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 →

How Much House Can I Afford in Kentucky? 2026 DTI Limits by Loan Program

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By Joel Lobb, Kentucky Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #57916 · Updated September 24, 2026 Short answer: Kentucky lenders decide how much you qualify for using your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) . Your new house payment usually needs to stay near 29–31% of your gross monthly income , and your house payment plus all other debts can reach 41–50% depending on the loan program. A household earning $75,000 with $450 a month in debts typically qualifies for about $219,000 (USDA) to $303,000 (conventional) at today's rates. Your loan program sets the DTI limit, and the DTI limit sets your price range. "How much house can I afford?" is the first question almost every Kentucky homebuyer asks me, and online calculators rarely agree. That is because each loan program (FHA, VA, USDA, KHC, and conventional) uses different debt ratio limits, mortgage insurance, and down payments. This guide shows you exactly how lenders run the numbers, gives you a calculator built on Kentucky a...
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 →

100% financing-Downpayment Assistance and Zero Down Home loans Exist

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USDA

GRH Guaranteed Rural Housing Program
100% financing

Talk with us about this 100 percent financing program if you are looking to buy or refinance a single family home in a rural area. All of Kentucky may be eligible by county and income limit. Contact us to verify if your property is eligible.

Some key features include:

- No PMI. That's right, no private mortgage insurance. Like VA, this program has a Guaranteed fee that can be financed into the loan the same way VA loans have a Funding fee.

- 6% seller help/contribution is allowed

- No minimum contribution from your own funds. FHA has a 3.5% requirement. There are also no cash reserves required, as is the case with your typical conventional loan.

- This program only offers a fixed rate option for primary 1 unit residences. Current maximum loan amount is $417,000.



There are income limitations to qualify. Contact a  Loan Officer and we will help you find a home where you can take advantage of this great 100% financing program. Contact us to see if your property is eligible for the USDA 100% program.



VA financing
100% financing

The VA does not make home loans, they insure them. We are VA approved and can help you with your VA loan request. Some VA benefits include:

- No downpayment is required in most cases

- Borrow up to 100% of purchase price

- Lower closing costs

- Mortgage is assumable

- No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

- No penalties if you prepay the loan

- You may be eligible for waiver of VA funding fee

- VA support during temporary financial difficulties



More on 100% VA financing









FHA financing & down payment help

gift funds are allowed for the entire down payment, closing costs, and pre-paid items. Down payment can come as a gift from a family member, an employer (tip: convert a raise or bonus into down payment assistance), or from a nonprofit institution or government grant.




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Kentucky Housing Income Limits 2026 | KHC Income & Purchase Price Limits by County

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