I specialize in Kentucky First Time Homebuyers FHA, VA, USDA & Rural Housing, KHC and Fannie Mae mortgage loans. I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy their first home or refinance their current mortgage for a lower payment; Kentucky First time buyers we still how available down payment assistance with KHC. Free Mortgage applications/ same day approvals. Web site is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA govt agency. Text/call 502-905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com NMLS 57916 NMLS 1738461
Getting approved for a loan is not as hard as some make it. The 3C approach breaks it down in its simplest form so no need to overthink or complicate with “what if’s” or variable situations and these factors are the same in every state. They all have to line up for your loan to be approved but here there are in order of significance
Capacity
- No matter if your credit is in 800’s the ability to afford a loan (capacity aka DTI) is the MOST important C and why most applications either get denied or reduced. Income is EVERYTHING.
To get a conforming (FHA / VA / Conventional) loan you need 2yrs of verifiable Full time income even if it’s pieced together with different employers with 2yrs W2’s and your most recent paystub if you’re an employee and OT and/or bonus cannot be used if you’ve been with your employer for less than 2yrs.
If you have part time employment as well that income cannot be used unless you’ve worked both jobs for at least 2yrs UNLESS your P/T job is the exact same as your F/T job and your hours are not variable then in most cases you can get an exception if you’ve been there for at least 1yr. If you’re self employed 2 most recent tax returns with positive income on line 31 of your schedule C.
If homeownership is your goal, then don’t be cheap and have a certified tax preparer prepare your taxes because it’s likely you’ll need certain docs to get approved only they can provide. Also DO NOT write off all your income to avoid paying the IRS taxes because this will disqualify you from a loan and you’ll have to get a more expensive loan with a bigger down payment.
Credit -
many people think this is the most important but it’s not but it is important. With a high enough capacity (low DTI) I’ve seen clients with minimum scores get approved. FHA requires 580, VA does not have a minimum score requirement and while some lenders can do down in the 500’s generally most lenders do not go below 580, and conventional requires 620.
Having said all that just because you meet the minimum score does not mean you’ll get an approval before credit profile (positive tradeline history, collection activity, credit usage) is what matters most. I’ve seen applicants with 680+ get denied for conventional loans because they have a poor credit profile or low capacity (higher DTI).
FHA is a little more forgiving which is why they are easier loans to get than conventional. Obviously the higher the score, the better the chances are for approval but high scores aren’t needed if capacity and collateral are strong.
Collateral - aka down payment.
Underwriters request either 1 bank statement for FHA or 2 bank statements for conventional and all they are looking for is verification of cash to close, large deposit (FHA more than 1% of loan amount deposited in 1 deposit) activity and reserves if needed, not spending habits. Large purchases are irrelevant and NSF’s can be explained with an explanation letter. The higher the down payment in percentages (3.5 or 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% etc…) not dollars ($2000 or $5000 more than required) then the lower the risk and higher chance of approval especially for conventional loans. Plus dollars don’t noticeably reduce your monthly payment but percentages do.
Overlays -
additional restrictions some lenders have in addition to standard mortgage guidelines. If your lender is telling you anything more is required than what’s posted above it’s because they have overlays which make it more difficult to get approved with them. Example - Veteran’s United will not take credit scores under 620 = OVERLAY
If you want a personalized answer for your unique situation call, text, or email me or visit my website below:
Understanding the Four Main Mortgage Loan Programs in Kentucky
When securing a mortgage loan in Kentucky, your loan will likely be backed by one of four major agencies: FHA, VA, USDA, or Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac (conventional loans). Each program has unique benefits and qualifications, tailored to different types of borrowers. Here's a breakdown to help you determine which program might be the best fit for you.
• 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.
If you meet income eligibility requirements and are looking to settle in a rural area, you might qualify for the KY 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 below to see the qualifying areas.
USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy and foreclosure.
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 with a 580-credit score or higher. And will go down to a 500-credit score with 10% down payment.
The current mortgage insurance requirements are kind of steep when compared to USDA, VA, but the rates are usually good so it can counteract 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 Chapter 7 and 1 year from a Chapter 13 plan and 3 years removed from foreclosure.
VA loans are for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The loan requires no down payment and no monthly mi premiums, saving you on the monthly payment.
It does have a funding fee like USDA, but it is higher starting at 2.3% for first time use, and 3.6% 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 NO max loan limits in Kentucky
Most VA lenders I work with will want a 580-credit score even though VA does not require a minimum credit score per se on their written guidelines.
VA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy or foreclosure.
This type of loan is administered by KHC in the state of Kentucky. They typically have $10,000 down payment assistance year around, that is in the form of a second mortgage that you pay back over 10 years.
Sometimes they will come to market with other down payment assistance and lower market rates to benefit lower income households with not a lot of money for down payment.
KHC offers FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans with their minimum credit scores being set at 620 for all programs. The conventional loan requirements at KHC requires 660 credit score.
The max debt to income ratios is set at 50% respectively.
USDA, VA, FHA, and Conventional Loans in Kentucky: Key Differences First-Time Homebuyers Must Know
When you're buying a home in Kentucky, selecting the right mortgage program is critical. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, understanding the core differences between USDA, VA, FHA, and Conventional loans will help you make a confident, informed decision.
Below is a quick visual comparison followed by a detailed breakdown tailored to Kentucky borrowers.
Loan Program Comparison Chart
Feature
USDA
VA
FHA
Conventional
Max Financing
100%
100%
96.5%
97% (3%–5% down)
Financing Closing Costs
✅ Yes
❌ No
❌ No
❌ No
Upfront Fee
1.0% Guarantee Fee
0.3–3.6% VA Funding Fee
1.75% MIP
Varies
Monthly Mortgage Insurance
0.35%
❌ None
0.85%
Varies (can drop at 80% LTV)
Bankruptcy Wait
3 Years
2 Years
2 Years (Ch. 7)
4–7 Years
Foreclosure Wait
3 Years
2 Years
3 Years
7 Years
Short Sale Wait
3 Years
2 Years
3 Years
4 Years
Seller Concessions
6%
No cap (4% to debts)
6%
3–9% depending on LTV
Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Loan
Ideal for: Rural Kentucky homebuyers with low to moderate income
Down Payment: 0% required
Credit Score: Most lenders want 640+ for automated approval via GUS
Which Home Loan Is Right for You in Kentucky? | Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker
🏡 Which Home Loan Is Right for You in Kentucky?
When it comes to buying a home in Kentucky—whether you're in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, or a rural community—choosing the right mortgage loan can make or break your homeownership journey. With so many loan options available, it’s crucial to understand the differences between FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loan programs.
✅ Conventional Loans
Best for: Borrowers with excellent credit and stable income Minimum Credit Score: 620 (680+ preferred)
Competitive interest rates for strong-credit borrowers
3%–20% down payment options
Available for primary, secondary, and investment properties
No income or location restrictions
✅ FHA Loans
Best for: First-time homebuyers or those with less-than-perfect credit Minimum Credit Score: 580 with 3.5% down (500 with 10% down)
Flexible credit and income guidelines
Low down payment (3.5%)
Higher allowable debt-to-income ratios
Seller concessions up to 6% allowed
✅ USDA Rural Housing Loans
Best for: Low-to-moderate income buyers in eligible rural or suburban Kentucky areas Minimum Credit Score: 640 (for GUS approval)
100% financing (zero down)
No monthly PMI
Low interest rates and fees
Income and location eligibility required
✅ VA Loans
Best for: Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses Minimum Credit Score: 580–620 (varies by lender)
100% financing with no down payment
No monthly mortgage insurance (PMI)
Flexible credit and DTI requirements
Must provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
📊 Home Loan Comparison Chart
Loan Type
Credit Flexibility
Down Payment
Income Limits
Geographic Restrictions
FHA
✔ More forgiving
3.5%
❌ None
❌ None
VA
✔ Flexible
0%
❌ None
❌ None
USDA
⚠ Moderate
0%
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Conventional
❌ Stricter
3%–20%
❌ None
❌ None
💬 Ready to Buy a Home in Kentucky?
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a veteran, or relocating to rural Kentucky, choosing the right loan starts with the right guidance. I’m Joel Lobb, a mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience helping Kentucky families navigate their path to homeownership.
Kentucky Home Buyers: What Credit Score Do You Need?
Buying a home in Kentucky? Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining which mortgage loans you qualify for and how much you’ll pay in interest rates. Understanding the minimum credit score requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans can help you prepare for homeownership and secure the best loan options.
While there's no single, simple answer, this guide will break down the minimum credit score requirements for various Kentucky mortgage options, empowering you to understand where you stand and how to achieve your homeownership goals. We'll cut through the confusion and give you the straight facts!
Why Your Credit Score Matters: More Than Just a Number
Think of your credit score as your financial reputation. Lenders use it to assess the risk of lending you money. A higher score signals lower risk, translating to better interest rates, more favorable loan terms, and potentially lower down payment requirements.
Here's the credit score impact on interest rates and your wallet (in general terms):
760-850: The Gold Standard! Expect the lowest interest rates and the most attractive loan options.
700-759: Excellent! You'll still qualify for very competitive rates and favorable terms.
640-699: Good. You'll likely be approved, but interest rates will be slightly higher.
620-639: Acceptable. This range is often the minimum for conventional loans, but be prepared for less favorable rates.
As the guide shows, aiming for a 740+ score can lead to best rates and closing costs on mortgage loans, especially Conventional Mortgage Loans,.
Let's explore the minimum credit score requirements for different Kentucky mortgage types:
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. 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 KY 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 a 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 below to see the qualifying areas.
There is also a max household income limits with most cutoff starting at 109,500 for a family of four, and up to $136,000 for a family of five or more.
The income limits change every spring, so make sure and check to see what updated income limits are. 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 580-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 counteract 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.
Kentucky VA Loan
VA loans are for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The loan requires no down payment and no monthly mi premiums, 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 no max loan limits in Kentucky
Most VA lenders I work with will want a 580-credit score, even though VA says in their guidelines there is no minimum score, good luck finding a lender VA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy or foreclosure Clear Caviars needed to for a VA loan.
Kentucky Down Payment Assistance
This type of loan is administered by KHC in the state of Kentucky. They typically have $10,000 down payment assistance year around, that is in the form of a second mortgage that you pay back over 10 years. Current terms are $10,000 over 10 years at 3.75%
Sometimes they will come to market with other down payment assistance and lower market rates to benefit lower income households with not a lot of money for down payment.
KHC offers FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans with their minimum credit scores being set at 620 for all programs. The conventional loan requirements at KHC requires 660 credit score. The max debt to income ratios is set at 50% and 50% respectively.
FHA Loans – Best for First-Time Homebuyers with Low Credit
500-579 Credit Score – Requires 10% down payment 580+ Credit Score – Requires 3.5% down payment Flexible credit guidelines & lower down payments Easier approval for first-time buyers & those with past credit issues
VA Loans – Best for Veterans and Active Military
No official minimum credit score Most lenders require 580-620+ 0% down payment – No mortgage insurance required Best for veterans, active-duty military & eligible spouses
USDA Loans – Best for Rural & Suburban Homebuyers
Minimum 620 to 640+ Credit Score (for automatic approval through GUS ) Some lenders may approve below 640 with manual underwriting with a minimum score of 581 and above 0% down payment required Best for low-to-moderate-income homebuyers in rural areas Income limits and property locations restrictions
Conventional Loans – Best for Borrowers with Good Credit
Minimum 620+ Credit Score-Truthfully, if scores are 620 and less than 20% down payment look at going to the government loan programs like FHA, USDA and VA Higher scores (760+) qualify for better interest rates Down payment: 3%-5% or more Best for buyers with strong credit & stable income
Minimum 620+ Credit Score, Income limits and max dti is 50% usually used for the down payment and closing costs on a FHA, VA, USDA or Conventional loan with the $10k DAP assistance Offers down payment assistance for eligible buyers Best for first-time homebuyers needing financial help
Non-QM Loans – Alternative Financing for Unique Situations
Minimum 500-620 Credit Score (Varies by lender) Includes Bank Statement Loans, DSCR Loans, Asset-Based Loans Best for self-employed borrowers, real estate investors & those with non-traditional income sources
Why Choose Non-QM? These non-traditional loans are great for borrowers who don’t qualify for conventional or government-backed loans due to income verification challenges.
How Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Interest Rates
Your credit score doesn’t just determine loan eligibility—it also affects the interest rate you receive.
Here’s how credit scores impact mortgage rates (examples based on typical loan rates):
Credit Score
Estimated Interest Rate
Kentucky Mortgage Loan Options Available
760-850
Best Rate (Lowest Cost)
Kentucky Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
700-759
Good Rate
Kentucky Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
640-699
Higher Rate
Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Some Conventional
620-639
Even Higher Rate
Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Some Conventional
Below 620
Limited Options, Highest Rates
FHA, VA, USDA and (with higher down payment), Non-QM
Evo Mortgage Company NMLS# 1738461 Personal NMLS# 57916
For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.
Kentucky Local Home Loan Lender Services
First-Time Home Buyers Welcome FHA, Rural Housing (USDA), VA, and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Loans Conventional Loan Options Available Fast Local Decision-Making Experienced Guidance Through the Home Buying Process
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Website: 
Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204
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First-Time Home Buyers Welcome