Kentucky first-time homebuyers with a focus on FHA, VA, USDA Home loans in Kentucky

Here's a summary of different loan programs for Kentucky first-time homebuyers with a focus on

FHA, VA, USDA Home loans in Kentucky  

FHA Loan:

Credit Score: Typically requires a minimum credit score of 580; borrowers with lower scores may still qualify but may need a larger down payment.
Down Payment: Minimum down payment of 3.5%.
Income Ratio: Front-end ratio (housing expenses to income) should not exceed 31%; back-end ratio (total debt to income) should not exceed 43%.
Work History: Generally requires at least two years of steady employment, though exceptions can be made.
Credit, Bankruptcy, and Foreclosure: More forgiving than conventional loans; may consider borrowers with past bankruptcy or foreclosure.
Employment and Work History: Stable employment and income are essential.
Time to Close: Typically around 30-45 days. Appraisal and property requirements follow FHA guidelines.

VA Loan:

Credit Score:VA doesn't set a minimum score; lenders may have their requirements, often around 620 or higher.

Down Payment: No down payment required for most borrowers.
Income Ratio: Flexible debt-to-income ratios, often up to 41% or higher in certain cases.
Work History: Stable employment history is preferred.
Credit, Bankruptcy, and Foreclosure: More lenient on past credit issues; may consider borrowers with past bankruptcy or foreclosure.
Employment and Work History: Consistent income from stable employment is crucial.
Time to Close: VA loans can take 45-60 days to close. Appraisal and property requirements must meet VA standards.

USDA Loan:

Credit Score: Typically requires a minimum credit score of 640; exceptions may be possible with compensating factors.
Down Payment: No down payment required for eligible borrowers.
Income Ratio: Maximum debt-to-income ratio of 41%, though exceptions may be made with strong compensating factors.
Work History: Stable employment history is preferred, typically two years or more.
Credit, Bankruptcy, and Foreclosure: Consideration for borrowers with past credit issues, bankruptcy, or foreclosure.
Employment and Work History: Consistent income from stable employment is important.
Time to Close: USDA loans may take 30-60 days to close. Appraisal and property requirements must meet USDA guidelines.

Each loan program has specific eligibility criteria and requirements, so it's essential for first-time homebuyers to consult with lenders or mortgage experts to determine the best fit based on their financial situation and goals.

 Appraisal requirements and income documentation

 

FHA Loan:Appraisal Requirements:

The property must meet FHA guidelines, including minimum property standards and safety requirements. An FHA-approved appraiser assesses the property's value and condition.
Income Documentation: Generally requires recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns for the past two years, and proof of additional income sources (if applicable).


VA Loan:Appraisal Requirements:

 VA loans require a VA appraisal conducted by a VA-assigned appraiser. The appraisal assesses the property's value and ensures it meets VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).
Income Documentation: Typically includes pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns for the past two years, and proof of any additional income (e.g., bonuses, alimony, rental income).

USDA Loan:Appraisal Requirements:

USDA loans require a USDA appraisal to determine the property's value and ensure it meets USDA's standards for safety and livability.

Income Documentation: 

Similar to FHA and VA loans, USDA loans require pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns for the past two years, and documentation of other income sources.

These appraisal requirements and income documentation are crucial parts of the loan application process. Lenders use this information to assess the property's value, ensure it meets safety standards, and verify the borrower's income stability and ability to repay the loan.

Hope your day is full of sunshine

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

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 Mortgage Guidelines for Income, Employment, and credit scores

Kentucky Home Loans Preapproval Checklist

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

Kentucky Mortgage Loan Preapproval: What To Know

What affects your home loan preapproval

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

Employment Status for Kentucky Mortgage Pre-Approval

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

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio

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

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

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

Loan-to-Value Ratio

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

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

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

Credit History and FICO Score for Kentucky Mortgages 

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

Best Kentucky Mortgage Lender for First Time Home Buyers in Kentucky

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

Why Getting Preapproved Is Such a Big Deal

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

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

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

What are standard continuity of employment requirements?

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

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

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

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

history of receipt.

What income can I use for a traveling nurse?

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

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

Standard two- year employment history required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

entity.

What type of income(s) are considered illegal?

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

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

 Policy is not limited to  owner of business.

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle 

Louisville, KY 40223

Company NMLS ID #1364

click here for directions to our office

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/