What is the best mortgage loan program in Kentucky for first-time homebuyers?

The best loan program depends on your credit, income, and location. USDA offers 100% financing in eligible rural areas, FHA helps buyers with lower credit scores, VA is ideal for veterans and active-duty military, and Conventional loans are best for borrowers with stronger credit profiles.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Kentucky?

Most mortgage programs require a minimum score of 580 for FHA, 620 for Conventional, 640 for USDA automated approval, and 580 for most VA lenders.

Which Kentucky loan programs offer no down payment?

USDA Rural Housing and VA loans both offer 100% financing with no down payment. USDA requires the home to be in an eligible rural area and VA requires veteran or military eligibility.

Does Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) offer down payment assistance?

Yes. KHC offers a $10,000 down payment assistance second mortgage paid over 10 years. Eligible with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans (620+ score).

How long after bankruptcy can I buy a home in Kentucky?

FHA requires 2 years after Chapter 7 (or 1 year into Chapter 13). VA requires 2 years. USDA requires 3 years. Conventional loans require 4–7 years depending on bankruptcy type.

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgages: Kentucky Mortgage Loan Programs

I specialize in Kentucky First Time Homebuyers FHA, VA, USDA & Rural Housing, KHC and Fannie Mae mortgage loans. I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy their first home or refinance their current mortgage for a lower payment; Kentucky First time buyers we still how available down payment assistance with KHC. Free Mortgage applications/ same day approvals. Web site is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA govt agency. Text/call 502-905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com NMLS 57916 NMLS 1738461

Kentucky Mortgage Loan Programs | FHA, VA, USDA & Conventional Guide

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 USDA-eligible rural area
Bankruptcy wait: 3 years
No USDA loan limit

USDA Map Eligibility: Click here to check address eligibility

Kentucky FHA Loan

3.5% down with 580+ score
10% down with scores 500–579
Allows gifts + KHC down-payment assistance
Mortgage insurance: 0.85% monthly, 1.75% upfront, MI for life
Bankruptcy wait: 2 years (Ch. 7), 1 year Ch. 13
Foreclosure wait: 3 years

Kentucky VA Loan

0% down for veterans & eligible military
No monthly mortgage insurance
Funding fee: 2.3% first use / 3.6% subsequent (financed)
Credit score: most lenders want 580+
No income limits, no loan limits
Bankruptcy/foreclosure wait: 2 years

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance (KHC)

$10,000 second mortgage repaid over 10 years
Works with FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
Minimum credit score: 620 (660 for KHC Conventional)
Max DTI: 50%

Explore More Kentucky Home Loan Resources

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer – Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, KHC, Conventional
Evo Mortgage

Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Call/Text: 502-905-3708
Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

EVO Mortgage – NMLS #1738461
Joel Lobb – NMLS #57916

Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA

Why Work With Me? Local Expertise: I know the ins and outs of Kentucky’s housing market and loan programs. Fast Approvals: I offer free mortgage applications with same-day approvals to keep the process moving quickly. Customized Loan Solutions: Whether you’re buying a home or refinancing, I’ll find the right loan program to fit your needs. Personalized Service: I treat every client like family, ensuring you’re supported and informed throughout the process. About My Website Visit my website for a wealth of resources tailored to Kentucky homebuyers. You’ll find: Step-by-step guides for first-time homebuyers. Information on loan programs like FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC. Tools to help you calculate potential payments and affordability. Blog posts with tips and updates on the Kentucky housing market. A secure portal to start your loan application and upload documents. Please Note: My website is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA, or any government agency. It is an independent platform created to educate and assist homebuyers with expert advice and accessible tools.

A Little About Me

Thank you for visiting. I hope you find this website both informative and empowering as you explore your mortgage options. My goal is to help you feel confident in selecting the right home loan for your unique situation. I proudly serve all 120 counties in Kentucky, offering a full range of mortgage loan programs, including: FHA Loans VA Loans USDA Rural Housing Loans 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 achieve their homeownership goals. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or seeking a second opinion, I’m here to offer honest, no-pressure advice—always free of charge. I am dedicated to: Attending as many closings as possible Providing responsive, personalized service Ensuring quick, efficient, and accurate loan processing Making myself accessible every step of the way I've been consistently recognized as a top mortgage loan officer in Kentucky for VA, FHA, USDA, and KHC programs. I take pride in being thorough, transparent, and attentive with each and every client. Please take a moment to read my reviews below. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to call or text me directly. Call/text at 502-905-3708. Free Mortgage Pre-Qualifications same day on most applications.

Email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com with your questions

I specialize in Kentucky FHA, VA ,USDA, KHC, Conventional and Jumbo mortgage loans. I am based out of Louisville Kentucky. For the first time buyer, we offer Kentucky Housing or KHC loans with down payment assistance.

This website is not an government agency, and does
not officially represent the HUD, VA, USDA or FHA or any other government agency.

NMLS# 57916 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Joel Lobb Senior Loan Officer/p>

call/text phone: (502) 905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com Company ID #1738461
EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Customer Testimonials

We just moved here the first of January in 2017 from Ohio to the Louisville, KY area and we found Joel's website online. He was quick to respond to us and got back the same day on our loan approval. He was very knowledgeable about the local market and kept us up-to date throughout the loan process and was a pleasure to meet at closing. Would recommend his services.

Angela Forsythe

"We were searching online for mortgage companies in Louisville, Ky locally to deal with and found Joel's website, and it was a godsend. He was great to work with, and delivered on everything he said he would do. I ended up referring my co-worker at UPS, and she was very pleased with his service and rates too. Would definitely vouch for him." September 2016

Monica Leinhardt

"We contacted Joel back in July 2011 to refinance our Mortgage and he was great to work with. We contacted several lenders locally and online, and most where taking almost 60 days to close a refinance, Joel got it done in 23 days start to finish,I would definetly recommmend him. He got us 3.75% with just $900 in closing costs on our FHA Streamline loan.

Kayle Griffin

“Joel is one of the best Mortgage Brokers I have ever worked with in my sixteen years in the real estate and mortgage business.” May 25, 2010

Tim Beck
“Joel has always worked very hard to keep his word and to work out seasonable solutions to difficult problems. He is truly an expert in FHA and other type loans.” September 1, 2010

Nancy Nalley

“I have worked with Joel since 1998. He is a great loan professional.” I refer most of my Louisville, Kentucky area home buyers to him and he always take special care of them. August 23, 2012

Jon ClarK

“Joel Lobb is a real professional in the lending industry, with many years of experience, he is the one to go to for any mortgage lending needs.” August 22, 2011

RICHARD VOLZ , Residential Sales , Remax Foursquare Realty
“When looking to purchase our new home in 2006, I had the pleasure of meeting Joel Lobb. Not only was he personable and easy to reach, he was extremely knowledgable in his field and made sure to find us the best rate and a top notch mortgage company. We were able to complete the process in less than 3 weeks with his expertise. I find Joel to have the utmost high integrity and I recommend him to anyone who say's they are need of mortgage assistance. He is also fantastic and keeping everyone up to date on the latest in the housing industry through his twitter posts. He provided great results for our family and we still communicate to this day!” August 21, 2010
Stacie Drake

"We first use Joel on our new home purchase in 2007 in St Matthews, Kentucky area and he was great to work with. We have since refinanced our home with him in 2010 when rates got really low and he has always delivered on what he says. I could not imagine using anyone else."

Melody Glasscock March 2014

Absolutely Amazing!! I emailed Joel after I had just got a denial from a bank and just thought i would try to get some advice on what my next steps would be to get a house. I honestly didn't expect to even get a reply because my credit is not great. That was about a week and a half ago. I just signed a contract on a house last night. ONLY because of Joel Lobb. He even worked with us throughout the weekend, which shocked me. Best decision I have ever made. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WORKING WITH US THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS.

Cee Bellisle August 2018

Contacted him about buying a home and he was great to work with. I was moving to Louisville Ky to take a new job and he walked me through the entire process. He explained to me all the different options for FHA, VA, USDA mortgage loans and credit score requirements versus Fannie Mae. Since I was a first time home buyer I needed alot of help and guidance. I would definitely recommend him. Fast to respond and available to answer questions that I or my realtor had after hours.

Anderson Johnson April, 2018

We moved from Michigan to Northern Kentucky area and we were really impressed. We got a USDA loan no money down and closed in less than 3.5 weeks. We shopped around online with other lenders but Joel was always first to respond and his rates were just a little better than other lenders. He kept us informed through the process along with our realtor and there was absolutely no surprises like we heard from other co-workers and friends that they experienced in their loan process. We have already referred another co-worker to Joel . He's AWESOME!

Patty Kingston July 2018

Wow, what a great loan officer. I was referred to him by our agent and he was great to work with. We used him for a USDA no money down loan in Shelby County and we were really impressed. We were afraid we could not buy a home since we did not have money saved for a down payment, but Joe l was able to get us a zero down loan and we even got our appraisal fee and good faith deposit back at closing. We actually got money back at closing!!! I Can't think him enough. Our family moved from our apartment in the south end of town to get our own home with 5 acres for our kids and 2 dogs, at a payment that is equal to our rent payment also. .Thanks Again Joel. May god bless you

Patty Locker April 2019

We contacted Joel about buying a house on our move from Ohio for my husband's job transfer with Ford. We put a lot of trust in him since we were new to the area and first time home buyers in the Louisville KY market, and he always delivered on what he said. It took us a while to find a home due to the lack of homes, but once we got one, he was always quick to respond our questions via text or email ,and kept us informed through the process. We got to meet him at the closing and he was super nice and even got us a closing gift for our home which we didn't expect at all. Super nice guy ��!!! I would definitely recommend him for a local Home loan in the Louisville area.

Pam Dolby June 2019

I got a VA loan with Joel and he was great. He is an ex-army guy so he could relate to my past experiences of being a veteran and moving around the country a lot. I had some credit issues that required a little extra work but Joel was able to find A VA lender to approve my situation as far as having past bad credit problems and a lower credit score. We closed yesterday on our home here in Louisville and we could not be happier. We finally have a home of our own thanks to Joel .I would definitely recommend him for a mortgage loan. Great experience and closed 8 days before expected close date so we were able to move in early.

Betty Parsons February 2019

I contacted Joel about the $10,000 KY Housing Grant last month and we were able to get it and I just closed on my home. He was great to work with and if you are a first time home buyer here in Louisville, I would definitely contact him. I met him at his office and he was very nice and knowledgeable and kept me informed through the process. No surprises either so I was very happy. I am new homeowner thanks to Joel .

July 1st 2019 Johnathan Simmons

Full Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from 11 July 2013

This blog is a sponsored blog created or supported by a company, organization or group of organizations. For questions about this blog, please contact Joel Lobb 502-905-3708 or email kentuckyloan@gmail.com NMLS# 57916.

This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.

Website Fine Print

The content provided on this website is presented or compiled by Joel Lobb and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of his employer.

Joel Lobb or his employer assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.

The mortgage or financial services or strategies mentioned in this website may not be not suitable for you.

This website participates as an Equal Opportunity Lender. All rights Reserved.

Joel Lobb is a Licensed Mortgage Originator: NMLS #57916.

Legal Disclaimer

This web site is not the FHA, VA, USDA, HUD or any other government organization responsible for managing, insuring, regulating or issuing residential mortgage loans.

**Download Fair Housing Booklet – CLICK HERE

All approvals and rates are not guaranteed, and are only issued based on standard mortgage qualifying guidelines.

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