Skip to main content
Start My Pre-Approval →📞 Call / Text 502-905-3708
★★★★★ 80+ Five-Star Google Reviews · Same-Day Pre-Approvals · 1,300+ Kentucky Families Helped · All 120 Counties
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 →
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.
Kentucky mortgage video guide thumbnail
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 First-Time Homebuyer Programs

-
Kentucky First-Time Homebuyer Programs — Visual Guide | Joel Lobb — EVO Mortgage

USDA Rural Housing

100% financing for eligible rural Kentucky properties

Down Payment
$0
100% financing when property and income meet eligibility
Credit Score
640+
Manual underwrite options can go lower (case-specific)
Income Limit
$119,850 (example)
Limits vary by county and household size — verify per county
Location
Rural
Property must meet USDA definition of rural

VA Loans

Zero down for veterans, active-duty, and qualifying service members

Down Payment
$0
No required down payment for eligible veterans/service members
PMI
None
No monthly mortgage insurance (funding fee may apply)
Loan Limit (example)
$806,000
Loan limits vary; confirm current limit for county and year
Eligibility
Veterans / Military
Requires valid COE (Certificate of Eligibility)

FHA Loans

Flexible underwriting and low down payment

Down Payment
3.5%
Minimum with standard FHA underwriting
Credit Score
580+
500+ possible with larger down payment; lender overlays may apply
Loan Limit
$524,225
Conforming FHA limits vary by county
Gift Funds
Allowed
Gifts for down payment accepted per FHA rules

KHC Down Payment Assistance

Kentucky Housing Corporation assistance and DPA programs

Standard DPA
$10,000 (typical)
Program availability and amounts vary by funding cycles
Military Grant
$25,000 (example)
Eligibility may exist for veterans — verify current program details
Property Types
Single-family, condos
Subject to KHC property eligibility rules
Repayment
Second mortgage / term varies
Check program terms; some DPA is forgivable after time

Quick Program Comparison

Program Down Payment Credit Score Loan Limit Best For
USDA Rural 640+ No federally fixed limit (county-dependent) Rural buyers
VA Loans 620+ $806,000 (example) Military / Veterans
FHA 3.5% 580+ $524,225 (example) First-time buyers / low down
Conventional 3–5% 620+ $806,000 (conforming example) Strong credit borrowers
KHC Assistance Varies Combined loan limits apply All buyers

Your Home Buying Journey

1
Get Pre-Approved
Contact Joel for a free mortgage application and a same-day pre-approval estimate.
2
Choose Your Program
We evaluate underwriting, location, DPA, and borrower profile to match the right loan.
3
Apply for Down Payment Assistance
KHC and local funds require timely application and documentation; availability may vary.
4
Complete Homebuyer Education
Many programs require approved counseling or education — enroll early to avoid delays.
5
Find Your Home
House-hunting with an agent while pre-approval is active keeps your offer competitive.
6
Close on Your Home
Final signing, funding, and keys. Coordinate with title and seller for a smooth close.

Ready to start? Get a same-day pre-approval

Joel Lobb — EVO Mortgage. Over 20 years of mortgage experience helping Kentucky families.

Call / Text
502-905-3708
Email
Licensed
NMLS #1738461 — EVO Mortgage

This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute loan approval. Program availability, limits, and terms change — contact us to confirm current eligibility and funding.

© Joel Lobb — EVO Mortgage. NMLS #1738461. All rights reserved.
Location: 10602 Timberwood Cir STE 3, Louisville, KY 40223, USA

Popular posts from this blog

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

-
Image
How to Get Approved for a Mortgage Loan in Kentucky (2026 Guide) Thank you for visiting. I hope you find this website both informative and empowering as you explore your Kentucky mortgage options. My goal is simple: help you understand what mortgage underwriters actually review, help you avoid preventable approval issues, and help you choose the right loan program for your situation. I specialize in assisting Kentucky first-time homebuyers with FHA, VA, USDA Rural Housing, KHC down payment assistance , and Fannie Mae conventional mortgage loans . I proudly serve all 120 counties in Kentucky. FHA Loans in Kentucky VA Loans in Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky Fannie Mae Conventional Loans KHC Down Payment Assistance Programs With over 20 years of lending experience, I've had the privilege of helping more than 1,300 Kentucky families buy a home or refinance their current mortgage. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a veteran, a USDA buyer, a credi...
Read more

Kentucky's Welcome Home Grant

-
Kentucky Welcome Home Grant 2026 Update: Program Closed and Out of Funds May 2026 update for Kentucky homebuyers: the 2026 Welcome Home Grant is now closed for new reservations. This does not mean you cannot buy a home. It means you need to pivot quickly to other Kentucky mortgage and down payment assistance options. May 2026 Update Welcome Home Grant Closed KHC DAP Still Available USDA, VA, FHA Options Important Update: The 2026 Welcome Home Grant Is Closed The 2026 Welcome Home Grant through FHLB Cincinnati is now closed and out of funds for new reservations . If your lender did not reserve the money before the program closed, you should not build your home purchase plan around receiving this grant for 2026. The hard truth: this grant was popular, limited, and first-come, first-served. Once the available funds were reserved, the program closed. Good News: Kentucky Buyers Still Have Options ...
Read more

Kentucky Mortgage Rates and Home Loan Options

-
Image
Kentucky is known for its bluegrass pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon heritage. But for many families, the biggest attraction is affordable housing and the chance to build wealth through homeownership. Whether you are buying your first home, moving up, or refinancing, understanding current Kentucky mortgage rates and loan options will help you make a smarter financial decision. This guide explains the most common Kentucky mortgage programs, how rates are determined, and where to start if you are ready to apply for a home loan. What Affects Kentucky Mortgage Rates? Mortgage interest rates in Kentucky are driven by a mix of personal and market factors, including: Credit score and credit history fico Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio Loan program (FHA, VA, USDA, KHC, Conventional, Jumbo) Down payment amount Property type and occupancy (primary residence, second home, investment) Overall economic and rate environment Lenders review yo...
Read more