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.
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▶ 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 →

What is the difference between a Mortgage Pre Approval and Pre Qualification for A Louisville Kentucky Mortgage

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Pre Qualification for A Louisville Kentucky Mortgage vs a Pre-Approval for a Louisville Kentucky Mtg.




You have probably heard the terms Pre-Qualificationand Pre-Approval and may have wondered what the difference is. 

Prequalification

When you get prequalified, we will typically run your credit, look at ratios and check assets to make sure there is enough to meet reserve requirements.   Most professional real estate agents won’t even show you homes without a Pre-Qualification letter and in today’s Louisville Kentucky Housing  market you must have one before you submit an offer on any home.  A  Pre-Qualification letter says that you have spoken with a lender and they do not see any immediate concerns with your ability to borrow.  This is not as detailed as a Pre-Approval but will allow you to start the process of viewing homes and submitting an offer on one.

Pre-Approval

With a Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Pre-Approval, we do everything above and also run your file through an automated underwriting system.  We also ask you to send over supporting documents to place in your file.  The supporting documents we typically ask for are:
  • 2 Paystubs
  • 2 Years W-2’s
  • 2 Months of Asset Statements
  • Driver’s License
  • Signed Authorization Form
Everyone’s situation is different, so we may need additional documents.  Once we have had time to review all of your documents, you are pre-approved subject to you finding a property, appraisal, clear title and an underwriter’s final approval.  In today’s fast-moving market with foreclosures being snatched up quickly it is advantageous to go ahead and get Pre-Approved if you are serious about purchasing a home now and want to stack the odds in your favor.







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