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 Home Inspection vs. Appraisal: Key Differences

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By Joel Lobb, Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #57916 · Updated September 12, 2026 The difference between a Kentucky home inspection and a Kentucky appraisal is their purpose: an inspection evaluates the home's condition, while an appraisal estimates its market value for the mortgage process. One does not replace the other. A homebuyer's two questions: What needs attention, and what is the property worth? Buying in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, or elsewhere in Kentucky? Before paying for inspections and appraisal services, understand who orders each report, what it covers, and how the results may affect your purchase. In this guide Comparison Inspection checklist Appraisal process Costs and timing Video FAQs Kentucky home inspection vs. appraisal: the difference HOME INSPECTION Condition What needs attention? Roof · Foundation · Plumbing Electrical · Heating and cooling Usually arranged by: the buyer Result: an inspection report Next step: review repairs and f...
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 →

Here are the cities in Kentucky that will no longer be eligible for RHS or USDA Rural Development mortgage loans:


More Info on Kentucky RHS - Support Rural Definition Amendment for Kentucky  USDA Programs - Please read carefully and ACT NOW!!!

USDA Rural Housing Loans - No Down Payments, Lower Payments than FHA Loans. Income and location restrictions apply. Contact Ed Collins at Kentucky Federal Savings & Loan at 859-525-6655.


On July 31, 2012 Congress passed a 6-month Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through March 31, 2013, avoiding a messy fight over the FY13 Appropriatios bills.  At this time, the Continuing Resolution (CR) is our best opportunity to enact a solution to USDA's "rural" definition issue before the October 1, 2012 deadline for RHS.
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TODAY AND EVERY DAY and ask them to sign on to Rep. Fortenberry's letter to Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers, urging the Committee to address the "rural" definition issue in the Continuing Resolution (CR).
The CR is our best opportunity to address these issues before the October 1st deadline.  If the House does not enact a solution to the "rural" definition issue, USDA will move forward with the below changes on October 1st.  The Senate already has a provision in their appropriations bill.  Now, we need the House to act. When you call or email your Representative make sure they know that without this CR, the October 1st changes will serve a massive blow to affordable housing in rural communities.
Please, don't think that someone else will make the calls or send the emails.  It is up to YOU! Also contact all the Realtors and Builders that you know because it affects them too!  Ask them to call their Representatives as well. 

Here are the cities in Kentucky that will no longer be eligible for RHS mortgage loans:

Bardstown, city 

Burlington, city

Elizabethtown, city

Gerogetown, city

Independence, city

Nicholasville, city

Shelbyville, city

Shepherdsville, city





IMPPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY!
Representative Hal Rogers is the Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Committee.  The Farm Bill is currently in the House of Representatives Agriculture Appropriations Committee for review.  Hal Rogers is in favor of the changes we are requesting.  Even if he is not your Representative contact him anyway so that he can provide more fuel to the committee as to the importance of this bill - he's on our side. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT HAL ROGERS.


Click here if you would like tips on how to communicate with your legislato





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