Kentucky home loan credit scores and the minimum requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC mortgage loans in Kentucky.

Kentucky home loan credit scores and the minimum requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC mortgage loans in Kentucky.

Understanding Credit Scores for Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval: Insights by Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker

Are you considering applying for a mortgage loan in Kentucky but unsure about the credit score requirements? Joel Lobb, a trusted mortgage broker, provides valuable insights into credit scores and the minimum requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC mortgage loans in Kentucky. Let’s delve into the details and explore how credit scores impact your loan approval.

Kentucky Credit Scores and Kentucky Mortgage Approval

Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for a mortgage loan in Kentucky. Kentucky Mortgage Lenders use credit scores to assess your creditworthiness and evaluate the risk of lending to you. Different loan programs may have varying credit score requirements, so understanding these requirements is essential for prospective homebuyers.

Credit Score Models and Minimum Requirements

Here’s a chart illustrating the difference in credit score models and the minimum credit scores required for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC mortgage loans in Kentucky:

Loan Program Credit Score Model Minimum Credit Score
FHA Loan

FICO® Score 2: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from Experian.

FICO® Score 4: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from TransUnion.

FICO® Score 5: Mortgage lenders obtain this version of the FICO® Score from Equifax.

500 to 580 –If less than 580, you will need 10% down payment and if over 580 or higher, 3.5%  minimum down payment
VA Loan

Equifax.

FICO® Score 2: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from Experian.

FICO® Score 4: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from TransUnion.

FICO® Score 5: Mortgage lenders obtain this version of the FICO® Score from Equifax.

No minimum score but most VA Lenders will want a 620 or higher
USDA Loan

FICO® Score 2: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from Experian.

FICO® Score 4: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from TransUnion.

FICO® Score 5: Mortgage lenders obtain this version of the FICO® Score from Equifax.

No minimum score, but most lenders will want a 640 or higher
KHC Mortgage Loan

FICO® Score 2: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from Experian.

FICO® Score 4: Mortgage lenders get this version of the FICO® Score from TransUnion.

FICO® Score 5: Mortgage lenders obtain this version of the FICO® Score from Equifax.

KHC requires a minimum 620 credit score for FHA, VA, USDA and 660 for Conventional loan programs 

Key Insights

  1. Kentucky FHA Loans: Kentucky FHA loans are known for their lenient credit score requirements, making them accessible to borrowers with lower credit scores. However, a minimum score of 500 to 580 is typically required, depending on the down payment.

  2. Kentucky VA Loans: VA loans offer flexible credit score requirements, while on paper VA states they don’t require a minimum score to insure the mortgage loan,  most lenders preferring a FICO score of 620 or higher. Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses can benefit from VA loan options.

  3. Kentucky USDA Loans: USDA loans are designed for rural homebuyers and require no minimum FICO score , but most lenders will want a credit score of 640 or higher. These loans offer zero down payment options for eligible properties.

  4. KHC Mortgage Loans: Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) mortgage loans may vary in credit score requirements depending on the lender. It’s essential to work with a knowledgeable mortgage broker like Joel Lobb to understand specific lender guidelines. KHC requires a minimum 620 credit score for FHA, VA, USDA and 660 for Conventional loan programs 

Expert Guidance from Joel Lobb

Joel Lobb specializes in helping clients navigate the mortgage process, including understanding credit score requirements. With Joel Lobb’s expertise and personalized guidance, you can improve your credit score, explore loan options, and increase your chances of mortgage loan approval.

Contact Joel Lobb today to learn more about credit scores and mortgage loan approval in Kentucky. Start your journey towards homeownership with confidence and expert assistance.


This article provides valuable information about credit scores required for mortgage loan approval in Kentucky, along with a chart illustrating the minimum requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC mortgage loans. Joel Lobb’s expertise and guidance add credibility and assurance to prospective homebuyers seeking mortgage financing.

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 approvalnor 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).

 

Understanding Credit Score Requirements for Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

Are you considering buying a home in the beautiful state of Kentucky? Securing a mortgage loan is a crucial step in the homebuying process, and one of the key factors lenders evaluate is your credit score. Understanding the credit score requirements for mortgage loan approval in Kentucky can help you prepare and improve your chances of securing financing for your dream home.

Importance of Credit Scores

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness based on your credit history. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending to you. A higher credit score typically indicates lower risk to lenders, making you more likely to qualify for a mortgage loan and secure better terms and interest rates.

Credit Score Requirements in Kentucky

While specific credit score requirements can vary among lenders and mortgage programs, there are some general guidelines to consider when applying for a mortgage loan in Kentucky.

  1. Conventional Loans: Conventional mortgage loans are not insured or guaranteed by the government. Many lenders prefer borrowers to have a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a conventional loan. However, some lenders may require higher scores, especially for competitive interest rates.
  2. FHA Loans: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers loans with more lenient credit score requirements compared to conventional loans. In Kentucky, borrowers may be eligible for an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500, provided they can make a 10% down payment. A credit score of 580 or higher may qualify for a lower down payment option of 3.5%.
  3. VA Loans: If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible spouse, you may qualify for a VA loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans typically have more flexible credit score requirements, and some lenders may consider borrowers with credit scores below 620.
  4. USDA Loans: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers loans to eligible rural and suburban homebuyers with low to moderate incomes. Credit score requirements for USDA loans in Kentucky can vary, but many lenders prefer scores of 640 or higher.

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score

If your credit score is below the desired threshold for a mortgage loan, don’t despair. There are steps you can take to improve your creditworthiness over time:

  • Check Your Credit Report: Obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and review them for errors or discrepancies.
  • Pay Bills on Time: Your payment history is one of the most significant factors affecting your credit score. Make sure to pay all your bills, including credit cards, loans, and utilities, on time.
  • Reduce Credit Card Balances: Aim to keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limits. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score.
  • Avoid Opening New Credit Accounts: While having a mix of credit accounts can be beneficial, opening multiple new accounts within a short period can lower your credit score.

Conclusion

In Kentucky, credit score requirements for mortgage loans can vary depending on the type of loan and lender you choose. While higher credit scores generally improve your chances of loan approval and favorable terms, there are loan programs available for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

Before applying for a mortgage loan, it’s essential to review your credit report, understand your credit score, and take steps to improve it if necessary. By demonstrating responsible financial behavior and maintaining a good credit history, you can increase your likelihood of securing a mortgage loan and achieving your homeownership goals in Kentucky.

Credit Scores for Kentucky Mortgages

Credit Score Needed to Buy a House and get a Kentucky Mortgage?

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.
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 a 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.

There is also a max household income limits with most cutoff starting at 109,500 for a family of four, and up to $136,000 for a family of five or more.

The income limits change every spring, so make sure and check to see what updated income limits are.
USDA requires 3 years removed from bankruptcy and foreclosure
There 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 kind of steep when compared to USDA, VA, but the rates are usually good so it can counteract 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. 
 

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 Caviars 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 $10,000 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 is set at 40% and 50% respectively.
 

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/

Credit scores required for A Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval for FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Fannie Mae

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What credit score is needed to buy a house in Kentucky?

Ultimately, there is no singular credit score that can guarantee you a mortgage approval. Each lender is free to set their own credit score requirements.

But many loan types are insured by government organizations. And lenders cannot accept borrowers with credit scores below the minimum these organizations set. The four most popular home loan types are:

Conventional: Not backed by any government agency, but must meet the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines
FHA: Loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration
VA: Loans backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (for military members)
USDA: Loans backed by the US Department of Agriculture (for low- to moderate-income families who buy homes in rural areas)

And here are the minimum credit score requirements for each of these loan types:

Conventional: 
620 SCORE NEEDED. BUT TO GET APPROVED FOR A FANNIE MAE LOAN MOSTLY LIKE YOU WILL NEED A 720 SCORE OR HIGHER IF YOU HAVE LESS THAN 20% EQUITY POSITION OR LESS THAN 20% DOWN PAYMENT DUE TO PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE
FHA: 
580 for a 3.5% down payment
500 for down payments of at least 10%
**MOST FHA LENDERS WILL WANT A 580 to 620  CREDIT SCORE NOWADAYS

VA: 
No minimum BUT MOST VA LENDERS WILL WANT A 580 to 620 CREDIT SCORE
USDA: 
No minimum, but with a credit score of at least 620 to 640 you could qualify for streamlined credit analysis and chances of approval goes way down if score is below 640…

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Joel Lobb
Senior  Loan Officer

(NMLS#57916)
 Fax:     (502) 327-9119
 
 Company ID #1364 | MB73346

What is the minimum fico credit score required for a Mortgage Loan Approval in Kentucky?

What credit score is needed to buy a house in Kentucky?


When you think credit score, you probably think FICO
Since the Fair Isaac Corporation introduced its FICO scoring system in 1989, “What is my FICO score?” has become a common question. FICO scores have burrowed their way into all kinds of lending decisions, most notably mortgages, credit cards, and rentals.

But over the last decade or so, FICO’s market dominance has been challenged by a newcomer called VantageScore. As the result of a collaboration between the three major credit reporting agencies (CRAs) — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — VantageScore uses similar scoring methods to FICO but with slightly different results.

So what are the differences, and more importantly, do they really matter to you, the consumer? The short answer: usually no. But you might want to look at different scores for different needs or goals.In this article, we’ll cover the five main differences between FICO and VantageScore and tell you which one to watch.

What credit score is needed to buy a house?

1. Difference in scoring models

FICO and VantageScore aren’t the only scoring models on the market. Lenders use a multitude of scoring methods to determine your creditworthiness and make financial decisions. But despite the numerous options, FICO and VantageScore are likely the only scores you’ll ever personally see.How do FICO and VantageScore rate you? Both use the same basic criteria:

  1. Payment history
  2. Length of credit
  3. Types of credit
  4. Credit usage
  5. Recent inquiries

Although both FICO and VantageScore consider much of the same information, they gather their data in different ways.

FICO bases its scoring model on credit reports from millions of consumers at once. They gather these reports from the three major credit bureaus and analyze the reports’ anonymous consumer data to generate an accurate scoring model.Alternatively, VantageScore uses a combined set of consumer credit files, also obtained from those same three credit bureaus, to come up with a single formula.

Both FICO and VantageScore issue scores ranging from 300 to 850. In the past, VantageScore has used a range of 501 to 990, but the range was adjusted when VantageScore 3.0 was issued in 2013. VantageScore’s numerical rankings now match FICO’s, which makes it easier for consumers and lenders to implement the VantageScore model — plus, it’s less confusing for consumers who check both their FICO score and VantageScore.

2. Variance in scoring requirements

If you don’t have a long history of credit, VantageScore is the score you want to monitor. Before it’s able to establish your credit score, FICO requires at least six months of credit history and at least one account reported to a CRA within the last six months. VantageScore only requires one month of history and one account reported within the past two years.

Because VantageScore allows a shorter credit history and a long period for reported accounts, it’s able to issue credit ratings to millions of consumers who wouldn’t qualify for FICO scores. Considering how everyone from employers to landlords wants to see your credit score these days, if you’re new to credit or haven’t been using it recently, VantageScore might be able to prove your trustworthiness before FICO has enough data to issue a rating.

3. Significance of late payments

A history of late payments will impact both your FICO score and your VantageScore. Both models consider these factors:

  1. How recently the last late payment occurred
  2. How many of your accounts have had late payments
  3. How many payments you’ve missed on an account

However, while FICO treats all late payments the same, VantageScore judges them differently — it penalizes late mortgage payments more harshly than other types of credit.If you’ve had late payments on your credit cards, they will have about the same impact on both your FICO and your VantageScore. But if you’ve had late payments on your mortgage, you might find you have a higher FICO score than VantageScore.

4. Impact of credit inquiries

You’ve probably heard you shouldn’t open too many credit cards in a short period of time. One reason for this is every time you apply for a credit card, the lender does a “hard inquiry” to check your creditworthiness.

VantageScore and FICO both penalize consumers who have multiple hard inquiries in a short period of time, and they both do “deduplication.” Deduplication is important for things like auto loans, where your application may be sent to multiple lenders, thereby resulting in multiple inquiries. Both FICO and VantageScore don’t count each of these inquiries separately — they deduplicate them, or consider them one inquiry.  However, the timespan they use for deduplication differs.

FICO uses a 45-day span to deduplicate your credit inquiries. VantageScore limits its focus to only a 14-day range. VantageScore also looks at multiple hard inquiries for all types of credit, including credit cards. FICO considers only mortgages, auto loans, and student loans.

Inquiries aren’t your biggest concern when it comes to your credit score, but they do have an impact. If you want to buy a house or a car, restrict hard inquiries as much as possible to avoid lowering your credit score.

5. Influence of low-balance collections

VantageScore and FICO both have penalties for accounts sent to collection agencies. However, FICO might give you a bit more of a break when it comes to low-amount collection accounts.

FICO ignores all collections where the original balance was under $100. It also doesn’t count collection accounts you’ve paid off. VantageScore, on the other hand, ignores only paid collection accounts, regardless of the original balance amount.

Keep your credit high

Regardless of the differences between FICO and VantageScore, the essential advice for keeping your credit score high remains the same:

  • Avoid late payments. Pay your bills, and pay them on time.
  • Keep your credit balances low. Don’t max out your credit cards, and try to keep your cumulative balance to less than 30% — the lower the better.
  • Apply for new credit only when you have to. Don’t open a bunch of new cards in a short period of time, and don’t close old accounts without good reason.

Which credit scores do mortgage lenders use to qualify people for a mortgage?

While it’s common knowledge that mortgage lenders use FICO scores, most people with a credit history have three FICO scores, one from each of the three national credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). 

  • Which FICO Score is Used for Mortgages

Most lenders determine a borrower’s creditworthiness based on FICO® scores, a Credit Score developed by Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO™). This score tells the lender what type of credit risk you are and what your interest rate should be to reflect that risk. FICO scores have different names at each of the three major United States credit reporting companies. And there are different versions of the FICO formula. Here are the specific versions of the FICO formula used by mortgage lenders:

  • Equifax Beacon 5.0
  • Experian/Fair Isaac Risk Model v2
  • TransUnion FICO Risk Score 04

 Lenders have identified a strong correlation between Mortgage performance and FICO Bureau scores (FICO score). FICO scores range from 300 to 850. The lower the FICO score, the greater the risk of default.

Which Score Gets Used?

Since most people have three FICO scores, one from each credit bureau, how do lenders choose which one to use?

For a FICO score to be considered “usable”, it must be based on adequate, concrete information. If there is too little information, or if the information is inaccurate, the FICO score may be deemed unusable for the mortgage underwriting process. Once the underwriter has determined if a score is usable or not, here’s how they decide which score(s) to use for an individual borrower:

  • If all three scores are different, they use the middle score
  • If two of the scores are the same, they use that score, regardless of whether the two repeated scores are higher or lower than the third score

Lenders have identified a strong correlation between Mortgage performance and FICO Bureau scores (FICO score). FICO scores range from 300 to 850. The lower the FICO score, the greater the risk of default.

If it helps to visualize this information:

Identifying the Underwriting Score
ExampleScore 1Score 2Score 3Underwriting Score
Borrower 1680700720700

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/

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Joel Lobb

Joel Lobb, American Mortgage Solutions (Statewide)

Joel has worked with KHC for 12 of his 20 years in the mortgage lending business. Joel said, “A lot of my clients would not have been able to purchase a home of their own or possibly delayed their purchase due to lack of down payment but with the $6,000 DAP loan program, this gets them into a house sooner and starts their path to homeownership while building equity instead of throwing their money away.”

When you’re ready to purchase a home in Joel’s area, contact him at:
Phone: 502-905-3708
Email: Kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com