I specialize in Kentucky First Time Homebuyers FHA, VA, USDA & Rural Housing, KHC and Fannie Mae mortgage loans. I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy their first home or refinance their current mortgage for a lower payment; Kentucky First time buyers we still how available down payment assistance with KHC. Free Mortgage applications/ same day approvals. Web site is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA govt agency. Text/call 502-905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com NMLS 57916 NMLS 1738461
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- 4 Things Required for a KY Mortgage Loan Approval
- Credit Scores Required For A Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval in 2025
- Kentucky First-time Home Buyer Programs
- Kentucky FHA Mortgage Information
- Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Information
- USDA Rural Housing Kentucky Loan Information
- Down Payment Assistance Kentucky 2025 Kentucky Housing Corporation KHC
- Zero Down Kentucky Mortgages
- First-time Home-buyers in Kentucky
- Documents Needed Mortgage Approval in Kentucky
- Free Credit Score For Mortgage Loan Approval
- Do's & Dont's before closing:
- Closing Costs Kentucky Mortgage
- Lock Kentucky Mortgage Loan Rate
- Home Inspections Kentucky Mortgage Loan
- Testimonials
- Mortgage Calculator
- Kentucky USDA Rural Development Housing Loan
- Legal / Privacy Policy / Accessibility Statements
- About Me and this website
How To Buy A House In Kentucky With Zero Down Payment!

How To Buy A House In Kentucky With Zero Down Payment!

Kentucky First-Time Homebuyer Programs for Bad Credit
Navigating First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Kentucky with Imperfect Credit
Executive Summary: The aspiration of homeownership in Kentucky is attainable, even for individuals whose credit scores may not be pristine. A robust array of federal and state-backed programs, complemented by targeted local initiatives, is specifically designed to support first-time homebuyers who have navigated financial challenges or are in the process of establishing their credit history.
Table of Contents
- Federal Loan Programs
- Kentucky Down Payment Assistance Programs
- Strategies to Improve Credit Score
- Navigating the Home Buying Process
- Conclusion
Federal Loan Programs: Your Foundation for Homeownership
Kentucky-Specific Programs and Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
Strategies for Improving Your Credit Score for Home Buying
Navigating the Home Buying Process with Lower Credit
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step Towards Your Kentucky Home
Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Contact Joel Lobb, Senior Loan Officer at EVO Mortgage, for a free same-day pre-approval—even with credit challenges.
Call or Text: 502-905-3708 | Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

Kentucky Mortgage Credit Scores Used For A Kentucky Mortgage Approval Letter
Which FICO Score Models Matter for Kentucky Mortgage Loans?
FICO® scores are the cornerstone of mortgage approvals, but not all FICO scores are created equal. If you're buying a home in Kentucky—especially using government-backed loans like FHA, VA, or USDA—it's crucial to understand which versions lenders actually use to qualify you.
Understanding the FICO® Scores Used by Mortgage Lenders
When you check your credit score on apps like Credit Karma or your bank, you're likely seeing a version that lenders don’t use for mortgages. These are typically FICO 8 or VantageScore 3.0. Mortgage lenders, on the other hand, use older FICO score versions designed specifically for risk evaluation in home lending.

Which FICO Scores Do Lenders Pull?
Here's what most Kentucky mortgage lenders look at:
- FICO Score 2 (Experian)
- FICO Score 4 (TransUnion)
- FICO Score 5 (Equifax)
These are often referred to collectively as the “classic FICO models” and are used for:
- FHA Loans
- VA Loans
- USDA Rural Housing Loans
- Conventional Loans (via Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac)
Why Is Your Mortgage Score Different Than Credit Karma?
Credit Karma uses VantageScore 3.0, which isn't used in mortgage underwriting. It may show a score that's 20–40 points higher (or lower) than what your lender sees. That’s why getting a lender-pulled tri-merge report is essential before house hunting.
How to Improve the Right FICO Score
- Keep credit card utilization under 30%
- Avoid new hard inquiries 30–60 days before applying
- Dispute inaccurate accounts directly with bureaus (but avoid disputes right before applying)
- Pay down revolving debt first
Get Pre-Qualified with a Mortgage Expert in Kentucky
Ready to check your real mortgage credit scores? Get started with a free pre-qualification from Joel Lobb (NMLS #57916) at EVO Mortgage.
π Call or Text: (502) 905-3708
π§ Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
π Website: www.kentuckyfirsttimehomebuyer.com

What Mortgage Loan Is Best for My Credit Score in Kentucky
What Mortgage Loan Is Best for My Credit Score in Kentucky?
One of the most common questions I get as a Kentucky mortgage broker is: “Which home loan can I qualify for based on my credit score?” Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or simply exploring your options, your credit score plays a critical role in which loan programs you’re eligible for. Here’s a simple breakdown that compares FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans.
π¦ Loan Options by Credit Score
Use the infographic below to see where your credit score aligns with each loan program:

- FHA Loan: Available for scores as low as 500 (with 10% down). Most lenders require at least 580 for 3.5% down.
- Conventional Loan: Typically requires 620+ with 3-5

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: Buying a Foreclosed or Fixer-Upper Home in Kentuck...

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: How to Qualify ...

KENTUCKY VA MORTGAGE LENDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
