2025 Kentucky VA Mortgage Guidelines

Things to know about getting a VA Mortgage Loan in Kentucky in 2025

How to Get Approved for a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan in 2025: A Guide for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

Are you a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse looking to purchase a home in Kentucky?

 VA mortgage loans are one of the best financing options available for military personnel. With no down payment requirements, competitive interest rates, and flexible credit guidelines, these loans are designed to make homeownership more accessible.

Here’s everything you need to know about qualifying for a Kentucky VA mortgage loan in 2025:

1. No Loan Limits on VA Mortgages in Kentucky

One of the biggest advantages of a Kentucky VA loan is that there’s no limit on the loan amount you can borrow if you have full entitlement. However, keep in mind that the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which may influence how much lenders are willing to lend without a down payment.

For high-cost areas in Kentucky, the loan amount may vary based on county-specific limits. Be sure to check with your lender or the VA's official website for updated limits in 2025.

2. VA Loans Are for Primary Residences Only

A Kentucky VA mortgage loan must be used to purchase or refinance your primary residence. Vacation homes, second homes, and investment properties are not eligible. However, VA eligible properties include:

Single-family homes
Multi-family homes (up to four units)
Condominiums approved by the VA
Manufactured or mobile homes on a permanent foundation that have only been moved once (from the factory or dealership to the land).

3. Surviving Spouses May Qualify

VA loans aren’t just for veterans and active-duty service members. Certain Kentucky VA surviving spouses may also be eligible. Here are some situations where eligibility applies:

The veteran was killed in action or died from a service-connected disability.
The spouse has not remarried (or remarried on or after age 57 and after December 16, 2003).
The spouse of a veteran who is missing in action or a prisoner of war.
The spouse of a totally disabled veteran whose death was not related to their disability.

4. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Is Required

To qualify for a Kentucky VA mortgage loan, borrowers must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. This document proves you meet the eligibility criteria for a VA loan. Here’s what you’ll need to get your COE:

Veterans: DD Form 214 (showing character of service and reason for separation).
Active-duty service members: A statement of service signed by your commander or personnel officer.
Surviving spouses: VA Form 26-1817 and the veteran’s DD Form 214, if available.
You can apply for your COE online, via mail, or through your lender.

5. Credit Score Requirements

While the VA itself does not set a minimum credit score, most lenders in Kentucky require a credit score of at least 620. Some lenders may approve scores as low as 500, but this often comes with stricter underwriting requirements and may delay the approval process.

To increase your chances of approval, it’s best to improve your credit score to 580 or higher. This will make the underwriting process smoother, especially if the automated underwriting system (AUS) is used.

6. VA Loans After Bankruptcy or Foreclosure

VA loans provide flexibility for borrowers who have faced financial difficulties. Here’s how you can qualify after a bankruptcy or foreclosure:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Eligible 2 years after discharge.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Eligible 1 year after filing, with on-time payments.
Foreclosure: Eligible 2 years after the foreclosure is finalized.
Short Sale:  Treated like a foreclosures and 2 years needed Some lenders may not require a waiting period.

7. Residual Income Requirement

VA loans are unique because they require borrowers to meet residual income requirements, ensuring you have enough money left over each month after paying your bills. This includes:

Mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance)
Credit card and loan payments
Utilities and other fixed expenses
Federal, state, and local taxes
The amount of residual income required depends on your family size and location. For example, in Kentucky (Southern region), a family of five needs to have $1,039 in residual income to qualify for a VA loan.

8. Key Benefits of Kentucky VA Loans

No Down Payment: You can finance 100% of the home’s purchase price.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): This can save you hundreds of dollars each month.
Competitive Interest Rates: VA loans typically have lower rates than conventional loans.
Flexible Credit Guidelines: More lenient than conventional and FHA loans.
No Loan Limits: Borrow as much as your lender approves based on your financial profile.

9. How to Apply for a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan in 2025

Follow these steps to apply for your VA loan:

Check Your Eligibility: Obtain your COE through the VA or your lender.
Improve Your Credit: Aim for a credit score of 580 or higher. '
Find a VA-Approved Lender: Work with an experienced lender familiar with VA loans in Kentucky.
Get Pre-Approved: Provide your lender with income, asset, and debt information to secure pre-approval.
Choose Your Home: Select a property that meets VA guidelines (primary residence, approved property type, permanent foundation, etc.).
Close on Your Loan: Finalize your loan with your lender and move into your new home!

As a veteran myself (19K Tanker) and a mortgage professional, I’ve helped over 100 veterans secure VA loans in Kentucky. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or refinancing, I’m here to make the process seamless.

Have questions about qualifying for a Kentucky VA mortgage loan in 2025? Call, text, or email me today!

Can you have 2 Kentucky VA Loans?

A Kentucky Veteran Can Have Multiple VA Loans:

In the most basic of terms, VA Second-Tier Entitlement gives a qualified military person the ability to have two KY VA mortgages out simultaneously.

VA will allow a Kentucky Veteran to have multiple Kentucky  VA loans provided they meet the required GNMA 25 percent guaranty. Are you unsure of how to calculate the maximum loan amount for a Veteran based on their used entitlement? I am Kentucky Veteran myself and have done over 50 VA loans for past customers in Kentucky. I am here to help with your Kentucky VA mortgage questions!

Click here and download an interactive, Kentucky Mortgage VA Entitlement and Loan Amount worksheet to help you determine their Kentucky VA Home loan maximum loan amount. This worksheet also works great to determine the maximum loan amount for a Veteran when they are buying a home over their county loan limit.

First let’s explain the difference between entitlement and maximum loan amount.

Each borrower using a VA Loan has a $36,000 entitlement that the VA guarantees to the lender in the unfortunate event that a borrower would default on the loan. The VA's formula dictates whether or not all that entitlement is used with the initial loan, and thus, additional entitlement can be available. And even if the entitlement is $0 after the purchase of the first house, then the Veteran or active duty member can still use their second-tier entitlement, but there will be a standard minimum and maximum loan limits on what the borrower can use to buy that second house.

Where does the $36,000 come from? This is 25% of 144,000, the "old" maximum loan amount for VA loans.

The VA now has County maximum loan limits as high as 768,750 in the DC Metro Area. With that loan amount, your 25% guarantee is 192,187.50 in entitlement.

"Second-Tier entitlement is nice because for those people using it, it means they don't have to sell their (first) property right off the bat when obtaining the second VA Loan. However, they still have to qualify for the VA Loan. While Second Tier Entitlement is not widely used because of its complexity and the fact that plenty of lenders are not well versed in calculating it, does not mean that interested borrowers should wave the white flag and look elsewhere for a different home loan.

An Example of calculating second-tier entitlement:

Veteran has used $104,250 of entitlement on a prior loan, which may not be restored because the loan is still active and is now a rental due to orders to transfer. The Veteran is now purchasing a home for $350,000 where the county loan limit is $768,750.

$768,750 (County Loan Limit) X 25% (your VA guaranty) = $192,187.50 Maximum Guaranty

$192,187.50 - $104,250 (entitlement already used for active VA loan) = $87,937.50 Entitlement Available

$87,937.50 X 4 = $351,750 Maximum Loan Amount with 25% Guaranty – Since the proposed purchased price is less than the max loan amount, no down payment would be required.

If the Veteran would like to purchase a home for 400,000 using the same numbers above, they would be required to bring $12,062.50 as a down payment to meet the 25% guaranty.

400,000 x 25% = 100,000 needed entitlement/guaranty – 87,937.50 available = 12,062.50 difference needed by Veteran to meet lender requirement.

For a list of county loan limits, please email me or go to http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/do...limits.pdf

If you would like to discuss your options for second tier availability to you, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer 

EVO Mortgage
 911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204


Text/call: 502-905-3708

email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #173846

Different Types of Kentucky Home Loans

When it comes to getting a mortgage loan in Kentucky, there are four agencies that will probably end doing your loan. Most mortgage loans are backed by either the government (FHA,VA,USDA) and Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac which are known as conventional mortgage loans. 

Below I explain the difference in each of those four programs and where you could possibly fit into.

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.

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.

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 with a 580-credit score or higher. And will go down to a 500-credit score with 10% down payment.

The current mortgage insurance requirements are kind of steep when compared to USDA, VA, but the rates are usually good so it can counteract 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 Chapter 7 and 1 year from a Chapter 13 plan and 3 years removed from foreclosure.

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 a funding fee like USDA, but it is higher starting at 2.3% for first time use, and 3.6% 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 and NO max loan limits in Kentucky 

Most VA lenders I work with will want a 580-credit score even though VA does not require a minimum credit score per se on their written guidelines.

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 $10,000 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.

The max debt to income ratios is set at  50% respectively.

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)

Senior Loan Officer





Text/call 502-905-3708

kentuckyloan@gmail.com


If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708.


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#57916http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

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Can you use Foster Income for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval?

 Foster Income for a Kentucky Mortgage 

Yes, if it can be documented that foster care income has been received for the last 2 years that income is likely to continue for at least 3 years from the date of the Note, then it can be used to qualify. 

 If it can be verified that income is not taxable, it can be grossed up per 4000.1 II.A.4.c.xii.(P) or II.A.5.b.xii.(P) by either borrower's actual tax rate or 115% whichever is lower.

Yes, we need to show 24 months receipt of this income, possible exception if only received for 12 months, and we would need something from the agency showing this will continue for 3 years.

Foster-Care Income for a Mortgage Loan Approval

What are the guidelines?

Income received from a state- or county-sponsored organization for providing temporary care for one or more children may be considered acceptable stable income if the following requirements are met.

✓	Verification of Foster-Care Income
	Verify the foster-care income with letters of verification from the organizations providing the income.
	Document that the borrower has a two-year history of providing foster-care services. If the borrower has not been receiving this type of income for two full years, the income may still be counted as stable income if the borrower has at least a 12-month history of providing foster-care services, and the income does not represent more than 30% of the total gross income that is used to qualify for the mortgage loan.

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior  Loan Officer

Text/call 502-905-3708

kentuckyloan@gmail.com

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708.

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#57916http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

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Kentucky Mortgage VA Loan

 

Kentucky Mortgage VA Loan Approval Tips

Understand your eligibility: Familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements for a Kentucky VA loan. Ensure you meet the service requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) before applying for a loan.

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Check your credit score: Although the VA doesn't have a minimum credit score requirement, most lenders do with that threshold being 620, with some going down to 580. Ensure your credit score is in good shape before applying for a Kentucky VA loan. Review your credit report, dispute any errors, and take steps to improve your score if necessary.

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Save for a down payment if possible: Kentucky VA loans typically do not require a down payment, but having some savings set aside can be helpful. It can be used for closing costs or as a buffer for unexpected expenses during the home buying process.

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Gather necessary documents: Be prepared to provide documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and other financial records. Start gathering these documents early to expedite the loan application process.

Get preapproved: Getting preapproved for a Kentucky VA loan can give you a clearer understanding of your budget and help you in the home search process. It also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

Shop around for the best rates: While VA loans generally have competitive interest rates, it's still important to shop around and compare offers from different lenders. This can help you secure the best rate and terms for your loan.

Be mindful of the property requirements: VA loans have specific property requirements, including a VA appraisal to ensure the property meets VA guidelines. Be aware of these requirements to avoid potential issues during the loan process.

Understand the funding fee: Kentucky VA loans require a funding fee, unless your are exempt due to disability rating from VA, which helps offset the cost of the loan program to taxpayers. Be aware of the funding fee percentage based on your specific situation and factor it into your budget.

Work with a knowledgeable Kentucky VA Mortgage real estate agent: Partnering with a real estate agent who understands the Kentucky VA loan process can be beneficial. They can guide you through the home-buying process and help you find properties that meet Kentucky  VA loan requirements. Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer American Mortgage Solutions, Inc. 10602 Timberwood Circle Louisville, KY 40223 Company NMLS ID #1364 Text/call: 502-905-3708 fax: 502-327-9119 email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/ NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574 Get Approved Now Click Here 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).

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender VA Home Loans

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Basic Understanding of a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Approval Process.

The VA makes a guarantee to the lending institution (the

insurance)-for 25% of the loan amount (from a lenders

perspective the effective LTV is 75%).

Because the risk to the bank is reduced, the bank can provide

more affordable loans to the Veteran:

• Eliminating the need for a down payment (100% Mortgage)

• Provides the Veterans favorable interest rates

• Eliminating Mortgage Insurance (NO PMI)

Crushing the Myths of the VA Loan

• VA Mortgage Benefits do not expire.

• You can use your VA benefits as many times as you wish.

• You can have more than 1 at a time. (See occupancy rules)

• There is no limit to the size of a VA loan. (There is a county

loan limit, but veterans can purchase above the county loan

limit with a 25% down payment)

• Credit and risk is reviewed differently by each bank

and lender.

• Even with a foreclosure or short sale, the veteran may still be

able to buy a house with a VA loan. (See burnt entitlement,

veteran might have reduced buying power, but can still

use the VA loan). The VA understands that bad things can

happen to good people.

• VA Appraisals are significantly different than they use to be.

What military documents would I need
to have in order to get a VA mortgage?

I don’t know if I still have my documents from when I

served. How can I retrieve them?

There are three websites that should be able to help you, they are:

vetrecs.archives.gov

archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

ebenefits.va.gov

*If you have difficulty retrieving information from any of these sites,

the local recruiting office for your branch would be able to assist.

I have my discharge paperwork, but would like help

obtaining my Certificate of Eligibility

Contact your lender.

I served, but it was a very long time ago. Do my VA
benefits for a mortgage expire?

No, VA Home Loan benefits never expire. You can use your

VA benefit as long as you’re alive.

I used my VA mortgage along time ago to buy a
home. That means I can’t use it again, right?

The VA Mortgage can be used several times over. If the previous

home was sold, your entitlement should be fully reinstated.

What is the minimum credit score to obtain
a VA mortgage?

The VA does not have a minimum credit score, but lenders will

have their own internal overlay. If your score is greater than 580,

you are likely a candidate for the VA mortgage.

Can I use the VA loan to buy a condo?

You can, with the same terms as buying a detached single family

residence. However, we do have to see if the condo association

is VA approved. Check this website:

vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/VBAHome/condopudsearch

I relocated here and have a home in my hometown. I

kept the home and it has a VA mortgage on it now.

Can I get another VA mortgage?

You can get another VA Mortgage. Mortgage

will calculate your remaining entitlement to compute your

maximum loan amount with no money down and/or what

you would have to put down if you exceed the remaining

entitlement.

Can I build a home with a VA Home Loan?

Yes, but there are several clauses that may make this difficult

to accomplish. Many veterans use their VA Home Loan

Certificate of Eligibility to negotiate in good faith a private home

construction loan and then refinance the completed home using

VA Home Loans.

I heard the VA Mortgage was more expensive than
other mortgage types. Is that true?

There is a mandatory funding fee on all VA mortgages (unless

the borrowing veteran is receiving a VA related disability, then

the funding fee is waived). The funding fee is built over and

above the loan amount and the fees are as below.

It's Military May, and that means Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season for military families is upon us. However, some brokers will miss out on opportunities to help more Veterans due to a few commonly held misconceptions regarding Kentucky VA loans. Separating fact from fiction can make all the difference this season for your business. Here are a few myths around Kentucky VA loans: Myth: Kentucky VA Loans Are Credit Risks Reality: Kentucky Veterans and military members tend to have higher credit scores and savings. Myth: The Seller Pays the Closing Costs Reality: In a well-structured Kentucky  VA loan, the benefits include no down payment and ideally no closing costs to the seller. Myth: There Is a Maximum VA Loan Amount   Reality: There has never been a maximum Kentucky  VA loan amount, though it's often confused with maximum VA loan guarantee. Myth: VA Loans Are Complicated With Many Restrictions Reality: The expertise of our Kentucky VA lending team makes the process simple so you can focus on your borrower.