Kentucky Homebuyers: Steps to Check FICO Score for Mortgage Approval




Kentucky first-time homebuyers: Learn how to check your FICO score for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC loans and improve your chances of mortgage approval.

Why Your FICO Score Matters for Your Kentucky Home Loan

If you’re buying your first home in Kentucky, your FICO® credit score is one of the most important factors in getting approved for a mortgage. Lenders use your score to determine:

  • Whether you qualify for a loan

  • How much you can borrow

  • The interest rate you’ll pay

This applies to all common Kentucky loan programs, including FHA, VA, USDA Rural Housing, and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) loans.

New FICO Program Makes Getting Your Score Easier

FICO recently launched the Mortgage Direct License Program, which allows lenders to get and share FICO Scores directly with borrowers.

What this means for you:

  • Lenders may save money and pass along efficiency to borrowers

  • Your mortgage application process could move faster

  • There’s more transparency in how your credit score is used

You still don’t need to buy your FICO score yourself—your lender will pull it during pre-approval.

Minimum FICO Score Requirements for Common Kentucky Loans

Each loan program has different credit score expectations:

  • FHA Loans: Usually 580+ for 3.5% down

  • VA Loans: No official minimum, but most lenders prefer 620+

  • USDA Loans: Typically 640+ for automated approval

  • KHC Loans: Follows FHA, VA, and USDA guidelines, sometimes with additional overlays

Even if your score is below these numbers, there are often ways to improve it before applying.

Steps Kentucky Homebuyers Should Take

  1. Check Your Credit Reports – Get a free report from AnnualCreditReport.com and review for errors.

  2. Work with a Licensed Kentucky Mortgage Lender – They will pull your FICO score and explain your options for FHA, VA, USDA, or KHC loans.

  3. Improve Your Credit if Needed – Pay down debts, avoid late payments, and address collections.

  4. Get Pre-Approved – This lets you know exactly how much home you can afford and shows sellers you’re serious.

Why First-Time Homebuyers in Kentucky Should Care

With the new FICO program:

  • Lenders have more options to deliver scores directly

  • You could see faster approvals

  • It’s easier to understand what your score means for your loan

This is especially important if you’re looking at programs with low down payments or assistance options, like FHA, USDA, VA, or KHC.

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External Resources

Compliance Note: This article is for educational purposes and is not financial advice. Loan approval depends on credit, income, debt, and program eligibility. Always consult a licensed Kentucky mortgage professional before applying.



Joel Lobb 

📞 Call/Text - 502-905-3708


 www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916

Kentucky Mortgage Loan Expert For Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae and KHC Down payment Assistance Loans

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