I specialize in Kentucky First Time Homebuyers FHA, VA, USDA & Rural Housing, KHC and Fannie Mae mortgage loans. I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy their first home or refinance their current mortgage for a lower payment; Kentucky First time buyers we still how available down payment assistance with KHC. Free Mortgage applications/ same day approvals. Web site is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA govt agency. Text/call 502-905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com NMLS 57916 NMLS 1738461
Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: Kentucky USDA Rural Development Loans Program Guid...
Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: Kentucky USDA Rural Development Loans Program Guid...: Kentucky USDA Rural Development Loans Program Guidelines Loan Purpose of Kentucky Rural Housing Loans Purchase One-time Close Constr...
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
General Requirements for Getting A Mortgage Loan Approval in Kentucky
Getting a mortgage in Kentucky involves meeting certain criteria set by lenders
General Requirements:
Credit Score: A minimum credit score of 620 is generally required, but higher scores (around 720+) can unlock better interest rates and loan options. Lower credit scores are allowed on FHA, VA, and USDA loans. USDA and VA have no minimum credit score requirement but most lenders will want a 580 credit score or higher and FHA will go down to a 500 credit score with 10% down.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: This compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Aim for a DTI ratio below 40%, with some lenders allowing up to 50% depending on the loan type.
Down Payment: While 20% is traditional, Kentucky has programs allowing 3% down with assistance.
Employment and Income: Steady employment history and sufficient verifiable income are crucial.
Savings: Lenders prefer to see reserves covering several months of mortgage payments.
Additional factors:
Loan Type: Different loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) have specific eligibility requirements.
First-Time Homebuyer Status: Kentucky offers programs with relaxed criteria for first-time buyers.
Area Median Income (AMI): Income limits apply to some Kentucky assistance programs.
Tips for Qualifying:
Check your credit score and report for errors.
Pay down debt to lower your DTI ratio and improve your credit utilization to increase your score .
Save consistently for your down payment and closing costs. Get a gift lined up for down payment
Consider down payment assistance programs.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your budget and cash to close along with out of pocket expenses before closing.
Resources:
Kentucky Housing Corporation: https://www.kyhousing.org/
My Louisville Kentucky Mortgage: https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/p/documents-needed-for-mortgage-loan.html
Kentucky First Time Home Buyer: https://kyfirsttimehomebuyer.wordpress.com/2024/01/20/kentucky-welcome-home-grant-5000-00/
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
How to Qualify for a Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Home Loan
How to qualify for a mortgage
The type of mortgage you’re applying for determines the minimum requirements you’ll have to meet for your down payment, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.
Find out what type of loan you might qualify for or what aspects of your finances you’ll need to improve to get a better shot at qualifying for a mortgage.
| Loan Type | Min. Down Payment | Min. Credit Score | Max DTI | Property Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 3% | 620 | 45% | Primary, secondary, investment |
| VA | 0% | none | none | Primary |
| FHA | 3.5% | 500 | 50% | Primary |
| USDA | 0% | none | 41% | Primary |
Keep in mind: The minimum down payment, minimum credit score, and maximum DTI shown in the table apply to mortgages used to purchase a primary residence. While you can use a conventional loan or a jumbo loan to purchase a home for another purpose, you might need a larger down payment, a higher credit score, more cash reserves, or all three.
Credit score needed to buy a house
Mortgage lending is risky, and lenders want a way to quantify that risk. They use your three-digit credit score to gauge the risk of loaning you money since your credit score helps predict your likelihood of paying back a loan on time. Lenders also consider other data, such as your income, employment, debts and assets to decide whether to offer you a loan.
Different lenders and loan types have different borrower requirements, loan terms and minimum credit scores. Here are the requirements for some of the most common types of mortgages.
Conventional loan
Minimum credit score: 620
A conventional loan is a mortgage that isn’t backed by a federal agency. Most mortgage lenders offer conventional loans, and many lenders sell these loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac — two government-sponsored enterprises. Conventional loans can have either fixed or adjustable rates, and terms ranging from 10 to 30 years.
You can get a conventional loan with a down payment as low as 3% of the home’s purchase price, so this type of loan makes sense if you don’t have enough for a traditional down payment. However, if your down payment is less than 20%, you’re required to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is an insurance policy designed to protect the lender if you stop making payments. You can ask your servicer to cancel PMI once the principal balance of your mortgage falls below 80% of the original value of your home.
FHA loan
Minimum credit score (10% down): 500
Minimum credit score (3.5% down): 580
FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The FHA incentivizes lenders to make mortgage loans available to borrowers who might not otherwise qualify by guaranteeing the federal government will repay the mortgage if the borrower stops making payments. This makes an FHA loan a good option if you have a lower credit score.
FHA loans come in 15- or 30-year terms with fixed interest rates. Unlike conventional mortgages, which only require PMI for borrowers with less than 20% down, all FHA borrowers must pay an up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and an annual MIP, as long as the loan is outstanding.
VA loan
Minimum credit score: N/A
VA loans are mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA guarantees loans made by VA-approved lenders to qualifying veterans or service members of the U.S. armed forces, or their spouses. This type of loan is a great option for veterans and their spouses, especially if they don’t have the best credit and don’t have enough for a down payment.
VA loans are fixed-rate mortgages with 10-, 15-, 20- or 30-year terms.
Most VA loans don’t require a down payment or monthly mortgage insurance premiums. However, they do require a one-time VA funding fee, that ranges from 1.4% to 3.6% of the loan amount.
USDA loan
Minimum credit score: N/A
The U.S. Department of Agriculture guarantees loans for borrowers interested in buying homes in certain rural areas. USDA loans don’t require a minimum down payment, but you have to meet the USDA’s income eligibility limits, which vary by location.
All USDA mortgages have fixed interest rates and 30-year repayment terms.
USDA-approved lenders must pay an up-front guarantee fee of up to 3.5% of the purchase price to the USDA. That fee can be passed on to borrowers and financed into the home loan. If the home you want to buy is within an eligible rural area (defined by the USDA) and you meet the other requirements, this could be a great loan option for you.
What else do mortgage lenders consider?
Your credit score isn’t the only factor lenders consider when reviewing your loan application. Here are some of the other factors lenders use when deciding whether to give you a mortgage.
- Debt-to-income ratio — Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is the amount of debt payments you make each month (including your mortgage payments) relative to your gross monthly income. For example, if your mortgage payments, car loan and credit card payments add up to $1,800 per month and you have a $6,000 monthly income, your debt-to-income ratio would be $1,800/$6,000, or 30%. Most conventional mortgages require a DTI ratio no greater than 36%. However, you may be approved with a DTI up to 45% if you meet other requirements.
- Employment history — When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will ask for proof of employment — typically two years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns, as well as your two most recent pay stubs. Lenders prefer to work with people who have stable employment and consistent income.
- Down payment — Putting money down to buy a home gives you immediate equity in the home and helps to ensure the lender recoups their loss if you stop making payments and they need to foreclose on the home. Most loans — other than VA and USDA loans — require a down payment of at least 3%, although a higher down payment could help you qualify for a lower interest rate or make up for other less-than-ideal aspects of your mortgage application.
- The home’s value and condition — Lenders want to ensure the home collateralizing the loan is in good condition and worth what you’re paying for it. Typically, they’ll require an appraisal to determine the home’s value and may also require a home inspection to ensure there aren’t any unknown issues with the property.
How is your credit score calculated?
Most talk of credit scores makes it sound as if you have only one score. In fact, you have several credit scores, and they may be used by different lenders and for different purposes.
The three national credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — collect information from banks, credit unions, lenders and public records to formulate your credit score. The most common and well-known scoring model is the FICO Score, which is based on the following five factors:
- Payment history (35%) — A history of late payments will drag your score down, as will negative information from bankruptcies, foreclosures, repossessions or accounts referred to collections.
- How much you owe (30%) — Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of revolving credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. For example, if you have one credit card with a $2,000 balance and a $4,000 credit limit, your credit utilization ratio is 50%. Credit scoring models view using a larger percentage of your available credit as risky behavior, so high balances and maxed-out credit cards will negatively impact your score.
- Length of credit history (15%) — This factor considers the age of your oldest account, newest account and the average age of all your credit accounts. In general, the longer you’ve been using credit responsibly, the higher your score will be.
- Types of accounts (10%) — Credit scoring models favor people who use a mix of credit cards, installment loans, mortgages and other types of credit.
- Recent credit history (10%) — Lenders view applying for and opening several new credit accounts within a short period as a sign of financial trouble and it’ll negatively impact your score.
Ready to shop around for a mortgage?
Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS ID #1364
Text/call: 502-905-3708
email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
https://kentuckyloan.blogspot.
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Approval Requirement for a Mortgage Loan
Here's a more comprehensive breakdown of what it takes to get approved for a mortgage loan in Kentucky as a first-time homebuyer:
* Credit Score: While the minimum score for most conventional loans in Kentucky is 580, aiming for a higher score can significantly improve your interest rates. FHA loans allow for scores as low as 500, but keep in mind that you'll typically pay mortgage insurance (MI) with a lower credit score and need at least 10% down payment
* Down Payment: The size of your down payment impacts your loan options, interest rates, and monthly payments. While 20% is the traditional benchmark for conventional loans, FHA loans require just 3.5%. Kentucky has excellent down payment assistance programs to help eligible buyers bridge the gap.
* Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Maintaining a healthy DTI ratio (ideally below 45%) demonstrates your ability to manage debt and reassures lenders of your financial stability. They're are two ratios: Front-end ratio and backend ratio.
* Conventional Loan: The gold standard for many homebuyers, conventional loans offer competitive rates and terms but require a 20% down payment and a strong credit score.
* Kentucky FHA Loan: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are more lenient on credit scores and down payments, making them accessible to first-time buyers with limited savings. However, you'll likely pay MI throughout the loan term.
* Kentucky USDA Loan: Designed for rural homeownership, USDA loans require no down payment for eligible borrowers in designated areas. Income limits apply, and the property must be your primary residence.
* Kentucky VA Loan: Veterans and eligible service members can leverage VA loans with zero down payment and favorable rates. This benefit requires meeting specific service requirements.
* Kentucky Down Payment Assistance: Kentucky boasts several programs to help first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.
Explore options like the Kentucky Housing Corporations' Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRB) program or the KHC Down Payment Assistance Programs.
View Video Below for more info about buying your first house in Kentucky
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 ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Loan Options
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 ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
Kentucky's Welcome Home Grant: A $20,000 Grant To Help Kentucky Home Buy...
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
FHA loans are a popular option for Kentucky home buyers' with bad credit
FHA loans are a popular option for Kentucky home buyers' with bad credit, but there are certain requirements you'll need to meet to qualify. Here's a quick overview:
Credit score:
* The minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Kentucky is 500 to 580 depending on your credit score and down payment. However, some lenders may accept scores as low as 500 with a larger down payment (10% instead of 3.5%).
Debt-to-income ratio:
* Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Most lenders prefer a DTI below 50%, but some may allow up to 56.9%.
Down payment:
* The minimum down payment for an FHA loan is 3.5% of the purchase price.
Employment and income:
* You'll need to have steady employment for at least two years and sufficient income to cover your monthly mortgage payment.
* You'll also need to meet other requirements, such as having a valid Social Security number and homeowner's insurance.
If you have bad credit and are considering an FHA loan in Kentucky, it's important to shop around and compare rates from different lenders. You may also want to consider talking to a credit counselor to help improve your credit score before you apply.
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 ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
Qualifying for a home loan in Kentucky as a first-time homebuyer
Qualifying for a home loan in Kentucky as a first-time homebuyer
Buying a home is a major financial decision, and it's important to make sure you're financially qualified before you start shopping for homes. Here are some key things to consider when qualifying for a home loan in Kentucky as a first-time homebuyer:* Credit score: Your credit score is one of the most important factors in determining your eligibility for a home loan and the interest rate you'll be offered. Aim for a credit score of 580 or higher to get the best rates.
* Debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the amount of your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. A lower DTI ratio is better, and most lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 50% or lower.
* Down payment: While a 20% down payment is traditional, there are many loan programs available that allow you to put down as little as 3% or even 0% down. However, keep in mind that a larger down payment will result in a lower monthly mortgage payment and may help you avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI).
* Income: Your income will need to be sufficient to cover your monthly mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other housing costs. Use Gross income and not net income to qualify for a mortgage payment
* Employment: Lenders will want to see that you have a steady job history and sufficient income to make your mortgage payments. Stable 2 year work history
In addition to the above, there are also a number of down payment assistance programs available for first-time homebuyers in Kentucky. These programs can help you reduce the amount of money you need to come up with upfront for a down payment.
Here are some of the down payment assistance programs available in Kentucky:
* Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Down Payment Assistance Programs: KHC offers a variety of down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers, including the KHC Conventional Preferred Program, the KHC FHA Advantage Program, and the KHC USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Loan Program.
* Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans: FHA loans are government-insured loans that allow for down payments as low as 3.5%.
* Veterans Administration (VA) Loans: VA loans are available to eligible veterans and active duty service members and allow for 0% down payments.
If you're thinking about buying a home in Kentucky, be sure to do your research and talk to a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you determine how much you can afford to spend on a home and give you a better idea of what loan options are available to you.
I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.
I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.
You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.
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