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
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- 4 Things Required for a KY Mortgage Loan Approval
- Credit Scores Required For A Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval in 2025
- Kentucky First-time Home Buyer Programs
- Kentucky FHA Mortgage Information
- Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Information
- USDA Rural Housing Kentucky Loan Information
- Down Payment Assistance Kentucky 2025 Kentucky Housing Corporation KHC
- Zero Down Kentucky Mortgages
- First-time Home-buyers in Kentucky
- Documents Needed Mortgage Approval in Kentucky
- Free Credit Score For Mortgage Loan Approval
- Do's & Dont's before closing:
- Closing Costs Kentucky Mortgage
- Lock Kentucky Mortgage Loan Rate
- Home Inspections Kentucky Mortgage Loan
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Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgages: The best Kentucky first-time homebuyer programs in...

Kentucky Mortgage Qualification Calculator
Kentucky Mortgage Qualification Calculator

How to Get Approved for a USDA Mortgage Loan in Kentucky
How to Get Approved for a USDA Mortgage Loan in Kentucky
If you're considering buying a home in Kentucky and looking for a mortgage loan with favorable terms, a Kentucky USDA loan could be a great option. Kentucky USDA loans, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are designed to help low to moderate-income borrowers in Kentucky rural areas achieve homeownership. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to get approved for a USDA mortgage loan in Kentucky in regards to credit score, income, work history, debt to income ratios, bankruptcy and foreclosure :
Kentucky USDA loans Credit Score Requirements:
- While Kentucky USDA loans are known for their lenient credit score requirements compared to conventional loans, having a good credit score can still improve your chances of approval. Aim for a credit score of 640 or higher for smoother processing. On paper USDA says there is no minimum score, but it is very difficult to get approved with lenders with no score.
Kentucky USDA loans Income Eligibility:
- USDA loans have income eligibility criteria based on the area's median income. To qualify, your household income should fall within the USDA's income limits for the specific county or area in Kentucky where you plan to buy a home.
Kentucky USDA loans Work History:
- Lenders typically look for a stable work history, preferably with at least two years of consistent employment in the same field or industry. This demonstrates your ability to repay the loan.
Kentucky USDA loans Property Location (Counties 120 in Kentucky):
- USDA loans are specifically designed for properties located in eligible rural areas or designated suburban areas. Before applying, ensure that the property you're interested in is within a USDA-eligible location in Kentucky.
Kentucky USDA loans Income Ratio:
- Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is an important factor in loan approval. Generally, USDA loans require a DTI ratio of 41% or lower, although some lenders may allow higher ratios with compensating factors.
Kentucky USDA loans Income Limits:
- USDA loans have income limits based on family size and county location. These limits vary by area, so check the current income limits set by USDA for the county where you plan to purchase your home.
Kentucky USDA loans Property Type:
- USDA loans are intended for primary residences, including single-family homes, townhouses, and eligible condominiums. Investment properties and vacation homes are not eligible.
Kentucky USDA loans Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Requirements:
- Having a bankruptcy or foreclosure in your financial history doesn't necessarily disqualify you from a USDA loan. However, there are waiting periods after these events before you can apply:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: 3 years from the discharge date.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: 1 year of on-time payments and court approval.
- Foreclosure: 3 years from the sale date.
- Having a bankruptcy or foreclosure in your financial history doesn't necessarily disqualify you from a USDA loan. However, there are waiting periods after these events before you can apply:
Kentucky USDA loans Closing Time:
- USDA loans typically take around 30 to 45 days to close, although this timeline can vary based on factors such as application volume and the efficiency of document processing.
Kentucky USDA loans Appraisal Requirements:
- A professional appraisal is required for USDA loans to determine the fair market value of the property. The appraisal ensures that the property meets USDA standards and is worth the loan amount.
Kentucky USDA loans Termite Inspections:
- USDA loans may require a termite inspection, especially in areas where termite infestations are common. The inspection aims to identify and address any termite-related issues in the property.
Kentucky USDA loans GUS (Guaranteed Underwriting System):
- GUS is a tool used by lenders to process USDA loan applications. It evaluates the borrower's credit, income, and other factors to determine eligibility and streamline the underwriting process.
Kentucky USDA loans Manual Underwriting:
- In some cases, USDA loans may undergo manual underwriting, especially if the borrower's application doesn't meet automated approval criteria. Manual underwriting involves a more thorough review of the borrower's financial situation by the lender.
To get a Kentucky USDA loan, potential Kentucky rural housing borrowers must follow this sequence of steps:
- Determine eligibility by consulting online USDA maps.
- Decide whether you want a guaranteed or direct loan. Guaranteed loans will have higher income limits, which you’ll work out with the lending institution.
- Submit all applicable paperwork, including income, debts, and credit reports.
- After pre-approval, begin searching for new homes (or launch renovations on your current home).
Keep in mind that you’ll have fees associated with your loan. Guaranteed loans require an upfront 1% fee and annual fees of 0.35% for as long as the mortgage is active.
USDA program for properties located outside urban areas of Kentucky areas where you can secure a no money down loan at a fixed rate of on 30 years.
The max household income limits usually are between $112,450 to $148,450 for most rural area counties depending on household family size.
This changes every year so make sure you are using updated USDA Income Limits for this year
A 620-640 middle credit score is needed for loan approval on this program. They're no max loan limits on USDA loans. You just need to qualify based on your debt to income ratio (see below under income section)-----USDA will go down to 580 on scores but it has to pass 👉 USDA Manual Underwriting guidelines
Need to be 3 years removed from a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and 3 years from a foreclosure
🏡 Kentucky USDA Loans
Your Path to Rural Homeownership with $0 Down
Why Choose USDA Loans?
$0 Down Payment
100% financing available
Fixed Rate
30-year stable payments
Flexible Credit
Scores as low as 580*
Rural Focus
120 eligible KY counties
Key Requirements
Credit Score
580+ for manual underwriting
Income Limits
Varies by county & family size
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Total debt ÷ gross income
Employment History
Same field preferred
Property Location
Primary residence only
Bankruptcy/Foreclosure
1 year from Chapter 13 + payments
Application Process
Check Eligibility
Verify location & income limits
Get Pre-Approved
Submit documentation
House Hunt
Search eligible properties
Close
30-45 day timeline
Quick Qualification Check
Ready to Get Started?
kentuckyloan@gmail.com
502-905-3708
mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
Louisville, KY
Joel Lobb - NMLS# 57916 | Evo Mortgage - NMLS# 1738461

How much income do I need qualify for Kentucky Home Loan?
Kentucky Lender's Criteria: Debt-to-Income Ratios
The Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio is a critical factor in determining whether you qualify for a mortgage along with credit, work history and assets. It measures how much of your gross monthly income is used to cover your monthly debt obligations.
For Most Kentucky Mortgage loans ,the debt to income ratio is centered around the front end ratio and back end ratio. The front end ratio will vary according to the different types of loans, and I will show them below. The backend ratio, which measures the new house payment along with your current monthly payments on the credit report along with any court ordered payments like child support, DTI limit is typically 45 to 50%
From a Kentucky Mortgage lender's perspective, your ability to purchase a home depends largely on the following factors:
Front-End Ratio
The front-end ratio is the percentage of your yearly gross income dedicated toward paying your mortgage each month. Your mortgage payment consists of four components: principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often collectively referred to as PITI) A good rule of thumb is that PITI should not exceed 31% of your gross income. If you make $100,000 a year, then your max house payment to include escrows for home insurance, mortgage insurance, property taxes would be $2583.00
Back-End Ratio
The back-end ratio, also known as the debt-to-income ratio, calculates the percentage of your gross income required to cover your debts. Debts include your mortgage, credit-card payments, child support and other loan payments. Most lenders recommend that your debt-to-income ratio does not exceed 45% of your gross income. To calculate your maximum monthly debt based on this ratio, multiply your gross income by 0..45 and divide by 12. For example, if you earn $100,000 per year, your maximum monthly debt expenses should not exceed $3,750 with new mortgage payment. Utility bills, car insurance, cell phone bills, insurance payments does not factor into this ratio. Only bills listed on credit report and 401k loan and child support payment
If you are looking to purchase your first home, you have probably been doing your research about properties in your area, where you might be able to obtain a loan and how to qualify for it. A key term you may recognize from all that research is "debt-to-income ratio," which refers to the figure you get when you add up all your monthly debt payments and then divide that number by your monthly income. In laymen's terms, the debt-to-income ratio gives potential mortgage lenders an idea of how much your expenses are each month in comparison to how much you actually earn.
Depending on where you are in the home-buying process, you may have a good idea of where your credit score lands. As important as a strong credit score is, however, a favorable debt-to-income ratio is arguably of equal importance, and it may be just as closely scrutinized by any potential mortgage lender.
Front-end ratios vs. back-end ratios
When you try and obtain a loan, expect possible lenders to review two types of debt-to-income ratio. The front-end ratio, or "housing" ratio, gives them an idea of what percentage of your monthly income would have to go toward home-related expenses, such as the mortgage, associated taxes and any additional fees, such as homeowner's association expenditures, that may apply.
The back-end ratio, on the other hand, takes a more cumulative approach and compares your monthly income to all your expenses, from the housing-related ones to school tuition, child support, car payments and any other financial obligations you may have.
The ideal debt-to-income ratio
The exact percentage your lender will look for will likely vary based on factors such as your credit score, how much you have in your savings account and how much you have to put down for your down payment. Most standard lenders, however, prefer to see something in the ballpark of 28 percent for a front-end ratio. For a back-end ratio, they will likely look for a percentage that does not exceed 36 percent. Federal Housing Authority lenders typically look for a front-end ratio of about 31 percent and a back-end ratio that does not exceed 43 percent.
DTI Calculator for Kentucky Mortgage Loans
Wondering how much house you can afford in Kentucky? Use our simple DTI (Debt-to-Income) ratio calculator to estimate your maximum monthly mortgage payment based on FHA, USDA, VA, KHC, and Conventional loan program guidelines.
This is especially helpful for first-time homebuyers in Kentucky applying for zero-down USDA loans, FHA loans, or KHC Down Payment Assistance.
DTI Max House Payment Calculator
At EVO Mortgage, we help clients across Kentucky understand how to qualify based on DTI ratios, credit scores, and loan program rules. Contact Joel Lobb or call/text 502-905-3708 to get pre-approved today!
Lower a high ratio
DTI Calculator for Kentucky Mortgage Loans
Wondering how much house you can afford in Kentucky? Use our simple DTI (Debt-to-Income) ratio calculator to estimate your maximum monthly mortgage payment based on FHA, USDA, VA, KHC, and Conventional loan program guidelines. This is especially helpful for first-time homebuyers in Kentucky applying for zero-down USDA loans, FHA loans, or KHC Down Payment Assistance.
DTI Max House Payment Calculator
At EVO Mortgage, we help clients across Kentucky understand how to qualify based on DTI ratios, credit scores, and loan program rules. Contact Joel Lobb or call/text 502-905-3708 to get pre-approved today!
Simply put, the most effective way to lower a high debt-to-income ratio and therefore make yourself more appealing to lenders is to pay off some of your debt. If you have a cosigner who may be willing to help you out with a loan, that could serve as an additional method of getting around a high ratio.
To calculate the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio for the scenario you provided, you'll need to figure out both the front-end and back-end DTI ratios.
Front-end DTI ratio: This ratio only includes the mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) divided by your gross monthly income.
Back-end DTI ratio: This ratio includes all monthly debts (mortgage, credit cards, auto loans, student loans, etc.) divided by your gross monthly income.
(DTI) ratio requirements for different types of mortgage loans in Kentucky, including FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Kentucky Housing loans
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Email - kentuckyloan@gmail.com 2.
Call/Text - 502-905-3708
Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer - Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans
Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204
Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916
For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.



Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer - Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans
Website: www.
Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204
Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916
For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.
Kentucky Local Home Loan Lender Services
First-Time Home Buyers Welcome
FHA, Rural Housing (USDA), VA, and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Loans
Conventional Loan Options Available
Fast Local Decision-Making
Experienced Guidance Through the Home Buying Process
First-Time Home Buyers Welcome
FHA, Rural Housing (USDA), VA, and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Loans
Conventional Loan Options Available
Fast Local Decision-Making
Experienced Guidance Through the Home Buying Process
