What credit score do I need to qualify for Kentucky FHA loan is one of the most common questions lenders hear. The short answer is you must have a minimum credit score of 500 to be eligible for an Kentucky FHA loan. Higher scores will get you better terms and a smaller down payment requirement. Anything lower than 500 disqualifies you from consideration for an Kentucky FHA loan.
There are two sets of credit score requirements.
One important thing to understand is that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) does not lend money directly to home buyers. You will fill out an application with a regular lender just as you would if you were applying for any other type of mortgage. What the FHA does is ensure your loan to help protect the lender in case you default. You will be required not only to meet the FHA guidelines to qualify for a loan but also meet any additional qualifications required by the lender. This means there are two sets of requirements you have to meet with your credit score.
1. The first set of requirements comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD oversees the FHA and determines what a borrower’s minimum eligibility requirements will be to obtain an FHA loan.
2. The second set of requirements comes from the mortgage lender. The mortgage lender has the right to add its requirements to those mandated by HUD.
What HUD requires of borrowers to be eligible for an FHA loan
The HUD Handbook 4000.1 includes the official guidelines when it comes to the FHA mortgage insurance program.
It states that in 2020 the borrowers with credit scores of 580 or higher are eligible for a 96.5% loan with 3.5% down.
Borrowers with credit scores from 500 to 579 are eligible for a 90% loan with 10% down.
Individuals with credit scores below 500 are not eligible for the FHA program.
What lenders may require of borrowers to be eligible for an FHA loan
Lenders have the right to add requirements over and above the minimum requirements of HUD. These additional requirements are called overlays. Your lender may or may not require them. This is not something that should come as a surprise to you, however. Requiring a credit score of 580 to 620 is not unusual. In addition to your credit score, you must have a manageable debt level that lenders are comfortable with and enough income to repay your loan.
What credit score do I need to qualify for FHA loan?
These percentages show that the majority of borrowers who successfully qualify for FHA loans fall into the 600 to 799 range. While it is true that some successfully qualify in the low range of 500 to 599, you have a much better chance of being approved for a loan with good terms and a low down payment if you fall into the higher range.