Variable Income for A Mortgage Loan Approval in Kentucky

How to get approved for a Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA and Fannie Mae Mortgage loan with Variable Income 

 Variable INCOME if your borrower is not hourly at 40 hours a week or salary do you fall within VARIABLE INCOME?? Yup we all dislike that is calculated by an averaging method..

Examples of income of this type include income from hourly workers with fluctuating hours, or income that includes commissions, bonuses, or overtime.

History of Receipt: Two or more years of receipt of a particular type of variable income is recommended; however, variable income that has been received for 12 to 24 months may be considered as acceptable income, as long as the borrower’s loan application demonstrates that there are positive factors that reasonably offset the shorter income history.

Frequency of Payment: us as a lender must determine the frequency of the payment Examples:
If a borrower is paid an annual bonus on March 31st of each year, the amount of the March bonus should be divided by 12 to obtain an accurate calculation of the current monthly bonus amount.

Note that dividing the bonus received on March 31st by three months produces a much higher, INACCURATE monthly average.

If a borrower is paid overtime on a biweekly basis, the most recent paystub must be analyzed to determine that both the current overtime earnings for the period and the year-to-date overtime earnings are consistent and, if not, why.

There are legitimate reasons why these amounts may be inconsistent yet still eligible for use as qualifying income. For example, borrowers may have overtime income that is cyclical (transportation employees who operate snow plows in winter, package delivery service workers who work longer hours through the holidays).

We must investigate the difference between current period overtime and year-to-date earnings and document the analysis before using the income amount in the trending analysis.

Income Trending: After the monthly year-to-date income amount is calculated, it must be compared to prior years’ earnings using the borrower’s W-2’s or signed federal income tax returns (or a standard Verification of Employment completed by the employer or third-party employment verification vendor).

If the trend in the amount of income is stable or increasing, the income amount should be averaged.

 If the trend was declining, but has since stabilized and there is no reason to believe that the borrower will not continue to be employed at the current level, the current, lower amount of variable income must be used.

If the trend is declining, the income may not be stable.

Additional analysis must be conducted to determine if any variable income should be used, but in no instance may it be averaged over the period when the declination occurred.

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 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 USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: Kentucky Rural Housing USDA Maximum Income by Coun...

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: Kentucky Rural Housing USDA Maximum Income by Coun...: 

 2024 Kentucky USDA Loan Income Limits for Kentucky Counties  Kentucky USDA loan income limits vary by location and household size wit...

#usdaloan #mortgage #ruralhousing #usdaloan #kentuckymortgage #firstimebuyer #rhsloan

New Income limits for most counties (*) in Kentucky are $112,450 for a household family of four and household families of five or more  can make up to $148,450 with the new changes for 

2024 Kentucky USDA Income limits, the Jefferson County Louisville, KY Metro area (**) saw an increase of $112,450  for a family of four and up to $148,450 for a family of five or more. The metro area surrounding counties of Jefferson County includes Oldham, Bullitt, Spencer are included in these higher income limits for USDA loans.

Remember,  the entire  Jefferson County and Fayette County  Kentucky counties are not eligible for USDA loans. Along with parts of the following counties Daviess (Owensboro), Mccracken (Paducah), Madison County, (Richmond), Clark County (Winchester), Warren (Bowling Green), Hardin (Fort Knox and Radcliff), Bullitt(Hillview, Maryville, Zoneton, Fairdale, Brooks), Franklin, (Frankfort), Henderson (Henderson City Limits), Christian County (Hopkinsville, Fort Campbell), Boyd County (Ashland city limits) and the most Northern Parts of Boone, Kenton, Campbell Counties of Northern Kentucky (Covington, Florence, Richwood, Hebron, Ludlow, Fort Thomas, Bellevue, Ryle, Beechwood, ) 

The Northern Kentucky Counties (***) of Boon, Kenton, Campbell, Bracken, Gallatin, and Pendleton are $120,850 for a household of four or less and up to $159,150  for a family of five or more.

USDA Eligible Areas in Northern Kentucky
Burlington
Hebron
Independence
Walton
Alexandria
Highland Heights
Cold Springs
Grant County
Owen County
Pendleton County
​

USDA Income Limits
Boone, Kenton & Campbell Counties (N. KY)
​
$112,450 (family size 1-4)
$148,450  (family size 5 or more)
​

Grant, Owen & Pendleton Counties (N. KY)
​
$120,500 (family size 1-4)
$159,150  (family size 5 or more)



Most are familiar with USDA Rural Housing Loan Program  being a great no money down program available and it is not just for Kentucky first time buyers.

The Dos & Don’ts of Applying for a Mortgage in Kentucky

DO maintain up-to-date records The mortgage application process is paperwork-heavy, and lenders could ask you to pull up records at a moment’s notice. To make things easier for yourself, make sure you have the following records readily available:

• Income: Underwriters typically verify income and tax documents through your employer, so hold onto new paystubs as you receive them.
• Assets: It’s best practice to save all incoming account statements in the order in which you receive them; keep all numbered pages of each statement.
• Gifts: If you’re receiving any gift money from relatives, they’ll need to sign a gift letter (which your loan officer will provide) and an account statement evidencing the source, which must be “seasoned” funds.
• Current Residence: If you’re currently renting, continue to pay your rent on time and save proof of payment. If you intend to sell your current residence, be prepared to show your HUD-1 Settlement Statement. If you plan on renting out your home, you may need to show sufficient equity, a lease, and receipts for the security deposit and first month’s rent.

DO keep your credit score in mint condition. Continue to make payments on time. The lender might pull your credit report again, and any negative change to your score could jeopardize your approval.

DO understand that things change. The requirements to receive approval for a home loan are always changing, and underwriters require more documentation now than they have in the past. Even if requests seem silly, intrusive or unnecessary, keep in mind that if they didn’t need it, they wouldn’t ask for it.

DON’T apply for new credit. Changes in credit can cause delays, change the terms of your financing or even prevent you from closing on a home. If you must open a new account (or even borrow against retirement funds), be sure to consult your loan officer first.

DON’T change jobs midway through the process. Probationary periods and career or status changes — such as from a salaried to a commission-based position, leave of absence or new bonus structure — can be subject to strict rules.

DON’T make undocumented deposits. Large (and sometimes even small) deposits must be sourced unless they’re identified. Make copies of all checks and deposit slips, keep your deposits separate and small, and avoid depositing cash.

DON’T wait to liquidate funds from stock or retirement accounts. If you need to sell investments, do it now and document the transaction. Don’t take the risk of the market working against you, leaving you short on funds for closing.

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Dos & Don’ts of Applying for a Mortgage in Kentucky 

Mortgage Overlays Explained

Overlays Explained

By Realty Times Published Dec 15, 2021 11:18 am

What’s an Overlay? An Overlay is a mortgage industry term that highlights an additional qualifying requirement(s) beyond what the guidelines issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHA, VA and USDA loans can also have overlays. These guidelines are set forth for several reasons, but one is to provide lenders with mortgage program stability as well as allowing lenders to sell loans, either individually or ‘in bulk.

Think about that for a moment. If there were no secondary market at some point the mortgage company would run out of money to lend. When a lender makes a loan, it draws down some money from its credit line and replenishes that credit line once the loan(s) is sold. This process occurs over and over again.

Overlays can also be used to target a specific type or class of borrower. To reduce risk, a lender might ask for a greater down payment than is originally required. Let’s look at credit scores as an example. While Fannie might ask for a minimum credit score to be 680 a lender might decide to up the ante a bit and set the minimum score at 700.

Catering to different groups means catering to a particular market or class of borrower. One lender may continue to stand firm with a 680 score while another decides 700 is better. Many borrowers may not know about this dynamic. This can mean applying for a mortgage at a mortgage company, getting declined and thinking that all lenders are the same and stop their search for a new home. All they really needed to do was to continue shopping for a lender who would approve the very same loan, just without the harsher overlays.

If a lender asks for a 680 score your loan officer will know where to send a loan with a sub-700 FICO. These overlays can be placed on both conventional as well as government-backed mortgages. The government-backed mortgages are those underwritten to FHA, VA and USDA program guidelines.

Overlays can come and go over time. A lender might set forth a new overlay and then a year later remove it or even enhance it. It’s completely up to the individual lender as long as the loan is approved using established guidelines. What lenders can’t do is weaken guidelines. There are no overlays to drop the minimum score requirement from 680 to 650, for example. Doing so would mean the mortgage didn’t meet program guidelines and the loan could no longer be sold. Overlays help protect the lender while at the same time providing borrowers with additional choices.

Finally, lenders can’t dilute loan program requirements. In other words, lenders can’t apply an overlay to lessen the requirements. Reducing approval requirements means the loan won’t have the minimum features that secondary markets require. If a lender does in fact reduce the requirements the loan can still be made, it’s just that the lender can expect to keep the loan in its own possession for the life of the loan.

One important concept you should familiarize yourself with is the “lender overlay,” which is essentially an expanded guideline (or set of guidelines) on top of what Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the FHA/VA will allow.

Think of it as a second coat of paint, applied after the primer. The primer is the bare minimum necessary, but you don’t see people driving around too often without that second coat.

The same goes for mortgages. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHA/VA all set underwriting guidelines for residential mortgages, but they don’t actually lend directly to consumers.

Their job is to purchase and/or securitize the home loans that fit their guidelines, which is why they exist to begin with. Essentially, to keep the mortgage market liquid.

By doing so, lenders are able to sell their loans more easily, knowing they fit certain pre-determined criteria, which allows them to originate more loans via that increased liquidity.

Written by David Reed for www.RealtyTimes.com Copyright © 2022 Realty Times All Rights Reserved. Reed is from Austin, Texas and is the author of The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Financing, Your Guide to VA Loans and Decoding the New Mortgage Market. A Senior Loan Officer and Mortgage Executive for more than 20 years, he has also appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox Business, Fox and Friends and the Today In New York show.

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.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: What It Is and Why You Should Care for A Kentucky Mortgage Loan

Think back to the last time you financed a purchase — be it a home, automobile, or what have you… You may remember having heard the term “debt-to-income ratio.” Today I want to spend some time going over exactly what this ratio is, and to also touch on how it can effect your personal finances.

What is your debt-to-income ratio?

Commonly referred to as your “DTI,” your debt-to-income ratio is a personal finance benchmark that relates your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income.

As an example… Let’s say that your gross monthly salary is $5,000 and you are spending $2,800 of it toward monthly debt payments. In that case, your DTI would be an unhealthy 56%.

This version of your DTI is sometimes referred to as your “back-end” DTI. This is often broken down further to give a front-end debt-to-income ratio, which is a component of your back-end DTI.

How to calculate your front-end DTI for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval

Your front-end DTI is calculated by dividing your monthly housing costs by your monthly gross income. Front-end DTI for renters is simply the amount paid in rent, whereas for homeowners it is the sum of mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, and home insurance (i.e., your PITI) divided by gross monthly income.

From above, if that $2,800 in debt payments is attributable to $1,500 in housing costs and $1,300 in non-housing costs, then your front-end DTI is $1,500/$5,000 = 30% (and your back-end ratio is still 56%, as calculated above).

How lenders use your DTI for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval

Kentucky Mortgage lenders typically use DTI (along with other variables) to determine whether or not you qualify for a loan, and to help determine your Kentucky mortgage rate. A high front-end DTI raises red flags with lenders because it is commonly associated with borrower default. In fact, reducing front-end DTI to reduce the risk of homeowner default was one of the main objectives of the loan modification programs introduced by the government in 2009.

There are specific limits for DTI that are used as cut-off points when evaluating borrowers. Current DTI limits for conventional conforming mortgage loans are typically 28% on the front end and 36% on the back end, though these limits are slightly higher for government subsidized Kentucky FHA loans.

While there are certainly other factors to consider w

Debt-to-Income Ratio: What It Is and Why You Should Care for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan for Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval

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/

-- Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. The content in this marketing advertisement has not been approved, reviewed, sponsored or endorsed by any department or government agency. Rates are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification.

2014 Income Limits for the Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Single Family Guaranteed Loan Program

The 2014 Income Limits for the Kentucky USDA Rural Housing  Single Family Guaranteed Loan Program were published on February 12, 2014. 

The Ky USDA Rural Housing Guaranteed Underwriting System and the Income Eligibility calculator for Kentucky USDA Home Buyers have been updated with the new income limits. 

The new income limit changes will apply to all loans submitted through GUS on and after February 12, 2014.

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing 2014 Income limits can be found online at:

 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/KY%20GRH.pdf

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What are the guidelines for using Alimony, Child Support, or Separate Maintenance income for A Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval?

Alimony, Child Support, or Maintenance income may be considered only if evidence of all of
the following is provided for a mortgage loan approval:

• Payments are likely to be received consistently for the first three years of the 
mortgage; 
• A copy of the divorce decree, legal separation agreement, voluntary agreement, or 
court order specifying the amount of support and the period of time over which it will 
be received is required; and 
• Evidence that the funds have been received for the last 6 months using cancelled 
checks, deposit slips, Federal tax returns, or court records.

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Non-reimbursed Business Expenses for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan

Non-reimbursed  Business  Expenses for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan 

When a borrower has unreimbursed business expenses, such as classroom supplies, uniforms, meals, gasoline, automobile insurance, and/or automobile taxes, the underwriter must determine the borrower’s recurring monthly debt obligation for such expenses by developing a 24-month average of expenses, using information from the borrower’s IRS Form 1040 including all schedules (Schedule A & IRS Form 2106) and net out any automobile depreciation claimed on IRS Form 2106.

Consequently, when calculating the total debt-to-income ratio, the 24-month average for non-reimbursed expenses should be subtracted from the borrower’s stable monthly income, unless such expenses are automobile lease payments or automobile loan payments, in which case they are to be considered part of the borrower’s recurring monthly debt obligations. If there is not a 24-month history of such expenses, the underwriter should develop an annualized monthly average for the expenses and add this calculated amount to the borrower’s monthly debt obligations

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Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior  Loan Officer
502-905-3708 cell

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