Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Loan Programs

Frequently Asked Questions for A Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval

 

What documents do I need to prepare for my Kentucky Mortgage loan application?

Below is a list of documents that are required when you apply for a mortgage. Every situation is different so you may be required to provide less or more documentation. 

Sometimes a document you provide will promote us to ask for something additional.  This is a normal part of the process and does anything mean that anything is wrong. 

Your Property    

  

·         Copy of signed sales contract including all riders and addendums.

·         Verification of the deposit when you made your offer. 

·         Names, addresses and telephone numbers of  your realtor, builder, insurance agent and attorney (if involved).

Your Income

·         Copies of your pay-stubs for the most recent 30-day period and year-to-date.

·         Copies of your W-2 forms for the past two years. 

·         Names and addresses of all employers for the last two years. 

·         Letter explaining any gaps in employment in the past 2 years. 

·         Green card or visa (copy of front & back)

If you are self-employed or receive commission or bonus, interest/dividends, or rental income:

·        Full tax returns for the last two years including attached schedules and statements. If you have filed an extension, please supply a copy of the extension

·        Year-to-date Profit and Loss statement.

·         K-1's for all partnerships and S-Corporations for the last two years.

·         Completed and signed Federal Partnership (1065) and/or Corporate Income Tax Returns (1120) including all schedules, statements and addenda for the last two years. (Required only if your ownership position is 25% or greater.)

 

If you will use Alimony or Child Support to qualify:

·        Divorce decree or court order stating amount, as well as, proof of receipt of funds for last year.

 

If you receive Social Security income, Disability or VA benefits:

·         Award letter from that organization.

Source of Funds and Down Payment

·         Sale of your existing home - Settlement/Closing Statement. (You won't have this until you close on your current home)

·         Savings, checking or money market funds - bank statements for the last 2 months.

·         Stocks and bonds -

most recent statement. 

·         Gifts - If part of your cash to close, provide Gift Letter (ask us and we will provide one for you) 

Debt or Obligations

·         Prepare a list of all names, addresses, account numbers, balances, and monthly payments for all current debts with copies of the last three monthly statements

·         Include all names, addresses, account numbers, balances, and monthly payments for mortgage holders and/or landlords for the last two years

·         If you are paying alimony or child support, include marital settlement/court order stating the terms of the obligation

When should I refinance?

It's generally a good time to refinance when mortgage rates are 2% lower than the current rate on your loan. It may be a viable option even if the interest rate difference is only 1% or less. Any reduction can trim your monthly mortgage payments. Example: Your payment, excluding taxes and insurance, would be about $770 on a $100,000 loan at 8.5%; if the rate were lowered to 7.5%, your payment would then be $700, now you're saving $70 per month. Your savings depends on your income, budget, loan amount, and interest rate changes. Your trusted lender can help you calculate your options.

What are points?

A point is a percentage of the loan amount, or 1-point = 1% of the loan, so one point on a $100,000 loan is $1,000. Points are costs that need to be paid to a lender to get mortgage financing under specified terms. Discount points are fees used to lower the interest rate on a mortgage loan by paying some of this interest up-front. Lenders may refer to costs in terms of basic points in hundredths of a percent, 100 basis points = 1 point, or 1% of the loan amount.

Should I pay points to lower my interest rate?

Yes, if you plan to stay in the property for a least a few years. Paying discount points to lower the loan's interest rate is a good way to lower your required monthly loan payment, and possibly increase the loan amount that you can afford to borrow. However, if you plan to stay in the property for only a year or two, your monthly savings may not be enough to recoup the cost of the discount points that you paid up-front.

What is an APR?

The annual percentage rate (APR) is anot the interest rate you pay. The APR reflects the costs of obtaining a mortgage as a yearly rate. It is usually higher than the note rate, or advertised rate, because it takes into the costs. Because APR calculations are affected by the various different fees charged by lenders, a loan with a lower APR is thought to be a better deal, but that's not always true.  

 

The best way to know what is the best deal fo ryou ist to obtain a cost analysis from your lender so you can compare different options side-by-side.

Ask us for your analysis.
 

What does it mean to lock the interest rate?

Mortgage rates can change from one day to the next. If interest rates rise sharply during the application process it can increase the borrower’s mortgage payment unexpectedly. Once you "lock-in" your loan’s interest rate, that guarantees that rate for a specified time period, often 30-60 days, and then that is your rate for the entire term of your loan (assuming you have a fixed rate)

 

How is my credit judged by lenders?

Credit scoring is a system creditors use to help determine whether to give you credit. Information about you and your credit experiences, such as your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt, and the age of your accounts, is collected from your credit application and your credit report. Using a statistical program, creditors compare this information to the credit performance of consumers with similar profiles. A credit scoring system awards points for each factor that helps predict who is most likely to repay a debt. A total number of points -- a credit score -- helps predict how creditworthy you are, that is, how likely it is that you will repay a loan and make the payments when due.

The most widely use credit scores are FICO scores, which were developed by Fair Isaac Company, Inc. Your score will fall between 350 (high risk) and 850 (low risk).

Because your credit report is an important part of many credit scoring systems, it is very important to make sure it's accurate before you submit a credit application.

 To get copies of your report, contact the three major credit reporting agencies:

Equifax: (800) 685-1111
Experian (formerly TRW): (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Trans Union: (800) 916-8800
These agencies may charge you up to $9.00 for your credit report.

You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This free credit report may not contain your credit score and can be requested through the following website: https://www.annualcreditreport.com

What can I do to improve my credit score?

Credit scoring models are complex and often vary among creditors and for different types of credit. If one factor changes, your score may change -- but improvement generally depends on how that factor relates to other factors considered by the model. Only the creditor can explain what might improve your score under the particular model used to evaluate your credit application.

Nevertheless, scoring models generally evaluate the following types of information in your credit report:

·         Have you paid your bills on time? Payment history typically is a significant factor. It is likely that your score will be affected negatively if you have paid bills late, had an account referred to collections, or declared bankruptcy, if that history is reflected on your credit report.

·         What is your outstanding debt? Many scoring models evaluate the amount of debt you have compared to your credit limits. If the amount you owe is close to your credit limit, that is likely to have a negative effect on your score.

·         How long is your credit history? Generally, models consider the length of your credit track record. An insufficient credit history may have an effect on your score, but that can be offset by other factors, such as timely payments and low balances.

·         Have you applied for new credit recently? Many scoring models consider whether you have applied for credit recently by looking at "inquiries" on your credit report when you apply for credit. If you have applied for too many new accounts recently, that may negatively affect your score. However, not all inquiries are counted. Inquiries by creditors who are monitoring your account or looking at credit reports to make "prescreened" credit offers are not counted.

·         How many and what types of credit accounts do you have? Although it is generally good to have established credit accounts, too many credit card accounts may have a negative effect on your score. In addition, many models consider the type of credit accounts you have. For example, under some scoring models, loans from finance companies may negatively affect your credit score.

Scoring models may be based on more than just information in your credit report. For example, the model may consider information from your credit application as well: your job or occupation, length of employment, or whether you own a home.

To improve your credit score under most models, concentrate on paying your bills on time, paying down outstanding balances, and not taking on new debt. It's likely to take some time to improve your score significantly.

 

What is an appraisal?

An Appraisal is an estimate of a property's fair market value. It's a document generally required (depending on the loan program) by a lender before loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property. The Appraisal is performed by an "Appraiser" typically a state-licensed professional who is trained to render expert opinions concerning property values, its location, amenities, and physical conditions.

 

What is PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)?

On a conventional mortgage, when your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price of the home mortgage lenders usually require you get Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) to protect them in case you default on your mortgage. Sometimes you may need to pay up to 1-year's worth of PMI premiums at closing which can cost several hundred dollars. The best way to avoid this extra expense is to make a 20% down payment, or ask about other loan program options.

 

What happens at closing ?

The property is officially transferred from the seller to you at "Funding".  Often you will go to a title company or attorneys office for your "closing".  However, this is just to sign all the final documents. Ownership of the property is officially transferred either later that day of often the next business day, which is when you will normally obtain the keys to the home.  If you can't attend the closing meeting personally, i.e., if you’re out-of-state, closing can take anywhere just about anywhere as we have mobile notaries that can help you with signing documents and notarizing your signature. 

 

--Joel Lobb

Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle 

Louisville, KY 40223

Company NMLS ID #1364

click here for directions to our office

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

 

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Programs to Consider for 2022 Kentucky Homebuyers.

First Time Home Buyer Programs to Consider for 2022 Kentucky Homebuyers.

Zero Down Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

The Kentucky VA and the Kentucky USDA Home Loan Program both offer a zero down loan program for individuals and/or properties that meet their criteria.

If you need down payment assistance, KHC offers up to $7,500 for assistance to buy your Kentucky home if you are lacking the down payment requirements for FHA or Fannie Mae below.

Some Kentucky FHA owned HUD properties are available with as little as $100 down.

Three Percent Down Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional loans are available with down payments as low as 3% on single-family homes, including eligible condos, co-ops, and some manufactured homes. Fixed-rate mortgages with up to 30-year terms and ARMs are available.

Three and 1/2 Percent Down Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

The Federal Housing Administration (or FHA) loan program can allow as little as 3.5% down, and it is more lenient than most other programs on minimum credit scores and other factors. he FHA loan program allows as little as 3.5% down, and it is more lenient than most other programs on minimum credit scores.

Are you surprised at how low you may be able to go? While many believe a 20% down payment is required, you can see now that it’s far from the only option.

Whether you’ve saved a little or a lot, reach out today, and we’ll work on finding a loan that works for you.

• Kentucky Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans: “With a 3.5% down payment, Kentucky homebuyers may be able to get an FHA loan with a 580 credit score or higher. If you can manage a 10% down payment, though, that minimum goes as low as 500.”
• Kentucky Conventional loans: “The most popular loan type typically comes with a 620 minimum credit score.”
• US. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans: “In general, lenders require a minimum credit score of 620-640 for a USDA loan, though some may go as low as 580.”
• US. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans: “VA loans don’t technically have a minimum credit score, but lenders will typically require between 580 and 620.”

 

 

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior  Loan Officer

 

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3

Louisville, KY 40223

Company ID #1364 | MB73346

 

Text/call 502-905-3708
kentuckyloan@gmail.com

I

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Programs

Conventional Loan

 

• At least 3%-5% down

 

• Closing costs will vary on which rate you choose and the lender. Typically the higher the rate, the lesser closing costs due to the lender giving you a lender credit back at closing for over par pricing. Also, called a no-closing costs option. You have to weigh the pros and cons to see if it makes sense to forgo the lower rate and lower monthly payment for the higher rate and less closing costs.

 

Fico scores needed start at 620, but most conventional lenders will want a higher score to qualify for the 3-5% minimum down payment requirements Most buyers using this loan have high credit scores (over 720) and at least 5% down.

 

The rates are a little higher compared to FHA, VA, or USDA loan but the mortgage insurance is not for life of loan and can be rolled off when you reach 80% equity position in home.

 

Conventional loans require 4-7 years removed from Bankruptcy and foreclosure.

 

Max Conventional loan limits are set at $647,200 for 2022 in Kentucky

 

 

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Program

 

 

If you meet income eligibility requirements and are looking to settle in a rural area, you might qualify for the Kentucky USDA Rural Housing program. The program guarantees qualifying loans, reducing lenders’ risk and encouraging them to offer buyers 100% loans. That means Kentucky home buyers don’t have to put any money down, and even the “upfront fee” (a closing cost for this type of loan) can be rolled into the financing.

 

Fico scores usually wanted for this program center around 620 range, with most lenders wanting a 640 score so they can obtain an automated approval through GUS. GUS stands for the Guaranteed Underwriting system, and it will dictate your max loan pre-approval based on your income, credit scores, debt to income ratio and assets.

 

They also allow for a manual underwrite, which states that the max house payment ratios are set at 29% and 41% respectively of your income.

 

They loan requires no down payment, and the current mortgage insurance is 1% upfront, called a funding fee, and .35% annually for the monthly mi payment. Since they recently reduced their mi requirements, USDA is one of the best options out there for home buyers looking to buy in an rural area.

 

A rural area typically will be any area outside the major cities of Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, Bowling Green, Richmond, Frankfort, and parts of Northern  Kentucky .

 

There is a map link  see the qualifying areas.

 

New Income limits for most counties (*) in Kentucky are $91,900 for a  4 unit household and household families of five or more + can make up to  $121,300.

The Northern Kentucky Counties (***) of Boon, Kenton, Campbell, Bracken, Gallatin, and Pendleton are $99,250 for a household of four or less and up to $130,000 for a family of five or more.

Remember,  Jefferson County Kentucky, Fayette County Kentucky are not eligible for USDA loans.

 

USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy and foreclosure.

 

There is no max USDA loan limit.

 

 

Kentucky FHA Loan

 

 

FHA loans are good for home buyers with lower credit scores and no much down, or with down payment assistance grants. FHA will allow for grants, gifts, for their 3.5% minimum investment and will go down to a 500 credit score.

 

The current mortgage insurance requirements are kind of steep when compared to USDA, VA , but the rates are usually good so it can counteracts the high mi premiums. As I tell borrowers, you will not have the loan for 30 years, so don’t worry too much about the mi premiums.

 

The mi premiums are for life of loan like USDA.

 

FHA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy and 3 years removed from foreclosure.

 

Maximum FHA loan limits in Kentucky are set at $420,680 for 2022…If you are looking at a larger loan amount, then you would need to look at doing a conventional loan which has a max loan amount of $647,200.00

Kentucky VA Loan

 

 

VA loans are for veterans and active duty military personnel. The loan requires no down payment and no monthly mi premiums, and no minimum credit score , saving you on the monthly payment. It does have an funding fee like USDA, but it is higher starting at 2% for first time use, and 3% for second time use. The funding fee is financed into the loan, so it is not something you have to pay upfront out of pocket.

 

VA loans can be made anywhere, unlike the USDA restrictions, and there is no income household limit and there is no max loan in Kentucky for 2022, but it does now carry higher mortgage insurance premiums in the form of New

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance

• Regular DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644 with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance in the form of a loan up to $6,000 in $100 increments.
  • Repayable over a ten-year term at 5.50 percent.
  • Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.

  Affordable DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644​ with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance up to $6,000.
  • Repayable over a ten-year term at 1.00 percent.
  • Borrowers must meet Affordable D​AP income limits.

  ​MORE ABOUT DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COSTS

  • No liquid asset review and no limit on borrower reserves.
  • Specific credit underwriting standards may apply to down payment programs
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