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.
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 Welcome Home Grant vs KHC Down Payment Assistance

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Welcome Home vs KHC DAP - Simple Infographic

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance

Welcome Home Grant vs. KHC DAP Comparison

VS
Welcome Home Grant
$20,000
TRUE GRANT
Payment
$0/month (FREE)
Available
April 6, 2026 ONLY
Retention
5-year retention period
Income Test
ALL household occupants
Income Limit
≤80% MRB ($77k/$89k)
KHC DAP
$12,500
SECOND MORTGAGE
Payment
~$97/month (15 yrs)
Available
Year-round, anytime
Retention
None (sell anytime)
Income Test
Borrowers OR household*
Income Limit
Varies by funding type
⚠️ The Household Income Trap
Welcome Home Grant counts ALL occupants in the home. Many families who think they qualify are shocked to learn that their adult children, non-borrowing spouses, or other household members push them over the income limit.
Borrower 1 (on loan): $50,000
Borrower 2 (on loan): $35,000
Adult child (NOT on loan): $30,000
Total Household Income: $115,000
80% MRB Limit (3+ persons): $88,688
❌ DOES NOT QUALIFY for Welcome Home
✅ QUALIFIES for KHC Secondary Market ($85k borrower income)
šŸ’” Key Takeaway for Kentucky LOs
KHC Secondary Market funding only counts borrower income, not the entire household. This makes it the better choice for multi-generational homes or families with working adult children. Don't automatically recommend Welcome Home based on the higher dollar amount—screen household composition first!
Joel Lobb - Kentucky Mortgage Expert
20+ Years | 1,300+ Families Helped | NMLS #57916
Call or Text 502-905-3708
Email kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Specializing in Welcome Home Grant, KHC DAP, FHA, VA, USDA & First-Time Homebuyers

Quick Reference Guide

šŸ’°
Max Grant
$20,000
šŸ’µ
Max Loan
$12,500
šŸ“…
Welcome Opens
April 6, 2026
šŸ”„
KHC Available
Year-Round
šŸ‘„
Welcome Counts
All Occupants
šŸ“Š
KHC Counts
Varies
šŸ 
Retention
5 yrs / None
šŸ’³
Monthly Payment
$0 / $97
80%
of MRB limit
Welcome Home threshold
$88,688
Max household income
3+ person (most KY counties)
10
Days 2025 program lasted
(March 3-13, 2025)

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

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