Qualifying for an FHA Loan in Kentucky

When it comes to buying a home in Kentucky, FHA loans are a popular choice for many first-time homebuyers due to their flexible qualifying criteria. If you’re considering an FHA loan in the Bluegrass State, understanding the key qualifying factors is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the criteria you need to know:

1. Credit Score Requirements:
   • FHA loans are known for accommodating borrowers with lower credit scores. While the minimum required credit score can vary, typically, a credit score of 580 or higher is needed to qualify for the minimum down payment of 3.5%. However, borrowers with credit scores between 500 and 579 may still be eligible with a higher down payment, usually around 10%.
2. Down Payment:
   • The minimum down payment for an FHA loan in Kentucky is 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. This is advantageous for buyers who may not have substantial savings for a larger down payment, making homeownership more accessible.
3. Work History:
   • Lenders typically look for a steady 2 year employment history when considering FHA loan applications. A consistent work history, preferably with the same employer or within the same field, helps demonstrate financial stability and the ability to repay the loan.
4. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI):
   • The debt-to-income ratio is a crucial factor in mortgage approval. For FHA loans, the maximum allowable DTI ratio is typically around 40% to 45% of your gross monthly income and can go higher up to 56% with good credit scores, large down payment or shorter term loan although lenders may consider higher ratios in certain cases if compensating factors are present.
5. Bankruptcy and Foreclosure:
   • FHA loans have lenient guidelines regarding bankruptcy and foreclosure. Generally, borrowers with a past bankruptcy may qualify for an FHA loan after two years if they have re-established good credit and demonstrated responsible financial behavior. For foreclosures, the waiting period is usually three years.
6. Mortgage Term:
   • FHA loans offer various mortgage term options, including 15-year and 30-year fixed-rate loans. The choice of term depends on your financial goals and ability to manage monthly payments.
   • Occupancy: Primary residences not for rental properties
   • Mortgage Insurance on the loan for life of loan. Larger down payments and shorter terms will reduce the upfront mi and monthly mi premiums
   • can be used for refinances, not only for purchases.
   • Max FHA loan in Kentucky is $498,257. This changes every year
   • No income limits nor property restrictions on where home is located
   • Can close within 30 days typically with good appraisal and title work

Understanding these qualifying criteria can help you navigate the FHA loan application process in Kentucky more effectively. Working with an experienced mortgage professional can also provide valuable guidance and assistance tailored to your specific financial situation and homeownership goals.

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS ID #1364

Text/call: 502-905-3708
fax: 502-327-9119
email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

 

 

 

 

NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574

 

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 Insurance Requirements for Kentucky Mortgage Loans

Unlocking Homeownership: The Comprehensive Guide to Mortgage Insurance

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced, effective for case numbers endorsed on and after 03/20/2023, a 30 basis point reduction in the annual premium charged to mortgage borrowers.

FHA – Annual MIP Reduction

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced, effective for case numbers endorsed on and after 03/20/2023, a 30 basis point reduction in the annual premium charged to mortgage borrowers. 

The cut, widely anticipated by the industry, will result in mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) of 55 bps for most borrowers, down from 85. The reduction also amends the Base Loan amount threshold used to establish MIP rates to the national conforming loan limit of $726,200, which increased from $625,500. Please refer to the following for the 03/20/2023 Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium MIP reduction:

• FHA Loans with Terms > 15 Years
  • Base loan Amount and LTV:
    • Less than or equal to $726,200
      • ≤ 90.00% (50 bps) 11 years
      • > 90.00% but ≤ 95.00% (50 bps) Mortgage term
      • > 95.00% (55 bps) Mortgage term
    • Greater than $726,200
      • ≤ 90.00% (70 bps) 11 years
      • > 90.00% but ≤ 95.00% (70 bps) Mortgage term
      • > 95.00% (75 bps) Mortgage term
• FHA Loans with Terms < 15 Years
  • Base loan Amount and LTV:
    • Less than or equal to $726,200
      • ≤ 90.00% (15 bps) 11 years
      • > 90.00% (40 bps) Mortgage term
    • Greater than $726,200
      • ≤ 78.00% (15 bps) 11 years
      • > 78.00% but ≤ 90.00% (40 bps) 11 years
      • > 90.00% (65 bps) Mortgage term

Please Note:

• There is no change to the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP). This remains at 175 Basis Points (bps) (1.75%) of the Base Loan Amount
• The MIP reduction applies to all Title II mortgages except Streamline Refinance and Simple Refinance Mortgages used to refinance a previously FHA endorsed Mortgage on or before May 31, 2009.

Lower Mortgage Insurance Premiums on Kentucky FHA loans in 2023

On February 22, 2023, HUD announced a 30 basis point MIP reduction on certain Kentucky FHA loans. According to the government agency, an estimated 850,000 borrowers could benefit this coming year, and the average Kentucky FHA homeowner will save $800 annually.

What you need to know:

• The new rate is effective on loans endorsed for insurance by FHA on or after March 20, 2023.
• Current clients could refinance to lower their monthly payments or shorten their term.
• A lower MIP could open the door for more homebuyers who previously could not qualify.
• FHA loans have many benefits, including flexible qualifications and low down payment requirements, and they allow for down payment assistance. Plus, there are no appraisal fees on a streamline refinance.

Contact your borrowers and prospects who are currently in an Kentucky FHA loan or could benefit from one to discuss how this change can work to their advantage. 

FHA Reduces Annual Mortgage Insurance Premiums
by 30 Basis Points to Support Affordable Homeownership

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced today through Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 a 30 basis point reduction to the Annual Mortgage Insurance Premiums (annual MIP) it charges borrowers for FHA-insured Single Family Title II forward mortgages. This reduction supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals of making homeownership more accessible and affordable for the nation’s homebuyers. FHA mortgage insurance facilitates broader availability of mortgage financing to those not adequately served by the conventional mortgage market, particularly households of color for whom FHA-insured mortgages have been a cornerstone of access to affordable homeownership.

Today’s Mortgagee Letter provides additional information for mortgagees to implement the annual MIP reductions effective for mortgages endorsed for FHA insurance on or after March 20, 2023.

FHA estimates this reduction will benefit approximately 850,000 borrowers over the coming year, saving them $678 million in aggregate in the first year of their FHA-insured mortgage. For the average borrower purchasing a one-unit single family home with a down payment of 3.5 percent and a mortgage amount of $467,700 the national median home price as of December 2022 – FHA’s annual MIP reduction will save them more than $1,400 in the first year of their mortgage.

Wednesday, the Biden-Harris Administration announced reduced costs for FHA-backed mortgages.

In lowering annual mortgage insurance premiums 0.30 percentage points, the government makes homeownership more affordable and attainable for first-time buyers.

Kentucky FHA Mortgage Insurance Requirements and Down Payments

FHA mortgage insurance, typically referred to as MIP, is the one closing cost that is unique to FHA mortgage programs. 

**Every FHA mortgage must have mortgage insurance regardless

of the amount of the down payment.**

There are two types of mortgage insurance for FHA insured loans – Up-front Mortgage Insurance Premiums and Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums.

Up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP)

UFMIP is calculated at 1.75% of the base loan amount on all loans, regardless of the down payment amount.  This insurance protects the lender against losses in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan. 

**The entire amount of the UFMIP can be financed into the loan amount!**

For example:

• If the FHA loan amount is $100,000 (base loan amount)
• The mortgage insurance premium would be $1,750 ($100,000 x 1.75%)
• The mortgage amount including MIP would be $101,750 ($100,000 + $1,750)

What really happens during an FHA mortgage transaction is that the borrower owes FHA a lump sum mortgage insurance premium.  The lender making the FHA loan will actually lend the money for the premium to the borrower and send the money to FHA so that the mortgage will be insured. 

Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium

In addition to the UFMIP, there may be a monthly premium due as well.  The monthly premium is .80% of the base loan amount if the loan amount is less than or equal to 95% of the value of the home.  If the loan amount is over 95% of the value of the home, the monthly premium is .85% of the base loan amount..

On a 30 year fixed loan, the monthly payment would be calculated as follows:

$100,000 x .80% = $800 / 12 months = $66.67 per month

FHA Minimum Down Payment

Effective January 1, 2009, the minimum down payment required on an FHA loan is 3.5% of the purchase price. 

Any deposit (usually called earnest money) that you are required to give to your realtor at the time of an accepted purchase contract will count towards your 3.5% down payment. The appraisal fee collected at the time of inspection will also count towards your 3.5% down payment. 

 
If, for example, you are purchasing a $100,000 house, your minimum down payment required would be $3,500.  If your seller/realtor required you to put down $500 in earnest money on top of the $300 for your appraisal, your down payment would be lowered to $2,700 ($3,500 – $500 – $300 = $2,700). 

Down Payment As A Gift

If a borrower does not have 3.5% of his or her own money to put down towards the home purchase, FHA allows that amount to be in the form of a gift to the borrower. The gift must be from a qualified source, such as a family member, employer or significant other. The source of the gift must be able to provide proof that they have the money in an account registered in their name prior to transfer to the borrower.

In some areas, this gift may also be grant money from a state or local municipality, if such funds are available.