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 →

Kentucky VA Home Loan Guidelines for Employment


Analysis of Prospects for Continued Employment for a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan


Cases involving recently discharged Kentucky Veterans often require the underwriter to exercise a great deal of judgment and flexibility in determining whether the employment income will continue in the foreseeable future. This is because some Veterans may have little or no employment experience other than their military occupation.

Continuity of employment is essential for a Kentucky Veteran with no retirement income, or insufficient retirement income, to support the loan obligation. If the duties the borrower performed in the military are similar or directly related to the duties of the present position, use this as one indicator that the employment is likely to continue.

Most cases fall somewhere between these extremes. Fully develop the facts of each case to make a determination


Borrowers Employed for Less than 12 Months for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan


Generally, employment less than 12 months is not considered stable and reliable. However, the lender may consider the employment stable and reliable if the facts and documentation warrant such a conclusion. Determine whether the borrower's past employment, training, and/or education equipped him or her with particular skills that relate directly to the duties of their current position. If the probability of continued employment is high based on these factors, then the lender may consider including the income in the total effective income. 


An explanation of why income of less than 12 months duration was used must be documented on the VA 26-6393, Loan Analysis. If the probability of continued employment is good, but not well supported, the lender may utilize the income if the borrower has been employed at 12 months, to partially offset debts of 6 to 24 months duration.

 An explanation of why income was used to offset debts must be documented on the VA 26-6393, Loan Analysis. A borrower may have a valid offer of employment which will begin at or after the anticipated date of closing which can be verified. All data pertinent to underwriting procedures should be considered. However, a paystub(s) may not be available.

--






Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916






Text/call: 502-905-3708

The view and opinions stated on this website belong solely to the authors, and are intended for informational purposes only. The posted information does not guarantee approvalnor does it comprise full underwriting guidelines. This does not represent being part of a government agency. The views expressed on this post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the view of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people.
NMLS ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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