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.

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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 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).

 

Kentucky FHA Mortgage Qualifying Guidelines

Kentucky FHA Loans

The FHA is actually not the lender. They insure the loans that are issued by FHA-approved lenders. FHA loans are gear more toward borrower’s with less than 20% down payment and credit issues in the past.

Qualifying for a FHA Loan Mortgage In Kentucky

Credit Scores and Down Payment Percentages – Each year, the rules for qualifying for these loans changes. For 2020, applicants need a minimum credit score of 580 in order to get the low down payment, which is 3.5 percent.

For those whose credit score is less than 580, they will have to come up with 10 percent for their down payment. This does not guaranteed a mortgage loan approval if you have the certain credit scores, just a the minimum required.

Compensating Factors for FHA loan Approval

The credit score is just one part of the story. The FHA will also evaluate the borrower’s bankruptcies, foreclosures, prior payment history on other debts. They will also want information on difficulties that kept the borrower from making payments on other debts in the past.

Negative strikes against qualifying for the loan include not having any credit history or a bankruptcy.

Someone with a bankruptcy will have to wait for two or more years after their bankruptcy before applying for an FHA-insured loan.

If you have late payments on debt obligations, it is best to wait until you have had a full year of on-time payments before you apply for a FHA-insured loan.

If you have had a foreclosure in the past, you may still be able to get a FHA-insured loan three years after your foreclosure. The lender will be looking at the circumstances behind the foreclosure.

If you have had any civil judgement against you for money owed, collections actions or unpaid/unresolved federal debt, the FHA-approved lender will be required by the FHA to establish that all of these outstanding issues are resolved or paid before you can go through closing.

Watch out for student loans if they are delinquent because sometime this can cause a lien against you in the form of a CAVIRS Alert with HUD

As you can see, many types of borrowers who would not be eligible for a traditional mortgage, or who would face exorbitant interest rates, will be able to qualify for a FHA-insured loan at attractive interest rates.

Employment and Income for a Kentucky FHA Loan

You must have an employment history that is steady for the last two years. Does not have to be same employer.

Your income has to be verifiable in some way, whether that be through pay stubs, your income tax returns. No bank statements or cash deposits , or undocumented income can be used for income qualifying purposes.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements –

Depending on the automated underwriting system from Desktop Originator, your Debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your income before taxes that you spend on monthly debt.

Taking into account the proposed mortgage payment as well as the other debts, the FHA requires that these debts all total less than 43 percent of your pretax income in order to qualify for the loan.

If your debt load is too high, you will struggle to pay all of your bills and mortgage expenses and care for yourself and your family.

Property Requirements for a Kentucky FHA Loan

It must be the place where you intend to reside. You must move into the home within 60 days of closing the loan. The home cannot be an investment. There will be an inspection to ensure that the home is safe and habitable.

It is really not too hard to pass FHA loans and the appraisal process.

Pros of FHA Loans –

• New homebuyers and those who have lower credit scores or who have other blemishes on their credit history will often qualify for FHA-insured loans.

• Even though these borrowers are considered “subprime” to a traditional lender, they will receive attractive interest rates through the FHA-insured mortgage programs.

• The down payments required from borrowers are lower than those required by traditional mortgage lenders.

• These loans can be combined with other forms of public assistance for lower income or new borrowers so that the borrower will not need to come up with a down payment of any kind.

Cons of FHA Loans –

• Since the FHA is not actually the lender, and you have to go through FHA-approved lenders, you may not qualify due to stricter standards that the lender has for the loan.

• Because you are not paying 20 percent as a down payment, the FHA requires two mortgage insurance premiums to be paid. One is an upfront premium that is 1.75 percent of the loan amount. Lenders often will allow you to make that mortgage insurance premium a part of your loan. The second is an annual mortgage insurance premium that is .45 percent or 1.05 percent. This premium is paid monthly.

 FHA FINANCING

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR KENTUCKY FHA FINANCING

What credit score do I need to qualify for a Kentucky FHA loan is one of the most common questions I hear from Kentucky homebuyers?

The short answer is you must have a minimum credit score of 500 to be eligible for an FHA loan in Kentucky.  Anything lower than 500 disqualifies you from consideration for an FHA loan.

There are two sets of credit score requirements for a Kentucky FHA Loan

One important thing to understand is that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) does not lend money directly to home buyers. You will fill out an application with a regular lender just as you would if you were applying for any other type of mortgage. What the FHA does is ensure your loan to help protect the lender in case you default.

You will be required not only to meet the FHA guidelines to qualify for a loan but also meet any additional qualifications required by the lender. This means there are two sets of requirements you have to meet with your credit score.

1. The first set of requirements comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD oversees the FHA and determines what a borrower’s minimum eligibility requirements will be to obtain an FHA loan.

2. The second set of requirements comes from the mortgage lender. The mortgage lender has the right to add its requirements to those mandated by HUD.

What HUD requires of borrowers to be eligible for an FHA loan

The HUD Handbook 4000.1 includes the official guidelines when it comes to the FHA mortgage insurance program.

It states that in 2020 the Kentucky FHA borrowers with credit scores of 580 or higher are eligible for a 96.5% loan with 3.5% down.

Borrowers with credit scores from 500 to 579 are eligible for a 90% loan with 10% down.

Individuals with credit scores below 500 are not eligible for the FHA program.

What lenders may require of borrowers to be eligible for an Kentucky FHA loan

Lenders have the right to add requirements over and above the minimum requirements of HUD. These additional requirements are called overlays. Your lender may or may not require them.

This is not something that should come as a surprise to you, however. Requiring a credit score of 580 to 620 is not unusual. In addition to your credit score, you must have a manageable debt level that lenders are comfortable with and enough income to repay your loan.

What credit score do I need to qualify for FHA loan?

Each month Ellie Mae, the software company processing more than ⅓ of America’s mortgage loans, publishes an insight report for mortgage trends and standards. One of the things they track is average credit scores. The following is their report for November 2019 which shows what percentage of successful borrowers fall into what credit score ranges.

500 – 549    2.14%
550 – 599    5.20%
600 – 649    23.01%
650 – 699    34.74%
700 – 749    21.88%
750 – 799    10.87%
800+     1.89%

These percentages show that the majority of borrowers who successfully qualify for FHA loans fall into the 600 to 799 range. While it is true that some successfully qualify in the low range of 500 to 599, you have a much better chance of being approved for a loan with good terms and a low down payment if you fall into the higher range.

 

 

 

For your free credit report and analysis call us today at 502-905-3708 or email us at 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

 

 

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/

 

CREDIT SCORE REQUIREMENTS FOR KENTUCKY FHA FINANCING

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR KENTUCKY FHA FINANCING

What credit score do I need to qualify for a Kentucky FHA loan is one of the most common questions I hear from Kentucky homebuyers?

The short answer is you must have a minimum credit score of 500 to be eligible for an FHA loan in Kentucky.  Anything lower than 500 disqualifies you from consideration for an FHA loan.

There are two sets of credit score requirements for a Kentucky FHA Loan

One important thing to understand is that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) does not lend money directly to home buyers. You will fill out an application with a regular lender just as you would if you were applying for any other type of mortgage. What the FHA does is ensure your loan to help protect the lender in case you default.

You will be required not only to meet the FHA guidelines to qualify for a loan but also meet any additional qualifications required by the lender. This means there are two sets of requirements you have to meet with your credit score.

1. The first set of requirements comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD oversees the FHA and determines what a borrower’s minimum eligibility requirements will be to obtain an FHA loan.

2. The second set of requirements comes from the mortgage lender. The mortgage lender has the right to add its requirements to those mandated by HUD.

What HUD requires of borrowers to be eligible for an FHA loan

The HUD Handbook 4000.1 includes the official guidelines when it comes to the FHA mortgage insurance program.

It states that in 2020 the Kentucky FHA borrowers with credit scores of 580 or higher are eligible for a 96.5% loan with 3.5% down.

Borrowers with credit scores from 500 to 579 are eligible for a 90% loan with 10% down.

Individuals with credit scores below 500 are not eligible for the FHA program.

What lenders may require of borrowers to be eligible for an Kentucky FHA loan

Lenders have the right to add requirements over and above the minimum requirements of HUD. These additional requirements are called overlays. Your lender may or may not require them.

This is not something that should come as a surprise to you, however. Requiring a credit score of 580 to 620 is not unusual. In addition to your credit score, you must have a manageable debt level that lenders are comfortable with and enough income to repay your loan.

What credit score do I need to qualify for FHA loan?

Each month Ellie Mae, the software company processing more than ⅓ of America’s mortgage loans, publishes an insight report for mortgage trends and standards. One of the things they track is average credit scores. The following is their report for November 2019 which shows what percentage of successful borrowers fall into what credit score ranges.

500 – 549    2.14%
550 – 599    5.20%
600 – 649    23.01%
650 – 699    34.74%
700 – 749    21.88%
750 – 799    10.87%
800+     1.89%

These percentages show that the majority of borrowers who successfully qualify for FHA loans fall into the 600 to 799 range. While it is true that some successfully qualify in the low range of 500 to 599, you have a much better chance of being approved for a loan with good terms and a low down payment if you fall into the higher range.

 

 

 

For your free credit report and analysis call us today at 502-905-3708 or email us at 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

 

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/

 

 

 

 

How to qualify for a Kentucky FHA Home Loan ?

 

FHA stands for the Federal Housing Administration which is a government agency created to increase home-ownership across the United States all the way back in 1934. The agency itself doesn’t offer home loans but insures loan that are offered by private lenders (i.e. mortgage companies).

It’s important to understand the different types of loan programs available to you and what benefits and drawbacks there are to each type.

For example, if you’re looking to find a fixer upper this may not be the right loan program for you. But an FHA loan may be a better fit for you if you have little cash saved up for a down payment or if you don’t have a high credit score.

Kentucky FHA loan requirements:

• At least 18 years old to apply
• No age limit. just must be 18 years of age to apply.
• Must occupy the home as a primary residence, no rental homes or investment property
• An appraisal must be done by an FHA-approved appraiser.Typically FHA appraisal in Kentucky costs anywhere from low-end $325 to $525 with most FHA lenders in KY.
• Home inspection is not required
• Termite inspection not required
• 2 years removed from Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and 1 year in Chapter 13 bankruptcy is possible to get a loan while in bankruptcy
• Foreclosure or short sale on previous home mortgage requires 3 years removal from those dates.
• Mortgage insurance (MIP) is required
• Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium is 1.75% and monthly mortgage insurance is .85% or .80% depending on loan term and loan to value.
• Mortgage insurance is for life of loan.
• No matter your credit scores, everyone pays the same mortgage insurance premiums.
• Must have 2 years of employment history proving a reliable source of income
• 500 FICO score requirement with at least 10% down payment
• 580 FICO score requirement with at least 3.5% down payment
• Gifts and down payment assistance programs are allowed to meet your down payment requirements. Cannot come from seller, but seller can contribute up to 6% of the sales price toward buyer’s closing costs and prepaids.
• Student loan payments are factored into the debt-to-income ratio when applying. Typically if loans are deferred, or in an income=based repayment plan, the FHA underwriters will use 1% of the outstanding balance, which sometimes can make it difficult to qualify.
• Your debt-to-income ratio must not be higher than 31% or total debt obligation cannot be higher than 43% of your current income. This is for a manual underwriter, meaning that if the AUS underwriting system by mortgage lenders will approve you for a higher debt to income ratio, that is fine.

 

 

 

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 502-905-3708kentuckyloan@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/

— 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.