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!

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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Kentucky VA Home Loan Requirements for Approval

Minimum credit score

Qualifying for Veteran Home Loans

The Veteran Loan program is designed for veterans who meet the minimum number of days of completed service. Some of the other eligibility requirement for the VA loan program^[5] and some specific home loan benefits include the length of service or service commitment, duty status and character of service. The program does allow for benefits to Surviving Spouses.

The VA does not have a minimum credit score used for pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan, however, most Lenders require a minimum credit score of at least 620.^[6]

A Veteran who has used their entitlement to previously purchase a home, may have entitlement left to purchase another one. If you previously purchased a home using your VA Benefits then you might still have some of that “Entitlement” available to you for the purchase a new home. To Calculate Maximum Entitlement available, consider the following:

1. If your previous home was purchased using a VA Loan, and that loan was paid off by the new owners, the full entitlement may have been restored.
2. If you sold your home to someone, and allowed them to assume your VA Loan, then you might have the full entitlement restored, if one or more of the purchasers were also Veterans.
3. If you still own the home, and you are renting it out – you might be able to purchase a new home using your partial entitlement, but there are several restrictions.

Allowable Income Sources used to qualify for a VA Loan include: Retirement Income, Social Security Income, Child Support, Alimony and Separate Maintenance, BAH, BAS and Disability Income. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for a Surviving Spouse can also be included. In addition, stable, documented income from employers remains the best income source for VA loans.

Requirements

VA Loan application

The VA loan application is a standardized loan application form 1003 issued by Fannie Mae also known as Freddie Mac Form 65. It is a Federal crime punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, to knowingly make any false statements on a VA loan application under the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, et seq.

You will need the following paperwork to apply:

• Copies of your W2 statements for the past two years, so your gross household income can be confirmed,
• Copies of your previous two pay stubs,
• Documentation of other assets (checking accounts, savings accounts, financial investments, trust funds, etc.),
• If self-employed, two years of consecutive tax returns will be required.
• The Veteran also needs to supply their DD 214 and Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

On June 25, 2019, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 was signed into law temporarily increasing the VA funding fee for active duty service members and veterans starting January 1, 2020. The law removed VA county loan limits for homebuyers with full VA loan entitlement and made Purple Heart recipients exempt from paying the VA funding fee.^[3] Several members of Congress were displeased after the passing of the act, writing an open letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy asking that future bills not be paid for by increasing VA loan fees.^[4]

Funding fees

A funding fee must be paid to VA unless the veteran is exempt from such a fee because he or she receives a minimum of 10% VA disability compensation. If a veteran is awarded disability compensation after paying a funding fee, he/she can apply for a refund of this funding fee, so long as the beginning date of the disability is prior to the closing date of the home mortgage.

In August 2012, Congress passed a bill that allows a Veteran to receive the benefits of having Veteran Disability while it is still pending. The amount paid for the funding fee can be refunded back to the Veteran when a determination is made and the paperwork is received.

The VA Funding fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan amount. Closing costs such as VA appraisal, credit report, loan processing fee, title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, survey charges, or hazard insurance may not be included in the loan. However, the seller may pay these on behalf of the VA borrower.

Purchase and construction loans

Due to the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, the VA funding fee is equalized for all branches of service starting January 1, 2020. For active duty military members and veterans, this means an increase in VA funding fee costs for a period of 2 years. If you have a service-connected disability that you are compensated for by the VA or if you are a surviving spouse of veteran who died in service or from service-connected disabilities, the funding fee is waived.

Type of Veteran	Down Payment	First Time Use	Subsequent Use
Regular Military, Reserves/National Guard	None 5%-9.99% 10% or more	2.3% 1.65% 1.4%	3.6%* 1.65% 1.4%

The VA funding fee can be financed directly into the maximum loan amount for the county in which the home is located. For subsequent use VA loans, if the sales price and the financed VA funding fee total more than maximum loan amount for that county, the borrower or seller must pay for the fee out of pocket. All VA loans require an impound account for property taxes and homeowners insurance which makes the monthly payment of VA loans calculated as a PITI payment.**

Cash-out refinancing loans

Type of Veterans	Percentage for First Time Use	Percentage for Subsequent Use
Regular Military, Reserves/National Guard	2.3%	3.6%*

• The higher subsequent use fee does not apply to these types of loans if the veteran’s only
  prior use of entitlement was for a manufactured home loan.

Other types of loans

Type of Loan	Percentage for Either Type of Veteran Whether First Time or Subsequent Use
Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans	.50%
Manufactured Home Loans	1.00%
Loan Assumptions	.50%

• Veterans who previously lived in a home they had to then rent out will typically qualify for a no appraisal Interest Rate Reduction Refinance. The Veteran's Administration also allows Veteran Homeowners to refinance from a Conventional loan to a VA mortgage Loan. This process, however, does require an appraisal.

0% DOWN PAYMENT

580 or Higher Credit Score with most lenders I work with even though VA does not have a minimum credit score. 

2.30% Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (First-Time Use)

Financed into Loan Amount

Will Vary Depending on Down Payment and Subsequent Use

No Mortgage Insurance Required

No  Maximum Loan Amount

Higher Loan Amounts Available with Down Payment

Great Option for Veterans or Active Military

KENTUCKY VA MORTGAGE QUALIFYING GUIDELINES

 

What are Kentucky VA Home Loans?

VA Loans provide military veterans and current service members a distinct advantage when it comes time to purchase or refinance a home. Today's VA Loans have the most favorable terms available for most veterans. VA Loans can be used to purchase a new home with no down payment with no mortgage insurance or refinance up to 90% of homes current equity.

What are the eligibility requirements for a VA Loan in Kentucky?

Veterans Affairs loan guidelines use two methods of income qualification in Kentucky. The residual income method is the primary method, where it is determined that the borrower has sufficient income to cover daily living costs once housing, taxes, insurance and all other liabilities like credit card and auto payments have been made. Additionally, VA loans use a debt to income ratio (DTI). 

Using this ratio, the veteran's total debt should not exceed 41% of the veteran's total income. Most lenders will require at least a 580 to 620 credit score for a VA Loan approval. Keep in mind, VA guidelines do not call for a credit score but most lenders institute minimum credit score overlay to protect from buybacks from VA loans if they have too many go into foreclosure

How much can I borrow?

The maximum Kentucky VA Mortgage amount is determined by:

Maximum VA Loan in Kentucky: The largest loan allowed for VA mortgages with zero down is now based on your VA loan entitlement in KY. Please refer to the Kentucky VA Loan Limit chart at the bottom of this page to see your area's limit.

Maximum Finance: For purchase transactions, the Maximum VA Loan will be 100% of the lower of the selling price or the appraised value.

What will the down payment and closing costs be?

No down payment required and closing costs vary from lender to lender and usually is based upon the loan amount, credit score, time to close (lock period) and whether or not you get a par rate or a higher rate with a lender credit to pay some of your closing costs at closing.

What property types are allowed for VA Loans in Kentucky?

VA Loans may be used to purchase or refinance single-family residences and VA approved condo projects if the property is the veteran's primary residence.

Can I do a VA refinance in Kentucky?

Three kinds of VA Refinance programs are available for veterans in Kentucky.


Rate/Term VA Refinance

The Rate/Term VA Refinance can be used to refinance a conventional, FHA or subprime mortgage into a stable, fixed rate VA Loan.


VA Cash-Out Refinance

A Cash-Out VA Refinance is very beneficial for the veteran who wants to access the equity that they have built up in their home. VA Loans can be used to refinance up to 90% of a home's current value and take cash out for any reason.


Streamline Refinance

The VA Streamline Refinance is designed to lower the interest rate on a current VA mortgage or convert a current VA adjustable-rate mortgage into a fixed rate. A VA Streamline Refinance Loan can be performed quickly and easily. It requires much less hassle and paperwork than a normal refinance including no appraisal, no qualifying debt ratios and no income verification.

How much can I refinance in Kentucky?

The maximum amount for an KY VA loan is determined by:


Maximum VA Loan in Kentucky: The largest loan allowed for a VA Mortgage varies from county to county. To see what the limit is in the county in which you're interested, visit the following page


👇👇

https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/purchaseco_loan_limits.asp.


This site lists U.S. territories as well as states.


Maximum Finance: In Kentucky, the maximum VA refinance loan amount will be 100% of the appraised value of the home for a rate/term refinance or 100% of the appraised value for a VA cash out refinance.

What factors determine if I am eligible for a VA Refinance Loan?

VA refinance loans use two methods for income qualification purposes in Kentucky. The residual income method is the primary method, where it is determined that the borrower has sufficient income to cover daily living costs once housing, taxes, insurance and all other liabilities like credit card and auto payments have been made. Additionally, VA loans use a debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Using this ratio, the veteran's total debt should not exceed 41% of the veteran's total income. Most lenders will require at least a 580-credit score for a VA Loan approval.

Why choose a VA Home Loan?

Kentucky VA Mortgages require no down payment.

There are no prepayment penalties for VA Home Loans.

A Kentucky VA Loan is fully assumable, provided the person assuming is qualified.

VA Mortgage Loans have no PMI premiums.

A VA Mortgage Loan is eligible for non-credit qualifying, Streamline Refinance or "IRRRL".

A VA Home Mortgage is available all areas of the country, provided a market exists for the property and the home meets VA's property standards.

A VA Home Loan may be used to purchase or refinance a new or existing home.

Kentucky VA Loans are offered at terms of 15 or 30 years.

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). Mortgage loans only offered in Kentucky.
All loans and lines are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation and are originated by lender. Products and interest rates are subject to change without notice. Manufactured and mobile homes are not eligible as collateral.

Kentucky VA Loan Guidelines

VA Loan Credit Issues

VA will analyze a borrower’s past credit performance in determining the loan for approval. A borrower who has made timely payments for the last 12 months serves as a guide and demonstrates their willingness to repay future credit obligations. On the opposite side, a borrower who reflects continuous slow payments, judgments and delinquent accounts is not a good candidate for loan approval.
Below is a list of items concerning the borrower’s credit:

 

LATE MORTGAGE PAYMENTS

In circumstances not involving bankruptcy, satisfactory credit is generally considered to be reestablished after the veteran, or veteran and spouse, have made satisfactory payments for 12 months after the date of the last derogatory credit item(s).
When the underwriter analyzes the borrowers credit; it is the overall pattern of credit behavior that must be reviewed, rather than isolated cases of slow payments. A period of financial difficulty does not disqualify the borrower if a good payment pattern has been maintained since then.
Account balances reduced to judgment by a court must either be paid in full or subject to a repayment plan with a history of timely payments.

 

NO CREDIT HISTORY

In the area of credit, the lack of an established credit history should not be a deterrent to loan approval. As provided in the credit standards, a satisfactory payment history on items such as rent, utilities, phone bills, etc., may be used to establish a satisfactory credit history.

 

CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY

The Kentucky VA guidelines state that a minimum of two years must elapse since the discharge date of the borrower and / or spouse’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy, not the filing date. A full explanation of the bankruptcy will be required. The borrower must also have re-established good credit, qualify financially and have good job stability.

 

CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY

The Kentucky VA guidelines state that they will consider a borrower still paying on a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy if the payments to the court have been satisfactorily made and verified for a period of one year. In addition, the court trustee will need to give written approval to proceed. A full explanation of the bankruptcy will be required. The borrower must also have re-established good credit, qualify financially and have good job stability.

 

COLLECTIONS, JUDGEMENTS AND FEDERAL DEBTS

The Kentucky VA guidelines state that if a collection is minor in nature, it usually does not need to be paid off as a condition for loan approval. Judgments must be paid in full prior to closing. A borrower is not eligible for the loan if they are delinquent on any federal debt. This can include tax liens, student loans, etc. Payment arrangements that would bring the borrower up to date may be considered for loan approval.

 

FORECLOSURE

A borrower whose previous residence or other real property was foreclosed on or given a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure within the previous two years since the disposition date is generally not eligible for a VA insured mortgage. If the foreclosure was on a Kentucky VA loan, the applicant may not have full entitlement available for the new loan.

 

In order to verify your credit history, your lender will obtain a credit report containing 

information as reported by all 3 of the major credit bureaus: Trans Union, Equifax and Experian.

Most people will have 3 credit scores but it is possible that you may have only 1 or two scores if 

you have limited credit history.

This report will also include information on any public records such as bankruptcies,

judgments and tax liens.

Credit Scores

Though VA does not have a set minimum credit score requirements, lenders will have a minimum credit

score requirement.

Collection account may need to be paid off in order to close your loan

It is preferable that the most recent 12 months show satisfactory payments and no other derogatory 

information.

Credit History

If you experienced a major derogatory credit event, there will be waiting periods that will have to 

be observed before you can be eligible to qualify for a loan.

Bankruptcy Chapter 7

2 years from discharge date

Bankruptcy Chapter 13

Immediately after discharge or

After 12 months of payments***

Foreclosure*

2 years from completion date

* If the foreclosure or short sale was on a VA loan, you may not have full entitlement available 

for the new loan

*** Must obtain written permission from the bankruptcy court/trustee and provide proof of 

satisfactory payment history

Income and Employment

Minimum History of Employment

A minimum of 2 year history in the same industry/line of work is required in most instances but 

it’s not a universal rule.

Recent graduates can satisfy the two year requirement by providing proof of schooling with a degree 

for the line of work you are now

employed in.

Active duty members do not need a two year history as long as the minimum service requirement for 

eligibility has been met.

Self employed borrowers must always have a two year history of self employment and must show a two  year history of filed tax returns to meet the 24 month requirement.

Income Calculations

If you are salaried, your base income will be used to qualify you for the loan.

However, if you are an hourly employee with varied hours, more than likely, your income will be 

averaged over an extended period such as 18 or 24 months depending on the situation.

Overtime, bonuses, commission and part time employment must have a 24 history in order to be 

included in the qualifying income. 

The income will be averaged out over 24 months. Verification of 

likelihood to continue will also be required.

Non taxable income can be grossed up to account for the non-taxable status.

Retirement, Disability, alimony and child support income does not require a 2 year history but 

verification that it will continue for at least 3 years is required in order for it to be included.

ASSETS

No down payment does not mean no cash needed

VA does not require additional cash to cover a certain number or mortgage payments or unplanned 

expenses (cash reserves), however, your ability to accumulate liquid assets and the amount of 

assets currently available is taken into consideration in the overall credit worthiness analysis.

Allowable source of funds

Funds for your down payment, closing costs and other expenses can come from:

•    Checking/savings accounts

•    Investment accounts

•    Retirement account

Gift funds from a relative are an allowed source of funds to cover down payment and or closing 

costs.

The gift will need to be verified and paper trailed via bank statements and a gift letter will need 

to be signed

by your and the gift donor .

Funds from unsecured loans (signature loans, credit card advances) or funds that can not be 

documented are not acceptable source of funds.

Federal regulations require that all deposits into your account be documented.

In the instance of payroll deposits, nothing will need to be done if the deposit shows as a Direct 

Deposit from your employer.

All other deposits will need to be explained and documented.

A debt to income ratios

-A debt to income ratios is the percentage of your total debt obligation, including the new estimated

mortgage payment, all debts shown on your credit report, as well as alimony, child support etc, as

compared to your gross qualifying income.

EXAMPLE

The rule of thumb is that your debt to income ratio should not exceed 50% of the usable, gross monthly

income. However, higher percentages can be approved.

In addition to the debt to income ratio requirements, VA also has residual income requirements. VA residual

income looks at how much income is available after all monthly liabilities, including tax withholdings,

utilities and child care, are accounted for.

Residual Income By Region

For loan amounts of $80,000 and above

Family

Size

Northeast Midwest South West

1 $450 $441 $441 $491

2 $755 $738 $738 $823

3 $909 $889 $889 $990

4 $1025 $1033 $1033 $1117

5 $1062 $1039 $1039 $1158

over 5 Add $80 for each additional member up to a family of

seven

2400/5000= 48%

Deferred student loans

If student loan repayments are scheduled to

begin within 12 months of the date of loan

closing, the anticipated monthly payment will

be included.

If you are able to provide evidence that the

loan(s) will be deferred for a period outside

that time frame, the payment will not be

included.

Qualifying income: $5000

New mortgage payment: $2000

All other obligations: $400

Monthly debt payments

The payments shown on

your credit report will be

used to qualify you. If the

payments are incorrect,

you will be asked to

provide proof of the correct

payment.

Co-signed loans

If you co-signed for someone on a loan and

that loan is showing on your credit report, the

payment will be included in the ratios unless

you are able to provide evidence that the other

person on that loan has been making the

monthly payments from an account that you

are NOT a co-owner on.

Alimony/child support

You will be expected to

truthfully declare that

you pay alimony or child

support. You will be asked

to provide your divorce

decree and/or child support

order to verify the amounts.

Non-purchasing spouse

You should be aware that if you purchasing a home

in a community property state such as California

and are married, your spouse’s credit report will be

required. His/her debts will be included in the ratio

calculations even if he/she is not going to be on the

purchase or loan.

Home

Documentation Checklist

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle 

Louisville, KY 40223

Company NMLS ID #1364

click here for directions to our office

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

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Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: Tips on getting a Kentucky VA Mortgage Guidelines ...

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: Tips on getting a Kentucky VA Mortgage Guidelines ...: Getting  your Louisville  Kentucky VA  Loan  Approval Run a 25-year loan if you are not getting an approval with a 30-year. Even with higher...

Run a 25-year loan if you are not getting an approval with a 30-year. Even with
higher ratios, 25-year loans are considered lower risk and can be key to getting
an Approve Eligible
• You can do a VA IRRRL on a property that the veteran no longer lives in
• Payoff debts at closing with seller concessions. When writing the offer, this
information goes in the “under additional provisions or other terms” section
• No seasoning requirement for being added to the title (No flip rule)
• Only type of loan where an SAR Underwriter can adjust the value after a
secondary review in Tidewater with a request from the borrower. That gives us
two chances to increase the value if it comes in under.
• You can have more than one at the same time.
• If the DD-214 is a Dishonorable Discharge, the Veteran can re-apply and get their
benefits reinstated and then buy their home. (Apply to the BCMR to upgrade on
basis of clemency)
• No max loan amount & no max amount of closing costs a seller can pay.
• Time of service requirements can be appealed if they are discharged due to a
service-related disability
• Student loans in deferred status that go by old guidelines can be omitted.
• Disputes do not need to be removed to qualify. This is a good trick if you need a
couple extra points. (Disputing collections)
• Time of service requirements can be appealed if they are discharged due to a
service-related disability.
• LP is generally nicer to VA Loans that have derogatory trade lines

Mortgage Application Checklist of Documents Needed below  👇

W-2 forms (previous 2 years)
Paycheck stubs (last 30 days - most current)
Employer name and address (2 year history including any gaps)
Bank accounts statement (recent 2 months – all pages
Statements for 401(k)s, stocks and other investments (most recent)
federal tax returns (previous 2 years)
Residency history (2 year history)
Photo identification for applicant and co-applicant (valid Driver’s License







Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)

Senior Loan Officer

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223

Company ID #1364 | MB73346

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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