Kentucky's Welcome Home Grant

WELCOME GRANT INFORMATION FOR QUALIFYING IN 2025

Kentucky's Welcome Home Grant: A $20,000 Boost for Homeownership!

Dreaming of owning a home in Kentucky but facing hurdles with the down payment? The Welcome Home Grant program might be your answer! This initiative offers a $20,000 grant to eligible homebuyers, giving them a significant financial boost towards their dream home. Let's delve into the program's details and see if you qualify!

What is the Welcome Home Grant Program?

This program, funded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLBC), partners with participating lenders across Kentucky to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to homebuyers. It aims to increase homeownership opportunities for individuals and families, particularly those with moderate income.

1. Who is Eligible?
2. Income Limits: Your household income must be at or below 80% of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) limit for your county. You can find these limits here 
3. --👇>>https://kyfirsttimehomebuyer.wordpress.com/2024/01/20/kentucky-welcome-home-grant-5000-00/
4. Only Kentucky First-Time Homebuyers? Not necessarily: Both first-time and repeat homebuyers can apply!
5. Location: The property must be your primary residence and located in a county participating in the program. It's available in all 120 counties of Kentucky
6. Other Requirements: You must have a fully executed purchase contract, contribute at least $500 of your own funds towards the down payment/closing costs, and meet the lender's creditworthiness standards.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Application Period: Reservations for the 2025 Welcome Home Grant program open on March 1st, 2025, at 8:00 AM ET.
• Funding Availability: Grants are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Program Duration: The program runs until all funds are reserved.
• Must have contract under agreement to submit for funds. 

Benefits of the Welcome Home Grant:

• Significant financial assistance: $20,000 can make a huge difference in lowering your down payment and closing costs.
• More affordable monthly payments: A smaller down payment translates to a lower mortgage amount and potentially lower monthly payments.
• Opens doors to homeownership: The grant can make homeownership more accessible for those facing financial constraints.

Next Steps:

1. Check your eligibility: Visit the this  Kentucky Welcome Home Grant Qualifying Criteria or contact a participating lender to confirm you meet the income and other requirements. 
2. Find a participating lender: A list of participating lenders is available on the FHLBC website or here --->>> Kentucky Lenders for Welcome Home Grant 2025.
3. Get pre-approved: Getting pre-approved shows the seller you're a serious buyer and helps you understand your budget.
4. Be prepared on March 1st: Have all necessary documents ready to submit your reservation for the grant as soon as applications open.
5. Income Limits for Kentucky Welcome Grant for all Kentucky Counties below:👇
6. 👉Kentucky welcome grant income limits for 2025

Kentucky Welcome Home Buyer Eligibility

A homebuyer would be eligible for the Kentucky Welcome Home grant if all of the following guidelines are met:

• The total income for all occupants who will reside in the home is at or below 80 percent of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) limit for the county and state where the property is located;
• A fully executed (signed by buyer and seller) purchase contract on an eligible property is in hand;
• The homebuyer has at least $500 of their own funds to contribute towards down payment and/or closing costs; and,
• If a first-time homebuyer (typically anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), a satisfactory homebuyer counseling course is completed prior to the loan closing.
  Note: Applicants do not have to be first-time homebuyers.
  

Kentucky Property Eligibility

The Kentucky Welcome Home grant is available for various property types:

• The property will be the homebuyer’s primary residence;
• The property is a single family, townhome, condominium, duplex, multi-unit (up to four family units) or a qualified manufactured home. (Manufactured homes may be eligible if they are taxed as real estate and affixed to a permanent foundation); and,
• The property is subject to a legally enforceable five-year retention mechanism, included in the Deed or as a Declaration of Restrictive Covenants to the Deed, requiring the FHLB Cincinnati be given notice of any refinancing, sale, foreclosure, deed in-lieu of foreclosure, or change in ownership during the five year retention period.
  

Beginning March 1, 2025, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati offers grants of up to $25,000 for honorably discharged veterans, surviving spouses of military personnel, and active duty military homebuyers and up to $20,000 for all other homebuyers to assist with down payment and closing costs for income eligible homebuyers through the Welcome Home Program. Who are Eligible Homebuyers?
A homebuyer would be eligible for the Welcome Home grant if all of the following guidelines are met: The total income for all occupants who will reside in the home is at or below 80 percent of the Mortgage Revenue Bond limit for the county and state where the property is located –


In Jefferson County 1 or 2 person families can make up to $71,760. 3-4 persons in the household cap at $82,584. The limits are slightly higher or lower in the surrounding counties like Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Spencer, Hardin, Meade, Nelson and Spencer Counites. see limits below



2025 Income Limits Kentucky Welcome Program Below:


Use the 80% limits for the Welcome Home Program

Kentucky Welcome Home Grant 2025 Income Limits for the $20,000 Grant.

Use the 80% limits for the Welcome Home Program

Use the 100% limits for the Disaster Reconstruction Program

Home Buyer Eligibility

A homebuyer would be eligible for the Welcome Home grant if all of the following guidelines are met:


The total income for all occupants who will reside in the home is at or below 80 percent of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) limit for the county and state where the property is located;
A fully executed (signed by buyer and seller) purchase contract on an eligible property is in hand;
The homebuyer has at least $500 of their own funds to contribute towards down payment and/or closing costs; and,

If a first-time homebuyer (typically anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), a satisfactory homebuyer counseling course is completed prior to the loan closing.
Note: Applicants do not have to be first-time homebuyers.

Property Eligibility

The Welcome Home grant is available for various property types:


The property will be the homebuyer’s primary residence;
The property is a single family, townhome, condominium, duplex, multi-unit (up to four family units) or a qualified manufactured home. (Manufactured homes may be eligible if they are taxed as real estate and affixed to a permanent foundation); and,
The property is subject to a legally enforceable five-year retention mechanism, included in the Deed or as a Declaration of Restrictive Covenants to the Deed, requiring the FHLB Cincinnati be given notice of any refinancing, sale, foreclosure, deed in-lieu of foreclosure, or change in ownership during the five year retention period.

A fully executed (signed by buyer and seller) purchase contract on an eligible property is in hand; 

The homebuyer has at least $500 of their own funds to contribute towards down payment and/or
closing costs; And, If a first-time homebuyer (typically anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), a satisfactory homebuyer counseling course is completed prior to the loan closing. 

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A FIRST-TIME BUYER TO OBTAIN THIS GRANT.

What is an Eligible Property?

A property would be eligible if all of the following guidelines are met:
The property will be the homebuyer’s primary residence; The property is a single family, townhome, condominium, duplex, multi-unit (up to four family units); And, The property is subject to a legally enforceable five-year retention mechanism – this means it is forgiven at a rate of 20% per year and if you sell before 5 years, they will be repaid part of the grant.

 

 Email - kentuckyloan@gmail.com 

  

 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

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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).

First-Time Home Buyer's Guide to Mortgage Approval in Kentucky

Are you a first-time home buyer in Kentucky dreaming of owning your own piece of the Bluegrass State? The path to homeownership starts with getting approved for a mortgage loan. While the process might seem daunting, we're here to break it down into manageable steps. Let's walk through the journey of securing your first mortgage in Kentucky.

Step 1: Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score is an important factor in getting approved for a mortgage and the interest rate you'll pay. In Kentucky, most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans. However, some government-backed loans, such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, may accept lower credit scores.

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Step 2: Save for a Down Payment and Closing Costs

While some loans offer low down payment options, having a substantial down payment can improve your chances of approval and potentially lower your interest rate.

• Aim for at least 3.5% to 20% of the home's purchase price
• Don't forget about closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount
• Look into Kentucky-specific programs like the Kentucky Housing Corporation's Down Payment Assistance Program, which offers up to $10,000 for eligible first-time buyers

 There are indeed several programs available that can help potential homebuyers achieve this goal. Let's go through some of the main options:

1. Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Programs: KHC offers several down payment assistance programs, including:

• Regular Down Payment Assistance Program
• 
  

These programs can provide up to 10,000 in down payment assistance, which can effectively result in a zero down payment for some buyers.

2. FHA Loans: While FHA loans typically require a 3.5% down payment, this can be covered by down payment assistance programs, effectively resulting in zero down payment for the buyer.
3. VA Loans: For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain military spouses, VA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment required.
4. USDA Rural Development Loans: These loans are available for homes in eligible rural areas and offer 100% financing with no down payment.
5. UWM's $15,000 Welcome Home Grant: This grant program can provide up to $15,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
6. $25,000 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant: This grant can provide up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers.
7. 5% Grant: Some lenders offer a 5% grant that can be used towards down payment and closing costs.

Qualifying criteria for these programs generally include:

• Credit Score: Typically, a minimum score of 620 is required, but some programs may accept lower scores.
• Income: Many programs have income limits based on the area's median income.
• Work History: Most lenders prefer a stable work history of at least two years.
• Assets: While these programs aim to help with down payments, having some savings for closing costs and reserves is often beneficial.

It's important to note that qualifying criteria can vary significantly between programs and lenders. Additionally, while these programs can help achieve a zero down payment, buyers should be aware that this often results in higher monthly payments and potentially higher interest rates.

Step 3: Determine Your Budget

Before applying for a mortgage, it's crucial to know how much home you can afford.

• Use the 28/36 rule: Your mortgage payment shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debts shouldn't exceed 36%
• Factor in property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential HOA fees
• Consider future expenses like home maintenance and repairs

Step 4: Gather Necessary Documents

Lenders will require various documents to verify your financial situation. Typically, you'll need:

• Proof of income (W-2 forms, pay stubs, tax returns for the past two years)
• Bank statements for the past few months
• Proof of assets (retirement accounts, investments)
• Identification (driver's license, Social Security number)
• Rental history for the past two years

Step 5: Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.

• Shop around with multiple lenders to compare rates and terms
• Submit your financial documents for review
• Receive a pre-approval letter, typically valid for 120 days

Step 6: Choose a Mortgage Type

Kentucky offers various mortgage options for first-time buyers:

• Conventional loans: Typically require higher credit scores but offer competitive rates
• FHA loans: Lower down payment and credit score requirements, but require mortgage insurance
• VA loans: For eligible veterans and service members, offering no down payment options
• USDA loans: For rural home buyers, with no down payment required
• Kentucky Housing Corporation loans: State-specific programs with competitive rates and down payment assistance

Step 7: Find a Home and Make an Offer

With pre-approval in hand, you're ready to house hunt!

• Work with a local real estate agent familiar with Kentucky's market
• Once you find a home, make an offer and negotiate terms
• If accepted, proceed to the final loan application

Step 8: Complete the Full Mortgage Application

Once your offer is accepted, it's time to finalize your mortgage application.

• Choose your lender and loan program
• Provide any additional documentation requested
• Pay for an appraisal to determine the home's value

Step 9: Underwriting Process

The lender's underwriting team will review your application and supporting documents.

• They may request additional information or clarification
• Be prompt in responding to avoid delays
• Avoid making major purchases or changing jobs during this time

Step 10: Closing

If approved, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure detailing your loan terms and closing costs.

• Review this document carefully
• Attend the closing to sign final paperwork
• Bring a cashier's check or arrange a wire transfer for your down payment and closing costs

Congratulations! Once you've completed these steps, you'll be a proud homeowner in the beautiful state of Kentucky.

Remember, the process can vary depending on your specific situation and chosen lender. Don't hesitate to ask questions along the way.

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

Text/call: 502-905-3708

email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Down payment Assistance for Kentucky Homebuyers $10,000 Through KHC

Down Payment Assistance Housing Programs for Kentucky First Time Home Buyers

$10,000 Down Payment assistance from Kentucky Housing Below  see details below for restrictions:

@kentuckymortgagebroker #kentuckymortgage #ficoscore #firsttimehomebuyer #homeloan #homeloan #zerodownpayment #vamortgage #vamortgage #khcloan #usdaloan #ruralhousing #mortgagetips #fha ♬ Synchronize (Instrumental) - Milky Chance

​​​​​KHC recognizes that down payments, closing costs, and prep​aids are stumbling blocks for many potential home buyers. We offer a special loan program to help with those. Your KHC-approved lender can help you apply.

Regular DAP

• Purchase price up to $349,525 with Secondary Market.
• Assistance in the form of a loan up to $10,000 in $100 increments.
• Repayable over a 10-year term at 3.75 percent.
• Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.

​​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 Eligibility

To qualify for a Secondary Market KHC loan, you must meet the following requirements:

• Meet Secondary Mark​et Income​ Limits for your county.
• Be a U.S. citizen, other national or qualified alien person
• Have a minimum credit score of 620.
• Be a first-time or repeat homebuyer.

Property Eligibility

The home you wish to purchase must meet the following guidelines.

• Borrower must occupy the home within 60 days of closing and for duration of loan.
• New or previously occupied detached, single-family home.
• New or previously occupied condominium, townhouse, or attached unit in a planned unit development.
• Check with lender for eligible condominiums.
• New or previously occupied manufactured housing, single or double wide, permanently affixed to the foundation and taxed as real estate
• ​Must meet loan type's foundation requirements.
• ​The property purchased must be in Kentucky.​
  

​​Secondary Market Funding Source

• First-time and repeat homebuyers statewide
• 30-year fixed interest rate
  
• Principal residence ONLY
  
• Purchase Price Limit:  $349,525​
  
• 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)
• KHC DAP applicable
• No minimum borrower contribution
• No reserves required
• 80 percent AMI in​​come         
  

Conventional Preferred Plus 80

• Minimum credit score of 660
• 3 percent down payment
• Monthly mortgage insurance (standard coverage)
• KHC DAP 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
• KHC DAP 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
• KHC DAP 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

Purchase Price Limitations

Secondary Market First Mortgage Programs and KHC's Homebuyer Tax Credit

Secondary Market New and Existing Homes................$349,525

KHC's Homebuyer Tax Credit.......................................$349,525​

First-Time Home buyers Louisville, KY

Louisville KY:



 First-Time Home buyers Louisville, KY

Even beyond the bourbon, the Kentucky Derby and their famous baseball bats, Louisville is not a bad place to put your feet up at the end of the day. This city is certifiably Southern when it comes to food, drink and hospitality, but Louisville is also inclusive and friendly to LGBTQ residents and visitors, earning a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index in 2017. In other words, Louisville is more than just your stereotypical Southern city — it’s a cool, thriving and welcoming place to all (which is why they ranked at No. 28 on our Top 100 Best Places to Live list in 2019).  

In addition to an inclusive, amenity-filled environment, Louisville is affordable for first-time buyers. Their HOI is 80.5 according to the NAHB, meaning that most of the city’s housing is affordable to average income families, and the median price of homes sold is $176,300. And to encourage low and middle-income families to invest in the city, Louisville also offers an innovative Down Payment Assistance Program, which offers all buyers (not just first-timers) who are at or below 80% of the area median income with down payment assistance up to 20% of the purchase price. As long as you live in the home for five years and financially contribute $500 to the purchase of the property through the appraisal payment, home inspection or earnest money, you can get some financial help to buy your beautiful Southern dream home.

Senior  Loan Officer
Text/call 502-905-3708

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3

Louisville, KY 40223

Company ID #1364 | MB73346

 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/

-- Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. The content in this marketing advertisement has not been approved, reviewed, sponsored or endorsed by any department or government agency. Rates are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification.

100% Financing Zero Down Payment Kentucky Mortgage Home Loans for Kentucky First time Home Buyers: 2019 Kentucky First Time Homebuyer Down Payment As...

100% Financing Zero Down Payment Kentucky Mortgage Home Loans for Kentucky First time Home Buyers: 2019 Kentucky First Time Homebuyer Down Payment As...: $10,000 HHF DAP Available**************Currently out of funds*****Updated 12-2018 Here are action steps you ...

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Joel Lobb

Senior Loan Officer

(NMLS#57916

text or call my phone: (502) 905-3708

email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.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. NMLS ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 

KHC Home Buyer Tax Credit Down payment Assistance

KHC Home Buyer Tax Credit:

• Reduces the amount of federal income tax
you pay.
• Gives you more income to qualify for a
mortgage loan.
• Is effective for the life of the loan. As long as you
have a mortgage, you can claim the credit!
• A 25 percent tax credit of the mortgage interest
paid over a year (not to exceed $2,000).
• The remaining 75 percent of mortgage interest
can still be taken as a yearly deduction.
• Offers a reduction of the one-time fee* to $200
if you obtain your mortgage financing through
Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC).



Down payment Assistance

Programs (DAP):
• Regular DAP:
Up to $6,000 second mortgage; paid back over
a 10-year period at 5.50 percent interest.
• Affordable DAP:
Up to $4,500 second mortgage; paid back
over a 10-year period at 1 percent interest.
Affordable DAP household income limits apply.
*DAPs can pay the home buyer tax credit fee.





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