Kentucky Welcome Home Grant of $20,000 for Kentucky Home Buyers in 2024

 
 A Comprehensive Guide to the Kentucky Welcome Home Grant

For many Kentuckians, the dream of homeownership can feel out of reach due to financial constraints. But thanks to the Kentucky Welcome Home Grant of $20,000 for Kentucky Home Buyers in 2024 that dream might be closer than you think. This grant program, administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLBC), offers down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers throughout the state.

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or looking to upgrade your living space, understanding the qualifying guidelines is crucial for securing this valuable assistance. Buckle up, folks, as we delve into the details of the Welcome Home Grant and equip you with the knowledge to unlock your Kentucky homeownership dreams!

Eligibility: The First Step on Your Journey

Before diving into the specific details, let's address the first and most important question: are you eligible? Here's a breakdown of the key criteria:

Income: Your total household income must fall at or below 80% of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) limit for your specific county. These limits vary depending on location, so be sure to check the current limits here at this link below for your desired area.

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https://kentuckymortgage.wordpress.com/tag/kentucky-welcome-home-grant/

Property: The grant applies to primary residences only, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and qualified manufactured homes. The property must be located within eligible Kentucky counties. You can find a list of participating counties on the FHLBC website.

Purchase Contract: You must have a fully executed purchase contract for an eligible property before applying for the grant.

Financial Contribution: You must contribute at least $500 of your own funds towards the down payment and/or closing costs.

Additional Considerations: While not mandatory, completing a homebuyer education course can strengthen your application. Moreover, veterans and active-duty military personnel may be eligible for higher grant amounts.

Diving Deeper: Grant Details and Amounts

The Welcome Home Grant offers assistance in the form of a non-repayable grant. The maximum grant amount varies depending on several factors:

• Your military status: Veterans and active-duty military personnel are eligible for up to $25,000, while all other eligible homebuyers can receive up to $20,000.
• Your down payment: If you contribute more than the required $500 towards your down payment, the grant amount may be reduced to fit within the total program funding available.

Remember: The grant funds cannot be used towards the property purchase price itself. They are strictly for down payment and closing cost assistance.

Finding Your Path: The Application Process

Now that you understand the eligibility and grant details, let's navigate the application process:

1. Connect with a participating lender: The Welcome Home Grant program operates through partnering lenders, so start by searching for a lender in your area that participates in the program. You can find a list of participating lenders on the FHLBC website or by contacting the organization directly.
2. Pre-qualify for a mortgage: This shows both you and the lender a realistic picture of your borrowing capacity and strengthens your application.
3. Gather your documents: Be prepared to provide proof of income, employment, assets, and other required documentation as outlined by your lender.
4. Complete the grant application: Your chosen lender will walk you through the grant application process and help you submit the necessary paperwork.
5. Await a decision: The processing time can vary, but you'll typically receive a decision within a few weeks.

Beyond the Guidelines: Valuable Resources and Tips

Remember, knowledge is power! Equip yourself with as much information as possible to ensure a smooth application process. Here are some valuable resources:

• Kentucky Welcome Home Grant More info here -👇
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• >>https://kyfirsttimehomebuyer.wordpress.com/2024/01/20/kentucky-welcome-home-grant-5000-00/
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• Your chosen participating lender: Their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the application process and maximizing your chances of success.

Pro-Tip: Start planning early! Research potential properties, understand the market in your desired area, and get your finances in order well before applying for the grant.

Remember: Homeownership is a significant investment, so proceed with careful planning and consideration. Utilize the available resources, ask questions, and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance if needed.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Application Period: Reservations for the 2024 Welcome Home Grant program open on March 1st, 2024, 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. 

CURRENTLY OUT OF FUNDS FOR 2024-

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

Text/call: 502-905-3708

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

NMLS 57916  | 

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).

The reasons you will get turn down for a mortgage loan in Kentucky.

 There are several reasons why people in Kentucky might get turned down for a mortgage loan. These reasons can be broadly categorized into issues with the borrower or the property:

Borrower-related reasons:

• Credit score: Low credit scores (generally below 620) are a major factor in loan denials. Having a history of late payments, delinquencies, or collections can negatively impact your score.
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross income. A high DTI (generally above 50%) indicates you have a lot of debt compared to your income, making it harder to afford a mortgage payment.
• Employment history: Lenders prefer borrowers with stable employment and income. Recent job changes, gaps in employment, or insufficient income documentation can raise concerns.
• Down payment: A smaller down payment increases the loan amount and loan-to-value ratio (LTV), making the loan riskier for lenders. In Kentucky, FHA loans require a minimum 3.5% down payment, while conventional loans typically require 20%.
• Insufficient assets: While not always a disqualifier, having limited savings or assets can weaken your application by reducing your financial cushion.

Property-related reasons:

• Appraisal value: If the appraised value of the property is lower than the purchase price, it creates a high LTV, making the loan riskier for lenders.
• Property condition: Major repairs or structural issues with the property could require significant investment before closing, which lenders may not be comfortable with.
• Location: Properties in floodplains or other high-risk areas may be ineligible for certain loan types or require additional insurance.

Here are some resources that can help:

• Reasons loan denied in Kentucky https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/2010/10/get-approved-for-mortgage-or-home-loan.html

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/

Kentucky First Time Home buyer Down Payment Assistance for $7,500

KHC is increasing the down payment assistance program amount from $6,000 to $7,500. This is for both Regular

Down Payment and for Affordable Down Payment assistance programs

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Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Programs For Home Mortgage Loans

Kentucky first-time homebuyer programs

• KHC Regular Down Payment Assistance: Receive a loan of up to $6,000 and repay it over 10 years at a 5.5% interest rate.
• KHC Affordable Down Payment Assistance: If you have a low-to-moderate income, you can get a loan of up to $6,000 and pay it back over 10 years at a 1% rate.
• Conventional Mortgage Loan- 3% down payment credit scores should be at least 680, but preferably 720 or higher with 
• Federal Housing Administration FHA Kentucky mortgage: You can get a down payment of 3.5% with a credit score of at least 580, or get a mortgage with a credit score between 500 and 580 with 10% down using this loan, which is also called an FHA loan. 
• United States Department of Agriculture mortgage Kentucky USDA Mortgage loan: These loans, also called USDA loans, can be useful if you are a low-to-moderate income borrower looking to buy a home in a rural or suburban area.
• Veterans Affairs mortgage Kentucky VA Mortgage : These mortgages, also called VA loans, are for active-service military members or veterans, or spouses of members who have died and can provide lower interest rates than conventional mortgages.

• Am I an active or former member of the armed forces? If not, right away you can remove VA loans from consideration.
• Is my home located in a rural area? People living in more urban and suburban neighborhoods won’t qualify for a USDA loan, so you can scratch that one if that’s the case.
• How much can I afford for a down payment? FHA loans offer plenty of flexibility with their down payment options, but you will need to put up some money up front. That may not be the case with either VA or USDA loans.
• How strong is my credit score? You’ll need a 620 credit score at minimum to qualify for USDA loans. FHA and VA programs tend to be a bit more lenient on credit history.
• Which loan offers the lowest interest rate? All three government loan programs tend to offer lower interest rates than conventional mortgages, but among them, VA might have a slight edge. Mortgage rates constantly fluctuate, no matter what type of home loan you’re considering. So, be sure to take a look at the latest interest rates before making a decision.

Loan types of credit score requirements for First Time Home Buyers in Kentucky

Loans insured by the government, such as VA loans, USDA loans and FHA loans, tend to have more flexible qualification requirements than conventional mortgage loans, which are not government-backed.

To get approved for a mortgage, whether conventional or government-backed, you’ll have to meet your lender’s minimum FICO score for that particular loan type. 

Type of Loan Minimum FICO Score

Conventional 620

KHC Down Payment Assistance 620

FHA 500 with 10% down 580 3.5% down payment

VA no minimum score (depends on the lender)

USDA no minimum score (depends on the lender

Most lenders will require a DTI ratio of less than 45-50 %, but this will depend on the type of loan you’re applying for. 

To determine your DTI, lenders take into account your front-end and back-end DTI.

Front-end DTI

Your front-end ratio consists of your monthly housing expenses divided by your monthly gross income. Housing-related expenses include your future mortgage payment, taxes and mortgage insurance.

Back-end DTI

The back-end DTI is the percentage of your gross income spent on monthly debts.

The items detailed in your credit report often comprise your back-end DTI. This includes monthly obligations such as credit cards, car loans, student loans, child support and personal loans.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI)

When purchasing a property with a conventional loan, some buyers have to factor in private mortgage insurance (PMI).

PMI is generally required for homebuyers who offer less than 20% down and is designed to protect the lender if you default on your loan.

The cost of PMI is rolled into your mortgage payment as an added fee and often accounts for 0.2% to 2% of the mortgage amount. According to Freddie Mac, you can expect to pay between $30 to $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.

Once you build your equity to 20% of the property’s appraised value, your loan servicer is required to drop PMI. According to Freddie Mac, PMI will automatically terminate on the date your principal balance reaches 78% of the original appraised value of your home.

Mortgage insurance premiums (MIP)

Government-backed loans don’t have PMI. Instead, you’ll have to factor in mortgage insurance premiums, which are paid both at closing and as part of your monthly payment.

Both FHA and USDA loans require mortgage insurance.

FHA loans require an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount. FHA borrowers also pay an annual premium of 0.45% to 1.05% of the loan amount — unless they put 10% down. Some FHA borrowers can remove MIP, but that will depend on their loan’s origination date.

On the other hand, USDA loans require an upfront mortgage premium of 1% and an annual premium of 0.35%. The drawback of USDA loans is that there’s no way to eliminate your mortgage insurance premium.

If you have a VA loan, the VA guarantee replaces mortgage insurance. However, you’ll still have to pay an upfront funding fee of 1.4% to 3.6% of the loan amount at closing.

If you don’t have the money upfront, VA, FHA and USDA loans allow you to roll the fee into your mortgage, but your loan amount and overall loan cost will increase

Conventional Loans 3%-20%

620

45%

PMI required for down payments of less than 20%. Depends on loan type, credit score and down payment.

KHC Down payment Assistance

      zero down $6k dap assistance in form of second mortgage

620 and above score 

50% maximum debt to income ratio

VA Loans

Not required for down payment

Varies by lender, no minimum credit score

no max debt ratio but residual income is important.

No mortgage insurance but a one-time funding fee (1.25%-3.3% of the loan amount).

FHA Loans

3.5% to 580 credit score and 10% down with a 500 credit score.

56.9% max debt to income ratio but lower required on manual underwrites.

Mortgage insurance required. MIP can be removed after 11 years if you put down 10%.

USDA Loans

No required down payment

no minimum score varies by lender

45%

No mortgage insurance, but a one-time guarantee fee (1% of loan amount) and an annual fee (0.35% of loan amount).