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

-
Image
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 →

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Programs to Consider for 2022 Kentucky Homebuyers.

-

First Time Home Buyer Programs to Consider for 2022 Kentucky Homebuyers.



First Time Home Buyer Programs to Consider for 2022 Kentucky Homebuyers.





Zero Down Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

The Kentucky VA and the Kentucky USDA Home Loan Program both offer a zero down loan program for individuals and/or properties that meet their criteria.

If you need down payment assistance, KHC offers up to $7,500 for assistance to buy your Kentucky home if you are lacking the down payment requirements for FHA or Fannie Mae below.


Three Percent Down Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional loans are available with down payments as low as 3% on single-family homes, including eligible condos, co-ops, and some manufactured homes. Fixed-rate mortgages with up to 30-year terms and ARMs are available.

Three and 1/2 Percent Down Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

The Federal Housing Administration (or FHA) loan program can allow as little as 3.5% down, and it is more lenient than most other programs on minimum credit scores and other factors. he FHA loan program allows as little as 3.5% down, and it is more lenient than most other programs on minimum credit scores.
Are you surprised at how low you may be able to go? While many believe a 20% down payment is required, you can see now that it’s far from the only option.
Whether you’ve saved a little or a lot, reach out today, and we’ll work on finding a loan that works for you.
  • Kentucky Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans: “With a 3.5% down payment, Kentucky homebuyers may be able to get an FHA loan with a 580 credit score or higher. If you can manage a 10% down payment, though, that minimum goes as low as 500.”
  • Kentucky Conventional loans: “The most popular loan type typically comes with a 620 minimum credit score.”
  • US. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans: “In general, lenders require a minimum credit score of 620-640 for a USDA loan, though some may go as low as 580.”
  • US. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans: “VA loans don’t technically have a minimum credit score, but lenders will typically require between 580 and 620.”

a0ab5-gotquestion2b252812529

 
Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior  Loan Officer
 
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223
Company ID #1364 | MB73346
 


Text/call 502-905-3708
kentuckyloan@gmail.com

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

Popular posts from this blog

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

-
Image
How to Get Approved for a Mortgage Loan in Kentucky Thank you for visiting. I hope you find this website both informative and empowering as you explore your Kentucky mortgage options. My goal is simple: help you understand what mortgage underwriters actually review, help you avoid preventable approval issues, and help you choose the right loan program for your situation. I specialize in assisting Kentucky first-time homebuyers with FHA, VA, USDA Rural Housing, KHC down payment assistance , and Fannie Mae conventional mortgage loans . I proudly serve all 120 counties in Kentucky. FHA Loans in Kentucky VA Loans in Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky 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 buy a home or refinance their current mortgage. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a veteran, a USDA buyer, a credit-challenged ...
Read more

Kentucky's Welcome Home Grant

-
Kentucky Welcome Home Grant 2026 Update: Program Closed and Out of Funds May 2026 update for Kentucky homebuyers: the 2026 Welcome Home Grant is now closed for new reservations. This does not mean you cannot buy a home. It means you need to pivot quickly to other Kentucky mortgage and down payment assistance options. May 2026 Update Welcome Home Grant Closed KHC DAP Still Available USDA, VA, FHA Options Important Update: The 2026 Welcome Home Grant Is Closed The 2026 Welcome Home Grant through FHLB Cincinnati is now closed and out of funds for new reservations . If your lender did not reserve the money before the program closed, you should not build your home purchase plan around receiving this grant for 2026. The hard truth: this grant was popular, limited, and first-come, first-served. Once the available funds were reserved, the program closed. Good News: Kentucky Buyers Still Have Options ...
Read more

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

-
Image
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 incom...
Read more