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.
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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 →

FHA Credit Qualifying Streamline Refinance RHS Refinance Pilot Program

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KHC Refinance Products

KHC Refinance Products

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To qualify for a KHC refinancing option, you must contact an approved lender and meet the requirements below:
FHA Credit Qualifying Streamline Refinance:
  • 640 minimum credit score
  • Appraisal required
  • Maximum LTV/CLTV 97.75 percent (125 percent CLTV)
  • 30-year term
  • FHA existing loan
FHA Rate/Term Refinance
  • 640 minimum credit score
  • Appraisal required
  • Maximum LTV/CLTV 97.75 percent (97.75 percent CLTV)
  • 30-year term
  • Conventional, RHS, VA, or FHA existing loans
RHS Refinance Pilot Program – AN 4634
  • Must meet KHC and RHS Guarantee’s household income limitations;
  • Must reside in eligible rural location and remain as principle residence;
  • Must have made timely mortgage payments for the last 12 months and have a minimum 640 credit score.
  • New interest rate must be 1 percent below current interest rate.
  • Existing loan must be a 502 guaranteed loans only.
  • Ratio calculation not required.
  • Must be a manual underwrite and not processed through GUS.
  • Borrower must be employed at time of closing or have alternative sources of income, such as retirement, social security, disability, alimony, or child support.
  • Refinance balance consists of:  Principal balance of loan + the full upfront guarantee fee + funds to close.  The applicable upfront fee is 1.5 percent .  No cash out is permitted.  Annual fee is applicable.  For 2012 the annual fee is .3 percent.
  • Income:  Verification of all sources for income eligibility only—not for repayment.




Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)Senior  Loan Officer
502-905-3708 cell
502-813-2795 fax
jlobb@keyfinllc.com

Key Financial Mortgage Co. (NMLS #1800)*
107 South Hurstbourne Parkway*
Louisville, KY 40222*




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