🏠 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 →💬 Get Pre-Qualified
Free application review with same-day answers. We look at your credit, income, and goals — no cost, no obligation, no pressure.
📋 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.
🏠 Close & Get Your Keys
Guided from contract to closing — appraisal, title, and underwriting coordinated so you always know what happens next.

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 →Why Kentucky Mortgage Loans Are Denied
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Credit Score of 620 or below:
A credit score reflects an individual's creditworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending money. A lower credit score, typically below 620, can raise concerns for lenders. It may indicate past financial challenges, missed payments, or high levels of debt. To improve mortgage approval chances, borrowers should aim for a higher credit score by paying bills on time, reducing debt, and fixing any errors on their credit report.
Bankruptcy less than 2 years or foreclosure less than 3 years:
Bankruptcy can significantly impact mortgage approval. Depending on the type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) and how long ago it occurred, lenders may view it as a red flag.
Chapter 7
If you have filed a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the mortgage waiting periods begin after the discharge date:
FHA loan – 2 years from discharge date
VA loan – 2 years from discharge date
USDA loan – 3 years from discharge date
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
On the other hand, if you have filed a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, the mortgage waiting periods are shorter:
FHA loan – 1 year from the payout period. However, you also need court permission, and proof of satisfactory bankruptcy payment and performance.
VA loan – 1 year from the payout period. Also, court permission, and proof of satisfactory bankruptcy payment and performance.
USDA loan – 1 year of the payout must elapse and payment performance must be satisfactory. In addition, you need court permission to borrow again.
After Short Sale/Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure
The mortgage waiting periods after a short sale begin after the completion date:Fannie Mae (conventional) loan – 4 years
FHA loan – 3 years
VA loan – 2 years
USDA loan – 3 years
Debt to Income Ratio over 50%
Work History less than 2 years with job gaps:

Joel Lobb Mortgage Loan Officer
Text/call: 502-905-3708
email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/
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 approval, nor 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).
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