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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▶ 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 →

Using a Pastor / Minister’s housing Clergy Income for A Mortgage Loan Approval

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Using a Pastor / Minister’s housing allowance to qualify for a mortgage

Member of the Clergy Income for A Mortgage Loan Approval 
Where a borrower is a member of the clergy, all of the following will be required to document income: 1) Most recent year full tax return, 2) Most recent pay stubs, 3) W-2s, 4) Contract from the church to determine benefits.

 The IRS looks at the housing allowance portion of a pastor’s income as an exclusion from income.  Therefore the housing allowance is not reported on the personal tax returns as taxable income.  Even though it is not reported on the tax returns, a pastor’s housing allowance can be used in qualifying for a mortgage loan to purchase or refinance a home. 

  As long as we can document the receipt of the housing income through a signed letter from the church/employer stating the actual breakdown of the pay and by providing copies of the checks received, we should be able to count the housing allowance as income.  Some employers will even put the housing allowance on the w2 as a nontaxable amount which makes it even easier. 


See guidelines below:


Housing or Parsonage Allowance A non-military housing or parsonage allowance may be considered qualifying income, if the income has been received for the most recent 12 months. The housing allowance may not be used to offset the monthly housing payment. All of the following income documentation is required:

 Written Verification of Employment, letter from employer, or paystubs reflecting the amount of the housing or parsonage allowance. 
 Terms under which the housing or parsonage allowance is paid.
 Proof of receipt of housing allowance for most recent 12 months. 

Housing or Parsonage allowance may be considered as qualifying income if there is documentation that the income has been received for the most recent 12 months and the allowance is likely to continue for the next three years. 


Member of the Clergy Income for A Mortgage Loan Approval 



Where a borrower is a member of the clergy, all of the following will be required to document income: 1) Most recent year full tax return, 2) Most recent pay stubs, 3) W-2s, 4) Contract from the church to determine benefits.

The IRS looks at the housing allowance portion of a pastor’s income as an exclusion from income.  Therefore the housing allowance is not reported on the personal tax returns as taxable income.  Even though it is not reported on the tax returns, a pastor’s housing allowance can be used in qualifying for a mortgage loan to purchase or refinance a home. 

 As long as we can document the receipt of the housing income through a signed letter from the church/employer stating the actual breakdown of the pay and by providing copies of the checks received, we should be able to count the housing allowance as income.  Some employers will even put the housing allowance on the w2 as a nontaxable amount which makes it even easier. 



See guidelines below:


Housing or Parsonage Allowance A non-military housing or parsonage allowance may be considered qualifying income, if the income has been received for the most recent 12 months. The housing allowance may not be used to offset the monthly housing payment. All of the following income documentation is required:

 Written Verification of Employment, letter from employer, or paystubs reflecting the amount of the housing or parsonage allowance. 
 Terms under which the housing or parsonage allowance is paid.
 Proof of receipt of housing allowance for most recent 12 months. 

Housing or Parsonage allowance may be considered as qualifying income if there is documentation that the income has been received for the most recent 12 months and the allowance is likely to continue for the next three years. 



Using a Pastor / Minister’s housing Clergy Income for A Mortgage Loan Approval






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1 - 📅 Email - kentuckyloan@gmail.com 
2.  📞 Call/Text - 502-905-3708

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer - Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans


🌐 Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
🏢 Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916



Location: 10602 Timberwood Cir #3, Louisville, KY 40223, USA

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