How to Qualify for a USDA Home Loan in Kentucky

 

The Kentucky Rural Housing  USDA home loan program offers an excellent opportunity for eligible homebuyers in rural and suburban areas of Kentucky to secure affordable financing with no down payment. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements related to credit score, income, work history, bankruptcy, foreclosure, debt-to-income ratio, property requirements, and mortgage insurance. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand these qualifications:

Credit Score Required For Kentucky Rural Housing Approval

A minimum credit score of 640 is generally required to qualify for a USDA loan. This score allows for streamlined processing through the Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS). Applicants with scores below 640 may still qualify but will need to undergo manual underwriting, which requires additional documentation and scrutiny.

Income Requirements for Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Approval

USDA loans have income limits that vary by county and household size. These limits are designed to ensure the program assists low- to moderate-income families. Generally, your household income should not exceed 115% of the median income for your area. The USDA provides an online tool to check income eligibility based on your location and household size.

Work History requirements for Kentucky USDA loan Approval 

A stable work history is essential for Kentucky  USDA loan approval. Lenders typically look for at least two years of consistent employment. Any gaps in employment need to be explained and documented. For self-employed applicants, a minimum of two years of tax returns is required to verify income stability.

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Guidelines

While past financial difficulties like bankruptcy or foreclosure can affect your eligibility, they do not automatically disqualify you. Here are the typical waiting periods:

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: At least three years from the discharge date.
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: At least one year of the payout period must be completed with satisfactory payment history and court approval for a new loan.
  • Foreclosure: At least three years from the completion date.

Kentucky USDA Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Requirements

The Kentucky USDA loan program has specific DTI requirements to ensure borrowers can manage their mortgage payments. The front-end ratio (housing expenses) should not exceed 29% of your gross monthly income, and the back-end ratio (total monthly debt obligations) should not exceed 45%. Exceptions can be made for borrowers with compensating factors, such as higher credit scores or additional cash reserves.

Kentucky USDA Property Requirements

USDA loans are intended for properties in designated rural areas. The USDA provides an online tool to check property eligibility. The home must be used as the primary residence and meet certain quality standards according to Kentucky FHA Appraisal HUD Guidelines  including:

  • Adequate and functional heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
  • Structurally sound foundation and roof
  • Safe water supply and waste disposal systems
  • Must have an undamaged exterior, foundation and roof
  • Must have safe and reasonable property access
  • Must not contain loose wiring and exposed electrical systems
  • Must have all relevant utilities, including gas, electricity, water and sewage functioning properly.
  • Must have a working, permanent heating system that can heat the property adequately
  • Must have surfaces free of chipping or peeling lead-based paint
  • Must have adequate access to attic spaces and natural ventilation in crawl spaces
  • Must have access to potable water
  • Must be free from wood-destroying insect infestations
  • Must not have interior and exterior health and safety hazards, such as no handrails on steep staircases
  • Must be a marketable property

Mortgage Insurance Required For Kentucky USDA loan Approval

Kentucky Rural Housing USDA loans require mortgage insurance, which includes an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee. The upfront fee is typically 1% of the loan amount, which can be financed into the loan. The annual fee, usually 0.35% of the loan balance, is paid monthly as part of the mortgage payment. These fees help protect lenders and the USDA in case of borrower default.

Summary

Qualifying for a USDA home loan in Kentucky involves meeting specific criteria in several areas:

  • Credit Score: Minimum 640 for streamlined processing; lower scores may require manual underwriting.
  • Income Requirements: Must not exceed 115% of the median income for your area.
  • Work History: At least two years of stable employment.
  • Bankruptcy and Foreclosure: Waiting periods of 1-3 years depending on the situation.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: 29% for housing expenses, 41% for total debt; exceptions possible.
  • Property Requirements: Must be in a designated rural area and meet quality standards.
  • Mortgage Insurance: Includes an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee.

By understanding and meeting these requirements, you can take advantage of the USDA loan program to achieve homeownership in Kentucky’s rural areas. For personalized assistance, consider consulting with a mortgage broker or lender experienced in USDA loans, like Joel Lobb in Louisville, who can guide you through the process and help you qualify.

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

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

Text/call: 502-905-3708

email:
 kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

 

 

Author: Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Zero Down Payment Home Loans

I have helped over 589 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 18 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process. I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues. You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process. Give us a try or let us compare your options on your next mortgage transaction. Call me locally at 502-905-3708. Free Mortgage Pre-Qualifications same day on most applications. Email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com with your questions I specialize in Kentucky FHA, VA ,USDA, KHC, Conventional and Jumbo mortgage loans. I am based out of Louisville Kentucky. For the first time buyer with little money down, we offer Kentucky Housing or KHC loans with down payment assistance. Customer Testimonials 😍😍😍 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 recommmend 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 knowledgable 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 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 2017 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 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. 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. larry summit 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 . Joel Lobb Senior Loan Officer American Mortgage Solutions, Inc. 10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3 Louisville, KY 40223 phone: (502) 905-3708 Fax: (502) 327-9119 kentuckyloan@gmail.com http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/ Company ID #1364 | MB73346E This website is not an government agency, and does not officially represent the HUD, VA, USDA or FHA or any other government agency. http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/ 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. NMLS#57916 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/ . 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.

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