Showing posts with label bankruptcy va mortgage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bankruptcy va mortgage. Show all posts

Can you buy a house in Kentucky with Bad Credit?

Getting Approved for a Mortgage Loan in Kentucky with Bad Credit.


 Mortgage late payments: One late payment in the last 12 months is permitted so long as it can be explained and fully documented if necessary.


• Foreclosure: Thirty-six months from the date of the foreclosure until eligibility to repurchase using the 3.5 percent down payment FHA Loan, 48 months for VA Loans (no money down required), seven years no matter the down payment on a conventional type.


• Short sale: Thirty-six months from the date of the short sale until eligibility to repurchase using the 3.5 percent down payment FHA Loan, 24 months with the VA, 24 months on a conventional money loan with a minimum down payment of 20 percent.



Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 (Chapter 13 is less common), 24 months from the date of discharge until eligibility to repurchase using the 3.5 percent down FHA Loan, 48 months on VA Loans (still no money down required),  48 months on conventional no matter the down payment. All mortgage companies have different thresholds of risk appetite. For example, the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) has no credit score requirement. Why, then, do lenders have a minimum credit score requirement of 620 for an FHA Loan? Unbeknownst to the majority of home buyers, many mortgage companies have a secret ominous business strategy.


Enter “investor overlays.” 
Investor overlays are adjustments to guidelines and/or pricing created in favor of the mortgage company. This is exactly why one lender can do the loan, and another lender cannot do the loan in some instances.
Tip: every mortgage lender has investor overlays, it’s the nature of how mortgage companies operate, key is work with the lender whose overlays are minimal.




Timing
Typically speaking, if you want to get a mortgage after bankruptcy you’ll need to allow time to pass. For conventional mortgages you’ll need to wait four years after Chapter 7 bankruptcy or two years after Chapter 13 bankruptcy. But there are some other mortgage options that require a shorter waits.



FHA Mortgage


Two years after your Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge you may apply for an FHA loan. If you filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, then you’ll only need to wait until you’ve made twelve months of satisfactory payments, and you’ll need to get the approval of the bankruptcy trustee. But if you want to be given serious consideration, you’ll need to provide a clear explanation for why you filed bankruptcy. For example, maybe you filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy because you had a medical emergency and was unable to pay your medical bills.

VA Mortgage

If you’re a veteran, you can get a VA mortgage two years after your bankruptcy discharge. This VA application process can be challenging, but in some ways it’s more lenient since post-bankruptcy credit issues such as a foreclosure won’t restart the 2-year waiting period. However, credit issues after bankruptcy might affect your interest rate, so take care to keep your credit as clean as possible.

USDA Mortgage

If you live in a rural area, you may qualify for a USDA mortgage three years after your bankruptcy discharge. It’s important to note that while the USDA provides loans to rural residents it’s only for property that will serve as the borrower’s primary residence. The USDA will not finance the purchase of income property or a vacation home.
As you prepare to apply for a mortgage after bankruptcy, keep in mind that the mortgage lender will take into account the totality of your financial situation—your finances, credit history, credit score, and any extenuating circumstances




13,foreclosure,Short Sales,chapter 7,bankruptcy va mortgage,bankruptcy usda mortgage,FHA Mortgages and Bankruptcy,Bankruptcy,






Can You Buy A House After Bankruptcy in Kentucky?

Can You Buy A House After Bankruptcy

Can You Buy A House After Bankruptcy in Kentucky?



In some cases, you have exhausted your emergency fund, and have decided there is no option other than to file for bankruptcy to pay off your debt. You may decide to work with a bankruptcy attorney. Plus, you should know all real estate agents and mortgage lenders who have experience working with people with bankruptcy on their credit score.

When you declare bankruptcy, you may find it hard to improve your credit score and financial condition. Even worse, you may think you will never be able to buy a house again, but the reality is different.

Who wants bankruptcy? Of course, no one wants to fall into this drastic situation. But people dealing with financial troubles may think it is the only way to get out of debts and start from the beginning.

However, bankruptcy may minimize financial stress and allow you to focus on making positive financial decisions for your future. So are you ready to move forward and make your dream of owning a home come true? So, adopt the following strategies to achieve the goal.

How Long After Bankruptcy Can I Buy a House?

You can buy a house approximately one or two years after filing for bankruptcy, only if you restore your credit and avoid new debt. Filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will impact your credit report and put a negative score on your credit. But it does not mean that you cannot buy your own house.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The standard type of bankruptcy is Chapter 7, in which the court wipes down your qualifying debts. In this case, your credit score is affected. If you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have to wait for about four years after the court dismisses your bankruptcy to make you eligible for a conventional loan.

However, government-backed mortgage loans are more complex. You have to wait for about three years after your bankruptcies' dismissal to qualify for a USDA loan. At the same time, you have to wait for about two years in order to qualify for a VA or FHA loan.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves the restructuring of your debts. That means you have to make scheduled payments to your creditors. It does not have a substantial effect on your credit score. Moreover, you can keep your assets as well. While regulations for chapter 13 are less severe than Chapter 7, these loans also have a waiting period.

Conventional loans after chapter 13 bankruptcy usually require a waiting period depending on the court’s choice to handle your bankruptcy. Generally, the waiting period is about four years from the date you file bankruptcy and two years from your dismissal date.

While chapter 7 bankruptcy standards are relaxed for government-backed loans, USDA loans have a 1-year waiting period after filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. FHA and VA loans need a court to dismiss or discharge approval of your loan before your apply. However, the waiting period remains the same in both cases, whether dismissal or discharge.


Can You Buy A House After Bankruptcy
Kentucky Mortgage After a Bankruptcy in 2024 – Chapter 7 or 13
Mortgage After a Bankruptcy in 2024 – Chapter 7 or 13

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/


How To Get Approved for A Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Mortgage Home Loan After A Bankruptcy?




How To Get Approved for A Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Mortgage Home Loan After A Bankruptcy?



Many debtors fear that a bankruptcy will close off any chance of getting a mortgage. But that’s simply not true, with a little time and proper planning you can get a mortgage with good interest rates.
Rebuild Your Credit
If you want to get a mortgage after bankruptcy, you’ll need to get busy rebuilding your credit right away. If you make sure your credit report accurately reflects your bankruptcy, all zero balance credit accounts are closed at the time of your discharge, and pay your credit bills on time you will begin to see some improvement in your credit score within 12 months of your discharge.
Here are some key tasks in rebuilding your credit:
  • Get a secured credit card

  • Credit Score
While the items on your credit report matter, you’ll also need to watch your FICO score. There are many different types of credit scores out there.  You have the individual credit bureaus scores (Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax), FICO scores, Vantage Scores, and industry specific scores. However when looking to purchase a home you will want to watch your FICO as it is used in an overwhelming majority of mortgage related credit evaluations.
Also it’s important to note that FICO changes the way they evaluate creditworthiness based on new information and changes in the market.  They have recently release FICO version 9. Since the majority of mortgage lenders still use an older FICO scoring model, when evaluating and monitoring your score, FICO recommends you use one calculated from a scoring model previous to Version 8.
When evaluating your FICO score it’s good to know that a score above 760 is considered excellent while a score under 620 is considered poor AND IT WILL BE HARD TO GET PRE-APPROVED WITH A CREDIT SCORE BELOW 580 RIGHT NOW
Timing
Typically speaking, if you want to get a mortgage after bankruptcy you’ll need to allow time to pass. For conventional mortgages you’ll need to wait four years after Chapter 7 bankruptcy or two years after Chapter 13 bankruptcy. But there are some other mortgage options that require a shorter waits.
FHA Mortgage
Two years after your Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge you may apply for an FHA loan. If you filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, then you’ll only need to wait until you’ve made twelve months of satisfactory payments, and you’ll need to get the approval of the bankruptcy trustee. But if you want to be given serious consideration, you’ll need to provide a clear explanation for why you filed bankruptcy. For example, maybe you filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy because you had a medical emergency and was unable to pay your medical bills.
VA Mortgage
If you’re a veteran, you can get a VA mortgage two years after your bankruptcy discharge. This VA application process can be challenging, but in some ways it’s more lenient since post-bankruptcy credit issues such as a foreclosure won’t restart the 2-year waiting period. However, credit issues after bankruptcy might affect your interest rate, so take care to keep your credit as clean as possible.
USDA Mortgage
If you live in a rural area, you may qualify for a USDA mortgage three years after your bankruptcy discharge. It’s important to note that while the USDA provides loans to rural residents it’s only for property that will serve as the borrower’s primary residence. The USDA will not finance the purchase of income property or a vacation home.
As you prepare to apply for a mortgage after bankruptcy, keep in mind that the mortgage lender will take into account the totality of your financial situation—your finances, credit history, credit score, and any extenuating circumstances.

How To Get Approved for A FHA, VA, USDA, Mortgage Home Loan After A Bankruptcy?









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Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

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

 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, Title 18, United States Code, §§ 2510-2521. This e-mail and any attached files are deemed privileged and confidential, and are intended solely for the use of the individual(s) or entity to whom this e-mail is addressed. If you are not one of the named recipient(s) or believe that you have received this message in error, please delete this e-mail and any attached files from all locations in your computer, server, network, etc., and notify the sender IMMEDIATELY at  502-327-9770. Any other use, re-creation, dissemination, forwarding, or copying of this e-mail and any attached files is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Receipt by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney-client, work product, or other applicable privilege. E-mail is an informal method of communication and is subject to possible data corruption, either accidentally or intentionally. Therefore, it is normally inappropriate to rely on legal advice contained in an e-mail without obtaining further confirmation of said advice.

KENTUCKY VA MORTGAGE LOAN INFORMATION

 COMMON KENTUCKY VA LOAN MYTHS FOR KENTUCKY VETERANS

  1. VA loans are difficult to qualify for.
  2. All VA loans require a down payment.
  3. VA loans require private mortgage insurance (PMI).
  4. You can't refinance a VA loan.
  5. You can only have one VA loan.
  6. You can use a VA loan once.
  7. VA loans are not assumable.
  8. You can't buy land with a VA loan.
  9. You can't build a house with a VA loan.
  10. VA loans only apply to the home purchase itself.

Is it hard to qualify for a VA loan?

Myth #1: Kentucky VA loans are difficult to qualify for.

Fact: VA loans have fewer credit restrictions compared to conventional loans. These reduced restrictions, like a higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and more leniency regarding credit scores, mean it can be easier to qualify. VA has no minimum credit score but lenders will have overlays with most being 620 and some going down to 580, with a few going all the way down to 500 but it is very difficult to get approved at this level --- though each individual case and lender will vary.

Do VA loans require a down payment?

Myth #2: All Kentucky VA loans require a down payment.

Fact: While conventional loans generally require down payment options that can reach up to 20%, no such thing is required with a VA home loan at or under the local conforming limit. Down payments are still an option, of course, but they are not a requirement.

The VA allows you to purchase jumbo loans, but the down payment depends on your entitlement:

  • Full entitlement - 100% LTV (loan-to-value) maximum
  • Partial entitlement - Maximum loan must be calculated using 25% guarantee of 1 unit county loan limit. Max LTV is lesser of max allowed or LTV required to meet 25% guaranty

Do VA loans have PMI?

Myth #3: VA loans require private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Fact: Private mortgage insurance is not required for VA loans. PMI typically adds 0.2%-0.9% of expenses to your monthly mortgage payments when you put less than 20% down. That’s a big additional expense you don’t have to worry about when you get a VA loan. Remember, VA loans do come with a funding fee.

Can you refinance a VA loan?

Myth #4: You can’t refinance a Kentucky VA loan.

Fact: Thanks to VA streamline and cash-out loan programs, VA loans are actually easier to refinance than conventional mortgages. The streamline version lowers the mortgage rate of an already existing VA loan, usually for less than the current principal and interest. This means it doesn't require a credit check or appraisal. The cash-out option involves a credit check and appraisal, since the home’s value represents the maximum loan amount and the new loan will be larger than the existing loan.

How many VA loans can you have?

Myth #5: You can only have one Kentucky VA loan.

Fact: There is no limit to the number of VA loans you can have. While it is possible to have multiple VA loans at once, this depends on VA loan entitlement. VA loan entitlement refers to the amount that the VA will pay your lender if you default on your loan. There is a limit on your VA entitlement. It can be split across multiple loans but the limit remains the same. For full entitlement, the VA covers:

  • Up to $36,000 for loans < $144,000
  • Up to 25% for loans > $144,000

If, however, you’ve used a portion of your entitlement in one loan that you’re still actively paying off (or defaulted on), the amount of entitlement you have on any new loan is reduced. This means that you may need to put money down yourself instead of having the usual benefit of a zero down payment for VA loans. To learn about VA loan limits and entitlement, visit us here.

How many times can you use a VA loan?

Myth #6: You can only use a Kentucky VA loan once.

Fact: There is no limit on the number of times you can use the VA loan benefit. You can use the benefit an unlimited number of times throughout your life, as long as you still qualify. To qualify, you need to meet certain requirements, which you’ll already be aware of if you’ve taken out a VA loan in the past. For those who haven’t taken out a VA loan prior, you can learn how to qualify here.

Are VA loans assumable?

Myth #7: Kentucky VA loans are not assumable.

Fact: Federally insured and guaranteed loans are usually assumable. This includes VA loans. What does it mean if a loan is assumable? An assumable mortgage is when the lender allows you, the buyer, to take over the current mortgage that the seller has. This can save a lot of money if the interest rates are lower on the existing mortgage than they would be to take out a new mortgage. Assumable mortgages allow buyers, who otherwise wouldn’t qualify for a VA loan, to take over a VA mortgage. This means that you would get most, if not all, of the benefits that come with VA loan eligibility. In order to assume a VA mortgage, you will need to meet certain requirements, such as:

  • acceptable credit history and  credit score
  • debt-to-income ratio to meet guidelines 
  • No Bankruptcies or foreclosures in last 2 years ( Chapter 7) --Chapter 13 is possible within one year in the plan.
  • acceptable work history for last two years
  • residual income requirements
  • property passing VA standards

You will also be required to pay the VA funding fee that comes with VA loans. This equates to 0.5% of the total loan amount. This may be waived if you’re an eligible military borrower who qualifies for an exemption. Other fees may be required as well.

For sellers, if a non-military borrower assumes your mortgage, your VA entitlement won’t be restored until the loan is paid in full. You will want to request that the lender releases you from liability on the loan to avoid dips in your credit reports if the buyer defaults or makes a late payment.

Can you buy land with a VA loan?

Myth #8: You can’t buy land with a Kentucky VA loan.

Fact: The VA doesn’t authorize buyers to singularly purchase land with a VA loan. However, you can purchase land and build a home on it. This is partially because VA loans are granted with a required occupancy period — you must use the property as your primary residence for at least one year. If there is already a home on the land, this is acceptable. Another acceptable scenario is if you plan to immediately build a home on the land after purchase. This may require a purchase/construction loan.

You can also purchase land with a conventional loan or certain other types of loans. Then you can build a home on the land using a VA construction loan. Upon completion, military borrowers can refinance VA construction loans into permanent VA loans. Builders must be VA-approved.

Finally, you can purchase land and build a property using a non-VA purchase/construction loan. Then you can refinance the loan upon completion of the build into a permanent VA loan (as long as the property meets the VA’s requirements).

Can you use a VA loan to build a house?

Myth #9: You can’t build a house with a Kentucky VA loan.

Fact: VA construction loans do exist, as mentioned above, and under the right circumstances, they can be refinanced into permanent VA loans. Ask your lender about VA purchase/construction loan options.

Can you use a VA loan for home improvement?

Myth #10: Kentucky VA loans only apply to the home purchase itself.

Fact: The VA allows for increases to purchase loans for the purpose of making renovations. The VA’s Energy Efficiency Mortgage program, for instance, lets borrowers add up to $6,000 to their home loan amount to install solar heating, insulation and storm windows, among other features.

In conclusion


Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error free. 


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Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

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

 


Kentucky Bankruptcy Guidelines for Kentucky Conventional & Kentucky FHA Mortgage Loans

Can you buy a home while in bankruptcy in Kentucky?



KENTUCKY MORTGAGE WITH A BANKRUPTCY

KENTUCKY MORTGAGE WITH A BANKRUPTCY



Bankruptcy Chapter 7


Kentucky Fannie Mae Guidelines for a Previous Chapter & Bankruptcy:




4 years from discharge or dismissal date
2 years from discharge or dismissal date it borrower meets FNMA definition for Extenuating Circumstances
5 years if more than one bankruptcy was filed within the last 7 years


Kentucky FHA Guidelines for a Past Bankruptcy Chapter 7


2 years from the discharge date for DU approval. Case number assignment cannot be ordered until wait period has elapsed
Manual underwrites are allowed on a refer/eligible DU finding as long as 2 years has elapsed from the discharge date and the borrower has either re-established good credit or chosen not to incur any new credit obligations
Exception for 2 year wait period:
An elapsed period less than 2 years but no less than 12 months may be acceptable
The borrower must document the bankruptcy was caused by extenuating circumstances beyond their control such as a serious illness or death of a wage earner
The borrower must document an ability to manage their financial affairs in a responsible manner
Divorce, loss of a job, or inability to sell a home after relocation is not an acceptable extenuating circumstance


Bankruptcy Chapter 13


KY Fannie Mae Bk Guidelines for Chapter 13 Bk


2 years from discharge date
4 years from dismissal date
2 years from dismissal date it borrower meets FNMA definition for Extenuating Circumstances 5 years if more than one bankruptcy was filed within the last 7 years


Kentucky FHA Mortgage Guidelines for Chapter 13


2 years from the discharge date for DU approval. Case number assignment cannot be ordered until wait period has elapsed
Manual underwrites are allowed 1 day after discharge date or at least 12 months of the payout period under the bankruptcy has elapsed at the time of case number assignment
Must receive a refer/eligible DU finding
Must have documentation of 12 months satisfactory payment history
Must have written permission from trustee to enter into new mortgage transaction

How to Get Approved for a Kentucky Mortgage While in A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:


Can you get a mortgage loan while in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Here is a brief summary:

You must have 12 payments paid into the Chapter 13 before you can apply for a mortgage loan.

The payments must be made on time for last 12 months or after 12 months if you have been in longer, so no late payments to the Chapter 13 while in it.

You have to ask permission from the courts to seek a mortgage loan. They usually grant this. I have never not seen them grant it.

You have to qualify with the new house payment along with Chapter 13 payments and other debts listed on credit report. Debt to income ratios usually center around 31 and 43% respectively, meaning the new house payment should not be more than 31% of your gross monthly income and your total house payment and debts listed on credit report along with Chapter 13 payment should not be more than 43% of your total gross monthly income.

Credit scores
: Most FHA lenders I work with will want a 620-middle score. You have three fico scores from Experian, Equifax, and Transunion, and they throw out the high and low score and take middle score. For example, if you had a 598, 679, and 590 scores respectively for all three bureaus listed above, your qualifying score would be 598.

There are some FHA investors that I am set up with that will go down to 580, but I have seen in my past experiences 620 will get you a better deal and far greater chance of closing on your loan with FHA.

Down payment:
For FHA loans, you will need to have at least 3.5% down payment saved up. It is extremely hard to find a no money down loan program to get you approved for a mortgage while you are in a Chapter 13 plan.

FHA and USDA are really the only two options that I know of that offer financing for a borrower with a current Chapter 13 Bankruptcy plan, so keep that in mind.

Conventional loan program offered by Fannie Mae will not allow a mortgage loan for someone in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy plan.

On USDA loans, it is possible to get 100% Financing after you have paid into the plan for 12 months with a good pay history. The credit scores needed for a USDA loan approval really need to be above 640 in my past experience in getting them approved. 

A lot of USDA lenders will say they will do down to 620, but it is very difficult getting them approved. Best to get your scores up to increase your changes in qualifying for a USDA loan. There is not much that difference in getting your scores up to that range if you are at a 620 score now.

With USDA loans, they have income and property eligibility requirements that FHA does not have, so below is a rough run down of FHA vs USDA loan for you:


Typically, USDA-eligible properties are located in rural areas. It is a mistake, however, to think that you have to live far out in the country to qualify for a USDA loan. USDA-eligible properties are often located near urban areas.

A property’s eligibility is determined by its location with respect to USDA’s map of eligible locations. The USDA program also places limits on your household income based on median earnings in an area. If you exceed that limit, you can’t obtain a USDA loan.

The FHA, by contrast, does not place limits on household earnings. The FHA, however, does establish a maximum limit on the amount of money that can be borrowed through the program.

So, if you were in a hurry to buy, after you have been in your Chapter 13 plan for 12 months, I can look at getting you approved to buy a home if you wish:







If you have questions about qualifying as first time home buyer in Kentucky, please call, text, email or fill out free prequalification below for your next mortgage loan pre-approval.


Joel Lobb
Senior Loan Officer

(NMLS#57916)


Text or call phone: (502) 905-3708

email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

How to get approved for a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan?

  • Kentucky VA Loan Analysis

  • In order to calculate the residual income, the Kentucky VA loan Analysis must be complete and accurate
  • Include the Square Footage of the property
  • Enter number of dependents (including spouse if applicable) correctly on the 1003 in order to correctly allocate dependents on the VA Loan Analysis
  • Select correct COE eligibility, exemption code, and whether borrower is active or reserves

Compensating Factors for a Kentucky  VA Mortgage Loan               
  • Are used to strengthen a manual underwrite
  • Are used when borrower does not meet 120% of the residual income guideline
  • Compensating factors include: excellent credit history, conservative use of consumer credit, minimal consumer debt, long term employment, significant liquid assets, sizable down payment, the existence of equity in refinancing loans, little or no increase in shelter expense, military benefits, satisfactory homeownership experience, high residual income, low DTI ratio, tax credit for child care, and tax benefits of home ownership

Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Cash-Out Refinances
  • All refinances except IRRL’s are considered Cash Out Refinances
  • At least 6 monthly payments must have been made on the original loan being refinanced; AND
  • The first payment due date of the new loan must be at least 210 days after the first payment due date of the original loan being refinanced

VA Cash-Out Refinances greater than 90% LTV
  • Max LTV is 100%
  • The cash-out loan must be paying off a current mortgage loan (VA or otherwise), a second (seasoned or unseasoned) mortgage, and/or any other non-mortgage debt.
  • Minimum Fico 620
  • Have a DU approval Must have (no manual underwrites)




Kentucky VA Guaranteed Loan Requirements


What Is a VA Guaranteed Loan?

A VA-guaranteed loan can be used to:

• Buy a home as a primary residence (This can be either existing or new construction.)
• Refinance an existing loan
Benefits of a VA Guaranteed Loan
• No down payment, unless:
o It is required by the lender.
• The purchase price is more than the reasonable value of the property
• No mortgage insurance
• Reusable
• One-time VA funding fee (can be included in the loan)
o If you receive VA disability compensation, you are exempt from the VA funding fee.
• Minimum property requirements
o Ensure the property is safe, sanitary and sound
• VA staff assistance if you become delinquent on your loan
• Can be assumed by qualified persons
• Equal opportunity for all qualified Veterans
Updated October 2018 2

Who Is Eligible?

In general, the following people are eligible:

• Veterans who meet service length requirements
• Service members on active duty who have served a minimum period
• Certain Reservists and National Guard members
• Certain surviving spouses of deceased Veterans
Apply at www.ebenefits.va.gov to determine your eligibility or call 877-827-3702 for more information.

Key Underwriting Criteria

• There is no maximum debt ratio. However, the lender must provide compensating factors if the total debt ratio is more than 41 percent.
• There is no maximum loan amount. However, VA does limit its guaranty. Veterans can borrow up to $484,350 without a down payment in most of the country. You can find out the limit in any county at www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_loan_limits.asp.

• VA’s residual income guidelines ensure Veteran borrowers can afford the loan. These guidelines establish how much money a Veteran must have left over after all debts and living expenses are considered.

• There is no minimum credit score requirement. Instead, VA requires a lender to review the entire loan profile.

For more information, see the complete VA credit guidelines at

www.benefits.va.gov/warms/pam26_7.asp.

How Can You Start the Process?

VA provides policy, guidelines and oversight of the program. Lenders provide financing for eligible Veterans. The guaranty allows Veterans to obtain a loan without a down payment or mortgage insurance premiums. Veterans need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove entitlement. You can obtain the COE online through eBenefits

Updated October 2018 3 at www.ebenefits.va.gov. 

Lenders also have the ability to request the COE on your behalf.
You should talk to several lenders to find the one that fits your needs. They should know the VA loan program. They should also offer competitive rates and terms.

Note: The VA appraisal is not intended to be an “inspection” of the property.
Before committing to a purchase agreement, you should get expert advice. Talk to a qualified residential inspection service. You should also have radon testing performed.

Can VA Help If You’re Having Trouble Making Payments?

VA loan technicians may be able to help you retain your home and avoid foreclosure. Call 877-827-3702 to speak to a VA loan technician. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/resources_payments.asp.


Kentucky VA Mortgage Guidelines for Approval



The Department of Veteran Affairs does not set a minimum credit requirement for a VA home loan. However, there may be credit requirements established by the lender who funds it.
As a benefit of military service, a VA home loan helps U.S. veterans and their spouses become homeowners without having to make a down payment and regardless of having less than fair credit scores. Lenders all over the country offer these loans, which the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) insures. Aside from having no obligation to make a down payment, there are other significant benefits of a VA mortgage:

No Minimum Credit Score Required


Each VA home loan gets insured by the VA, and they do not need veterans to have any particular credit score. However, the loans offered by private lenders may have the requirement for a minimum score, which usually ranges from 580 to 620. Veterans need to be eligible for a credit. That is determined when lenders analyze their credit profile. Typically, lenders pull reports from the three primary agencies for credit-reporting: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. For qualification, the median or middle rating gets used as your credit score.
Since the VA is not funding the loan, it is the lender who sets a specific benchmark for the credit score. Not all vendors use the same parameter, but reports indicate the average credit score requirement is a FICO score of 620.
Credit scores aren’t the only things checked within the qualifying credit profile. Also, your past patterns with credit get used in the establishment of your repay willingness. If for at least 12 months, a veteran has made payments on time, he or she shows a readiness to repay any credit obligations to come.
Contrarily, a borrowing veteran who has a history of making payments late, delinquent accounts, or judgments, lenders may not consider him or her a satisfactory applicant to receive a loan.

Good Credit Means Better Mortgage Rates Today


While having a low credit score does not completely disqualify you from getting a VA home loan, but having a higher score is helpful. You can get better loan terms and better mortgage rates today than you would with less than fair credit. It is at the discretion of the lender to decide the percentage offered to each borrower. In general, those individuals with the excellent credit get offered the best rates. However, many homeowners and homebuyers are taking advantage of the current mortgage rates trend which shows the rates retreating.

Other Factors Affecting Approval of VA Loans


There are other financial considerations lenders make to help them determine if you can repay a VA home loan. They consider various factors, such as current income and employment record. Additionally, there are veteran requirements that need to be met, like the character of service, duty status, and length of service. Having a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an essential component of your loan application. To qualify for a VA loan, you must meet at least one of these conditions:
  • You are the spouse of a service member who is no longer alive because of a service-related disability or died while in active duty.
  • During wartime, you have served in active service for 90 consecutive days.
  • You have over six years of Reserves or National Guard service.
  • During peacetime, you have served in active service for 181 days.

There are six items which could negatively affect your ability to obtain a VA loan and impact your credit profile:

Foreclosure


If a borrower’s past residence or real property got foreclosed on or you were given a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure in the last two years after the date of disposition, a person would generally not be eligible to receive a VA loan. FHA loan defaults can lead to waiting of three years for a VA loan. If it was a VA loan foreclosure, full entitlement for a new mortgage might not be available.

Late Payments on Mortgage


In cases unrelated to bankruptcy, a Veteran or spouse and Veteran can have reestablishment to satisfactory credit if for 12 months after the derogatory credit item there were adequate payments made. Having more than one 30-day late payments may be acceptable by some lenders. The policies regarding late payments are different for each vendor. If the court has made a judgment on account balances, it is subject to a plan with timely repayments or it must be paid in its entirety. Judgment policies can vary from lender to lender


Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

According to VA guidelines, at least two years must pass by after the date of discharge for the borrower or spouse’s Chapter Seven bankruptcy. It is not the date it got filed. The borrower would need to provide a detailed explanation of the bankruptcy. Also, he or she must have a stable income, be eligible for the loan financially and have re-established decent credit.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Under the VA guidelines, a borrower is still paying on a Chapter 13 bankruptcy if it’s verifiable that satisfactory payments got made to the court for one year. To proceed, the court trustee must provide written approval to do so. There needs to be a complete explanation of the bankruptcy, and the borrower must have secure employment, re-established good credit, and financially qualify.

No Credit to Report

Lenders do not find a lack of established credit history favorable. If a borrower has only one credit score, it must meet the lender’s in-house benchmark for some to see it as permissible. Without a credit score, borrowers will have to spend a lot of time building a credit profile before getting the ability to secure a VA home loan. Consideration of a borrower’s non-traditional credit tradelines may have guidelines that vary by lender.



American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223
Company ID #1364 | MB73346

Text/call 502-905-3708
kentuckyloan@gmail.com
http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/
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/
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Benefits of a Kentucky VA Home Loan