Credit Scores Required for Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approvals for FHA, VA, USDA and Fannie Mae

Kentucky Mortgage Rates Today for 30 year fixed rate FHA, VA, USDA Mortgage Home Loans

Rates are subject to change without notice. Other fees, sometimes referred to as "Third-Party Fees", will also be required. Your Loan Officer can provide estimates. You will receive a Loan Estimate that provides details on the total cost of obtaining the loan program you select. The details provided in this Product Comparison are based on the information shown in the "Your Scenario" section. Payment amounts do not include escrow payments for homeowner's insurance or real estate taxes. An escrow account may be required. This Product Comparison does not constitute an offer to extend credit. Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan OfficerAmerican 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/ NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574 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).

Here are action steps you can take right now to buy a home in Kentucky in 2024

 Here are action steps you can take right now to buy a home in Kentucky in 2023

1. Focus on your credit score

FICO credit scores are among the most frequently used credit scores, and range from 350-800 (the higher, the better). A consumer with a credit score of 750 or higher is considered to have excellent credit, while a consumer with a credit score below 620 is considered to have poor credit.

To qualify for a mortgage and get a low mortgage rate, your credit score matters.

Each credit bureau collects information on your credit history and develops a credit score that lenders use to assess your riskiness as a borrower. If you find an error, you should report it to the credit bureau immediately so that it can be corrected.

2. Manage your debt-to-income ratio

Many lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio when making credit decisions, which could impact the interest rate you receive.

A debt-to-income ratio is your monthly debt payments as a percentage of your monthly income. Lenders focus on this ratio to determine whether you have enough excess cash to cover your living expenses plus your debt obligations.

Since a debt-to-income ratio has two components (debt and income), the best way to lower your debt-to-income ratio is to:

• repay existing debt;
• earn more income; or
• do both

3. Pay attention to your payments

Simply put, lenders want to lend to financially responsible borrowers.

Your payment history is one of the largest components of your credit score. To ensure on-time payments, set up autopay for all your accounts so the funds are directly debited each month.

FICO scores are weighted more heavily by recent payments so your future matters more than your past.

In particular, make sure to:

• Pay off the balance if you have a delinquent payment
• Don't skip any payments
• Make all payments on time

4. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start shopping for a home loan.

Too many people find their home and then get a mortgage.

Switch it.

Get pre-approved with a lender first. Then, you'll know how much home you can afford.

To get pre-approved, lenders will look at your income, assets, credit profile and employment, among other documents.

5. Keep credit utilization low on your credit cards

Lenders also evaluate your credit card utilization, or your monthly credit card spending as a percentage of your credit limit.

Ideally, your credit utilization should be less than 30%. If you can keep it less than 10%, even better.

For example, if you have a $10,000 credit limit on your credit card and spent $3,000 this month, your credit utilization is 30%.

Here are some ways to manage your credit card utilization:

• set up automatic balance alerts to monitor credit utilization
• ask your lender to raise your credit limit (this may involve a hard credit pull so check with your lender first)
• pay off your balance multiple times a month to reduce your credit utilization

6. Look for down payment assistance in Kentucky

There are various types of down payment assistance, even if you have student loans.

Here are a few:

• FHA loans - federal loan through the Federal Housing Authority
• USDA loans - zero down mortgages for rural and suburban homeowners
• VA loans - if military service
• Kentucky Housing Down Payment Assistance of $10,000

There are federal, state and local assistance programs as well so be on the look out.

If you want a personalized answer for your unique situation call, text, or email me or visit my website 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

email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com
 

https://kentuckyloan.blogspot.com/

 

--

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/

 

Why Might You Consider A Kentucky VA Loan Over A Kentucky Conventional Mortgage?

 

Kentucky VA Loans which are backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs, are specifically designed for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.  Here are a few benefits of Kentucky VA loans:

No down payment One of the most significant advantages of a Kentucky VA loan is that it often allows for 100% financing. This means you may not have to make a down payment, making homeownership more accessible.

Lower interest rates Kentucky VA loans typically offer competitive interest rates compared to conventional mortgages.

No private mortgage insurance (PMI) Unlike many conventional loans, Kentucky VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance. This can save you additional money each month.

Flexible credit requirements Kentucky VA loans tend to have more flexible credit requirements than conventional mortgages. While a good credit score is still important, the VA loan program may be more forgiving of past financial difficulties with no minimum credit score subject to approval

Assistance in case of financial hardship* If you experience financial difficulties and are unable to make your mortgage payments, the Kentucky VA offers support through dedicated counselors who can help negotiate with lenders on your behalf.

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

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/

NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574
Get Approved Now Click Here

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).

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

 

How would this effect FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, USDA Mortgage loans in Kentucky?

A federal government shutdown could impact your first mortgage loan closing through Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA and Fannie Mae Home Loans

Kentucky FHA and VA Mortgage loans and Government Shutdown 

• Loans will be able to close as normal and access to FHA Connection and VA’s WebLGY system will be available. However, any function that requires staff involvement may be impacted by a shutdown.

Kentucky Fannie Mae Mortgage Loans

• Loans will be able to close as normal.

RHS Guarantee Loans USDA Loans In Kentucky 

• Lenders will not be able to purchase or close a loan without the RHS Conditional Commitment and tax transcripts.

Housing Education and Counseling

• Housing Education and Counseling Services should continue as usual.

Verification of Employment (VOE) on Conventional, FHA and RHS Loans for Federal Employees

• Most Lenders will require a VOE 10 days prior to closing.
  • The only exceptions for conventional loans: 
    • The military can use Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
    • Employment was validated by DU service and follows all conditions.

Flood Insurance

• The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) expires at 11:59 p.m. September 30. As a result, KHC will follow agency guidelines in place during the federal government shutdown.

Federal Tax Transcripts and Social Security Validation

• If federal tax transcripts or validation of social security numbers are required per underwriting or listed as an AUS finding, then they will be required prior to closing or purchase of a loan. SSA Form 89 is used to validate social security numbers.

Please stay tuned for further updates on this topic. These policies will be enacted only if the federal government shuts down and will remain in effect throughout the period of shut down.

Government shutdown affects on USDA, FHA, VA, Rural Housing, KHC and Fannie Mae Mortgage loans in Kentucky 

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

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/

NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574
Get Approved Now Click Here

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, VA, USDA Government Mortgage Updates for 2023

Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA Government Underwriting Guideline Updates

Effective immediately, for all loans, the FHA, VA, and USDA Underwriting Guides have been updated with the below information. USDA Updates to HB-1-3555 Delinquent Federal Debt All borrowers must be screened using HUD’s Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System (CAIVRS) except those borrowers financing a Streamlined-Assist or Streamlined Refinance. CAIVRS will return the following results: A: Approved by CAIVRS (no issues exist) B: Multiple cases from one or more Federal agencies C: Claim filed D: Default on loan F: Foreclosure of loan J: Judgment filed The only acceptable result is A: Approved by CAIVRS (no issues exist). Borrowers with delinquent federal non-tax debt are not eligible for a USDA loan until the debt is paid in full or a release of liability is documented. Appraisal Validity The effective date of the appraisal report must not be more than 180 days of the Note date (previously 150 days). Credit Non-Federal Judgements Added that open and unpaid non-federal judgments are eligible when the borrower is not delinquent and has a payment arrangement with the creditor and has made regular and timely payments for the three (3) months prior to application date. This update clarifies that the borrower cannot be delinquent, not previously specified. Court-Ordered Child Support Below highlights the current and new guideline. Current Guideline New Guideline Delinquent court-ordered child support must meet one (1) of the following: Must have an approved repayment agreement with three (3) timely payments made prior to closing; The arrearage is paid in full; or A release of liability is documented. Delinquent court ordered child support, subject to the collection by an administrative offset (allows for federal payments in order to collect past due child support) must meet one (1) of the following: Must have brought payments current prior to closing; The debt is paid in full; or A release of liability is documented. Appraisal Requirements Multiple Parcel Requirements Clarified that when multiple parcels are not adjoined, the parcel without a residence must be non-buildable (such as waterfront properties where the parcel without the residence provides access to the water) and the entire property will contain only one (1) dwelling but may have non-residential, non-income producing buildings, such as a garage. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Clarified that an ADU should support household members and not create potential rental income. Individual Water Supply System (Well) Updated the requirement that a valid water test from the local health authority or a lab qualified to conduct water testing in the jurisdictional state or local authority must be obtained and that the water analysis report must be no greater than 150 days old as of the Note date. FHA and VA Underwriting Guideline Updates and Clarifications Maximum Number of Borrowers The FHA and VA Underwriting Guide has been updated with the maximum number of borrowers allowed for submission to DU or LPA. Up to four (4) borrowers may be on a loan application and submitted to DU. Up to five (5) borrowers may be on a loan application and submitted to LPA. If the number of borrowers exceeds four/five, the loan must be manually underwritten. Inquiries and Undisclosed Debt (FHA) Updated the FHA Underwriting Guide to require the following: When the credit report reveals a significant debt not listed on the application, a written explanation from the borrower addressing the omission is required. The absence of a written explanation from the borrower may render the loan ineligible. Future Income (VA) For Future Income, when a borrower’s employment will begin after the Note date, employment must begin within 90 days after the Note date (previously 60 days). 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).

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender VA Home Loans

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender VA Home Loans: What are the eligibility requirements for a VA Loan in Kentucky? Veterans Affairs loan guidelines use two methods of income qualification i...

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Kentucky Mortgage Approval Underwriting Myths Debunked for FHA, VA, USDA and Fannie Mae

 Mortgage Approval Underwriting Myths Debunked

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:

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/

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Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: How to Get Approved for a Kentucky VA Home Mortgag...

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: How to Get Approved for a Kentucky VA Home Mortgag...: Basic Understanding of a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Approval Process. The VA makes a guarantee to the lending institution (the insurance)-for...

Basic Understanding of a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Approval Process.

The VA makes a guarantee to the lending institution (the

insurance)-for 25% of the loan amount (from a lenders

perspective the effective LTV is 75%).

Because the risk to the bank is reduced, the bank can provide

more affordable loans to the Veteran:

• Eliminating the need for a down payment (100% Mortgage)

• Provides the Veterans favorable interest rates

• Eliminating Mortgage Insurance (NO PMI)

Crushing the Myths of the VA Loan

• VA Mortgage Benefits do not expire.

• You can use your VA benefits as many times as you wish.

• You can have more than 1 at a time. (See occupancy rules)

• There is no limit to the size of a VA loan. (There is a county

loan limit, but veterans can purchase above the county loan

limit with a 25% down payment)

• Credit and risk is reviewed differently by each bank

and lender.

• Even with a foreclosure or short sale, the veteran may still be

able to buy a house with a VA loan. (See burnt entitlement,

veteran might have reduced buying power, but can still

use the VA loan). The VA understands that bad things can

happen to good people.

• VA Appraisals are significantly different than they use to be.

What military documents would I need
to have in order to get a VA mortgage?

I don’t know if I still have my documents from when I

served. How can I retrieve them?

There are three websites that should be able to help you, they are:

vetrecs.archives.gov

archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

ebenefits.va.gov

*If you have difficulty retrieving information from any of these sites,

the local recruiting office for your branch would be able to assist.

I have my discharge paperwork, but would like help

obtaining my Certificate of Eligibility

Contact your lender.

I served, but it was a very long time ago. Do my VA
benefits for a mortgage expire?

No, VA Home Loan benefits never expire. You can use your

VA benefit as long as you’re alive.

I used my VA mortgage along time ago to buy a
home. That means I can’t use it again, right?

The VA Mortgage can be used several times over. If the previous

home was sold, your entitlement should be fully reinstated.

What is the minimum credit score to obtain
a VA mortgage?

The VA does not have a minimum credit score, but lenders will

have their own internal overlay. If your score is greater than 580,

you are likely a candidate for the VA mortgage.

Can I use the VA loan to buy a condo?

You can, with the same terms as buying a detached single family

residence. However, we do have to see if the condo association

is VA approved. Check this website:

vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/VBAHome/condopudsearch

I relocated here and have a home in my hometown. I

kept the home and it has a VA mortgage on it now.

Can I get another VA mortgage?

You can get another VA Mortgage. Mortgage

will calculate your remaining entitlement to compute your

maximum loan amount with no money down and/or what

you would have to put down if you exceed the remaining

entitlement.

Can I build a home with a VA Home Loan?

Yes, but there are several clauses that may make this difficult

to accomplish. Many veterans use their VA Home Loan

Certificate of Eligibility to negotiate in good faith a private home

construction loan and then refinance the completed home using

VA Home Loans.

I heard the VA Mortgage was more expensive than
other mortgage types. Is that true?

There is a mandatory funding fee on all VA mortgages (unless

the borrowing veteran is receiving a VA related disability, then

the funding fee is waived). The funding fee is built over and

above the loan amount and the fees are as below.

It's Military May, and that means Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season for military families is upon us. However, some brokers will miss out on opportunities to help more Veterans due to a few commonly held misconceptions regarding Kentucky VA loans. Separating fact from fiction can make all the difference this season for your business. Here are a few myths around Kentucky VA loans: Myth: Kentucky VA Loans Are Credit Risks Reality: Kentucky Veterans and military members tend to have higher credit scores and savings. Myth: The Seller Pays the Closing Costs Reality: In a well-structured Kentucky  VA loan, the benefits include no down payment and ideally no closing costs to the seller. Myth: There Is a Maximum VA Loan Amount   Reality: There has never been a maximum Kentucky  VA loan amount, though it's often confused with maximum VA loan guarantee. Myth: VA Loans Are Complicated With Many Restrictions Reality: The expertise of our Kentucky VA lending team makes the process simple so you can focus on your borrower.