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Showing posts with the label Conventional Loans
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
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▶ 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 Homebuyers in 2026: Increased Loan Limits for Conventional and FHA Mortgages

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced higher conforming loan limits for 2026, and the news is good for Kentucky homebuyers: the baseline conventional loan limit jumps to $832,750 for a single-family home — an increase of $26,250 (3.26%) over the 2025 limit of $806,500. FHA loan limits are rising right along with it, with the new FHA floor set at $541,287 for every county in Kentucky. Since no Kentucky county is designated a high-cost area, these baseline limits apply statewide — from Louisville and Lexington to every rural county in between. That means more borrowing power for Kentucky buyers without crossing into jumbo loan territory. New 2026 Loan Limits in Kentucky for Conventional and FHA Mortgage Loans Property Type Conventional Loan Limit (FHFA) FHA Loan Limit 1-Unit $832,750 $541,287 2-Unit $1,066,250 $693,050 3-Unit $1,288,800 $837,700 4-Unit $1,601,750 $1,041,125 Source: FHFA conforming loan limit announcement for 2026 and HUD FHA loan limits...

New Credit Score Rules for Mortgages 2026 | FHA, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Update

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New Credit Score Rules for Mortgages 2026 | FHA, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Update New Credit Score Rules for Mortgages 2026: What Kentucky Homebuyers Need to Know The mortgage industry just made one of the biggest changes in decades—and if you're planning to buy a home in Kentucky, this directly impacts your approval, your interest rate, and your strategy. In April 2026, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) , along with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac , announced they will now allow new credit scoring models for mortgage approvals. This shift introduces VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T into the mortgage approval process—creating more flexibility, but also more complexity. What Changed in 2026 Mortgage Credit Scoring? For years, mortgage lenders have used older credit scoring models that often did not reflect a borrower’s full financial picture. Now, the following models are being introduced: VantageScore 4.0 FICO Score 10T (trended credi...

Four of the most common mortgages for Kentucky Homebuyers

Kentucky First-Time Homebuyer Programs 2026: FHA, VA, USDA & Conventional Loans If you're planning to buy a home in Kentucky, the biggest mistake you can make is choosing the wrong loan. You do not need perfect credit or a large down payment. But you do need the right loan structure upfront to get approved and keep your payment affordable. Most buyers start by comparing Kentucky FHA loans , VA loans in Kentucky , USDA zero down loans , and conventional mortgage options . Find Your Best Loan Option (Quick Tool) Loan Recommendation Tool Credit Score: Below 620 620 - 700 700+ Down Payment Available: 0% 3% - 5% 5%+ Military / Veteran? Yes No See My Options 1. Kentucky FHA Loans FHA loans are one of the most common options for first-time homebuyers in Kentucky. 3.5% down payment Flexible credit requirements Higher debt-to-income ratios allowed Credit: 580+ (most lenders prefer 620+) Learn more about Kentucky FHA loan r...

What is the difference between Conventional, FHA and VA Mortgage loans in Kentucky

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Conventional vs FHA vs VA Loans in Kentucky (2026 Guide) Find out which mortgage program is best for YOU — based on credit, income, and down payment . 📞 Call/Text: 502-905-3708 If you're buying a home in Kentucky, choosing the right loan program can save (or cost) you thousands over time. The three most common options are Conventional, FHA, and VA loans . Each program has different requirements for credit score , down payment, and mortgage insurance . Below is a clear breakdown so you can make the right decision. Conventional vs FHA vs VA Loans (Kentucky) Feature Conventional FHA VA Min Credit Score 620+ 580+ No set minimum Down Payment 3%–5% 3.5% 0% Mortgage Insurance PMI (removable) MIP (lifetime) None Best For Strong credit buyers First-time buyers Veterans FHA Loans in Kentucky FHA loans are ideal for buyers with lower credit scores or limited savings. ...

Kentucky Bankruptcy Guidelines for Kentucky Conventional & Kentucky FHA Mortgage Loans

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Can You Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy in Kentucky? (2025 Guide) Kentucky Mortgage Guide Can You Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy in Kentucky? The complete guide to FHA , Conventional, VA & USDA waiting periods — plus how to use KHC down payment assistance after Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 . By Joel Lobb — Kentucky Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #57916  ·  20+ Years Experience Yes — bankruptcy does not permanently disqualify you from buying a home in Kentucky. Thousands of Kentucky families have purchased homes after Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The key is knowing the right waiting periods and which loan program fits your situation. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to qualify — including FHA, Conventional (Fannie Mae), VA, and USDA guidelines — so you can plan your road back to homeownership with confidence. How Long After Bankruptcy Can You Get a Mortg...

2026 Fannie Mae Conforming Loan Limits for Kentucky Homebuyers

If you’re planning to buy a home in Kentucky, here’s some good news— Fannie Mae’s 2026 conforming loan limits have increased , giving buyers more flexibility and buying power. These higher limits are especially helpful for first-time homebuyers, growing families, and anyone who wants to take advantage of today’s mortgage programs without moving into jumbo loan territory. In this article, we’ll break down the new 2026 Fannie Mae conforming loan limits , what they mean for Kentucky borrowers, and how you can leverage them when applying for an FHA, VA, USDA, or KHC mortgage. Discover the new 2026 Fannie Mae conforming loan limits for Kentucky. Learn how higher limits boost buying power for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC mortgage programs. What Are Conforming Loan Limits? Conforming loan limits are the maximum loan sizes that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase from lenders. These limits change annually based on home price trends. Staying within the conforming loan limit means: ...

What Happens If the Federal Government Shuts Down and the effect FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, USDA Mortgage loans in Kentucky

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How a Federal Government Shutdown Can Impact FHA, VA, USDA, KHC and Fannie Mae Mortgage Loans in Kentucky A federal government shutdown can create delays or temporary stoppages in specific steps of the mortgage process. For Kentucky homebuyers using FHA, VA, USDA/Rural Housing, KHC , or Fannie Mae conventional financing, certain functions rely directly on federal employees, federal systems, or federal verifications. Below is a clear breakdown of how each program is affected during a shutdown, based on past shutdowns and agency guidance. FHA Loans in Kentucky FHA loans can generally close as normal. FHA Connection remains available. Delays may occur if a file requires manual underwriting, case-level questions, or assistance from HUD staff. VA Loans in Kentucky VA loans continue to close normally because the VA’s WebLGY system stays operational. Any task requiring direct VA personnel involvement (such as certain COE corrections) may see slower turna...

Kentucky FHA Mortgage Loans vs. Kentucky Conventional Mortgage Loan: Which is Right for You?

Kentucky Conventional Mortgage Loans: Compare Your Options Thinking about buying a home in Kentucky and wondering if a conventional mortgage loan is your best move? You’re not alone. Many Kentucky homebuyers compare conventional loans with FHA, USDA, and VA options to see which one gives them the lowest total cost and payment. This guide breaks down how Kentucky conventional mortgage loans work, how they stack up against FHA loans, and when each option makes the most sense for your situation. What Is a Conventional Mortgage Loan in Kentucky? A conventional mortgage loan is a home loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the federal government . Instead, most conventional loans are backed by investors like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and must meet their underwriting and loan-limit guidelines. Key features of conventional loans for Kentucky homebuyers: Not government-insured like FHA, USDA, or VA Credit and income standards are set by invest...