🏠 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 →💬 Get Pre-Qualified
Free application review with same-day answers. We look at your credit, income, and goals — no cost, no obligation, no pressure.
📋 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.
🏠 Close & Get Your Keys
Guided from contract to closing — appraisal, title, and underwriting coordinated so you always know what happens next.

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 →Kentucky Mortgage Approval. How much can I afford?
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.How much mortgage money can I qualify to borrow?
This is typically the number one question mortgage professionals are asked by new clients.
Of critical importance when considering mortgage financing: There is sometimes a difference between what a client ***can*** borrow and what they ***should*** borrow.
In other words, what makes for a comfortable long-term mortgage payment?
The Quick Answer:
If we’re simply considering the financial math, lenders will calculate your Debt-to-Income Ratio and generally allow for 28-31% of your gross income to be used for the new house payment with up to 43% of your gross income to be used for all consumer related debts combined.
Sample Mortgage Scenario:
Let’s use a gross monthly income of $3000 and a qualifying factor of 30% Debt-to-Income Ratio:
$3000 multiplied by .3 (30%) = $900 max monthly mortgage payment
This means that your mortgage payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Hazard Insurance) cannot exceed $900 a month.
“Ballparking” a Qualifying Loan Amount:
Simple step: We use a safe average of $7 per month in payment for every $1000 in purchase price so…
Step 1) $900 a month divided by $7 = $128.50
Step 2) $128.50 multiplied by 1000 = $128,500 loan amount.
Remember, these are average ratios and guidelines set by most lenders for common mortgage programs.
Keep in mind, while most consumer debts are listed on a credit report, there are some additional monthly liabilities that may contribute to the overall qualifying percentages as well.
Regardless of how your personal income and credit scenarios factor in, it is important to consider your overall budget when trying to determine how much of a mortgage you should qualify for.
Other items to consider in your monthly budget:
1. Confirm all debts are taken into account
2. Any private notes or family loans
3. Short-term expenses – medical, auto repairs, travel, emergencies
4. Plan on additional expenses for the home such as water, electric, maintenance, etc…
5. Keep a cushion for savings and financial planning
Contact me for a free credit report and preapproval same day.
502-905-3708 or email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com
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