Kentucky FHA loans vs Kentucky USDA Loans for Kentucky Home buyers.

Criteria	Loan Type
	FHA	USDA
Down Payment	3.5%	0% – None
PMI	.85%	0.35%
Funding Fee *	1.75	1.0
Limits (loan)	Per County	None
Limits (income)	None	YES -per county,etc
Restricted location	None	YES
Credit score	580 down to 3.5% 500 score with 10% down payment	no minimum score

There are a few other points that put the Kentucky USDA loan at an advantage over the Kentucky FHA mortgage program such as the appraisal value. USDA appraisal value is normally higher than the selling price. If the appraisal value is more than the purchase price, this becomes an additional advantage for borrowers as the USDA will permit you to roll in closing costs.

Essentially the only issues that could be considered as drawbacks of the USDA loan are the restriction of location and the USDA RD income limits. The location must be in a designated rural area with a total population of 20,000. This can be a setback for those who do not want to drive farther to get to work in the city. But buyers should check their location in detail, please click here for the USDA housing map. Many populated locations just outside of the big cities are USDA rural housing approved - locations just outside of Louisville, Ky, Lexington Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky Counties..

Additionally, the USDA ‘s income limit imposed on would-be borrowers is currently set at 115% of the median or average income of the area where your home is to be situated. That means for those who have a higher income than the average in town would have to opt for mortgage loans under the FHA or through a conventional lender if they so decide to live in a rural area.

Regarding the rates as well as the guidelines in qualifying potential borrowers, the FHA and USDA are just about equally matched, and they are currently at historic low rates. However, the USDA, unlike the FHA, allows borrowers to finance the whole purchase price and include any closing expenses as well into the loan.

Lastly, all USDA guaranteed loans have a 30-year fixed rate term. This can be very advantageous mainly when the homeowner eventually starts earning more than the required 115% median, the rate is fixed and even after 10 years only, will practically be insignificant compared to other monthly expenses at this time.

The funding fee in both governments backed programs are incorporated (rolled into) into the overall loan.

Apply for FREE Below for your Kentucky FHA Mortgage loan or USDA Loan:

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)Senior  Loan Officer
502-905-3708 cell
502-813-2795 fax

http://mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com 

Fill out my form!

Kentucky FHA Mortgage Guidelines

The credit score requirements for Kentucky FHA home loans:

FHA says on paper in their written guidelines that they will insure a FHA loan down to 500 - 579 with a 10% down payment or 580+ with a 3.5% down payment. However, in the real world of lending in the secondary market, most lenders will not adhere to these guidelines.
Most FHA investors will want a 620 middle credit score, but they're a few that will go by the written FHA guidelines above for credit scores, but very few. Your best bet is to get with a loan officer and get your scores up to at least 580 so you can have a better shot of getting approved and access to more FHA lenders.

Bankruptcy Requirements for Kentucky FHA Home Loans:

FHA states in their published guidelines that if you had a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you must wait 2 years from the discharge date to reapply for a FHA insured mortgage loan.


If you had a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and have a 12 month on-time payment history with the courts, you can potentially get approved for a FHA loan if you get permission from the trustee and qualify with the Chapter 13 payment plan in your debt-to-income ratio. If you have been in the plan for over 12 months, and have a good pay history, you can submit your paperwork for FHA approval.


For example, let's say you have been in the Chapter 13 repayment plan for 3 years and you want to buy a home using FHA financing. You could go ahead and petition the Chapter 13 trustee for approval from the courts to get a home loan. The trustee of the Chapter 13 courts will want to know your new loan payment with the home loan, so make sure you know how much you want to borrow before you apply,.

Collections on Credit Report Requirements for Kentucky FHA Home Loans:

:
If the credit report shows a cumulative balance of $2,000 or more for collection accounts:
The debt(s) must be paid in full prior to or at closing, or
Payment arrangements must be made with the creditor and the monthly payment included in the DTI, or
A monthly payment of 5% of the outstanding balances of each collection must be included in the borrower’s DTI.
Collection accounts of non-borrowing spouses in a community property state must be included in the $2,000 cumulative balance and analyzed as part of the Borrower’s ability to pay all collection accounts. Community property states are Arizona, California, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin

Short-sale or Foreclosure Guidelines for a Kentucky FHA Loan:

If you have experienced a short-sale or foreclosure, FHA states that you must wait 3 years from the date of the sale to obtain FHA financing again. And important note is this: The waiting period starts not when you were discharged from the home or bankruptcy, the waiting period starts when the home is sold and the deed transferred at the courthouse. This is important to remember because a lot of people think it starts when they vacate the home or when there bankruptcy is discharged if the mortgage was in the bankruptcy, but it does not!!! The date used to end the waiting period starts when the deed is transferred at the courthouse from the owner to back to bank or whomever buyus the home in the default.

Delinquent Federal Debt (Taxes, Student Loans) Kentucky FHA Loan Requirements:

If you have a delinquency with the Federal Government, this could hurt your chances of getting approved for a FHA backed Mortgage Loan. Here is why:


All FHA participants are ran through the CAVIRS Alert System administered by HUD to check to see if the mortgage applicant is delinquent to the Federal Government. This usually arises from an IRS income tax lien, overpayment on a social security claim, or lastly, a defaulted student loan.
A lot of the times FHA borrower don't realize that if they don't pay there Federal backed student loans, they go into default and this will hold you up from getting a FHA loan or possibly they will hold your tax refund.
If you have been delinquent on your student loans, you have to call and get on a 9 month repayment plan with them and they will clear you of your CAVIRS Alert. The payment plan can be as little as 5 or $10 a month, but the important thing is to get started so this will improve your credit rating too along with releasing the liens against you for other federal assistance like tax refunds, social security payments and benefits to name just a few.


I have done many FHA loans in Kentucky where they have rehabbed their student loans if they are backed by Federal government and got them loan after 9 months.
If you happen to have an agreement already worked-out with the IRS or student loan creditors, sometimes we can take that arrangement and get you approved sometime with FHA depending on the lender.

Child Support Obligations Kentucky FHA Loan Requirements:

If the credit report shows a delinquent child support agreement, the FHA Government Underwriter will want to see the current child support agreement and what the monthly payment is so as to make sure they have your debt-to-income ratio figured correctly. You can have a delinquency report of child support on your credit report and still get an FHA loan.


It is okay to be paying child support, a lot of times it shows on a borrower's paystubs, and if so, we simply use that child support obligation to use for debt-to-income ratio qualifying.






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

email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com


https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

How do I get a copy of my credit report? — consumerfinance.gov

The Mortgage Process to Close a Mortgage Loan in Kentucky

Start your Application – Your Personal Mortgage Advisor will

collect your documents for income and asset validations along with 2 year work history, pull your credit and go over the report and submit your loan for a mortgage pre-approval letter. Usually can be done less than 1 day as long as you have all income and assets documents (paystubs last 30 days, 2 years taxes, 2 years w-2's, 2 year work history, copies of last two months bank statements and most recent quarterly statement for retirement accounts. 

Home Search – Your Realtor will show you the homes you qualify

for and keep you up-to-date with new listings

Making an offer – Your realtor will write up a purchase contract.

You will need to put down a small deposit, then negotiations

begin.

Contract Negotiations and Contract to Sale – Your Realtor will

negotiate with listing agent and seller. Once the contract is fully

executed your attorney will review the contract.

Scheduling A Home Inspection – This is when you find out if

there is any issues with your home. You and your realtor can be

there.

Acknowledgement of Loan Application – At this point you will

sign your mortgage application and submit any additional documents

requested like paystubs, w-2's, bank statements, updated income and assets 

Appraisal of Property – Your loan officer will schedule with the

appraisal management company to determine the property’s

value.

Title search on Property to verify liens and ownership record and legal description of deed done by closing attorney or title company 

Underwriting – Your loan goes for official review, approval, and

the loan is committed to. The underwriter will review all documents to include appraisal, title work, income and assets documents, credit report, and issue a conditional approval.

Closing Disclosure – Your closing disclosure will come out 3 days

prior to your closing settlement date, which will need to be

signed.

Schedule your Closing Date – Your closing and title work will

be scheduled with your settlement agent

Items for Closing – You will need your certified check.

Closing/Settlement – All mortgage Documents will be signed.

Both your settlement agent and Personal Mortgage Advisor will

review with you.

Moving Time – You receive your keys, enjoy your new home!

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: Kentucky VA Mortgage Checklist Documents for Approval

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: Kentucky VA Mortgage Checklist Documents for Approval: Required for all Borrowers Pre-Approval Required Documents W-2’s (2 years) Drivers License Tax Returns (2 years) Bank Statements (2 months- ...

Kentucky VA Mortgage Checklist Documents for Approval

Required for all Borrowers

Pre-Approval Required Documents W-2’s (2 years)

Drivers License

Tax Returns (2 years)

Bank Statements (2 months- all accounts)

Employed Borrowers (with a W-2) Paystubs (totally one month) Retirement Statement (most recent)

*SSI Disability Requirement - SSI Reward Letter

Self-Employed Borrowers

(1099/Schedule C/Schedule S, etc.)

Tax Returns (2 years; Personal and business with statements and schedules)

Retirement Statement (most recent)

*SSI Disability Requirement - SSI Reward Letter

Veteran (VA) Borrowers

Pension Reward letter

Social Security Reward Letter Social Security Card

Retired Borrowers

Social Security Reward Letter & 1099 2 years W-2’s (where applicable) Social Security Card

Retirement Statement (most recent 2 months)

Social Security Income Borrower

VA Benefits Award Letter Social Security Card

Retirement Statement (most recent 2 months)

Louisville Kentucky VA Income Guidelines

Louisville Kentucky VA Residual Income Guidelines

Residual Income

VA residual income is one of the major underwriting guidelines required to qualify for a Louisville Ky VA mortgage. Residual income is calculated by determining the gross monthly income of the veteran and spouse. Then, ... deduct from that total gross monthly income the following monthly expenses:

0



State Taxes

Social Security

Federal Taxes

Proposed new monthly house payment (PITI: principle, interest, taxes and insurance)

Estimated Maintenance and Utilities

Monthly Child Care Expense

Alimony or Child Support

Monthly consumer debt payments: installment and revolving credit cards

The balance remaining is "residual income" and will determine whether the borrower qualifies based on the table below.



Louisville Ky VA's minimum residual incomes (balance available for family support) are a guide. They should not automatically trigger approval or rejection of a loan. Instead consider residual income in conjunction with all other credit factors.



An obviously inadequate residual income alone can be a basis for disapproving a loan.



If residual income is marginal, look to other indicators such as the applicant's credit history, and in particular, whether and how the applicant has previously handled similar housing expense.



Consider whether the purchase price of the property may affect family expense levels. For example: A family purchasing in a higher priced neighborhood may feel a need to incur higher-than-average expenses to support a lifestyle comparable to that in their environment. Whereas a substantially lower priced home purchase may not compel such expenditures.



Also consider the ages of the applicant's dependents in determining the adequacy of residual income. Count all members of the household (without regard to the nature of the relationship) when determining "family size," including:



An applicant's spouse who is not joining in title or on the note, and

Any other individuals who depend on the applicant for support. For example, children from a spouse's prior marriage who are not the applicant's legal dependents.

Exception: The lender may omit any individuals from "family size" who are fully supported from a source of verified income which, for whatever reason, is not included in effective income in the loan analysis.



For example: A spouse not obligated on the note who has stable and reliable income sufficient to support his or her living expenses, or a child for whom sufficient foster care payments or child support is received regularly.



Reduce the residual income figure (from the following tables) by a minimum of 5% if the applicant or spouse is an active-duty or retired serviceperson, and there is a clear indication that he or she will continue to receive the benefits resulting from use of military-based facilities located near the property.



Use 5% unless the Louisville Ky VA office of jurisdiction has established a higher percentage, in which case, apply the specified percentage for that jurisdiction.

Louisville Kentucky VA Residual Income Guidelines

One of the most important — and often overlooked — requirements for a VA home loan in Louisville and across Kentucky is residual income. This rule ensures veterans and their families have enough money left over each month to cover daily living expenses after paying the mortgage, taxes, and other obligations.

What Is Residual Income?

Residual income is the amount of money you keep after paying:

• Federal, state, and Social Security taxes
• Your new house payment (PITI: principal, interest, taxes, insurance)
• Utilities and estimated home maintenance
• Child care, alimony, or child support
• Consumer debts like car loans and credit cards

The VA requires a minimum residual income based on family size and region. Louisville and all of Kentucky fall into the South Region.

VA Residual Income Chart for Kentucky (Loans Over $80,000)

Family Size	Minimum Residual Income
1	$441
2	$738
3	$889
4	$1,003
5	$1,039

Add $80 for each additional family member beyond five.

Why It Matters

Residual income helps prevent veterans from becoming “house poor.” Even if your debt-to-income ratio looks good, the VA double-checks that you’ll still have enough left over each month to take care of your family.

If you’re slightly below the guideline, other strengths like good credit history or savings may help, but falling far short of the requirement can be a deal breaker.

FAQ: Louisville VA Residual Income

Q: Who counts toward family size?
A: Everyone in the household — including a spouse not on the loan and dependents — unless they are fully supported by outside verified income.

Q: Can I still be approved if my residual income is short?
A: NO

Q: How does this differ from debt-to-income ratio?
A: DTI looks only at income versus debt. Residual income measures the cash left over for everyday living after those debts are paid.

Kentucky VA Residual Income Guidelines Slides Graphs

A Kentucky Veteran's Guide to VA Residual Income

Introduction: What Kentucky Veterans Need to Know

As a Kentucky veteran, you have access to one of the most powerful home loan programs available: the VA home loan. One of the key requirements for this loan is meeting the VA's residual income guidelines. This guide is designed to help you understand what residual income is, how it's calculated, and what the specific requirements are for veterans living in Kentucky.

Kentucky is part of the VA's South region, which has its own set of residual income requirements. Understanding these requirements will help you prepare for the home loan process and increase your chances of getting approved for a VA loan.

Residual Income Requirements for Kentucky

As a resident of Kentucky, you fall under the VA's South region for residual income calculations. The amount of residual income you'll need depends on the size of your family and the amount of your loan. Here's a table that breaks down the requirements for the South region:

Residual Income by Region for Loan Amounts of $80,000 and Above

Family Size	Northeast	Midwest	South	West
1	$450	$441	$441	$491
2	$755	$738	$738	$823
3	$909	$889	$889	$990
4	$1,025	$1,003	$1,003	$1,117
5	$1,062	$1,039	$1,039	$1,158

For families larger than 5, add $80 for each additional member up to a family of seven.

It's important to remember that these are the minimum requirements. If your debt-to-income ratio is higher than 41%, your lender will likely require your residual income to be at least 20% higher than the amounts listed in the table.

Local Resources for Kentucky Veterans

If you have questions about your VA loan benefits or need assistance with the home loan process, there are several resources available to you in Kentucky:

•Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA): The KDVA is your primary advocate for all veterans benefits in Kentucky. They can provide you with information and assistance on a wide range of topics, including VA home loans. You can visit their website at veterans.ky.gov.

•VA Regional Loan Center: The VA Regional Loan Center for Kentucky is located in St. Paul, Minnesota. However, you can find a list of VA-approved lenders in Kentucky on the VA website.

•Local Veteran Service Organizations: Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion have posts throughout Kentucky and can provide you with support and guidance.

By understanding the VA residual income requirements and utilizing the resources available to you, you can make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Want to See If You Qualify?

I’ll run your residual income numbers and give you a free VA loan pre-qualification for Louisville or anywhere in Kentucky.

📞 Call/Text Joel Lobb at (502) 905-3708

Apply Online Now

EVO Mortgage | NMLS #1738461 | Joel Lobb NMLS #57916 | Equal Housing Lender

 Call/Text - 502-905-3708

 www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

---

Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916

Kentucky Mortgage Loan Expert For Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae and KHC Down payment Assistance Loans

How to apply for a Kentucky VA Home Loan?

• Kentucky VA guaranteed home loans benefit veterans because they do not need to make a down payment and there is no upper limit or required cap on the income of the borrower.  Without a down payment as security against foreclosure, lenders receive a certificate of guaranty from VA. 
•  In essence, as gratitude for honorable military service, the government is vouching for the veteran's trustworthiness to repay his/her debt.  

• To determine eligibility, a military veteran, active duty person, or a member of the national guard or selected reserves, must submit a VA Form 26-1880 (2 pages) (Form is now in a FILLABLE format - but people with Adobe 5.0 seem to have trouble with it) along with proof of service (DD Form 214, a statement of active duty, or proof of participation in the national guard or reserves) to the VA Eligibility Center, P.O. Box 100034, Attn. COE (@^@), Decatur, GA 30331. 
• 
  
•  Based on the applicant's length and type of service, VA issues a certificate for each person determined eligible to apply for a VA guaranteed home loan.  Check the status after ten days by calling 1 (888) 768-2132, option 1, between 8:00 - 4:00 Eastern time.

2. Viewing and Inspecting the Home

• Kentucky Home buyers usually use the services of state-licensed real estate agents to: determine an affordable price range, suggest certain home features suitable for the buyer, schedule home tours, negotiate sales contacts and hold earnest money deposits.  
• State-licensed real estate professional can explain the legal requirements for buyers and sellers, and can refer buyers to local lenders and certified home inspectors.  Buyers should accompany their preferred home inspector during the inspection of the property to ask questions about the home's systems.  

3. Requesting the Loan

• Kentucky Home buyers may want to contact a lender even before they sign a contract for a home, so that they can be pre-approved to determine their maximum mortgage amount.  Home buyers who wish to obtain a VA guaranteed loan should make sure that the sales contract includes a phrase, sometimes called a financing contingency, making the contract subject to approval for a Kentucky VA guaranteed loan.  
• Lenders verify and review past and present job and credit history of home applicants and compare it with VA loan approval guidelines.  If the documents with the loan request cannot be approved, then additional written information must be presented to the lender or the Kentucky VA for further consideration.

• Kentucky VA Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP) lenders can process loans faster than other lenders. Kentucky VA LAPP lenders do not need to send any paperwork to VA until after the home sale is closed. VA's long-standing policy is not to recommend any specific lender.

• VA recommends that buyers compare lending terms among several lenders in order to find the best combination of interest rates, discount points, and other negotiable costs for a Kentucky VA guaranteed loan.

4. Appraising the Property

• When an eligible veteran contacts a lender to request a Kentucky VA guaranteed loan, the lender obtains a VA number for the request via the Internet.  The lender uses the VA number to monitor progress of the appraisal and loan application.  The lender also sends a VA form to a state-licensed real estate appraiser who will visit the home to give the lender and VA an opinion of the market value of the property. 
•  The appraisal tells the lender and VA whether the property is expected to be adequate collateral for the requested loan.  Neither the appraisal of the home nor the VA guaranty is a warranty from constructional defects and their resulting repair costs.  Builders and brokers can issue warranties for the condition of the home's structure and systems.

5. Closing the Sale

• If the loan and home are approved, the buyer needs to contact a state-licensed insurance agent who will provide homeowner coverage to protect the owner and lender from property damage and loss.  
• Title to the home is usually examined and insured by a title insurance company that may also prepare closing documents and enter them into public records after the closing. After the home is purchased and the loan is originated, the lender usually sells the active loan to another company which will receive the loan payments and pay the real estate taxes and insurance premiums. 

6. Closing Costs for Kentucky VA Home Loans

• VA regulates the closing costs that a veteran can be charged when obtaining a VA home loan. The closing cost regulation is designed to keep lenders from charging veterans those closing costs that VA has determined as being beneficial to the lender and not necessarily beneficial to the veteran. For a list of allowable and unallowable closing costs, please follow the link below.

• 
  

• A List of Allowable and Unallowable VA Closing Costs.    

7. Prequalifying Worksheet

• The Prequalifying Worksheet will give you a general idea of what you can afford, and whether you are within VA underwriting guidelines for approval.  This Prequalifying Worksheet is not a commitment to lend, nor can it be used to determine whether a lender will approve the Kentucky VA loan.   Please note, the Prequalifying Worksheet is in Excel format.   Prequalifying Worksheet    

Mortgage Application Checklist of Documents Needed 

below  👇

W-2 forms (previous 2 years)
Paycheck stubs (last 30 days - most current)
Employer name and address (2 year history including any gaps)
Bank accounts statement (recent 2 months – all pages
Statements for 401(k)s, stocks and other investments (most recent)
federal tax returns (previous 2 years)
Residency history (2 year history)
Photo identification for applicant and co-applicant (valid Driver’s License







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/

NMLS Consumer Access for Joel Lobb 

Accessibility for Website 

Privacy Policy

What are the residual income requirements for a Kentucky VA Home Loan Approval?

Residual Income for a Kentucky VA Loan Approval

Residual income is the amount of income remaining after housing expenses, income taxes, long-term obligations and other expenses have been deducted from the borrower’s total gross pay. VA requires a specific amount of monthly residual income be available for the borrower’s use. This amount is based on the family size, location of the property and loan amount. Federal, state and local taxes must be entered in DU or LP. Taxes should be calculated using the most recently published tax charts by the IRS and state or local taxing authorities. Click here for Tax tables. Maintenance and utility costs may be estimated at 14 cents per square foot. Minimum Residual Income with DTI <=41%

Mortgage Application Checklist of Documents Needed below  👇

W-2 forms (previous 2 years)
Paycheck stubs (last 30 days - most current)
Employer name and address (2 year history including any gaps)
Bank accounts statement (recent 2 months – all pages
Statements for 401(k)s, stocks and other investments (most recent)
federal tax returns (previous 2 years)
Residency history (2 year history)
Photo identification for applicant and co-applicant (valid Driver’s License







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/

NMLS Consumer Access for Joel Lobb 

Accessibility for Website 

Privacy Policy