🏠 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 →Kentucky FHA vs Kentucky Conventional Mortgage Insurance: A Comprehensive Comparison
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Kentucky Mortgage Insurance requirements for Kentucky homebuyers for FHA and Fannie Mae Conventional loans.
When it comes to Kentucky home loans, understanding the differences between Kentucky FHA and conventional mortgage insurance is crucial for potential homebuyers. This article will break down the key distinctions in terms of credit score requirements, down payments, upfront premiums, monthly premiums, duration, and cancellation policies.
Kentucky Mortgage Credit Score Requirements
Kentucky FHA Mortgage Insurance
- Minimum credit score: 580 for a 3.5% down payment
- Scores between 500-579 may qualify with a 10% down payment
Kentucky Conventional Mortgage Insurance
- Typically requires a minimum credit score of 620
- Higher scores often result in better rates and terms
Kentucky Mortgage Down Payment Requirements
FHA Mortgage Insurance
- Minimum down payment of 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher
- 10% down payment required for credit scores between 500-579
Conventional Mortgage Insurance
- Typically requires a minimum of 3% down payment
- Lower down payments often result in higher insurance premiums
Upfront Premiums for Kentucky Mortgage Loans
FHA Mortgage Insurance
- Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) of 1.75% of the loan amount
- Can be financed into the loan
Conventional Mortgage Insurance
- No upfront premium required
Monthly Premiums for Kentucky Mortgage Loans
FHA Mortgage Insurance
- Annual MIP (divided into monthly payments) ranges from 0.45% to 1.05% of the loan amount, depending on the loan term and loan-to-value ratio
Conventional Mortgage Insurance
- Monthly premiums vary based on credit score, down payment, and loan-to-value ratio
- Generally range from 0.17% to 1.86% of the loan amount annually
Duration for Kentucky Mortgage Insurance
FHA Mortgage Insurance
- For loans with an LTV greater than 90% at origination, MIP lasts for the life of the loan
- For loans with an LTV of 90% or less, MIP lasts for 11 years
Conventional Mortgage Insurance
- Typically required until the loan-to-value ratio reaches 78% through normal amortization
Cancellation Policies
FHA Mortgage Insurance
- Cannot be canceled for loans originated after June 3, 2013, if the initial down payment was less than 10%
- For down payments of 10% or more, MIP can be canceled after 11 years
Conventional Mortgage Insurance
- Can be canceled when the loan-to-value ratio reaches 80%, either through home value appreciation or additional payments
- Automatically terminates when the loan balance reaches 78% of the original value
Conclusion
While FHA mortgage insurance offers more lenient credit requirements and lower down payment options, it often comes with higher costs and longer durations. Conventional mortgage insurance, though potentially more challenging to qualify for, offers more flexibility in terms of cancellation and can be less expensive in the long run for borrowers with good credit. Prospective homebuyers should carefully consider their financial situation and long-term goals when choosing between FHA and conventional loans.
Joel Lobb Mortgage Loan Officer
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.10602 Timberwood Circle
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS ID #1364
Text/call: 502-905-3708
email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
http://www.
NMLS ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
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