What is a good FICO Score for Mortgage Loan Approval?

 What is a good FICO Score for Mortgage Loan Approval?


FICO Scores generally range from 300 to 850, where higher scores demonstrate lower credit risk and lower scores demonstrate higher credit risk (note: some types of FICO® Scores have a slightly broader range). 

What’s considered a “good” FICO® Score varies, since each lender has its own standards for approving credit applications, based on the level of risk it finds acceptable. So one lender may offer its lowest interest rates to people with FICO® Scores above 730, while another may only offer it to people with FICO® Scores above 760.

The chart below provides a breakdown of ranges for FICO® Scores found across the U.S. consumer population. Again, each lender has its own credit risk standards, but this chart can serve as a general guide of what a FICO® Score represents.




What is a good FICO Score for Mortgage Loan Approval?

What is a good FICO Score for Mortgage Loan Approval?

Kentucky Mortgage Rates and Home Loan Options


Kentucky Mortgage Rates and Home Loan Options


Kentucky is known for its native bluegrass pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bluegrass music. It's also estimated that one-third of all bourbon produced comes from the State of Kentucky. Its two largest metropolitan areas are the cities of Louisville and Lexington, the former being the home of the world's most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby.



For those who don't fancy themselves bourbon fans or sport enthusiasts there are still many options for lively entertainment in Kentucky. And just as many options when it comes to settling down, owning a home, and finding a loan with a great mortgage rate.



The more you know, the better equipped you will be to understand the qualifying requirements from some of the lenders in Kentucky. Most require financial documentation, while others have a more relaxed underwriting process.



It helps to be educated when shopping for your new home loan, and the best place to find out more about current mortgage rates and loan options in Kentucky is right here at lendingtree.com.



Mortgage Interest Rates on Kentucky FHA Loans


The FHA insured loan program provides many borrowers with competitive mortgage interest rates and an excellent loan option with which to purchase a home. Those who don't have a bundle to spend on down payments can use an FHA insured loan through a local lending partner to obtain financing up to 96.5 percent of the purchase price of the home with loan amounts up to $417,000.



To achieve even lower mortgage rates, those who can manage a larger down payment can get a conventional loan through traditional Kentucky lenders. These loans offer the lowest possible interest rates to both existing and new homeowners.



Jumbo Loan Options in Kentucky


If you need a loan that is larger than the conforming loan limit, chances are you'll be getting a jumbo loan. These loans are offered through most local and statewide lenders and those with good credit and income levels large enough to qualify can obtain a jumbo loan at market mortgage rates or just slightly above. They frequently carry higher mortgage interest rates due to the increase risk associated with the larger loan amount.



Assistance with Down Payment, Closing Costs, and KY Mortgage Rates


Government agencies, like the Kentucky Housing Corporation, can provide education materials and counseling for those wishing to own a home in the state of Kentucky. These agencies also offer loan programs through its lender partners in which buyers can tap into one of the following:

Down payment assistance of $6,000 over 10 years at 1% or 5% depending on your income. 



• VA Loan -
guaranteed by the Veterans Administration for qualified military veterans. Offers no down payment if the property appraises for the sale price or greater, has flexible underwriting is flexible, and no monthly mortgage insurance payments and no minimum credit score requirements. Lenders however will create overlays to require a 620 credit score for most VA mortgage loan approvals nowadays with Automated Underwriting through DO/DU



Conventional loans – with as little as three percent down payment (lower than FHA requirements) yet still covered by and approved mortgage insurance company. This loan is for those with a credit score of 680 or better, offering quick turnaround time and no up-front mortgage insurance payments.

Kentucky home loan programs to buy your first house in Kentucky



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4 Things Required for a KY Mortgage Loan Approval


Understanding Mortgage mortgage underwriting guidelines
Now that you have found your dream house, you are going to need to apply for a Louisville Mortgage mortgage loan. Your Realtor will either recommend a banking institution or you may already have one in mind.

You will be dealing with a loan officer who will be compiling all the data on you to see if you qualify for a loan to pay for this house. All lending institutions have different Underwriting Guidelines set in place when reviewing a borrower's financial history to determine the likelihood of receiving on-time payments. The primary items reviewed are the following 5 areas below:




1. Income


2. Debt


3. Credit History


4. Savings


5. Debt vs Income Ratio




Income is one of the most important variables a lender will examine because it is used to repay the loan. Income is reviewed for the type of work, length of employment, educational training required, and opportunity for advancement. An underwriter will look at the source of income and the likelihood of its continuance to arrive at a gross monthly figure.



Salary and Hourly Wages - Calculated on a gross monthly basis, prior to income tax deductions.



Part-time and Second Job Income - Not usually considered unless it is in place for 12 to 24 straight months. Lenders view part-time income as a strong compensating factor.



Commission, Bonus and Overtime Income - Can only be used if received for two previous years. Further, an employer must verify that it is likely to continue. A 24-month average figure is used.



Retirement and Social Security Income - Must continue for at least three years into the future to be considered. If it is tax free, it can be grossed up to an equivalent gross monthly figure. Multiply the net amount by 1.20%.



Alimony and Child Support Income - Must be received for the 12 previous months and continue for the next 36 months. Lenders will require a divorce decree and a court printout to verify on-time payments.



Notes Receivable, Interest, Dividend and Trust Income - Proof of receiving funds for 12 previous months is required. Documentation showing income due for 3 more years is also necessary.Rental Income - Cannot come from a Primary Residence roommate. The only acceptable source is from an investment property. A lender will use 75% of the monthly rent and subtract ownership expenses. The Schedule E of a tax return is used to verify the figures. If a home rented recently, a copy of a current month-to-month lease is acceptable.



Automobile Allowance and Expense Account Reimbursements - Verified with 2 years tax returns and reduced by actual expenses listed on the income tax return Schedule C.



Education Expense Reimbursements - Not considered income. Only viewed as slight compensating factor.



Self Employment Income - Lenders are very careful in reviewing self-employed borrowers. Two years minimum ownership is necessary because two years is considered a representative sample. Lenders use a 2-year average monthly income figure from the Adjusted Gross Income on the tax returns. A lender may also add back additional income for depreciation and one-time capital expenses. Self-employed borrowers often have difficulty qualifying for a mortgage due to large expense write offs. A good solution to this challenge used to be the No Income Verification Loan, but there are very few of these available any more given the tightened lending standards in the current economy. NIV loan programs can be studied in the Mortgage Program section of the library.





An applicant's liabilities are reviewed for cash flow. Lenders need to make sure there is enough income for the proposed mortgage payment, after other revolving and installment debts are paid.



All loans, leases, and credit cards are factored into the debt calculation. Utilities, insurance, food, clothing, schooling, etc. are not.

If a loan has less than 10 months remaining, a lender will usually disregard it.

The minimum monthly payment listed on a credit card bill is the figure used, not the payment made.

An applicant who co-borrowed for a friend or relative is accountable for the payment. If the applicant can show 12 months of on-time cancelled checks from the co-borrower, the debt will not count.

Loans can be paid off to qualify for a mortgage, but credit cards sometimes cannot (varies by lender). The reasoning is that if the credit card is paid off, the credit line still exists and the borrower can run up debt after the loan is closed.

A borrower with fewer liabilities is thought to demonstrate superior cash management skills.


Most lenders require a residential merged credit report (RMCR) from the 3 main credit bureaus: Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian. They will order one report which is a blending of all three credit bureaus and is easier to read than the individual reports. This "blended" credit report also searches public records for liens, judgments, bankruptcies and foreclosures. See our credit report index.



Credit report in hand, an underwriter studies the applicant's credit to determine the likelihood of receiving an on-time mortgage payment. Many studies have shown that past performance is a reflection of future expectations. Hence, most lenders now use a national credit scoring system, typically the FICO score, to evaluate credit risk. If you're worried about credit scoring see our articles on it.



The mortgage lending process, once very forgiving, has tightened lending standards considerably. A person with excellent credit, good stability, and sufficient documentable income to make the payments comfortably will usually qualify for an "A" paper loan. "A Paper", or conforming loans, make up the majority of loans in the U.S. and are loans that must conform to the guidelines set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in order to be saleable by the lender. Such loans must meet established and strict requirements regarding maximum loan amount, down payment amount, borrower income and credit requirements and suitable properties. Loans that do not meet the credit and/or income requirements of conforming "A-paper" loans are known as non-conforming loans and are often referred to as "B", "C" and "D" paper loans depending on the borrower’s credit history and financial capacity.



Here are some rules of thumb most lenders follow:



12 plus months positive credit will usually equal an A paperloan program, depending on the overall credit. FHA loans usually follow this guideline more often than conventional loans.

Unpaid collections, judgments and charge offs must be paid prior to closing an A paper loan. The only exception is if the debt was due to the death of a primary wage earner, or the bill was a medical expense.

If a borrower has negotiated an acceptable payment plan, and has made on time payments for 6 to 12 months, a lender may not require a debt to be paid off prior to closing.

Credit items usually are reported for 7 years. Bankruptcies expire after 10 years.

Foreclosure - 5 years from the completion date. From the fifth to seventh year following the foreclosure completion date, the purchase of a principal residence is permitted with a minimum 10% down and 680 FICO score. The purchase of a second or investment property is not permitted for 7 years. Limited cash out refinances are permitted for all occupancy types.

Pre-foreclosure (Short Sale) - 2 years from the completion date (no exceptions or extenuating circumstances).

Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure - 4 year period from the date the deed-in-lieu is executed. From the fifth to the seventh year following the execution date the borrower may purchase a property secured by a principal residence, second home or investment property with the greater of 10 percent minimum down payment or the minimum down payment required for the transaction. Limited cash out and cash out refinance transactions secured by a principal residence, second home or investment property are permitted pursuant to the eligibility requirements in effect at that time.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - A borrower is eligible for an A paper loan program 4 years after discharge or dismissal, provided they have reestablished credit and have maintained perfect credit after the bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy - 2 years from the discharge date or 4 years from the dismissal date.

Multiple Bankruptcies- 5 years from the most recent dismissal or discharge date for borrowers with more than one filing in the past 7 years.

The good credit of a co-borrower does not offset the bad credit of a borrower.

Credit scores usually range from 400 to 800. Changes to lending standards are occurring on a daily basis as a result of tightening lending standards, and can vary from lender-to-lender-- so this information should be considered simply a guideline. For conforming loans, most lenders will lend down to a FICO of 620, with additional rate hits for the lower-end credit scores and loan-to-values. When you are borrowing more than 80%, they typically will not lend if you have a FICO below 680. The FHA/VA program just changed their minimum required FICO to 620, unless you are qualifying a borrower with non-traditional credit. The few non-conforming loan programs that are still available typically require 30% down payment with a minimum FICO of 700 for self-employed and 650 for W-2 employees, and the loan-to-value will change with the loan amount.





Lenders evaluate savings for three reasons.


The more money a borrower has after closing, the greater the probability of on-time payments.

Most loan programs require a minimum borrower contribution.

Lenders want to know that people have invested their own into the house, making it less likely that they will walk away from their life's savings. They analyze savings documents to insure the applicant did not borrow the funds or receive a gift.

Lenders look at the following types of accounts and assets for down payment funds:



Checking and Savings - 90 days seasoning in a bank account is required for these funds.Gifts and Grants - After a borrower's minimum contribution, a gifts or grant is permitted.


Sale of Assets - Personal property can be sold for the required contribution. The property should be appraised and a bill of sale is required. Also, a copy of the received check and a deposit slip are needed.


Secured Loans - A loan secured by property is also an acceptable source of closing funds.

IRA, 401K, Keogh & SEP - Any amount that can be accessed is an acceptable source of funds.
Sweat Equity and Cash On Hand - Generally not acceptable. FHA programs allow it in special circumstances.
Sale Of Previous Home - Must close prior to new home for the funds to be used. A lender will ask for a listing contract, sales contract, or HUD 1 closing statement.




The percentage of one's debt to income is one of the most important factors when underwriting a loan. Lenders have determined that a house payment should not exceed approximately 30% of Gross Monthly Income. Gross Monthly Income is income before taxes are taken out. Furthermore, a house payment plus minimum monthly revolving and installment debt should be less than 40% of Gross Monthly Income (this figure varies from 35%-41% contingent on the source of financing).


Example

An applicant has $4,500 gross monthly income. The maximum mortgage payment is:

$4500 X .30 = $1350

Their total debts come to:

$500 Car

$20 Visa

$30 Sears

$75 Master Card

----------------

$625 per month.



Remember, their total debts (mortgage plus other debts) must be less than or equal to 40% of their gross monthly income.

$2,800 X .40 = $1800

$1800 is the maximum debt the borrower can have, debts and mortgage payments combined. Can the borrower keep all their debts and have the maximum mortgage payment allowed? NO!

In this case, the borrower, since they have high debts, must adjust the maximum mortgage payment downward, because:

$625 debts

$1350 mortgage
-------------

$1975 - which is more than the $1800 (40% of gross debt) we calculated above.

The maximum mortgage payment is therefore:

$1800 - $625 (monthly debt) = $1175.








Some restrictions apply. Ask for details. Loan decision is subject to satisfactory appraisal and title review and no change in financial condition. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.
This communication is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon by you.








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/

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgages: Qualifying for A VA Home Loan in KY

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgages: Qualifying for A VA Home Loan in KY: Kentucky VA Mortgage Question and Answers for Qualifying for A VA Home Loan in KY? Does the Kentucky VA Home Loan benefit expire?    NO Can ...


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

 
 

• 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 $647,200 for 2022 in Kentucky

 
 
 
 
If you meet income eligibility requirements and are looking to settle in a rural area, you might qualify for the Kentucky 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  see the qualifying areas.
 

New Income limits for most counties (*) in Kentucky are $91,900 for a  4 unit household and household families of five or more + can make up to  $121,300.

The Northern Kentucky Counties (***) of Boon, Kenton, Campbell, Bracken, Gallatin, and Pendleton are $99,250 for a household of four or less and up to $130,000 for a family of five or more.

Remember,  Jefferson County Kentucky, Fayette County Kentucky are not eligible for USDA loans.

 
USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy and foreclosure.
 

There is no max USDA loan limit.

 
 
 
 
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 500 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 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 at $420,680 for 2022…If you are looking at a larger loan amount, then you would need to look at doing a conventional loan which has a max loan amount of $647,200.00

  
   
 
 
 
VA loans are for veterans and active duty military personnel. The loan requires no down payment and no monthly mi premiums, and no minimum credit score , 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 there is no max loan in Kentucky for 2022, but it does now carry higher mortgage insurance premiums in the form of New
 
 

VA Funding Fee

Generally, all Veterans using the VA Home Loan Guaranty benefit must pay a funding fee. This reduces the loan’s cost to taxpayers considering that a VA loan requires no down payment and has no monthly mortgage insurance. The funding fee is a percentage of the loan amount which varies based on the type of loan and your military category, if you are a first-time or subsequent loan user, and whether you make a down payment. You have the option to finance the VA funding fee or pay it in cash, but the funding fee must be paid at closing time.

You do not have to pay the fee if you are a:

  • Veteran receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability, OR
  • Veteran who would be entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability if you did not receive retirement or active duty pay, OR
  • Surviving spouse of a Veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability

The funding fee for second time users who do not make a down payment is slightly higher. Also, National Guard and Reserve Veterans pay a slightly higher funding fee percentage. As of January 1, 2020, the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act will impact the funding fee percentages depending on your category of service and loan type, please review the following to determine the path most beneficial to you moving forward:

FUNDING FEE TABLES
The VA funding fee is calculated as a percentage of the total loan amount. It must be paid or rolled into the loan at closing time. VA strongly recommends that you verify with your lender that the funding fee matches your military service.
In Public Law 116-23, Congress has established rates for loans closed on or after January 1, 2020, and before January 1, 2022 at the levels listed below:
Purchase and Construction Loan
Note: Reduced fees only apply to purchase loans with a down payment of at least 5 percent.

* If the Veteran’s only prior use of entitlement was for a manufactured home loan, the higher subsequent use fee does not apply.
** Active Duty includes Reserves and National Guard ordered to active service that meets the eligibility requirements for their era of service (https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_eligibility.asp). Active service does NOT include active duty for training.

Note: A list of Tribes participating in the NADL Program is at https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/nadl_mou.asp
The following do NOT pay the VA funding fee:
• Veteran receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability;
• Veteran entitled to receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, but receives retirement pay or active service pay;
• Surviving spouse of a Veteran who died in active service or from a service-connected disability;
• Servicemember on Active Duty who provides, on or before date of loan closing, evidence of having been awarded the Purple Heart.

 
Most VA lenders I work with will want a 580 to 620 credit score even though VA says on paper they don’t have minimum credit scores.
 

VA requires 2 years removed from bankruptcy or foreclosure.

 
 

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance

Kentucky Down payment assistance loans are available up to $7,500 for Mortgage

​​​​Kentucky Housing Down Payment Assistance for $7500 in 2022 for Kentucky Home Buyers

 

 
 
 
ATTENTION: KHC has announced changes to the Down Payment Assistance Programs! This is great news for buyers in Kentucky!
 
1. KHC is increasing the down payment assistance program amount from $6,000 to $7,500. This is for both Regular Down Payment and for Affordable Down Payment assistance programs
 
2. The interest rate on the repayment of the down payment assistance will go from 5.5% to 3.75%. (Affordable Down Payment assistance will remain at 1%)
Realtors: We are here to help you and your clients take advantage of these great opportunities.
 
Buyers: We are here to answer questions you have regarding this program and qualification requirements.



KHC is used for mostly applicants in Kentucky that don’t have access to money for a down payment on their home. 

​​​​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. 

Regular DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644 with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance in the form of a loan up to $7,500 in $100 increments.
  • Repayable over a 10-year term at 3.75 percent.
  • Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.

Affordable DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644​ with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance up to $7,500.
  • Repayable over a 10-year term at 1.00 percent.
  • Borrowers must meet Affordable D​AP income limits.

​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.​
  • SECONDARY MARKET FUNDING SOURCE

    • First-time and repeat homebuyers statewide
    • 30-year fixed interest rate
    • Principal residence ONLY
    • Purchase Price Limit:  $346,644
    • Borrower must meet KHC’s Secondary Market Income Limits
     
 

∘ WHAT KIND OF CREDIT SCORE DO I NEED TO QUALIFY FOR DIFFERENT FIRST TIME HOME BUYER LOANS IN KENTUCKY?

 
Answer. Most lenders will wants a middle credit score of 640 for KY First Time Home Buyers looking to go no money down. The two most used no money down home loans in Kentucky being USDA Rural Housing and KHC with their down payment assistance will want a 640 middle score on their programs.
 
If you have access to 3.5% down payment, you can go FHA and secure a 30 year fixed rate mortgage with some lenders with a 580 credit score. Even though FHA on paper says they will go down to 500 credit score with at least 10% down payment, you will find it hard to get the loan approved because lenders will create overlays to protect their interest and maintain a good standing with FHA and HUD.
 
Another popular no money down loan is VA. Most VA lenders will want a 620 middle credit score but like FHA, VA on paper says they will go down to a 500 score, but good luck finding a lender for that scenario.
 
A lot of times if your scores are in the high 500’s or low 600’s range, we can do a rapid rescore and get your scores improved within 30 days.
 

∘ DOES IT COSTS ANYTHING TO GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN?

 
Answer: Most lenders will not charge you a fee to get pre-approved, but some lenders may want you to pay for the credit report fee upfront. Typically costs for a tri-merge credit report for a single borrower runs about $50 or less. Maybe higher if more borrowers are included on the loan application.


∘ HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN IN KENTUCKY?

 
Answer: Typically if you have all your income and asset documents together and submit to the lender, they typically can get you a pre-approval through the Automated Underwriting Systems within 24 hours.
 
They will review credit, income and assets and run it through the different AUS (Automated Underwriting Systems) for the template for your loan pre-approval. Fannie Mae uses DU, or Desktop Underwriting, FHA and VA also use DU, and USDA uses a automated system called GUS. GUS stands for the Guaranteed Underwriting System.
 
If you get an Automated Approval, loan officers will use this for your pre-approval. If you have a bad credit history, high debt to income ratios,  or lack of down payment,  the AUS will sometimes refer the loan to a manual underwrite, which could result in a longer turn time for your loan pre-approval answer
 

∘ ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY THAT HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT OR NO MONEY DOWN LOANS FOR KY FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS?

 
Answer: There are some programs available to KY First Time Home Buyers that offer zero down financing: KHC, USDA, VA, Fannie Mae Home Possible and HomePath, HUD $100 down and City Grants are all available to Kentucky First Time Home buyers if you qualify for them. Ask your loan officer about these programs
 

∘ WHEN CAN I LOCK IN MY INTEREST RATE TO PROTECT IT FROM GOING UP WHEN I BUY MY FIRST HOME?

 
Answer: You typically can lock in your mortgage rate and protect it from going up once you have a home picked-out and under contract. You can usually lock in your mortgage rate for free for 90 days, and if you need more time, you can extend the lock in rate for a fee to the lender in case the home buying process is taking a longer time. The longer the term you lock the rate in the future, the higher the costs because the lender is taking a risk on rates in the future.
Interest rates are kinda like gas prices, they change daily, and the general trend is that they have been going up since the Presidential election in November 2016.


∘ HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO PAY TO CLOSE THE LOAN?

 
Answer: Depending on which loan program you choose, the outlay to close the loan can vary. Typically you will need to budget for the following to buy a home: Good faith deposit, usually less than $500 which holds the home for you while you close the loan. You get this back at closing; Appraisal fee is required to be paid to lender before closing. Typical costs run around $400-$450 for an appraisal fee; home inspection fees.
 
Even though the lender’s programs don’t require a home inspection, a lot of buyers do get one done. The costs for a home inspection runs around $300-$400. Lastly, termite report. They are very cheap, usually $50 or less, and VA requires one on their loan programs. FHA, KHC, USDAS, Fannie Mae does not require a termite report, but most borrowers get one done.
 
There are also lender costs for title insurance, title exam, closing fee, and underwriting fees that will be incurred at closing too. You can negotiated the seller to pay for these fees in the contract, or sometimes the lender can pay for this with a lender credit. The lender has to issue a breakdown of the fees you will incur on your loan pre-approval.

HOW LONG IS MY PRE-APPROVAL GOOD FOR ON A KENTUCKY MORTGAGE LOAN?

 
Answer: Most lenders will honor your loan pre-approval for 60 days. After that, they will have to re-run your credit report and ask for updated pay stubs, bank statements, to make sure your credit quality and income and assets has not changed from the initial loan pre-approval.
 

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I HAVE TO MAKE TO QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN IN KENTUCKY?

 
Answer: The general rule for most FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Fannie MAe loans is that we run your loan application through the Automated Underwriting systems, and it will tell us your max loan qualifying ratios.
There are two ratios that matter when you qualify for a mortgage loan. The front-end ratio, is the new house payment divided by your gross monthly income.  The back-end ratio, is the new house payment added to your current monthly bills on the credit report, to include child support obligations and 401k loans.
Car insurance, cell phone bills, utilities bills does not factor into your qualifying rations.
If the loan gets a refer on the initial desktop underwriting findings, then most programs will default to a front end ratio of 31% and a back-end ratio of 43% for most government agency loans that get a refer. You then take the lowest payment to qualify based on the front-end and back-end ratio.
So for example, let’s say you make $3000 a month and you have $400 in monthly bills you pay on the credit report. What would be your maximum qualifying house payment for a new loan?
Take the $3000 x .43%= $1290 maximum back-end ratio house payment. So take the $1290-$400= $890 max house payment you qualify for on the back-end ratio.
Then take the $3000 x .31%=$930 maximum qualifying house payment on front-end ratio.
So now your know! The max house payment you would qualify would be the $890, because it is the lowest payment of the two ratios.
 

Customer Testimonials

Absolutely Amazing!! I emailed Joel after I had just got a denial from a bank and just thought i would try to get some advice on what my next steps would be to get a house. I honestly didn’t expect to even get a reply because my credit is not great. That was about a week and a half ago. I just signed a contract on a house last night. ONLY because of Joel Lobb. He even worked with us throughout the weekend, which shocked me. Best decision I have ever made. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WORKING WITH US THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS.
 
Cee Bellisle August 2018
 
 

Contacted him about buying a home and he was great to work with. I was moving to Louisville Ky to take a new job and he walked me through the entire process. He explained to me all the different options for FHA, VA, USDA mortgage loans and credit score requirements versus Fannie Mae. Since I was a first time home buyer I needed alot of help and guidance. I would definitely recommend him. Fast to respond and available to answer questions that I or my realtor had after hours.

Anderson Johnson April, 2018

We moved from Michigan to Northern Kentucky area and we were really impressed. We got a USDA loan no money down and closed in less than 3.5 weeks. We shopped around online with other lenders but Joel was always first to respond and his rates were just a little better than other lenders. He kept us informed through the process along with our realtor and there was absolutely no surprises like we heard from other co-workers and friends that they experienced in their loan process. We have already referred another co-worker to Joel . He’s AWESOME!

Patty Kingston July 2018
 
 
 
betty parsons
 
Wow,  what a great loan officer. I was referred to him by our agent and he was great to work with. We used him for a USDA no money down loan in  Shelby County and we were really impressed. We  were afraid we could not buy a home since we did not have money saved for a down payment, but Joe l was able to get us a zero down loan and we even got our appraisal fee and good faith deposit back at closing. We actually got money back at closing!!! I Can’t think him enough. Our family moved from our apartment in the south end  of town to get our own home with 5 acres  for our kids and 2 dogs, at a payment that is equal to our rent payment also. .Thanks Again Joel. May god bless you
 
 
Patty Locker
 
We contacted Joel about buying a house on our move from Ohio for my husband’s job transfer with Ford. We put a lot of trust in him since we were new to the area and first time home buyers in the Louisville KY market, and he always delivered on what he said. It took us a while to find a home due to the lack of homes,  but once we got one, he was always quick to respond our questions via text or email ,and kept us informed through the process. We got to meet him at the closing and he was super nice and even got us a closing gift for our home which we didn’t expect at all. Super nice guy 😀!!! I would definitely recommend him for a local Home loan in the Louisville area.
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pam dolby
 
I got a VA loan with Joel and he was great. He is an ex-army guy so he could relate to my past experiences of being a veteran and moving around the country a lot. I had some credit issues that required a little extra work but Joel was able to find A VA lender to approve my situation as far as having past bad credit problems and a lower credit score. We closed yesterday on our home here in Louisville and we could not be happier. We finally have a home of our own thanks to Joel . I would definitely recommend him for a mortgage loan. Great experience and closed 8 days before expected close date so we were able to move in early.
 
 
 
I contacted Joel about the $10,000 KY Housing Grant last month and we were able to get it and I just closed on my home. He was great to work with and if you are a first time home buyer here in Louisville, I would definitely contact him. I met him at his office and he was very nice and knowledgeable and kept me informed through the process. No surprises either so I was very happy. I am new homeowner thanks to Joel .

We just moved here the first of January in 2017 from Ohio to the Louisville, KY area and we found Joel’s website online. He was quick to respond to us and got back the same day on our loan approval. He was very knowledgeable about the local market and kept us up-to date throughout the loan process and was a pleasure to meet at closing. Would recommend his services.

 

Angela Forsythe

“We were searching online for mortgage companies in Louisville, Ky locally to deal with and found Joel’s website, and it was a godsend. He was great to work with, and delivered on everything he said he would do. I ended up referring my co-worker at UPS, and she was very pleased with his service and rates too. Would definitely vouch for him.” September 2016

 

Monica Leinhardt



“We contacted Joel back in July 2011 to refinance our Mortgage and he was great to work with. We contacted several lenders locally and online, and most where taking almost 60 days to close a refinance, Joel got it done in 23 days start to finish,I would definetly recommend him. He got us 3.75% with just $900 in closing costs on our FHA Streamline loan.
Kayle Griffin

 

 



 

 

“Joel is one of the best Mortgage Brokers I have ever worked with in my sixteen years in the real estate and mortgage business.” May 25, 2010
Tim Beck
 

 

“Joel has always worked very hard to keep his word and to work out seasonable solutions to difficult problems. He is truly an expert in FHA and other type loans.” September 1, 2010
Nancy Nalley
 
“I have worked with Joel since 1998. He is a great loan professional.” I refer most of my Louisville, Kentucky area home buyers to him and he always take special care of them. August 23, 2012
Jon ClarK
 
“Joel Lobb is a real professional in the lending industry, with many years of experience, he is the one to go to for any mortgage lending needs.” August 22, 2011


RICHARD VOLZ , Residential Sales , Remax Foursquare Realty
 
“When looking to purchase our new home in 2006, I had the pleasure of meeting Joel Lobb. Not only was he personable and easy to reach, he was extremely knowledgeable in his field and made sure to find us the best rate and a top notch mortgage company. We were able to complete the process in less than 3 weeks with his expertise. I find Joel to have the utmost high integrity and I recommend him to anyone who say’s they are need of mortgage assistance. He is also fantastic and keeping everyone up to date on the latest in the housing industry through his twitter posts. He provided great results for our family and we still communicate to this day!” August 21, 2010
Stacie Drake

“We first use Joel on our new home purchase in 2007 in St Matthews, Kentucky area and he was great to work with. We have since refinanced our home with him in 2010 when rates got really low and he has always delivered on what he says. I could not imagine using anyone else.”

Melody Glasscock March 2014

 
 
 

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

 
 

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

 
 
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). I lend in the following states: Kentucky