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 to Get Approved for a Mortgage Loan in Kentucky (2026 Guide)

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How to Get Approved for a Mortgage Loan in Kentucky Thank you for visiting. I hope you find this website both informative and empowering as you explore your Kentucky mortgage options. My goal is simple: help you understand what mortgage underwriters actually review, help you avoid preventable approval issues, and help you choose the right loan program for your situation. I specialize in assisting Kentucky first-time homebuyers with FHA, VA, USDA Rural Housing, KHC down payment assistance , and Fannie Mae conventional mortgage loans . I proudly serve all 120 counties in Kentucky. FHA Loans in Kentucky VA Loans in Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky Fannie Mae Conventional Loans KHC Down Payment Assistance Programs With over 20 years of lending experience, I've had the privilege of helping more than 1,300 Kentucky families buy a home or refinance their current mortgage. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a veteran, a USDA buyer, a credit-challenged ...
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 →

Kentucky Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program




Kentucky Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
I have originated over 200 Kentucky and USDA Loans over  my entire 20 year  career. Put my experience to work for you today,. Free Mortgage Pre-Approvals for every County of Kentucky 


24 Questions and  Answers 

1 What is the guarantee?

USDA Rural Development provides the full faith and assurance of the U.S Government
that any financial loss resulting from servicing the loan will be reimbursed in full up to
an amount not exceeding 90% of the original loan amount. All loss up to an amount not
exceeding 35% of the original loan is fully reimbursed. Losses exceeding 35% are 85%
reimbursed.

2 What is the advantage to the customer?

100 percent financing, fixed interest rate, no MIP/PMI, and no restrictions on size or
design are just a few of the advantages.

3 What are the eligibility requirements?

Have adequate and dependable income (up to 115 percent of adjusted area median
income), have acceptable credit, do not own a dwelling in the local commuting area, US
Citizen or permanent resident, have the ability to personally occupy the home on a
permanent basis, and do not have funds for a 20% down payment loan plus closing and
moving expenses.

4 Can a Broker originate Guaranteed loans? Yes, however only Approved lenders may underwrite & submit loans.

5 How long does it take to get an answer?

Our goal is a 2 to 5 day turnaround. Time will be longer in some offices due to the large
number of guarantee requests received.

6 What is the maximum fixed Interest Rate  and term?

Fannie Mae 90 day delivery rate plus 60 basis points rounded up to nearest quarter of
one percent Or no more than the Lender's published VA rate for first mortgage loans
with no discount points. The term is 30 years.

7 What is the maximum loan amount? 

The Loan amount is limited by the market value and repayment ability.

8 What is the maximum Loan to Value?

It can be up to 100% LTV plus the Agency guarantee fee.

9 What is the Guarantee Fee? 

The guarantee fee is 3.5 percent of the “Total” loan amount.

10 What are the qualifying ratios?

 PITI Ratio 29 percent, TD Ratio 41 percent.
Higher ratios may be approved with compensating factors.

11 Do we show deferred student loans in the debt ratio?

Deferred student loans should be included in the debt ratio calculations for Guaranteed
Loans regardless of the deferment period.

12 What is the minimum credit score?

Under certain criteria, credit score 640 and above no comment required.
For credit score 639 and below document circumstances were temporary in nature
beyond the applicants control and have been removed. In most cases, loans will not be
guaranteed for applicants who have a middle credit score of 580 & below.

13 What about location? The dwelling must be located in eligible rural area (See eligibility site)

14 What about refinancing?

Limited to existing USDA Rural Development guaranteed or direct loans.
15 Can loans include acreage?

Possibly. The acreage must not contain any income producing facilities


16 Can Manufactured Homes be financed? 

Yes, however they must be new and sold by an approved dealer contractor.

17 What about an in-ground swimming pool? 

Pools are okay
18 What are the required inspections?

Property must meet HUD Handbook 4905.1 & 4150.2 or similar standard. A FHA
roster appraiser can verify adequacy/working order of electrical, plumbing, heating,
water & waste disposal on existing dwellings.

19 Will USDA Rural Development issue a letter asking the Approved Lender to make
a loan? 

No. This is the Approved Lender‟s loan. They underwrite the loan and decide if it meets
their standards and Agency standards before submitting.

20 Is homebuyer education required? 

Homebuyer education is not required, however it is recommended.

21 Are seller concessions allowed? 

Yes. Rural Development does not restrict the amount of seller concessions.

22 Who approves the Appraiser?

The appraiser must be licensed by the State to complete appraisals.

23 Can necessary repairs be included in loan?

Yes. An „as improved‟ appraisal will be needed to include cost of repairs.

24 Are alternate verifying income documents allowed?

Yes. Paycheck stubs, payroll earnings statements and W-2 tax forms for previous 2 tax
years, and telephone verification of employment.







A complete loan guarantee request received by Kentucky Rural Development Office  on or before September 30, 2013, will not be subject to the new rural area designations that will take place on October 1, 2013, barring any Congressional action that extends current eligibility areas.  

Applications received by close of business on September 30, 2013 and processed on/after October 1, 2013, due to state loan processing times, will be subject to the newly designated rural areas if the application is incomplete.  A complete loan guarantee request represents the following documents. 

Transaction Type:  Purchase and Standard Non-Streamlined Refinance
     Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS) Accept Underwriting Recommendation

  •  
Form RD 1980-21, “Request for Single Family Housing Loan Guarantee.”

  •  
Evidence of qualified alien, as applicable.

  •  
FEMA Form 81-93, “Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form.”

  •  
Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) with Market Condition Addendum (MC 1004).



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Kentucky property eligibility map for USDA and rural development , property eligibility, maps, rhs, usda, rural development, rural housing, 


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