How to Qualify for a Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Home Loan

 There’s no universal minimum credit score needed for a mortgage, but a better credit score will give you more options. 

If you’re trying to get a mortgage, your credit score matters. Mortgage lenders use credit scores — as well as other information — to assess your likelihood of repaying a loan on time.

Because credit scores are so important, lenders set minimum scores you must have in order to qualify for a mortgage with them. Minimum credit score varies by lender and mortgage type, but generally, a higher score means better loan terms for you.

Let’s look at which loan types are best for different credit scores.

How to qualify for a mortgage

The type of mortgage you’re applying for determines the minimum requirements you’ll have to meet for your down payment, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.

Find out what type of loan you might qualify for or what aspects of your finances you’ll need to improve to get a better shot at qualifying for a mortgage.

Loan Type	Min. Down Payment	Min. Credit Score	Max DTI	Property Type
Conventional	3%	620	45%	Primary, secondary, investment
VA	0%	none	none	Primary
FHA	3.5%	500	50%	Primary
USDA	0%	none	41%	Primary

Keep in mind: The minimum down payment, minimum credit score, and maximum DTI shown in the table apply to mortgages used to purchase a primary residence. While you can use a conventional loan or a jumbo loan to purchase a home for another purpose, you might need a larger down payment, a higher credit score, more cash reserves, or all three.

Credit score needed to buy a house

Mortgage lending is risky, and lenders want a way to quantify that risk. They use your three-digit credit score to gauge the risk of loaning you money since your credit score helps predict your likelihood of paying back a loan on time. Lenders also consider other data, such as your income, employment, debts and assets to decide whether to offer you a loan.

Different lenders and loan types have different borrower requirements, loan terms and minimum credit scores. Here are the requirements for some of the most common types of mortgages.

Conventional loan

Minimum credit score: 620

A conventional loan is a mortgage that isn’t backed by a federal agency. Most mortgage lenders offer conventional loans, and many lenders sell these loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac — two government-sponsored enterprises. Conventional loans can have either fixed or adjustable rates, and terms ranging from 10 to 30 years.

You can get a conventional loan with a down payment as low as 3% of the home’s purchase price, so this type of loan makes sense if you don’t have enough for a traditional down payment. However, if your down payment is less than 20%, you’re required to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is an insurance policy designed to protect the lender if you stop making payments. You can ask your servicer to cancel PMI once the principal balance of your mortgage falls below 80% of the original value of your home.

FHA loan

Minimum credit score (10% down): 500

Minimum credit score (3.5% down): 580

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The FHA incentivizes lenders to make mortgage loans available to borrowers who might not otherwise qualify by guaranteeing the federal government will repay the mortgage if the borrower stops making payments. This makes an FHA loan a good option if you have a lower credit score.

FHA loans come in 15- or 30-year terms with fixed interest rates. Unlike conventional mortgages, which only require PMI for borrowers with less than 20% down, all FHA borrowers must pay an up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and an annual MIP, as long as the loan is outstanding.

VA loan

Minimum credit score: N/A

VA loans are mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA guarantees loans made by VA-approved lenders to qualifying veterans or service members of the U.S. armed forces, or their spouses. This type of loan is a great option for veterans and their spouses, especially if they don’t have the best credit and don’t have enough for a down payment.

VA loans are fixed-rate mortgages with 10-, 15-, 20- or 30-year terms.

Most VA loans don’t require a down payment or monthly mortgage insurance premiums. However, they do require a one-time VA funding fee, that ranges from 1.4% to 3.6% of the loan amount.

USDA loan

Minimum credit score: N/A

The U.S. Department of Agriculture guarantees loans for borrowers interested in buying homes in certain rural areas. USDA loans don’t require a minimum down payment, but you have to meet the USDA’s income eligibility limits, which vary by location.

All USDA mortgages have fixed interest rates and 30-year repayment terms.

USDA-approved lenders must pay an up-front guarantee fee of up to 3.5% of the purchase price to the USDA. That fee can be passed on to borrowers and financed into the home loan. If the home you want to buy is within an eligible rural area (defined by the USDA) and you meet the other requirements, this could be a great loan option for you.

What else do mortgage lenders consider?

Your credit score isn’t the only factor lenders consider when reviewing your loan application. Here are some of the other factors lenders use when deciding whether to give you a mortgage.

• Debt-to-income ratio — Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is the amount of debt payments you make each month (including your mortgage payments) relative to your gross monthly income. For example, if your mortgage payments, car loan and credit card payments add up to $1,800 per month and you have a $6,000 monthly income, your debt-to-income ratio would be $1,800/$6,000, or 30%. Most conventional mortgages require a DTI ratio no greater than 36%. However, you may be approved with a DTI up to 45% if you meet other requirements.
• Employment history — When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will ask for proof of employment — typically two years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns, as well as your two most recent pay stubs. Lenders prefer to work with people who have stable employment and consistent income.
• Down payment — Putting money down to buy a home gives you immediate equity in the home and helps to ensure the lender recoups their loss if you stop making payments and they need to foreclose on the home. Most loans — other than VA and USDA loans — require a down payment of at least 3%, although a higher down payment could help you qualify for a lower interest rate or make up for other less-than-ideal aspects of your mortgage application.
• The home’s value and condition — Lenders want to ensure the home collateralizing the loan is in good condition and worth what you’re paying for it. Typically, they’ll require an appraisal to determine the home’s value and may also require a home inspection to ensure there aren’t any unknown issues with the property.

How is your credit score calculated?

Most talk of credit scores makes it sound as if you have only one score. In fact, you have several credit scores, and they may be used by different lenders and for different purposes.

The three national credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — collect information from banks, credit unions, lenders and public records to formulate your credit score. The most common and well-known scoring model is the FICO Score, which is based on the following five factors:

• Payment history (35%) — A history of late payments will drag your score down, as will negative information from bankruptcies, foreclosures, repossessions or accounts referred to collections.
• How much you owe (30%) — Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of revolving credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. For example, if you have one credit card with a $2,000 balance and a $4,000 credit limit, your credit utilization ratio is 50%. Credit scoring models view using a larger percentage of your available credit as risky behavior, so high balances and maxed-out credit cards will negatively impact your score.
• Length of credit history (15%) — This factor considers the age of your oldest account, newest account and the average age of all your credit accounts. In general, the longer you’ve been using credit responsibly, the higher your score will be.
• Types of accounts (10%) — Credit scoring models favor people who use a mix of credit cards, installment loans, mortgages and other types of credit.
• Recent credit history (10%) — Lenders view applying for and opening several new credit accounts within a short period as a sign of financial trouble and it’ll negatively impact your score.

Ready to shop around for a mortgage?

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916


American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS ID #1364



Text/call: 502-905-3708

email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://kentuckyloan.blogspot.com/

What are the requirements to buy a house in Kentucky in 2023?

Credit Score and Income Requirements to Buy a Home in Kentucky in 2023

KENTUCKY CONVENTIONAL

Get your fixed interest rates for eligible buyers.620 minimum credit score

3% down payment 

4-7 years removed from Bankruptcy Depending of if Chapter 7 or 13 

Max Loan is $647,200  in Kentucky
2 Year work history but does not have to be same job





KENTUCKY FHA MORTGAGES

Government-backed loans with flexible guidelines.

500 minimum credit score with 10% down payment

3.5% down payment with 580 credit score

2 years removed from bankruptcy

Can be combined with down payment grants for $0 down payment
Max loan for FHA in Kentucky is $420,680

2 year work history with no gaps over 6 months




KENTUCKY USDA MORTGAGES

Government-backed loans with flexible guidelines.

Zero Down Payment

No Minimum Credit Score, 640 is preferred with most USDA Kentucky Lenders

3 years removed from Bankruptcy

Max Income and Property Map Eligibility Requirements
2 year work history with no gaps over 60 days





KENTUCKY VA MORTGAGES

Government-backed loans for those who’ve served our nation.

Zero Down Payment Loan

No minimum credit score, 580 and higher is preferred with most VA lenders in KY with some wanting a 620

2 years removed from bankruptcy

Active Duty --like to see a least a year left in service or 6 months reserves and a job relatable

Have Questions or Need Expert Advice? Text, email, or call me below:

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916


American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS ID #1364



Text/call: 502-905-3708
fax: 502-327-9119
email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

The view and opinions stated on this website belong solely to the authors, and are intended for informational purposes only. The posted information does not guarantee approval, nor does it comprise full underwriting guidelines. This does not represent being part of a government agency. The views expressed on this post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the view of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people.
NMLS ID# 57916, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Kentucky FHA Loans Are Offering New Flexibilities for Borrowers Previously Affected by Covid-19

FHA Offering New Flexibilities for Borrowers Previously Affected by Covid-19

FHA has announced that the guidelines are being updated when calculating effective income after a reduction or loss of income for borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes are effective for all case numbers on or after 09/05/2022, but may be implemented immediately.

ML 2022-09 reflects policies that will be incorporated into the 4000.1, providing updates for the following:

Primary Employment

Part-Time Employment

Overtime, Bonus or Tip Income

Employed by Family-Owned Business

Commission Income

Self-Employment Income

Additional Required Analysis of Stability of Employment Income

Additionally, flexibility when calculating income for borrowers who experienced a gap in employment and/or a reduction of loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been updated allowing a borrower to be employed in the same line of work for at least six months at the time of case assignment.

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_22_129

Kentucky Mortgage Guidelines for Income, Employment, and credit scores

Kentucky Home Loans Preapproval Checklist

• A driver’s license or U.S. passport
• Verification of employment
• Recent pay stubs covering the last 30 days
• W-2 forms from the previous two years
• Last two years of personal federal income tax returns with all pages and schedules. If self-employed, last two years of individual federal income tax returns with all pages and schedules, as well as a business license, a year-to-date profit and loss statement (P&L), a balance sheet, and a signed CPA letter stating you are still in business
• Bank account statements proving that you have enough to cover the down payment and closing costs. If someone is helping you with the down payment, a gift letter stating that the fund is a gift a
• Last quarterly statements for asset accounts (401(k), IRA, stock accounts, mutual funds)

Kentucky Mortgage Loan Preapproval: What To Know

What affects your home loan preapproval

Your income, work history, credit score, money down and  saving are key factors that lenders will consider during the mortgage process.

Employment Status for Kentucky Mortgage Pre-Approval

Self-employed individual requires two-year tax returns'.

Only borrowers who have an ownership interest of 25% or more in a business and are not W-2 employees are considered “self-employed.” However, there is an exception if the borrower can show a two-year history in a similar line of work, which includes having documentation that proves an equal or higher income in the new role compared to the W2 position.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

The debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. There are two types of DTI that lenders will consider during the mortgage process: front-end and back-end. The first consists only of your housing-related expenses, whereas the latter also includes all your minimum required monthly debts.

The lower your DTI, the better your chances of securing a home loan. 

For example, FHA loans secured by the government have more lenient requirements — you can have a DTI of up to 57% and still get approved for an FHA home loan. USDA loans used to buy homes in rural areas have a lower maximum DTI of 45%.

Loan-to-Value Ratio

The loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is a number lenders use to determine how risky a loan to a potential borrower might be. It measures the relationship between the loan amount and the market value of the property you want to buy, and it can also determine whether mortgage insurance will be required.

All mortgages have a maximum LTV to qualify. However, just like with DTI, the LTV varies depending on the loan. FHA loans, for example, have an LTV of 96.5% since they allow down payments of as little as 3.4%.

Going for an LTV of 80% or less is “ideal” because you get unique benefits as a buyer, but that requires a down payment of 20%. Ultimately, each buyer will need to figure out their own LTV based on how large a down payment they can afford.

Credit History and FICO Score for Kentucky Mortgages 

Your credit history is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting a mortgage.

Best Kentucky Mortgage Lender for First Time Home Buyers in Kentucky

You don’t need a perfect credit score to buy a house, but those with outstanding scores are usually rewarded with lower interest rates and a greater variety of payment options. Buyers with very poor credit have the option of finding a co-signer who has better credit than them to help secure the loan.

Why Getting Preapproved Is Such a Big Deal

Getting preapproved for a mortgage helps you shop for homes that you can afford and shows you are a serious buyer.

But a letter of preapproval is more than just a way to look good to sellers. It also helps you find the right mortgage lender and provides some flexibility in bargaining or negotiating for a better price range or specific costs, repairs, and improvements to a home.

Getting preapproved makes the entire closing process faster, too. It takes an average of 30 to 45 days to close on a house in Kentucky, and part of that period is due to the process of mortgage approval, title search, appraisal report, home inspections, verifying employment and bank account info along with taxes and w-2s and paystubs to validate the pre-approval.

What are standard continuity of employment requirements?

A borrower will need to verify a two-year cumulative employment history. Less than two year may be 

offset via school transcripts; if guaranteed hourly (40) or salaried in nature, the base income 

will be allowable. Variable earnings will require at minimum 12 months receipt on current position; 

OT, Bonus and commission are considered variable however, must reflect a cumulative two- year 

history of receipt.

What income can I use for a traveling nurse?

A minimum 12-month history of contract nursing work is required. Income documentation must

 include  copies of applicable contracts and WVOE’s for each position. The income will be averaged. 

Standard two- year employment history required.

Do we allow one score on a conventional transaction? No score?

Yes! If the borrower has three scores, the middle score is to be used; two scores, the lower score 

is to be used; one score, that score is to be used.  If no score, only allowable with AUS A/E and 

less than 50% of transactional income contributions. We do not average scores.

Can I use part time or secondary income for qualifying purposes?

Yes! Conventional~ secondary employment will require a two- year history of receipt to use in 

conjunction with the primary employment earnings. Multiple second jobs over this time frame are 

allowable however the borrower may not have a job gap > one month in length. Part time employment 

alone will be considered variable in nature and will require a minimum 12- month history; earnings 

will be averaged. FHA~ will require an uninterrupted two- year history for utilization.

When must a borrower start a new job in conjunction with future employment?

Conventional requires a start date within 90 days of the Note date. FHA requires a start date 

within 60 days of note date. VA max 60 days of note date. Non contingent contract required for each 

entity.

What type of income(s) are considered illegal?

Foreign shell banks; medical marijuana dispensaries; any business or activity related to 

recreational marijuana-use , growing, selling or supplying- even if permitted by state or local law.

 Policy is not limited to  owner of business.

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/

Louisville Kentucky VA Income Guidelines

Louisville Kentucky VA Residual Income Guidelines

Residual Income

VA residual income is one of the major underwriting guidelines required to qualify for a Louisville Ky VA mortgage. Residual income is calculated by determining the gross monthly income of the veteran and spouse. Then, ... deduct from that total gross monthly income the following monthly expenses:

0



State Taxes

Social Security

Federal Taxes

Proposed new monthly house payment (PITI: principle, interest, taxes and insurance)

Estimated Maintenance and Utilities

Monthly Child Care Expense

Alimony or Child Support

Monthly consumer debt payments: installment and revolving credit cards

The balance remaining is "residual income" and will determine whether the borrower qualifies based on the table below.



Louisville Ky VA's minimum residual incomes (balance available for family support) are a guide. They should not automatically trigger approval or rejection of a loan. Instead consider residual income in conjunction with all other credit factors.



An obviously inadequate residual income alone can be a basis for disapproving a loan.



If residual income is marginal, look to other indicators such as the applicant's credit history, and in particular, whether and how the applicant has previously handled similar housing expense.



Consider whether the purchase price of the property may affect family expense levels. For example: A family purchasing in a higher priced neighborhood may feel a need to incur higher-than-average expenses to support a lifestyle comparable to that in their environment. Whereas a substantially lower priced home purchase may not compel such expenditures.



Also consider the ages of the applicant's dependents in determining the adequacy of residual income. Count all members of the household (without regard to the nature of the relationship) when determining "family size," including:



An applicant's spouse who is not joining in title or on the note, and

Any other individuals who depend on the applicant for support. For example, children from a spouse's prior marriage who are not the applicant's legal dependents.

Exception: The lender may omit any individuals from "family size" who are fully supported from a source of verified income which, for whatever reason, is not included in effective income in the loan analysis.



For example: A spouse not obligated on the note who has stable and reliable income sufficient to support his or her living expenses, or a child for whom sufficient foster care payments or child support is received regularly.



Reduce the residual income figure (from the following tables) by a minimum of 5% if the applicant or spouse is an active-duty or retired serviceperson, and there is a clear indication that he or she will continue to receive the benefits resulting from use of military-based facilities located near the property.



Use 5% unless the Louisville Ky VA office of jurisdiction has established a higher percentage, in which case, apply the specified percentage for that jurisdiction.

Kentucky FHA Loans and Conventional Mortgage Loans

What is the difference between Kentucky FHA Loans and Conventional Mortgage Loans?

 You know that two of the most popular mortgage options available are FHA and Conventional, but you no doubt have some clients who need help understanding each loan type’s finer details and benefits. 

 Here’s a quick, simple three-bullet comparison that you can provide for your clients: 

 Low down payments: 

Both options feature low down payment options (eligible borrowers can put down as little as 3.5% for FHA and 3% for Conventional), but it can be easier to qualify for an FHA loan, as lower credits scores are accepted and there are less restrictive debt-to-income ratio requirements. 

Residence type: 

You can only use an FHA loan on a primary residence;  a Conventional mortgage can be used for primary homes, vacation homes, or investment properties.

 Mortgage insurance: 

Mortgage insurance is required on all FHA loans, regardless of down payment size. You can avoid paying private mortgage insurance on a Conventional loan if you have a 20% down payment. But if you don’t, PMI drops after you reach 22% of your home’s equity.

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/

How much income do I need qualify for Kentucky Home Loan?

Kentucky Lender's Criteria: Debt-to-Income Ratios

From a Kentucky Mortgage lender's perspective, your ability to purchase a home depends largely on the following factors:

Front-End Ratio

The front-end ratio is the percentage of your yearly gross income dedicated toward paying your mortgage each month. Your mortgage payment consists of four components: principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often collectively referred to as PITI) A good rule of thumb is that PITI should not exceed 31% of your gross income. If you make $100,000 a year, then your max house payment to include escrows for home insurance, mortgage insurance, property taxes would be $2583.00

Back-End Ratio

The back-end ratio, also known as the debt-to-income ratio, calculates the percentage of your gross income required to cover your debts. Debts include your mortgage, credit-card payments, child support and other loan payments. Most lenders recommend that your debt-to-income ratio does not exceed 45% of your gross income. To calculate your maximum monthly debt based on this ratio, multiply your gross income by 0..45 and divide by 12. For example, if you earn $100,000 per year, your maximum monthly debt expenses should not exceed $3,750 with new mortgage payment. Utility bills, car insurance, cell phone bills, insurance payments does not factor into this ratio. Only bills listed on credit report and 401k loan and child support payment






If you are looking to purchase your first home, you have probably been doing your research about properties in your area, where you might be able to obtain a loan and how to qualify for it. A key term you may recognize from all that research is "debt-to-income ratio," which refers to the figure you get when you add up all your monthly debt payments and then divide that number by your monthly income. In laymen's terms, the debt-to-income ratio gives potential mortgage lenders an idea of how much your expenses are each month in comparison to how much you actually earn.


Depending on where you are in the home-buying process, you may have a good idea of where your credit score lands. As important as a strong credit score is, however, a favorable debt-to-income ratio is arguably of equal importance, and it may be just as closely scrutinized by any potential mortgage lender.

Front-end ratios vs. back-end ratios

When you try and obtain a loan, expect possible lenders to review two types of debt-to-income ratio. The front-end ratio, or "housing" ratio, gives them an idea of what percentage of your monthly income would have to go toward home-related expenses, such as the mortgage, associated taxes and any additional fees, such as homeowner's association expenditures, that may apply.


The back-end ratio, on the other hand, takes a more cumulative approach and compares your monthly income to all your expenses, from the housing-related ones to school tuition, child support, car payments and any other financial obligations you may have.

The ideal debt-to-income ratio

The exact percentage your lender will look for will likely vary based on factors such as your credit score, how much you have in your savings account and how much you have to put down for your down payment. Most standard lenders, however, prefer to see something in the ballpark of 28 percent for a front-end ratio. For a back-end ratio, they will likely look for a percentage that does not exceed 36 percent. Federal Housing Authority lenders typically look for a front-end ratio of about 31 percent and a back-end ratio that does not exceed 43 percent.

Lower a high ratio

Simply put, the most effective way to lower a high debt-to-income ratio and therefore make yourself more appealing to lenders is to pay off some of your debt. If you have a cosigner who may be willing to help you out with a loan, that could serve as an additional method of getting around a high ratio.





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





If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708.


Disclaimer: No statement on this site is a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet Loan-to-Value requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines and are subject to change without notice based on applicant's eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over the life of a loan. Reduction in payments may reflect a longer loan term. Terms of any loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant Equal Opportunity Lender. NMLS#57916http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/





First Time Home Buyer in Kentucky Zero Down, First Time Home Buyer Louisville Kentucky Mortgage, Kentucky Mortgage Rates FHA VA KHC, Kentucky Rural Development Loans, Kentucky VA Loan Approval, USDA loans

Can you use Non-taxable income like Child Support, Social Security, Workers Compensation to qualify for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan?

You can use child support, social security, and workers compensation as long as it will continue for the next 3 years.

On a note for Child support, you have to show you have been getting the last 12 months consistently to use that income.

Another favorable option in using non-taxable income, is that you can gross it up to 115% to 125% in most cases to show you have more qualifying income.

Fannie Mae, USDA, VA, Conventional loan programs will let you gross up the income by 125%.

For example, if you grossed $1000 a month, then on a VA, USDA  or Conventional  loan you could have a qualifying income of $1,250 to qualify for more of a house payment.

FHA will allow for 115% grossing up of non-taxable income. So on a $1,000 gross monthly income, the max income used to qualify monthly would be $1,150.00

Some lenders may create overlays to these agency guidelines, so keep that in mind.

It is best to use in most cases the lowest income to qualify in my opinion so just be on the safe side.


see chart below for FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae Conventional loan guidelines.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET QUALIFIED FOR A KENTUCKY MORTGAGE LOAN IN 2019?

Qualifying for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan IN 2019?

To some potential buyers, particularly first-time buyers, the prospect of meeting a mortgage lender may seem a little scary. Lenders ask a lot of questions because they want to help you get a mortgage. If you work with a lender before you decide on a home, you will know whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage large enough to finance the home you want.

It may seem that your lender needs to know everything about you for the application, but actually, all the lender needs to know about is employment, finances, and information about the home you’re buying (but you can be pre-approved before you choose a home). You will, however, need to provide quite a few details about these topics. The goal is to arrive at a monthly payment you can afford without creating financial hardships. Here's an idea of what lenders consider when they are qualifying you for a loan:


Your household income and expenses


Lenders look at your income in ways other than the total amount; how you earn it is also important. For example, income from bonuses, commissions and overtime can vary from year to year. If these sources make up a large percentage of your income, your lender will want to know how reliable they are.Your lender will also consider the relationship between your income and expenses. Generally, your fixed housing expenses (mortgage payment, insurance, and property taxes, but not repairs or maintenance) should not be more than 28 percent of your gross monthly income, although this is not an absolute rule. Your lender will also consider other long-term debts, such as car loans or college loans. It is a good idea to bring the following when you meet with your lender:

Income

• Employment, salary and bonuses, and any other source of income for the past two years (bring your most recent pay stub, previous year’s W-2 forms, and tax returns if possible)

• The most recent account statement showing the amount of any dividend and interest income you received during the past two years

• Official documentation to support the amount of any other regular income you may receive (alimony, child support, etc.)

Job stability is a factor that a mortgage lender will look for, and two years at your current job helps, but this also is not an absolute requirement. If you change jobs but stay in the same line of work, you should not have a problem — especially if the job change is an advancement or increase in income.

Credit score

Your credit score also helps to predict how likely you are to repay the mortgage debt. Credit scores will determine if you qualify for the loan, what your rate is, and mortgage insurance payments each month. Typical fico scores wanted for an automated approval run around 620 for an FHA loan and VA loan, 640 for a USDA, 640 for a KHC Loan with Down Payment Assistance, and 620 for an AU approval for Fannie Mae Loan.


Personal assets

• Current balances and recent statements for any bank accounts, including checking and savings

• Most recent account statement showing current market value of any investments you may have, such as stocks, bonds or certificates of deposit

• Documentation showing interest in retirement funds

• Face amount and cash value of life insurance policies

• Value of significant pieces of personal property, including automobiles

• Debt Information

• The balances and account numbers of your current loans and debts, including car loans, credit card balances and any other loans you may have

Underwriting


The lender does the best possible job of ensuring that a borrower qualifies for a loan. The final decision, however, rests with the lender's underwriter, who measures the total risk that the specific investor, who backs up the loan, is taking. Each investor (or investment company) has its own underwriting guidelines (often using statistical models), so while the underwriters evaluate many of the same factors as the lenders, they may look more closely at some areas than others, depending on the guidelines. For example, while the lender may have pre-approved you before you chose a home, by the time you get to underwriting, you will have chosen the property you want to buy, and the underwriter will review the property details closely.However, most of the information used is the same as that used by the lender, but it may be evaluated differently. The underwriter will evaluate the borrower's ability to pay (income), willingness to pay (credit history), and the collateral (property). As underwriters analyze each of these risks (although this is not a complete list), here are some possible guidelines they may use: 

Income

   Is the income sufficient to repay the loan? Ratio guidelines of 31 percent payment-to-income and 43 percent total debt-to-income are standard, but some programs allow for higher ratios.  This is the typical manual underwrite for a score that does not fit the current Automated Underwriting Engines used for Fannie Mae (DO), FHA, VA, USDA and Rural Housing (GUS)

• Is the income stable from month to month and year to year?

• Has the borrower been on his/her current job and in the same industry for a sufficient amount of time? A minimum of two years is the standard guideline, but exceptions can be made.

• Can the income be verified?

Credit

• Does the borrower have a good credit score-Typically 740 or higher will yield the best rates and lowest mortgage insurance for a conventional loan? FHA mortgage insurance and VA mortgage insurance is the same no matter what your credit score is. 

• Does the borrower have late payments, collections, or a bankruptcy? If so, is there an explanation that can be provided for the late payments/collections/bankruptcy? FHA, VA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy and USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy. 

• Fannie Mae requires 4-7 years after a bankruptcy. 

• Does the borrower have excessive monthly debts to repay? Typical Debt to income ratios for a no money down loan are limited to 45% of your total gross monthly income for a USDA or KHC loan. 

• Is the borrower maxed out on credit cards? Pay down your credit card balances to less than 25% of your credit limits before you apply for a mortgage loan. 

Collateral

Is the property worth what the borrower is paying for it? If not, the lender will not loan an amount in excess of the value. If the appraisal comes back less than the offer on the house, sometimes you can renegotiate the terms of the purchase contract with the seller and his/her real estate, agent.Some borrowers agree to purchase the home at the price they originally offer and pay the difference between the loan and the sales price. You need to have the disposable cash to do this, and you should assess whether the property is likely to hold its value. You also need to consider the type of loan for which you have qualified. If you need to move suddenly and have a large loan relative to the original value, and the property has not held its value, you could face a difficult cash shortfall when you go to pay off your loan.Is the property an acceptable type of property, and does it meet coding requirements and zoning restrictions? Is the property comparable to other properties in the area? Surveys are common and are used to get an accurate measurement of the land that goes with the property you are purchasing. The person who prepares the survey should be a licensed land surveyor. The survey shows the location of the land, dimensions of the land and any improvements.Encroachments are improvements to the property that illegally violate another's property or their right to use the property, such as building a fence that is actually on your neighbor's property instead of yours, or constructing a building that crosses from your property to another’s property without their permission. Evidence of encroachments can slow the final approval process.

The downpayment

A downpayment is a percentage of your home's value. The type of mortgage you choose determines the down payment you will need. It can range from zero to 20 percent, or more if you wish.A number of loans are available that do not require high down payments, particularly for first-time home buyers. FHA loans, for example, may require less than 5 percent down, and veterans or those on active duty in the military can obtain loans with no down payment at all. USDA loans are offered to rural home buyers with a no down payment option just like VA loans.In addition to down payment assistance offered through Kentucky Housing where you don't have to put a down payment down with income caps for both KHC and USDA loans.These programs may have less strict guidelines for loan approval, such as allowing a higher ratio of payment to income or debt to income. They also may accept alternative forms of credit history if you have not established credit through traditional means — credit cards and car loans. For example, a lender could look at the history of utility payments and rent payments to determine credit worthiness.

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Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle 

Louisville, KY 40223

Company NMLS ID #1364

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

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/