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 →
Free Kentucky Homebuyer Tools
Run your own numbers before you call. Each tool uses 2026 FHA, VA, USDA, KHC and Conventional guidelines.

📈 Credit Score Simulator

See how paying down cards or fixing errors could move your score, and which loan programs it unlocks.

What-if score plannerOpen the tool →

💵 Qualifying Income

Find out what income a lender will count: hourly pay, overtime, self-employment and benefits.

Income calculatorOpen the tool →

⚖️ Debt-to-Income (DTI)

Check your DTI against FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional limits, including student loan rules.

DTI calculatorOpen the tool →

🏡 KHC Assistance Payment

See your monthly payment with the $12,500 KHC down payment loan and how much cash you still need at closing.

KHC DAP calculatorOpen the tool →

Kentucky Homeowners: Draft White House Order Could Make Refinancing Cheaper

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The White House is reportedly considering a draft executive order titled "Decreasing Housing Costs for the American People," first obtained by Scotsman Guide and also reported by HousingWire . As of this writing it has not been signed , and the final details could change. Here is what the current draft includes and why Kentucky borrowers should keep an eye on it. What the Draft Proposes Reducing or eliminating certain loan-level pricing fees on eligible refinances Waiving appraisals and some documentation on qualifying refinances that lower your payment Expanding title insurance waivers to reduce closing costs Directing the VA and USDA to pursue lower rates for eligible borrowers Requiring servicers to notify you when you may qualify to remove mortgage insurance Who in Kentucky Could Benefit Homeowners who bought or refinanced at higher rates over the past few years Veterans and military families, including those near Fort Knox and Fort Campbell Rural home...
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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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 Mortgage Credit Scores Used For A Kentucky Mortgage Approval Letter

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Which FICO Score Do Kentucky Mortgage Lenders Use?

Which FICO Score Models Matter for Kentucky Mortgage Loans?

FICO® scores are the cornerstone of mortgage approvals, but not all FICO scores are created equal. If you're buying a home in Kentucky—especially using government-backed loans like FHA, VA, or USDA—it's crucial to understand which versions lenders actually use to qualify you.

Understanding the FICO® Scores Used by Mortgage Lenders

When you check your credit score on apps like Credit Karma or your bank, you're likely seeing a version that lenders don’t use for mortgages. These are typically FICO 8 or VantageScore 3.0. Mortgage lenders, on the other hand, use older FICO score versions designed specifically for risk evaluation in home lending.

Which FICO Scores Do Lenders Pull?

Here's what most Kentucky mortgage lenders look at:

  • FICO Score 2 (Experian)
  • FICO Score 4 (TransUnion)
  • FICO Score 5 (Equifax)

These are often referred to collectively as the “classic FICO models” and are used for:

  • FHA Loans
  • VA Loans
  • USDA Rural Housing Loans
  • Conventional Loans (via Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac)

Why Is Your Mortgage Score Different Than Credit Karma?

Credit Karma uses VantageScore 3.0, which isn't used in mortgage underwriting. It may show a score that's 20–40 points higher (or lower) than what your lender sees. That’s why getting a lender-pulled tri-merge report is essential before house hunting.

How to Improve the Right FICO Score

  • Keep credit card utilization under 30%
  • Avoid new hard inquiries 30–60 days before applying
  • Dispute inaccurate accounts directly with bureaus (but avoid disputes right before applying)
  • Pay down revolving debt first

Get Pre-Qualified with a Mortgage Expert in Kentucky

Ready to check your real mortgage credit scores? Get started with a free pre-qualification from Joel Lobb (NMLS #57916) at EVO Mortgage.

📞 Call or Text: (502) 905-3708
📧 Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.kentuckyfirsttimehomebuyer.com

fha fico scores kentucky mortgage

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

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Kentucky Housing Income Limits 2026 | KHC Income & Purchase Price Limits by County

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