6 Tips to Boost Your Credit Score for Kentucky Mortgage Loans (FHA, VA, USDA, KHC)

6 Tips to Boost Your Credit Score for Kentucky Mortgage Loans (FHA, VA, USDA, KHC)

If you’re looking to buy a home in Kentucky, having a solid credit score is essential for qualifying for popular mortgage programs like FHA, VA, USDA, or KHC loans. Here are six actionable tips to improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting approved for your dream home loan.

1. Pay Your Monthly Bills on Time

Here are six tips for improving your credit score for a fresh financial start 

1. Pay Your Monthly Bills on Time
Paying monthly bills is a necessary chore that has a definite effect on your credit score. According to the FICO scoring model, your payments account for as much as 35 percent of your total score. Create reminders for due dates or establish a calendar for yourself to ensure you get everything paid on time.

2. Reduce Your Debts
Got credit card debt? Start paying it off now. Part of your credit score is based on the amount of available credit you have, known as your credit utilization ratio. So if you're carrying high balances, you'll want to lower them as soon as possible. Create a personal budget with a goal of reducing your spending so that it's lower than your income. Then, use any monthly surplus for your credit card debts until they're gone for good.

3. Limit Credit Inquiries
Looking for a new apartment? What about a mortgage? In either situation, try and group your applications together as much as possible. Applications for new lines of credit will generate a "hard pull" on your credit, and having too many of them in a short period of time can lower your score. However, credit reporting agencies usually consider a group of applications within a short period of time as one pull, as long as they're in the same category.

Similarly, limit yourself to opening up no more than one or two credit cards per year, which also generate hard pulls. Even if you get a ton of offers in the mail for stellar sign-up bonuses, they're likely to be offset by the damage to your credit. FICO reports that new credit and credit inquiries account for 10 percent of your total score.

4. Don't Cancel Old Cards
Have a card you don't use anymore? Don't close it. This can negatively affect your score as it lowers your amount of available credit. Instead, use it about once per month and don't forget to pay the bills in full, and on time.

5. Request Credit Limit Increase
If you only have one card and you're constantly approaching your spending limit, call the bank and ask for an increase in your credit line. This will raise the amount of available credit, which will eventually improve your score.

6. Take Care of Late Payments Before They Hit Your Score
If you do happen to miss a payment, contact the card issuer immediately. If you have good history built up, the company may agree to not report your late payment. Even if you can't avoid a late-payment fee, be sure to get your account up to date as soon as possible so you can limit the damage.
Your credit score is yours to own. It reflects your financial history and helps lenders predict how you will manage your finances in the future. Due to the lingering effects of credit, you don't want to waste any time to improve your credit.

1 -  Email - kentuckyloan@gmail.com 

2.   Call/Text - 502-905-3708

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer - Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans

 Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
 Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

---

Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916

For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.

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). Mortgage loans only offered in Kentucky.

What is the minimum Credit Score Needed to Buy a House and get a Kentucky Mortgage Loan?

Kentucky Home Buyers: What Credit Score Do You Need?

Buying a home in Kentucky? Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining which mortgage loans you qualify for and how much you’ll pay in interest rates. Understanding the minimum credit score requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans can help you prepare for homeownership and secure the best loan options.

While there's no single, simple answer, this guide will break down the minimum credit score requirements for various Kentucky mortgage options, empowering you to understand where you stand and how to achieve your homeownership goals. We'll cut through the confusion and give you the straight facts!

Why Your Credit Score Matters: More Than Just a Number

Think of your credit score as your financial reputation. Lenders use it to assess the risk of lending you money. A higher score signals lower risk, translating to better interest rates, more favorable loan terms, and potentially lower down payment requirements.

Here's the credit score impact on interest rates and your wallet (in general terms):

• 760-850: The Gold Standard! Expect the lowest interest rates and the most attractive loan options.
• 700-759: Excellent! You'll still qualify for very competitive rates and favorable terms.
• 640-699: Good. You'll likely be approved, but interest rates will be slightly higher.
• 620-639: Acceptable. This range is often the minimum for conventional loans, but be prepared for less favorable rates.

As the guide shows, aiming for a 740+ score can lead to best rates and closing costs on mortgage loans, especially Conventional Mortgage Loans,.

Kentucky Mortgage Options: Credit Score Requirements Deconstructed. 

Let's explore the minimum credit score requirements for different Kentucky mortgage types:

Conventional Loan

• At least 3%-5% down• Closing costs will vary on which rate you choose and the lender. Typically, the higher the rate, the lesser closing costs due to the lender giving you a lender credit back at closing for over par pricing. Also, called a no-closing costs option. You have to weigh the pros and cons to see if it makes sense to forgo the lower rate and lower monthly payment for the higher rate and less closing costs.

Fico scores needed start at 620, but most conventional lenders will want a higher score to qualify for the 3-5% minimum down payment requirements Most buyers using this loan have high credit scores (over 720) and at least 5% down.

The rates are a little higher compared to FHA, VA, or USDA loan but the mortgage insurance is not for life of loan and can be rolled off when you reach 80% equity position in home. Conventional loans require 4-7 years removed from Bankruptcy and foreclosure.
Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Program

If you meet income eligibility requirements and are looking to settle in a rural area, you might qualify for the KY USDA Rural Housing program. The program guarantees qualifying loans, reducing lenders’ risk and encouraging them to offer buyers 100% loans. That means Kentucky home buyers don’t have to put any money down, and even the “upfront fee” (a closing cost for this type of loan) can be rolled into the financing.

 
Fico scores usually wanted for this program center around 620 range, with most lenders wanting a 640 score so they can obtain an automated approval through GUS. GUS stands for the Guaranteed Underwriting system, and it will dictate your max loan pre-approval based on your income, credit scores, debt to income ratio and assets.

 
They also allow for a manual underwrite, which states that the max house payment ratios are set at 29% and 41% respectively of your income.

They loan requires no down payment, and the current mortgage insurance is 1% upfront, called a funding fee, and .35% annually for the monthly mi payment. Since they recently reduced their mi requirements, USDA is one of the best options out there for home buyers looking to buy in a rural area

A rural area typically will be any area outside the major cities of Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, Bowling Green, Richmond, Frankfort, and parts of Northern Kentucky. There is a map link below to see the qualifying areas.

There is also a max household income limits with most cutoff starting at 109,500 for a family of four, and up to $136,000 for a family of five or more.

The income limits change every spring, so make sure and check to see what updated income limits are.
USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy and foreclosure
There is no max USDA loan limit.

 

Kentucky FHA Loan

FHA loans are good for home buyers with lower credit scores and no much down, or with down payment assistance grants. FHA will allow for grants, gifts, for their 3.5% minimum investment and will go down to a 580-credit score.

 
The current mortgage insurance requirements are kind of steep when compared to USDA, VA, but the rates are usually good so it can counteract the high mi premiums. As I tell borrowers, you will not have the loan for 30 years, so don’t worry too much about the mi premiums.

 
The mi premiums are for life of loan like USDA.

 
FHA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy and 3 years removed from foreclosure. 

 

Kentucky VA Loan

VA loans are for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The loan requires no down payment and no monthly mi premiums, saving you on the monthly payment. It does have an funding fee like USDA, but it is higher starting at 2% for first time use, and 3% for second time use. The funding fee is financed into the loan, so it is not something you have to pay upfront out of pocket.

 
VA loans can be made anywhere, unlike the USDA restrictions, and there is no income household limit and no max loan limits in Kentucky

 
Most VA lenders I work with will want a 580-credit score, even though VA says in their guidelines there is no minimum score, good luck finding a lender
VA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy or foreclosure
Clear Caviars needed to for a VA loan.

 

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance

This type of loan is administered by KHC in the state of Kentucky. They typically have $10,000 down payment assistance year around, that is in the form of a second mortgage that you pay back over 10 years. Current terms are $10,000 over 10 years at 3.75% 

Sometimes they will come to market with other down payment assistance and lower market rates to benefit lower income households with not a lot of money for down payment.

KHC offers FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans with their minimum credit scores being set at 620 for all programs. The conventional loan requirements at KHC requires 660 credit score.
The max debt to income ratios is set at 50% and 50% respectively.

 FHA Loans – Best for First-Time Homebuyers with Low Credit

500-579 Credit Score – Requires 10% down payment
580+ Credit Score – Requires 3.5% down payment
Flexible credit guidelines & lower down payments
Easier approval for first-time buyers & those with past credit issues

VA Loans – Best for Veterans and Active Military

No official minimum credit score
 Most lenders require 580-620+
0% down payment – No mortgage insurance required
Best for veterans, active-duty military & eligible spouses

USDA Loans – Best for Rural & Suburban Homebuyers

Minimum 620 to 640+ Credit Score (for automatic approval through GUS )
 Some lenders may approve below 640 with manual underwriting with a minimum score of 581 and above
0% down payment required
Best for low-to-moderate-income homebuyers in rural areas Income limits and property locations restrictions 

Conventional Loans – Best for Borrowers with Good Credit

Minimum 620+ Credit Score-Truthfully, if scores are 620 and less than 20% down payment look at going to the government loan programs like FHA, USDA and VA 
Higher scores (760+) qualify for better interest rates
Down payment: 3%-5% or more
Best for buyers with strong credit & stable income

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Loans – First-Time Buyer Assistance

Minimum 620+ Credit Score, Income limits and max dti is 50% usually used for the down payment and closing costs on a FHA, VA, USDA or Conventional loan with the $10k DAP assistance
Offers down payment assistance for eligible buyers
Best for first-time homebuyers needing financial help 

Non-QM Loans – Alternative Financing for Unique Situations

Minimum 500-620 Credit Score (Varies by lender)
 Includes Bank Statement Loans, DSCR Loans, Asset-Based Loans
Best for self-employed borrowers, real estate investors & those with non-traditional income sources

Why Choose Non-QM? These non-traditional loans are great for borrowers who don’t qualify for conventional or government-backed loans due to income verification challenges.

How Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Interest Rates

Your credit score doesn’t just determine loan eligibility—it also affects the interest rate you receive.

Here’s how credit scores impact mortgage rates (examples based on typical loan rates):

Credit Score	Estimated Interest Rate	Kentucky Mortgage Loan Options Available
760-850	Best Rate (Lowest Cost)	Kentucky Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
700-759	Good Rate	Kentucky Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
640-699	Higher Rate	Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Some Conventional
620-639	Even Higher Rate	Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, Some Conventional
Below 620	Limited Options, Highest Rates	FHA, VA, USDA and  (with higher down payment), Non-QM

1 -  Email - kentuckyloan@gmail.com 

2.   Call/Text - 502-905-3708

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer - Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans

 Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
 Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

---

Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916

For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.

Kentucky Local Home Loan Lender Services

 First-Time Home Buyers Welcome
 FHA, Rural Housing (USDA), VA, and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Loans
 Conventional Loan Options Available
 Fast Local Decision-Making
 Experienced Guidance Through the Home Buying Process

KENTUCKY USDA RURAL HOUSING APPROVAL GUIDE FOR A MORTGAGE

What is the Current Mortgage Insurance Requirements for a Louisville Kentucky FHA Loan?

On a KY FHA loan , you typically have to pay both an upfront and an annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP):

Upfront MIP on A Kentucky FHA Loan

Kentucky FHA loans now collect  upfront MIP cost 1.75% of the home loan. For instance, if you borrow $100,000, you must pay $1,750 ($100,000 x 1.75%). It can be paid in full upfront, or added to your mortgage balance. This MIP applies no matter your loan amount or term.  Most FHA buyers in Kentucky choose to finance the MIP into the loan. If you decide to pay the upfront MI out of your own funds, then you must pay all the mi premium, not just a part of it.  The FHA upfront mi fee is not refundable now. This is a change whereas you use to be able to get e refund if the loan was refinanced or paid off in the first 5 years.


Annual MIP on a Kentucky FHA loan

The  annual MIP or monthly mortgage insurance is divided by 12 and added to your monthly mortgage payment. The current maximum of 1.35% of the loan amount. How much and how long you have to pay the annual MIP depends on the originating date of your loan, the amount, and your loan-to-value ratio. For example, if you borrow $100,000 on a 30 year FHA loan, the monthly mortgage insurance would be
$112.00  ($100,00 x 1.35=$1350/12=$112.00 monthly mi)

The monthly mi payable to FHA is now for life of loan. This is a big change to keep in mind because FHA use to drop the monthly mi once you reached to 78% ltv of the original balance.


For Kentucky FHA loans with less than 15 year terms the monthly mortgage insurance (Annual MIP) much cheaper.

FHA is changing the duration for the collection of MIP:

o For all mortgages with an original principal LTV of 90% or less, regardless of loan term, the annual MIP will be assessed for 11 years.
o For all mortgages with an original principal LTV greater than 90%, regardless of loan term, the annual MIP will be assessed for the entire life of the loan.
Loans of 15 year terms or less with LTV 78% or less will pay an MIP amount of 45 bps.
FHA

KHC's Down payment Assistance Program (DAP)

Down Payment Assistance Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky Down payment assistance loans are available up to $10,000 for Mortgage

For Kentucky First Time Home Buyers to current Kentucky homeowners, many state, county and local housing agencies offer affordable loan programs with Down Payment Assistance (DPA), subject to availability of funds and credit qualifying. 

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance programs  can vary with single products or sometimes can be a combination of products such as Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC), Grants, DPA’s along with closing cost assistance and low interest rates and fees that can help individuals and families become successful homeowners.

All Kentucky home borrowers must qualify for an underlying mortgage product according to the Housing Finance Agency authority (FHA, VA, USDA or Conventional). 

Housing loan programs are then layered on top to provide additional benefits. If eligible, the borrower can also add a down payment and closing cost assistance to their loan according to individual program guidelines

Kentucky Housing Regular Down Payment Assistance of $10,000

• Purchase price up to $510,939​ with Secondary Market​ or Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) income limits.
• Assistance in the form of a loan up to $10,000 in $100 increments.
• Repayable over a 10-year term at 3.75 percent.
• Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.

​​More About Down Payment and Closing Costs

• No liquid asset review and no limit on borrower reserves.
• Specific credit underwriting standards may apply to down payment programs.​

Kentucky Housing Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRB)

• Informational Flyer
  
• First-time homebuyers statewide in non-targeted areas​
  
• First-time and repeat homebuyers statewide in targeted areas
  
• 30-year fixed interest rate
  
• Principal residence ONLY
  
• Purchase Price Limit: $510,939
  
• Borrower must meet KHC's MRB Income Limits
  

FHA

• Insured by the Federal Housing Administration
• 3.5 percent down payment
• KHC DAP applicable
• Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
• Minimum credit score of 620

VA

• Guaranteed by the Veterans Administration for qualified military veterans
• No down payment if the property appraises for the sales price or greater
• KHC DAP applicable
• Minimum credit score of 620
• No monthly mortgage insurance payments
  

RH​​S

• Guaranteed by Rural Housing Services (RHS)
• Home must be located in a rural area as defined by RHS
• No down payment if the property appraises for the sales price or greater
• KHC DAP applicable
• Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
• Minimum credit score of 620
  

​​​​

​​​​​Secondary Market Funding Source

• First-time and repeat homebuyers statewide
  
• 30-year fixed interest rate
  
• Principal residence ONLY
  
• Purchase Price Limit:  $510,939​
  
• Borrower must meet KHC's Secondary Market Income Limits
  

Conventional Preferred ​Program

• Minimum credit score of 660
• 3 percent down payment
• Monthly mortgage insurance (charter coverage)
• KHC DAP applicable
• No minimum borrower contribution
• No reserves required
• 80 percent AMI in​​come         
  

Conventional Preferred Plus 80

• Minimum credit score of 660
• 3 percent down payment
• Monthly mortgage insurance (standard coverage)
• KHC DAP applicable
• No minimum borrower contribution
• No reserves required
• Secondary Market​ Income limits apply
  

Freddie HFA ​Advantage

• Press release about new program
  
• Informational flier
  
• Minimum credit score of 660
• 3 percent down payment
• Monthly mortgage insurance (charter coverage ≤ 80% AMI​, standard coverage > 80% AMI)
• KHC DAP applicable
• No minimum borrower contribution
• No reserves required
• Secondary Market​ Income limits apply
  

FHA

• Insured by the Federal Housing Administration
• 3.5 percent down payment
• KHC DAP applicable
• Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
• Minimum credit score of 620

Refinance Options (Available only through Secondary Market)         

• Credit qualifying Streamline Refinance and Rate/Term Refinance
• Insured by the Federal Housing Administration
• Cash back to borrower not to exceed $500
• Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
• Minimum credit score of 620         

VA

• Guaranteed by the Veterans Administration for qualified military veterans
• No down payment if the property appraises for the sales price or greater
• KHC DAP applicable
• Minimum credit score of 620
• No monthly mortgage insurance payments
  

​ Refinance Options (Available only through Secondary Market)         

• VA IRRRL
  
• ​620 minimum credit score
  
• No appraisal required
  
• 30-year term
  
• VA existing loan
  

R​H​​S

• Guaranteed by Rural Housing Services (RHS)
• Home must be located in a rural area as defined by RHS
• No down payment if the property appraises for the sales price or greater
• KHC DAP applicable
• Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
• Minimum credit score of 620
  

Refinance Options (Available only through Secondary Market)         

• RHS Streamlined-Assist Refinance Program
  
• 620 minimum credit score
  
• No appraisal required
  
• Must have made timely mortgage payments for the last 12 months
  
• 30-year term
  
• RHS existing 502 guaranteed loan​

1 -  Email - kentuckyloan@gmail.com 

2.   Call/Text - 502-905-3708

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer - Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans

 Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
 Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

---

Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916

For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.

Kentucky Local Home Loan Lender Services

 First-Time Home Buyers Welcome
 FHA, Rural Housing (USDA), VA, and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Loans
 Conventional Loan Options Available
 Fast Local Decision-Making
 Experienced Guidance Through the Home Buying Process

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