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 →

KHC or Kentucky Housing for Down Payment Assistance for Ky First Time Home Buyers

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http://www.kyhousing.org/page.aspx?id=297
Down Payment Assistance for Ky First Time Home Buyers




Kentucky Down payment assistance loans are available up to $6,000 for Mortgage




KHC is used for mostly applicants in Kentucky that don't have access to money for a down payment on their home. 

Down payment assistance loans are available up to $6,000, and are paid back over a period of ten years. They are typically offered to buyers with limited cash reserves and carry an interest rate of 1 to 5.5% based on applicants gross income.


These loans can make a critical difference to buyers for whom the down payment is an obstacle. Buyers whose 3.5% down payment is less than the $6000 limit may choose to use the remainder of a down payment loan to pay closing costs, further reducing the amount needed to bring to closing.

KHC recognizes that down payments, closing costs, and prep​aids are stumbling blocks for many potential home buyers. Here are several loan programs to help. Your KHC-approved lender can help you apply for the program that meets your need.

Regular DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644 with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance in the form of a loan up to $6,000 in $100 increments.
  • Repayable over a ten-year term at 5.50 percent.
  • Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.

Affordable DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644​ with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance up to $6,000.
  • Repayable over a ten-year term at 1.00 percent.
  • Borrowers must meet Affordable D​AP income limits.

​MORE ABOUT DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COSTS

  • No liquid asset review and no limit on borrower reserves.
  • Specific credit underwriting standards may apply to down payment programs
  • KHC ELIGIBILITY AND CREDIT STANDARDS OVERVIEW
  • (Not intended to be an all-inclusive list.)
  • Home Buyer Eligibility
  • • KHC can help both first time and repeat home buyers statewide.
  • • Must be a U.S. citizen or legal status to be in U.S.
  • • Applicant’s income ONLY through Secondary Market.
  • • Property must be the borrower’s principal residence.
  • • Any Borrower that meets both the income and purchase price limit can have access to Down Payment Assistance.
  • Kentucky Housing Credit Standards
  • • 620 minimum credit score required for FHA, VA, & RHS.
  • • 660 minimum credit score required for Conventional.
  • • Debt ratios: 40/50%
  • • Collections in most cases do not need to be paid-off in full.
  • • Bankruptcies and foreclosures must be discharged two to seven years.
  • • Non-taxable income can be grossed-up.
  • Property Eligibility
  • • Both new and existing property.
  • • Both new & existing Manufactured Housing.
  • • With RHS only new construction Manufactured housing is allowed.
  • • Purchase price limit of $346,644 for Secondary Market or $311,997 for Tax Credit.
  • • Full appraisal required on all KHC loans.
  • • With Existing Property, VA is the only loan product that requires a termite inspection.
  • • A termite soil treatment certificate is required on ALL new construction properties except on conventional loans.

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

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