5 Things to Know about buying a house and getting a Mortgage Loan approval in Kentucky for 2023

1. Do Mortgage Rates Change Daily?

Just like the gas prices at the pump, mortgage rates can change daily or throughout the day. Typically mortgage rates are published at 10-11 am daily by most lenders and you can lock up through the close of business which is usually around 6-7 PM. Mortgage rates can change up or down throughout the day based on various financial, economics, and geopolitical news in the US Financial markets and World markets. Generally speaking, good economic news is bad for rates and vice versa, bad economic news is good for mortgage rates.

The good news is this: Once you find a home and get it under contract, you can lock your mortgage loan rate. Typically it takes about 30-45 days to close a mortgage loan in Kentucky, so the typical lock is for 30-60 days. If rates get better you may be able to negotiate a better rate with your lender, but they usually have to improve by at least 25 basis points (.25) to do that. Not all lenders offer this option. The longer you lock the loan, the greater the costs. It is usually free to lock in a loan for up to 90 days without having to pay a fee.

What a lot of lenders are experiencing now is that some loans don’t close on time for various reasons. You can always extend the lock on the loan but it will costs you usually .125 basis points to do so. If you let the lock expire on the loan, then you have to take worse case pricing on that day when you go to relock. It is usually best to extend the lock on your loan.

2. What kind of Credit Score Do I need to qualify?

When applying for a mortgage loan, lenders will pull what they call a “tri-merge” credit report which will show three different fico scores from Trans union, Equifax, and Experian. The lenders will throw out the high and low score and take the “middle score” For example, if you had a 614, 610, and 629 score from the three main credit bureaus, your qualifying score would be 614. Most lenders will want at least two scores. So if you only have one score, you may not qualify. Lenders will have to pull their own credit report and scores so if you had it ran somewhere else or saw it on a website or credit card you may own, it will not matter to the lender, because they have to use their own credit report and scores.
Most lenders will pull your credit report for free nowadays so this should not be a big deal as long as your scores are high enough.
The Secondary Market of Mortgage loans offered by FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and KHC all have their minimum fico score requirements and lenders will create overlays in addition to what the Government agencies will accept, so even if on paper FHA says they will go down to 580 or 500 in some cases on fico scores, very few lenders will go below the 620 threshold.
If you have low fico scores it may make sense to check around with different lenders to see what their minimum fico scores are for loans.
The lenders I currently deal with have the following fico cutoffs for credit scores:
FHA–580 minimum score
VA—-580 minimum score
Fannie Mae–620 minimum score
USDA–620 minimum score
KHC with Down Payment Assistance –620 minimum score.

As you can see, 580-620 is the minimum score with most lenders for a FHA, VA, or Fannie Mae loan, is required for the no down payment programs offered by USDA for Kentucky for First Time Home Buyers wanting to go no money down.

3. What are the down payment requirements?

The most popular programs for Kentucky First Time Home Buyers usually involves one of the following housing programs outlined in bold below:
FHA:

FHA will allow a home buyer to purchase a house with as little as 3.5% down. If your credit scores are low, say 680 and below, a lot of times it makes sense to go FHA because everyone pays the same mortgage insurance premiums no matter what your score is, and the down payment can be gifted to you. Meaning you really don’t have to have any skin into the game when it comes to down payment.

They even allow down payment assistance for down payment requirements of 3.5% through eligible parties like Kentucky Housing, Welcome Home Grants and Louisville KY and Covington Kentucky Down Payment Grants.

Lastly, FHA will allow for higher debt to income ratios with sometimes getting loan pre-approvals up to 55% of your total gross monthly income. So if you have a debt to income ratio of over 50%, Fannie Mae will not do the loan and USDA usually likes their debt to income ratios no more than 45%.

Think back to the last time you financed a purchase — be it a home, automobile, or what have you… You may remember having heard the term “debt-to-income ratio.” Today I want to spend some time going over exactly what this ratio is, and to also touch on how it can effect your personal finances.

4. What is your debt-to-income ratio?

Commonly referred to as your “DTI,” your debt-to-income ratio is a personal finance benchmark that relates your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income.
As an example… Let’s say that your gross monthly salary is $5,000 and you are spending $2,800 of it toward monthly debt payments. In that case, your DTI would be an unhealthy 56%.
This version of your DTI is sometimes referred to as your “back-end” DTI. This is often broken down further to give a front-end debt-to-income ratio, which is a component of your back-end DTI.

How to calculate your front-end DTI for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval

Your front-end DTI is calculated by dividing your monthly housing costs by your monthly gross income. Front-end DTI for renters is simply the amount paid in rent, whereas for homeowners it is the sum of mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, and home insurance (i.e., your PITI) divided by gross monthly income.

From above, if that $2,800 in debt payments is attributable to $1,500 in housing costs and $1,300 in non-housing costs, then your front-end DTI is $1,500/$5,000 = 30% (and your back-end ratio is still 56%, as calculated above).
Fannie Mae:
Fannie Mae requires just 3% down with their new Home Possible Program, but if you use their traditional mortgage loan, then 5% is the Fannie Mae Standard. Fannie Mae will go down 620 score, but if your scores are below 680, I would look seriously at the FHA loan program because Fannie Mae has steep increases to the interest rate and the mortgage insurance premiums if your scores are low.
A couple of good things about Fannie Mae is that you can buy a larger priced home and have a large loan amount due to FHA only allowing most Kentucky Home Buyers a maximum mortgage loan amount of $356,000 for a max FHA loan and $545,000 for Fannie Mae Conventional loans in Kentucky for 2020.
Lastly when it comes to mortgage insurance, FHA mortgage insurance premiums are for life of loan while Fannie Mae mortgage insurance premiums drop off when you develop 80% equity position in your house.
But as a tell most people, nobody has a loan for 30 years, and the average mortgage is either refinanced or home sold within the first 5-7 years.
VA Loans-

VA loans offer eligible Veterans and Active Duty Personnel to buy a home going no money down with no monthly mortgage insurance. This is probably the best no money down loan out there since the rates are traditionally very low on comparison to other government insured mortgages and no monthly mortgage insurance. The VA loan can be used anywhere in the state of Kentucky with the maximum VA loan limit being removed for 2021
USDA Loans-

USDA loans offer people buying a home in rural areas (typically towns of $20k or less) to buy a home going zero down. You cannot currently own another home and there is household income limits of $90,200 for a household family of four, and up to $119,300 for a household of five or more. You search USDA website for eligible areas and household income limits below at the yellow highlighted link :

KHC or Kentucky Housing-
Kentucky First Time Home Buyers typically use KHC for their down payment assistance. KHC currently offers $10,000 for down payment assistance and sometimes throughout the year they will offer low mortgage rates on their mortgage revenue bond program.

The down payment assistance usually never runs out because you have to pay it back in the form of a second mortgage. It helps a lot of home buyers that want to buy in urban areas that cannot utilizer the USDA program in rural areas. Most of the time the first mortgage is a FHA loan tied with the 2nd mortgage fore down payment assistance. All KHC programs require a 620 score and rates are locked for 45 days.

5. What if I have had a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past?

FHA and VA are the easiest on previous bankruptcies. FHA and VA both require 2 years removed from the discharge date on a Chapter 7. If you are in the middle of a Chapter 13, FHA will allow for financing with a 12 month clean history payment to the Chapter 13 courts, and with trustee permission.

VA requires 2 years removed from a foreclosure (sheriff sale date of home) and FHA requires 3 years.

USDA requires 3 years removed from both a foreclosure and bankruptcy, but on the foreclosure they do not go off the sale date. This may save you a little time if you had a previous foreclosure.

Fannie Mae (Conventional Loan)

Fannie Mae is by far the strictest. They require 4-7 years out of a foreclosure or bankruptcy

If you have questions about qualifying as first time home buyer in Kentucky, please call, text, email or fill out free prequalification below for your next mortgage loan pre-approval.

Joel Lobb
Senior Loan Officer
(NMLS#57916)

Text or call phone: (502) 905-3708

email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.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 views of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people

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Kentucky FHA Guideline Update

FHA has published the following guideline updates, which will be effective for all Kentucky FHA loans with case numbers assigned on or after September 9th

• Specific verbiage for Well Water Testing has been added indicating that it must be performed by a disinterested party in a method acceptable to the local health authority. The borrower or any other interested party may not have contact with the sample. Additionally, cases mandating a Well Water Test have been added to include (but not limited to) the following
  • Newly constructed properties and/or wells
  • Properties with deficiencies in the well or well water as determined by an appraiser
  • Areas where water has been reported or is otherwise known to be unsafe
  • Properties located in close proximity to dumps, landfills, industrial sites, farms, or other sites that could contain hazardous waste
  • Properties where distance between well and septic systems is less than 100 feet
• Clarification issued indicating how to calculate FHA income for Overtime, Bonus, or Tip Income must be calculated using the lesser of
  • Average Overtime, Bonus, or Tip income earned over the previous 2 years (or if earned less than 2 years, the total length of time it has been received); OR
  • Average Overtime, Bonus, or Tip income earned over the previous year
• All requirements regarding unreimbursed business expenses and Commission Income or Automobile Allowances has been completely removed to align with current IRS tax laws
• Rent Below Fair Market has been defined as an inducement to purchase when the borrower is allowed to live in the property rent free or at a rental amount more than 10 percent under the fair market rent as determined by the appraiser.
• Clarification has been added that Reduction in Term for Kentucky FHA Mortgage Streamline Refinances refers specifically to the reduction of the remaining amortization period of the existing mortgage.

FHA Guidelines For Bankruptcy, income, down payment, mortgage insurance, credit scores, work history for FHA loan

If you have questions about qualifying as first time home buyer in Kentucky, please call, text, email or fill out free prequalification below for your next mortgage loan pre-approval.

Joel Lobb
Senior  Loan Officer

(NMLS#57916)

Text or call phone: (502) 905-3708

email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.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 views of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people

This web site is not the FHA, VA, USDA, HUD or any other government organization responsible for managing, insuring, regulating or issuing residential mortgage loans.

**Download Fair Housing Booklet – CLICK HERE

All approvals and rates are not guaranteed, and are only issued based on standard mortgage qualifying guidelines

Remember, we are even available this weekend for pre-qualifications or questions.  Call our cell phone or email us.  If you miss us, leave a message and we WILL call you back 

Types of Kentucky Mortgage Loans to Consider After Bankruptcy

If you want to try to get a Kentucky mortgage after bankruptcy, you can research a number of different types of loans. Each mortgage loan has its own unique requirements for bankruptcy filers.

Kentucky FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are managed by the federal government and may allow you to buy a house with a down payment that’s as little as 3.5% of the purchase price. The downfall of FHA loans, however, is that you’ll have to pay for mortgage insurance, which will result in higher monthly payments.

To get a mortgage after bankruptcy using an FHA loan, you’ll have to adhere to these waiting periods:

• Chapter 7: Two years from your discharge date
• Chapter 11: No waiting period
• Chapter 13: One year from your discharge date

Kentucky USDA Loans

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans are designed for rural borrowers who meet certain income requirements. It may be a good option if you’d like to buy a house in a rural area, have a low or modest income, and aren’t eligible for a conventional loan. If you go this route, you may not have to put any money down and you may be able to secure a low interest rate.

Keep these waiting requirements in mind if you’re interested in getting a USDA mortgage after bankruptcy:

• Chapter 7: Three years from your discharge date
• Chapter 11: No waiting period
• Chapter 13: One year from your discharge date

Kentucky VA Loans

If you’re a veteran or currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. A VA loan doesn’t require a down payment or charge private mortgage insurance and can give you the chance to lock in a low interest rate. If you pursue a VA loan, however, you’ll have to pay a funding fee, which will be a percentage of your home price.

Here are the waiting requirements you should be aware of if you’d like to get a VA loan after bankruptcy:

• Chapter 7: Two years from your discharge date
• Chapter 11: No waiting period
• Chapter 13: One year from your discharge date

Kentucky Conventional Loans

Since conventional loans are not guaranteed or insured by government agencies, you can expect stricter requirements, such as having a good credit score, if you apply for one. If you get a conventional loan and put down less than 20% of the cost of your new home, you’ll need to pay private mortgage insurance.

The waiting requirements for taking out a conventional loan after bankruptcy are as follows:

• Chapter 7: Four years from your discharge date
• Chapter 11: Four years from your discharge date
• Chapter 13: Two years from your discharge date or four years from your dismissal date

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

A four-year waiting period is required, measured from the discharge or dismissal date of the bankruptcy action until the application date.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
two years from the discharge date to the application date, or four years from the dismissal date to the application date.

The shorter waiting period based on the discharge date recognizes that borrowers have already met a portion of the waiting period within the time needed for the successful completion of a Chapter 13 plan and subsequent discharge.

A borrower who was unable to complete the Chapter 13 plan and received a dismissal will be held to a four-year waiting period.

Exceptions for Extenuating Circumstances

A two-year waiting period is permitted after a Chapter 13 dismissal, if extenuating circumstances can be documented. There are no exceptions permitted to the two-year waiting period after a Chapter 13 discharge.

Foreclosure / Short Sale

A seven-year waiting period is required. In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed. The end date of the waiting period is the application date.

Foreclosure / Short Sale – Extenuating Circumstance A three-year waiting period is permitted if extenuating circumstances can be documented. Additional requirements apply between three and seven years, which include:

FHA Loan Guidelines for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure 

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged more than 24 months prior to the application date may be allowed.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged between 12 and 24 months prior to the application date requires satisfactorily established credit and documentation showing the circumstances which caused the bankruptcy were beyond the borrower’s control (i.e. unemployment, medical bills not covered by insurance). In these instances, the file must be manually downgraded to a refer and manually underwritten. It falls upon the underwriter to make a final determination as to the overall quality of the file.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged less than 12 months prior to the application date is not allowed.

Chapter 13 

Loans where the borrower is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy or had a Chapter 13 bankruptcy which was discharged within the previous 2 years require manual downgrade and must be underwritten manually. Note that manual underwrites require Underwriting Management approval.

A borrower who is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible for FHA financing provided all of the following conditions are met in addition to standard manual underwriting requirements:

Foreclosure / Short Sale

A foreclosure less than 3 years ago is not allowed.

In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed. The end date of the time frame is determined by the application date.

Kentucky VA Loan Guidelines for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged more than 24 months prior to application date may be disregarded.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged between 12 and 24 months prior to application date requires satisfactorily established credit and documentation showing the circumstances which caused the bankruptcy were beyond the borrower’s control (i.e. unemployment, medical bills not covered by insurance). In these instances, the file must be manually downgraded to a refer and manually underwritten. It falls upon the underwriter to make a final determination as to the overall quality of the file.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged less than 12 months prior to application date is not allowed.

Note that for High Balance Transactions a minimum of 7 years must have elapsed since the discharge date regardless of AUS findings.

Chapter 13

The borrower’s credit history since the bankruptcy, the circumstances behind the bankruptcy, and the discharge date all factor in to the final determination by the underwriter.

A borrower who is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible for VA financing

Foreclosure / Short Sale

Foreclosure more than 36 months prior to application date may be disregarded.

Foreclosure less than 36 months prior to application date is not allowed.

Note that for High Balance Transactions a minimum of 7 years must have elapsed since the foreclosure date regardless of AUS findings.

In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed.

USDA Guidelines for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure 

Chapter 7

The Discharge date and GUS findings both play an important role in determining the viability and future repayment of the new loan. As such, Chapter 7 bankruptcy seasoning is evaluated by GUS.

Chapter 13

Loans where the borrower is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy or had a Chapter 13 bankruptcy which was discharged within the previous 3 years require a manual downgrade and must be underwritten manually.

A borrower who is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible for RD financing provided all of the following conditions are met in addition to standard manual underwriting requirements:

• At least 12 months of payments have been made satisfactorily

• The Trustee or bankruptcy judge’s approval to enter into the mortgage transaction is documented

• Bankruptcy payments are included in the borrower’s debt ratio

Foreclosure / Short Sale

The foreclosure date and GUS findings both play an important role in determining the viability and future repayment of the new loan. As such, foreclosure seasoning is evaluated by GUS.

A foreclosure does not automatically disqualify a borrower from RD financing. In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed.

You can obtain a copy of your bankruptcy paperwork from the website below:

Bankruptcy Courts http://www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior Loan Office

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3

Louisville, KY 40223

Company ID #1364 | MB73346

Text/call 502-905-3708

kentuckyloan@gmail.com

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/

— Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. The content in this marketing advertisement has not been approved, reviewed, sponsored or endorsed by any department or government agency. Rates are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification.Posted by Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA  Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestLabels: 100% Financing, bad credit, bankruptcy, fico scores first time home buyer, foreclosure, Kentucky First Time Home buyer zero down payment