Credit Scores FHA Loans Louisville Kentucky KHC First Time Home Buyer Credit Score

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

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Credit Score Requirements for FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Loans in Kentucky

5 POPULAR PROGRAMS THAT KENTUCKY HOME BUYERS USE TO PURCHASE THEIR FIRST HOME.

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.Max Conventional loan limits are set at $510,400  for 2020 in Kentucky

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 an 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.

Thee is also a max household income limits with most cutoff starting at $86,400 for a family of four, and up to $115,000 for a family of five or more.USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy and foreclosureThere 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 kinda steep when compared to USDA, VA , but the rates are usually good so it can counteracts 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.Maximum FHA loan limits in Kentucky are set around $331,600 and below.

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 Cavirs 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 $4500 to $6000 down payment assistance year around, that is in the form of a second mortgage that you pay back over 10 years.

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 are set at 40% and 50% respectively.

—

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior  Loan Officer
Text/call 502-905-3708

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3

Louisville, KY 40223

Company ID #1364 | MB73346

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#57916

http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Estimated Sale Price: $110,000
• Rate - 3.75%
• APR - 4.854%
• Down payment - $3850.00
• Principal & Interest - $500.20
• Insurance (estimated) - $75
• Taxes - $47.92
• PMI - $74.56

TOTAL PAYMENT INCLUDING
TAXES + INSURANCE:
$697.68 a month!

*Rates effective 01/16/2020, based on 740 FICO score and subject to change. ARP may vary. Loan terms are fixed rate 30 year loans and payment will not rise over the life of the loan. Not all applicants will qualify for advertised terms and conditions, must meet underwriting guidelines and are subject to credit review and approval. This does not constitute a commitment to lend. The disclosed rates, payments, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance are estimates and may vary according to lender guidelines. Property taxes based on current assessed value with homestead and mortgage exemptions in place. Equal Housing Lender.

Closing Costs for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan?

Kentucky Mortgage Closing costs can include the following:

Down Payments 

20% of the purchase price depending on your qualifications and loan choice

Earnest Money Deposit 

The money put down when a contract is written - it usually goes into an escrow account

Lender Fees 

Includes charges for loan processing, underwriting and preparation

Third-party Fees 

Includes charges for insurance, title insurance, title search, appraisal fees and other inspections

Government Fees 

Includes deed recording and state mortgage taxes

Escrow Interest Fees 

Include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, home warranties and prepaid interest

Property Taxes

Capital tax based on the estimated value of the property


Please do not hesitate to contact me when you are ready to take the next step. I look forward to assisting you!

I can answer your questions and usually get you pre-approved the same day.

Call or Text me at 502-905-3708 with your mortgage questions.

Email Kentuckyloan@gmail.com









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.


All loans and lines are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation and are originated by lender. Products and interest rates are subject to change without notice.

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgage: Credit Score Information for KY Home buyers

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgage: Credit Score Information for KY Home buyers: Credit Score Information for KY Home buyers  When it comes to your credit score, believing the wrong information could literally cos...

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgage: Credit Score Information for KY Home buyers

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgage: Credit Score Information for KY Home buyers: Credit Score Information for KY Home buyers  When it comes to your credit score, believing the wrong information could literally cos...

Credit Score Information for KY Home buyers 

When it comes to your credit score, believing the wrong information could literally cost you.

What Types of Credit Pulls Really Harm My Score?

Research shows that people who apply for new credit too frequently indicate a higher credit risk. For this reason, scoring models like FICO® factor in the number of inquiries on your credit reports, which leads some people to incorrectly believe that having your credit pulled automatically damages your score. That is not exactly the case — and here’s the scoop:

• It is true that some inquiries can potentially harm your credit. Hard inquiries, like a lender pulling your credit report, could affect your score. But soft inquiries, like checking your own credit score, will not.For example: If you apply for numerous credit cards, then it will probably negatively impact your credit score. But if you have multiple credit pulls from mortgage companies, student loan providers, or auto lenders because you are rate shopping, then there might be a less substantial impact on your score because rate shopping doesn’t indicate an elevated credit risk — as long as multiple inquires occur within a small window of time (usually between 14 and 45 days).

Should I Close Paid-Off Credit Cards?

Another common credit myth is that paid-off credit card accounts should be closed. According to FICO, credit card accounts should never be closed for the sole purpose of raising a credit score. Closing a zero-balance credit card account often has the unintended effect of raising your revolving utilization ratio — or your available credit relative to your outstanding account balances.

When you close an unused account, the available credit limit is no longer factored into your revolving utilization. If you carry an outstanding balance on any other credit cards, closing a zero-balance account could result in a higher overall revolving utilization ratio, which in turn could cause your credit score to drop.

Is 30% the Magic Number for Credit Card Utilization?

When it comes to credit card utilization, a lower percentage is generally better. One credit scoring myth that has confused a lot of consumers over the years is the idea that 30% is the magic number for credit card utilization. According to FICO, that isn’t true.

If you want to have a healthy credit score, aim to pay off your credit card balances in full each month. Pay by the statement closing date, and you should see that the account balance on your credit report is reflected as zero — and note that a zero balance can lead to lower revolving credit utilization (and generally a better credit score).

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance from Kentucky Housing for 2020

How Does Credit Scores, Down Payments, and Debt Ratio Affect Loan Approvals?

Credit score tracking is all the rage for personal finance-savvy consumers. With websites like Credit Karma, you can monitor your current score and keep an eye on irregularities in your line of credit.


But those aren’t the numbers used to gauge your credit-worthiness for a loan. Instead, banks rely on what’s known as the FICO score, an amalgamation of information about your ability to pay back credit cards, student loans, car debt and other forms of debt on time.


Here’s why you need a good credit score to buy a home: Credit scores impact the interest rate of your mortgage and could factor into whether you receive a conventional home loan (meaning that they are available/guaranteed through private financial institutions, or one of two government-backed entities, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac).


You can visit annualcreditreport.com and get a report from one of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. This check will not hurt your score, but it will give you an idea of how trustworthy you look to lenders.

If you think your credit is in good enough shape to begin working with a lender, you can ask the financial institution to check your credit. All hard credit checks from mortgage lenders within a 45-day-window are treated like one inquiry. That’ll allow you to compare two to three lenders to see who will offer a more competitive mortgage rate. FICO advises taking advantage of this by shopping around for rates within a 30-day-window.


FICO has updated its scoring method, and new scores will be out in the summer of 2020. But while those new numbers might be a shock, they won’t have much impact on home loans because mortgage lenders prefer to use older FICO scoring models to determine a borrower’s eligibility, NPR reported.

Kentucky FHA Mortgage loan credit score requirements:

The minimum credit score is 500 for Kentucky FHA loans. However please keep in mind these two things: 1. Lenders credit their own overlays to increase the credit score threshold, most being 620, and secondly, if your credit score is below 580, you would need 10% minimum down payment, and if the credit score is over 580, then you can go with the minimum 3.5% down payment.
Obviously, if you have a higher credit score, this will increase your chances of getting approved for a Kentucky FHA Mortgage and possibly better rates and closing costs options.

Kentucky VA Mortgage loans requirements :

VA does not have a minimum credit score requirement, but if the credit score is below 620 few lenders will do the loan, but I am set up with several Kentucky VA lenders where I have closed them down to a 560 credit score, but the borrower had good compensating factors such as large down payment, low dti ratios, good job history and good residual income with no previous bankruptcies or foreclosures.

I would suggest if your credit scores are below 580, I would suggest on working on getting the scores up before you applied for a VA mortgage loan.

A lot of lenders will do a rapid rescore which in some cases can increase your credit scores in as little as 7-10 working days.

The federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guarantees loans for current and former members of the military and their families. VA loans provide very favorable terms to eligible borrowers and have limited qualifying requirements.

You can get a VA loan with no down payment so long as the home isn’t worth more than you pay for it, and there’s no minimum credit score to qualify. You also don’t have to pay for mortgage insurance, although you do have to pay an up-front funding fee of between .5% and 3.3% of the loan amount unless you fall within an exception for disabled vets or military widows or widowers.

Kentucky USDA Mortgage credit score requirements:

According to their guidelines, USDA will go down to a 580 credit score, but most lenders will want a 640 credit score. USDA uses an online system to underwrite the risk of the loan, and scores under 640 are very difficult to get approved.

Validating the Credit Score. Two or more eligible tradelines are necessary to validate an applicant’s credit report score. Eligible tradelines consist of credit accounts (revolving, installment etc.) with at least 12 months of repayment history reported on the credit report. At least one applicant whose income or assets are used for qualification must have a valid credit report score

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) operates under the federal Department of Agriculture to guarantee loans for rural home-buyers with limited income who can’t obtain conventional financing. The upside is that Kentucky USDA loans require no down payment. The downside is that they charge a steep up-front fee of 1% of the loan amount (which can be paid off over the entire loan term) and an annual fee of 0.35%.

Kentucky Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Conventional Credit Score Requirements

These are considered “conventional loans’ that can be often be obtained with a 3% to 5% down payment. Of course, there are higher standards for conventional home financing. The most common minimum credit score requirement to get approved today is a 620 FICO. 

This type of score is typical for people that have high credit card balances or a few delinquent payments in their past. The general consensus on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loans in Kentucky is that a 620 score is the entry-point to qualify, but you will need thorough documentation of income with credit scores in the 620 to 640 range. You will have a better shot to be approved for a mortgage-backed by Fannie or Freddie with a 680-credit score and less strenuous underwriting.
Competitive Mortgage Rates and Fees

Monthly Mortgage Insurance Is Not Always Required

Ideal for First Time Home Buyers with Good Credit

Down Payments For Mortgage Loan Approval

Down payments are fairly straightforward: it’s the amount you pay out initially when agreeing to buy a home, and the more you put down, the less you have to borrow from a mortgage lender to continue gaining equity in a home.


The minimum down payment to get a mortgage is 3.5 percent of the home’s cost, although unless you put down 20 or more percent on a conventional loan (more on that later) or get a mortgage backed by a federal agency, you’ll be subject to paying for mortgage insurance, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.


Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance

KHC recognizes that down payments, closing costs, and prep​aids are stumbling blocks for many potential home buyers. Here are several loan programs to help. Your KHC-approved lender can help you apply for the program that meets your need.

Regular DAP
Purchase price up to $314,827 with Secondary Market.
Assistance in the form of a loan up to $6,000 in $100 increments.
Repayable over a ten-year term at 5.50 percent.
Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.
Affordable DAP
Purchase price up to $314,827 with Secondary Market.
Assistance up to $6,000.
Repayable over a ten-year term at 1.00 percent.
Borrowers must meet Affordable DAP income limits.



KHC is used for mostly applicants in urban areas of Kentucky that don’t have access to USDA or other government agencies to buy a home with no down payment.

A minimum of 3.5% down payment is required with this loan. Down payment assistance loans are available from $4500-$6,000, and are paid back over a period of ten years. They are typically offered to buyers with limited cash reserves and carry an interest rate of 1 to 5.5%. These loans can make a critical difference to buyers for whom the down payment is an obstacle. Buyers whose 3.5% down payment is less than the $6000 limit may choose to use the remainder of a down payment loan to pay closing costs, further reducing the amount needed to bring to closing.


Welcome Home $5000 Grant for Kentucky Homebuyers 2020

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati) has established a set-aside of Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funds to help create homeownership through a program called the Welcome Home Program. Welcome Home funds are available to Members as grants to assist homebuyers.

Welcome Home grants are limited to $5,000 per household, households are eligible only if the total household income is at or below 80% of Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) income limits, and funds are offered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Other program requirements are identified below.

The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is particularly key for lenders.

Debt consists of how much you currently owe such as student loans, car payments and credit card payments, compared to your gross monthly income (before taxes are taken out).

Fannie Mae, a federally backed company that purchases and guarantees mortgages for borrowers, allows a debt-to-income ratio of up to 45 percent, although it may be as high as 50 percent for people with phenomenal credit scores and incomes.

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 when determining our eligibility for financing (e.g., credit score, etc.), your DTI is an important determinant that you should be aware of. By working to improve it, you can make yourself a better credit risk, and thus get more favorable treatment from lenders.

Two obvious ways to improve DTI are to increase your income and/or decrease your debt. Both are solid goals.

Call us today for a free pre-qualification for your next mortgage loan in Kentucky. We are available 7 days a week to take your call..502-905-3780 or email us at kentuckyloan@gmail.com

Kentucky VA Streamline Refinances

Kentucky VA Streamline Refinances

NO Appraisal Required!

Lower your Rate and Monthly Payment Minimum Middle Credit Score: 580 NO late mortgage payments in the last 12 months Maximum Loan Amount: $484,350.00 Available Loan Terms: Fixed 15, 20, 25 and 30 Years NO Loan to Value, as NO Appraisal is required Primary Residence Only NO Qualifying Ratios Must be refinancing an existing VA loan Call for full details...

Eligibility

Regular Military (Active or Veteran) Reserves and National Guard Meet Tangible Net Benefit Rules Call us to obtain your COE VA Funding Fee .50%, unless exempt