours to own. It reflects your financial history and helps lenders predict how you will manage your finances in the future. Due to the lingering effects of credit, you don't want to waste any time to improve your credit.
Credit Repair Tips for Kentucky Homebuyers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I buy a house in Kentucky with a 580 credit score?
Yes. With a 580 score, you may qualify for an FHA loan in Kentucky with just 3.5% down. If your score is below 580, some lenders may still approve you with a 10% down payment. VA and USDA loans may also work with flexible credit guidelines, but additional documentation or manual underwriting may be required.
How long after bankruptcy can I get a mortgage in Kentucky?
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Generally, you must wait 2 years from discharge for FHA and VA loans, and 3 years for USDA.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Borrowers may qualify after 12 months of on-time payments with court approval. Conventional loans require a longer waiting period.
What credit score do I need for a USDA loan in Kentucky?
Most lenders look for a 640 minimum credit score for USDA automatic approval through the Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS). Lower scores may still be approved with manual underwriting, but stronger compensating factors (like low debt-to-income ratios or extra savings) are often required.
What credit score is needed for a VA loan in Kentucky?
The VA itself does not set a minimum score. However, many lenders in Kentucky require 580–620 or higher. Since VA loans are more flexible, they are often a good option for veterans or active-duty service members with less-than-perfect credit.
Does Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) require good credit?
KHC offers down payment assistance programs tied to FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans. In most cases, a minimum 640 score is required for KHC’s down payment assistance options, although individual loan program requirements still apply.
How long does it take to repair credit enough to buy a house?
It depends on your starting point. For some borrowers, 3–6 months of consistent on-time payments and reduced balances can move the needle significantly. For others with major derogatory items (like collections or bankruptcy), it may take longer. Working with a mortgage professional early can help you build a timeline and strategy.
Credit Repair Tips for Kentucky Homebuyers
Buying a home in Kentucky can feel out of reach if your credit isn’t where it needs to be. Whether you’re looking at FHA, VA, USDA, or Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) loans, your credit score is a key factor in approval and interest rate. The good news? You can take action today to improve your score and position yourself for homeownership.
Here are six proven strategies to repair and strengthen your credit.
1. Pay Your Bills on Time
Payment history accounts for about 35% of your FICO score. Even a single late payment can have lasting consequences. Setting up autopay, digital reminders, or a simple calendar system will keep you consistent.
2. Reduce Credit Card and Loan Balances
High balances relative to your credit limit increase your credit utilization ratio—a major factor in your score. Aim to bring balances below 30%, or ideally under 10%, for the strongest results. Build a monthly budget that prioritizes paying down debt before discretionary spending.
3. Limit New Credit Inquiries
Each time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry is added to your report. Too many inquiries in a short time frame can drop your score. If you’re shopping for a mortgage, group applications within 30–45 days to minimize the impact. Limit opening new credit cards unless absolutely necessary.
4. Keep Old Credit Cards Open
Closing old accounts reduces available credit and shortens your credit history. Both lower your score. Keep older accounts active by making a small monthly purchase and paying it off in full to maintain positive history.
5. Request a Credit Limit Increase
If you regularly use most of your available credit, request a limit increase. This lowers your utilization ratio, which can improve your score. Be cautious: this only helps if you avoid increasing your spending along with the new limit.
6. Address Late Payments Immediately
Missed a payment? Contact your creditor right away. Some lenders will work with you and avoid reporting it if your history is otherwise strong. Even if a late fee applies, catching up quickly reduces long-term damage.
How Long Does Bad Credit Stay on Your Report?
Late payments, charge-offs, and collections: 7 years
Chapter 7 bankruptcy: 10 years
Chapter 13 bankruptcy: 7 years
Foreclosure: 7 years
While negative marks remain for years, their impact lessens over time as you add new, positive credit history.
Next Steps for Kentucky Homebuyers
Your credit score is important—but it’s not permanent. By taking steps now, you can improve your financial position and qualify for programs like FHA loans with credit scores as low as 580, VA loans with flexible guidelines, USDA zero-down financing, and KHC down payment assistance programs.
If you’re ready to explore your options and take the next step toward homeownership in Kentucky, I can help you map out a personalized path.
EVO Mortgage – Company NMLS #1738461
Joel Lobb – Personal NMLS #57916
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee loan approval or represent full underwriting guidelines. This is not a government agency. Loan programs may not be available to all borrowers. Visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org for more information.
Evo Mortgage Company NMLS# 1738461 Personal NMLS# 57916
For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.
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. NMLS ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Mortgage loans only offered in Kentucky.
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