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

Image
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.
▶ 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 →

100% Financing Zero Down Payment Kentucky Mortgage Home Loans for Kentucky First time Home Buyers: Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, ...

100% Financing Zero Down Payment Kentucky Mortgage Home Loans for Kentucky First time Home Buyers: Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, ...: Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgage: Kentucky First-time Home Buyer Programs : ...





Kentucky First-time Home Buyer Programs


Conventional Mortgage Loan in Kentucky.

620 credit score or higher needed for this loan program. 4 years removed from bankruptcy minimum sometime longer. Private mortgage insurance required for over 80% loan to value on a refinance or down payments less than 20%. Tighter debt to income requirements with max back-end-ratio usually not over 45% with less than 20% down payment. Easier on properties to qualify if they have deferred maintenance or need some fixing up to pass Government standards like FHA, VA, USDA loans.
Down payment requirements are as little as 3% down payment. Better rates and lower mortgage insurance with a larger down payment and pmi is not for life of loan.
This is for stronger borrowers with good credit (above 680 or 720) and at least 3-5% down payment with no foreclosures or bankruptcies in he last 4-7 years. Can go higher on the loan amount too versus FHA. Max loan in Kentucky for 2020 for conventional loans is $510,000.
Home Possible Advantage Product Highlights:

Up to 97% LTV for Purchase and for Rate Term Refinances of 1-unit properties
CLTV max 97% for purchase unless the second mortgage meets FHLMC Affordable Seconds Guidelines for a max of 105%
Minimum Credit Score of 620 Required
Accept/Eligible LP AUS Findings
Max DTI allowed per AUS Findings
Lower Mortgage Insurance coverage requirements for LTV's of 90.001% - 97% (25%) compared to standard Fannie product (30-35%)
Borrowers may not own any other real estate at closing
1 unit principal residences, including eligible condos and PUDs, 2-4 unit principal residences
Homeownership Education:
At least one Borrower must participate in a homeownership education program before the Note Date in each of the following instances:
For purchase transaction Home Possible® Mortgages when all Borrowers are First-Time Homebuyers
Homeownership education must not be provided by an interested party to the transaction, the originating lender or by the Seller.
Homeownership education programs may use different formats and require different lengths of time to complete. The following are acceptable:
Programs developed by HUD-approved counseling agencies, Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
Programs developed by mortgage insurance companies
Programs that meet the standards of the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling (www.homeownershipstandards.com)
Income Eligibility:
Borrowers must meet income limits for program eligibility. Income limits will be checked by LP.
Link to check income and property eligibility:
Minimum Borrower Contribution:
1 unit - 0%
2-4 units - 3%
Acceptable Sources for Down Payment:
Gift funds and grants. Affordable Seconds are allowed.
Find additional information regarding Affordable Seconds in the Freddie Mac Seller guide section 4204.2
Non-Occupant Borrowers:
Not permitted. All borrowers must occupy the subject property as their primary residence.
Mortgage Insurance:
Monthly, borrower-paid or single premium LPMI are allowed. At this time, borrower paid singles, split premiums, lender paid monthly premiums and lowest cost/custom MI are not allowed.
25% MI coverage for LTVs 90.001 - 97%
Standard MI coverage for LTVs of 90% or less. (Reduced MI not permitted)
Other Income:
Border income (relatives or non-relatives): Up to 30% of qualifying income, must document at least 9 of the last 12 months of payment (will be averaged over 12 months and must document proof of shared residence for the 12 month period.
Accessory Unit - Rental income from an accessory unit may be used in qualifying income per rental income guidelines
2-Unit Rental income from the other units of the subject property may be used per rental income guidelines.
Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA on Google
Pop-Up Link

Popular posts from this blog

How to Get Approved for a Mortgage Loan in Kentucky (2026 Guide)

Kentucky's Welcome Home Grant

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