Every Kentucky Loan Type. One Local Expert.
Whether you’re buying your first home, using down payment assistance, or rebuilding credit — there’s a program that fits. Compare them side by side before you commit.

🏠 FHA Loan

The go-to for first-time buyers and 580+ credit. Low down payment and flexible guidelines.

3.5% down · 580+ creditLearn More →

🎖 VA Loan

Zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance for veterans and active-duty service members.

$0 down · VA eligibleLearn More →

🌾 USDA Loan

100% financing for eligible rural and suburban Kentucky buyers within income limits.

$0 down · USDA areasLearn More →

🏛 KHC Assistance

Kentucky Housing down payment assistance for first-time and repeat buyers.

Up to $12,500 assistanceLearn More →

📈 Conventional

Best long-term value for stronger credit. PMI cancels at 20% equity, unlike FHA.

3% down · 620+ creditLearn More →

💰 Zero Down Options

Every route to buying with nothing down in Kentucky — VA, USDA, and KHC combos.

$0 down programsLearn More →

🌟 First-Time Buyers

All Kentucky first-time homebuyer programs compared in plain English.

Programs & grantsLearn More →

📊 Credit Scores

What score you actually need for each loan type in 2026 — and how to raise yours.

By loan programLearn More →

Kentucky Mortgage Loan Programs | FHA, VA, USDA & Conventional Guide

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Understanding the Four Main Mortgage Loan Programs in Kentucky When buying a home in Kentucky, your mortgage will typically fall under one of four major loan programs: FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) . Each program offers unique benefits depending on your credit, income, military status, and location. Below is a streamlined breakdown to help you determine the best fit for your situation. Conventional Loan Minimum down payment: 3%–5% Minimum credit score: 620 (680+ for best pricing) Mortgage insurance can be removed at 80% equity Best for: buyers with strong credit & stable income Bankruptcy wait: 4–7 years Foreclosure wait: 7 years Closing costs can be lender-paid (higher rate) Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Loan 100% financing (0% down) Credit score: 640+ for automated GUS approval Mortgage insurance: .35% monthly, 1% upfront Manual underwriting ratio caps: 29% / 41% Property must be U...
Getting a Kentucky Mortgage in 3 Simple Steps
No confusing paperwork trails. No surprise fees. A clear path from first call to keys in hand.
01

💬 Get Pre-Qualified

Free application review with same-day answers. We look at your credit, income, and goals — no cost, no obligation, no pressure.

02

📋 Compare Your Options

FHA vs. Conventional vs. USDA vs. KHC — run side by side with your actual numbers so you see the real payment before you commit.

03

🏠 Close & Get Your Keys

Guided from contract to closing — appraisal, title, and underwriting coordinated so you always know what happens next.

Watch: Kentucky Mortgage Guides
Straight answers from my YouTube channel — no jargon, no sales pitch.
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Joel Lobb and family - Kentucky mortgage loan officer
Kentucky Local. Not a Call Center.

Hi, I’m Joel Lobb — a Kentucky dad who’s spent 20+ years helping families across all 120 counties buy their first home. When you call, you get me — not a phone tree. Questions on a Saturday morning? I answer.

1,300+ Kentucky families have trusted me with their mortgage — from Louisville to Lexington to the smallest towns in the state. Free application reviews, same-day pre-approvals, and honest answers about what you actually qualify for.

See What You Qualify For →

Louisville Kentucky FHA Mortgage Insurance Changes June 2013

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Kentucky FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) Changes

FHA Kentucky Mortgage Insurance Premium Changes

As announced in Mortgagee Letter 2013‐04, HUD will be removing the annual monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) exemption for loans with terms of 15 years or less and loan‐to‐value (LTV) ratios less than or equal to 78% at origination. The period for assessing the annual monthly MIP has also been revised. These changes are effective for case numbers assigned on or after June 3, 2013 and are detailed below.
Increase to Annual MIP FHA loans with terms of 15 years or less and LTV ratios less than or equal to 78% at origination will now require annual monthly MIP. Streamline refinance transactions endorsed on or before May 31, 2009 are not affected by this change.

In the past, borrowers with  a Kentucky  FHA 30 year loans paid MIP as long as the LTV was greater than 78%. There was also a minimum payment period of 5 years (60 months). For 15 year loans, FHA required that the MIP be paid until the loan reaches 78% LTV, but there was no minimum 5 year requirement.
Effective June 3, 2013, the annual mortgage insurance premium for Kentucky FHA mortgages will no longer be based on a loan to value criteria of 78%. Cancellation of FHA MIP will be eliminated for loans that have a beginning LTV of 90% or more. For these loans, MIP must be paid for the entire term of the loan, in other words, forever. For loans that have a beginning LTV of 90% or less, the annual mortgage insurance premium will be required for 11 years.
This means that homeowners using an FHA mortgage for financing beginning June 3 will need a 10% or more down payment in order to cancel FHA MIP. Otherwise, MIP will no longer allowed to be canceled on a Kentucky FHA Mortgage loan. . 

The only way to cancel the mortgage insurance premium will be through a refinance to a conventional mortgage when the loan to value reaches 78%.


Note: HUD Form 92900‐B (Important Notice to Homebuyers) will be updated to include the revised MIP maximum duration on June 3, 2013.
FHA Case Number Assignments The last day the existing MIP is available is this Friday, May 31, 2013. In order to meet FHA’s deadline,




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