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.
▶ More videos on my YouTube channel →
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 →

Do you qualify for the Back to Work Program in Kentucky for home buyers with previous short sale or foreclosure less than 2 years?

Kentucky FHA HUD Back to Work Program for FHA Borrowers in Kentucky 








What is Back to Work?

FHA icontinuing its commitment to fully evaluate borrowers who have experienced periods of financial difficulty due to extenuating circumstances.

Many borrowers experienced periods of recession related financial difficulty and/or credit impairment resulting from unemployment or severe reduction in income. FHA recognizes thhardships faced by these borrowers, and that their credit histories may not fully reflect their true ability or propensity to repay a mortgage.

For Purchase transactions with case numbers assigned on or after August 15, 2013 



Are borrowers with a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy eligible for Back to Work?

The alternative guidance in Mortgagee Letter 2013-26 is effective for purchase applications with 
case numbers assigned on or after August 15, 2013 through September 30, 2016.

All delinquent accounts and indications of derogatory credit, including collections and judgments, 
bankruptcies, foreclosures, deeds-in-lieu, short sales, and other credit problems must be analyzed.

The lender must review the credit report and determine whether derogatory credit was the result of 
an Economic
Event:
• The borrower exhibited Satisfactory Credit prior to the Economic Event Onset;
• The borrower’s derogatory credit occurred after the Economic Event Onset, and
• The borrower has re-established Satisfactory Credit for a minimum of twelve (12) months.

Foreclosure, Short Sale, Deed in Lieu, Bankruptcy

In all cases, the lender must verify that the derogatory credit was the result of an Economic Event 
and document that a minimum of 12 months has elapsed since the date of the:
• foreclosure
• deed in lieu
• short sale
• discharge of Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
The lender must verify and document that
• the Chapter 13 bankruptcy was discharged prior to loan application and all required bankruptcy 
payments were made
on-time, or
• a minimum of 12 months of the pay-out period under the bankruptcy has elapsed and all required 
bankruptcy payments were made on time, and
• the bankruptcy was the result of an Economic Event
If the bankruptcy was not discharged prior to loan application, the borrower must receive written 
permission from the
Bankruptcy Court to enter into the mortgage transaction.


Important Back to Work Definitions

HUD announced several key terms that must be reviewed in accordance with this program.






  • Economic Event: an occurrence beyond the borrowers control that resulted in a Loss of Employment, Loss of Income or a combination of both which resulted in a loss of Household Income of 20% or more for a period of six or more months.
  • Onset of Economic Event: the month of the start of or loss of income.
  • Recovery from an Economic Event: the re-establishment of acceptable or satisfactory credit. Satisfactory Credit equates to no derogatory credit for any mortgaged or leased property in the 12 months preceding the mortgage application. This also includes any installment or revolving debt for the same period.
  • Borrower: “Borrower” includes all parties including primary and/or co-borrower as listed on the loan application.
  • Borrower Household Income: the income of all parties on the application or Household Members as listed from the previous Economic Event and derogatory credit.
  • Housing Counseling: Counseling from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency related to home ownership and meets acceptable requirements.





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