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.
Kentucky mortgage video guide thumbnail
Kentucky mortgage video guide thumbnail
▶ 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 →

How Much House Can I Afford On A Typical Kentucky Mortgage Loan Preapproval?

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Kentucky Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Estimates affordability based on income, debts, and housing costs. For an exact number, a verified preapproval is required.
Call/Text 502-905-3708
Income and debt
Use gross monthly income and total monthly debts (car, student loans, credit cards, etc.).
Preset updates automatically when you change program. You can override.
Only used if “Use housing ratio cap” is checked.
Assumptions for home and loan
Adjust these to match the county, property type, and insurance quote.
Kentucky varies by county/city. Use your best estimate or local tax info.
FHA/Conventional commonly require MI. USDA has annual fee structure. VA typically has no monthly MI.
Results
Enter your numbers and click Calculate.
Disclaimer: This tool provides estimates only and is not a loan approval. Final qualification depends on full underwriting, credit, program rules, and property specifics. VA approvals also consider residual income and other factors.
Want the real number with a verified preapproval? Call/Text 502-905-3708.
Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA | NMLS 57916 | Company NMLS 1738461 | Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Explore Kentucky Mortgage Programs That Affect Affordability
Your buying power in Kentucky varies by loan program. Learn how each option impacts how much house you can afford:
Want Your Exact Kentucky Home Price — Not an Estimate?
Online calculators are a starting point. A verified preapproval shows what you actually qualify for based on your income, credit, and loan program.
Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA | NMLS 57916 | Company NMLS 1738461 | Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org

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