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 →

Kentucky FHA Acceptable Sources of Heat for Appraisals

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Kentucky FHA Acceptable Sources of Heat for A FHA Mortgage Loan Approval


Many people ask me what types of heat sources are okay for homes where the borrower is using FHA to finance the property.
Here’s the information – and by the way, USDA (Rural Housing) uses FHA rules listed below as their heat source guidelines too.
General Guidelines
• All habitable rooms must have a heat source
• Certain areas of the country do not require a heat source if normal for the area (i.e., Hawaii, certain counties in Florida)
Wood Stoves & Solar Systems
• Acceptable with certification that they were installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Must ALSO have a conventional heat source in all living areas.
• Must also have a heat source to maintain 50 degrees F in rooms where plumbing is located.
(Example: electric baseboard heat in bathroom, kitchen and basement/crawl space where plumbing pipes are located.)
Floor Heaters
• Acceptable
• If needs repairs or insufficient heat source for home, will require upgrade to conventional heat system.
Non-conventional Heating Systems
• Space heaters or non-conventional heat sources must comply with local codes.
• If does not comply, conventional heating system must be installed.
Propane Tanks
• Must be located a safe distance from the home.
• Must have ownership of propane tank UNLESS only leased tanks are available and normal for the area.
• Propane furnaces located in crawl space or basement is not acceptable.
I’m sure I have not covered every possibility but give me a call if you have any questions or reservations about listing a home that you think may not have an acceptable source of heat.



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

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