Category: 2021 Kentucky USDA Income and Property Guidelines

Kentucky USDA Guideline Changes for Income, Student Loans, and total debt ratios.

Kentucky USDA Guideline Changes for Income, Student Loans, and total debt ratios.

Updated HB-1-3555, Chapter 11, Ratio Analysis

The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) is pleased to announce revisions to technical HB-1-3555, Chapter 11, Ratio Analysis. An advance copy of the proposed changes was made available on July 20, 2021.  These changes became effective upon the recent issuance of a Procedure Notice (PN).  Below are the highlighted revisions:

Chapter 11- Ratio Analysis

11.2 B. The Total Debt Ratio:

  • Student Loans: Removed the phrase “the greater of” from Non-Fixed payment loans and added guidance regarding “when the payment is above zero” and “when the payment is zero”.
  • Revolving accounts: “with no outstanding balance” are not required to be closed.
  • Mortgages: Rental Property – Eliminated language regarding omission of mortgage debt.  Guidance for entry of rental income in GUS is provided in the GUS Lender User Guide under Section 4.1.4.1.1, Retained Investment Properties.
  • Added: Debt management plans:
    • Include the monthly payment amount due from the counseling plan.
    • Refer to Chapter 10 for guidance on credit exception and documentation requirements.

11.3 DEBT RATIO WAIVERS AND COMPENSATING FACTORS

A. Purchase Transactions: Debt Ratio Waivers

  • GUS Refer, Refer with Caution, and manually underwritten loans without GUS assistance:
    • Added: “The lender must document eligible compensating factors to support a debt ratio waiver.”
    • Added: “all” of the following conditions are met to the first paragraph.
  • Debt Ratio Waiver Request and Agency Approval:
    • Added: “The issuance of the Conditional Commitment for a Loan Note Guarantee represents Agency approval of the ratio waiver.”

B. Refinance Transactions: Debt Ratio Waivers

  • Added a bullet:  GUS files that receive a GUS recommendation of Refer, Refer with Caution, or are not supported by GUS, require debt ratio waivers, and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Agency.
  • Added: “The issuance of the Conditional Commitment for a Loan Note Guarantee represents Agency approval of the ratio waiver”. 

11.7 OBLIGATIONS NOT INCLUDED IN DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIOS

  • Added: “unless a payment plan is in place” to the second bullet concerning Federal, state, and local taxes.

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan OfficerIndividual NMLS ID #57916

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

click here for directions to our office
Text/call:      502-905-3708fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Changes for Below

USDA Advance Copy Notice HB-1-3555 Chapter 11
USDA has announced that Chapter 11 of the HB-1-3555 will be updated and an advanced copy has been provided.  Changes will become effective after USDA issues a Special Procedure Notice.

  • Clarification was added that revolving accounts with no outstanding balance are not required to be closed.
  • USDA eliminated guidelines provided that a retained property that has been rented for 24 months or longer may be omitted from the DTI, and
  • Added guidance that the income received from rents may only be included in the repayment calculation if the property has been rented for 24 mo. or more.
  • Guidelines were added that monthly payment for borrowers in debt management plans must be included in the DTI.
  • The calculation guidelines for Non-Fixed Student Loan Payments were updated removing the requirement for the greater of calculation to be used and added guidance for when the payment amount is zero.
  • Additional guidance was added that compensating factors supporting Debt Ratio Waivers for manually underwritten loans must be documented.
  • Clarification was added that federal, state and local taxes don’t need to be included in the DTI unless there is a payment plan in place.

Refer to the Advance Copy Notice HB-1-3555 Chapter 11 and Chapter 11: Ratio Analysis

USDA Mortgage Benefits for First Time Buyers in Kentucky

Kentucky USDA Mortgage Benefits for First Time Buyers in Kentucky 

Kentucky USDA Mortgage Benefits for First Time Buyers in Kentucky

100% mortgage financing at competitive fixed interest rates with USDA home loans  Credit score requirements (620 to 640)  are less restrictive than most conventional home loan programs.

Kentucky USDA loans also offer a single upfront mortgage insurance premium which may be financed. Currently only 1% of the loan and a monthly mi premium of .35% which is very cheap considering the lower credit score requirements and no money down financing. The mortgage insurance is the same for everyone, does not matter what your credit score is or how much down payment you have.

You can look up individual properties on USDA’s website here for Kentucky eligible areas.

You can also research single family housing income eligibility for Kentucky  here.

.
You may qualify if your Chapter 7 bankruptcy was discharged three years prior.

USDA loans can be used to finance most types of single family properties although some exception may apply. Homes must be used as borrowers’ primary residences and not used as second homes or rental properties.

Farms and commercial properties are not eligible through USDA Rural Housing Development Guaranteed Loans.

In many cases USDA permits sellers to contribute borrowers’ closing costs and can be financed up to the appraised value if home appraises for more.

Here are the highlights of USDA Mortgages
. Down Payment: 0% down payment
 Closing Costs: up to 6%
. Credit Score: Minimum none–but lenders create overlays..typically 640 to     get  a GUS Automated approval
. Lower monthly mortgage insurance costs (PMI) versus FHA
. There is NO maximum set loan amount limit with USDA Rural Housing.
. No large savings are needed to qualify for USDA loans.
 The debt to income, or DTI is limited to 45% – lower than most other loan programs.
 The location of the home determines if it will be a USDA loan.
. The home can be a regular sale, short sale, foreclosure home or bank owned home single family, townhome or approved condo.
 Mobile/Manufactured homes and “build on your own land” not available.
. Applies for First-time home buyers, or move-up buyers.
 No special first-time buyer’s class, down payment assistance, or bond money is needed.
Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916
 
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
 

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

 

Kentucky USDA Guideline Updates for 2021

  • Annual Qualifying Income – The requirement for calculations to be included on the Income Calculation worksheet have been removed and should now be included on Attachment 9-B, the underwriter transmittal summary, FNMA form 1008/Freddie form 1077, or equivalent
  • 4506-T – The requirement for asset statements to be reviewed to ensure borrowers have no additional income sources has been removed.
  • Repayment Income – MCC income must now be included in repayment income.
  • Boarder Income – USDA now considers a boarder as a household member and a boarder’s income must now be included in annual income calculation. Rent paid by boarders that is reported on tax returns must also be included in annual income.
  • Capital Gains – USDA removed requirement from Repayment Income to provide evidence showing borrowers own additional property or assets that may be sold if additional income is needed to support the mortgage obligation
  • Commission – The borrower must now show one year history in same or similar line of work to include commission in repayment income.
  • Fellowship, Stipend, Scholarship – Scholarship award letters must now provide date of termination and USDA will no longer presume benefits with no expiration date will continue. USDA also added guidelines for GI Bill income and stated it cannot be included in annual or repayment income.
  • MCC – This income must now be included in repayment income, but no history is required. A copy of the W-4 from employer is required to verify borrower is taking tax credit on monthly basis. Note: MCC’s are ineligible with FWL as qualifying income.
  • Unreimbursed Business Income – only taxable income is allowed to be included in repayment income
  • Section 8 – USDA removed requirement for section 8 income to be deducted from the monthly PITI to determine DTI if it is paid directly to the loan servicer when included in the repayment income.
  • Self Employed Income – Federal tax returns must now be reviewed to determine gross income for annual calculations. Removed requirement to deduct business loss before entering as repayment income into GUS or on loan application. Clarified documentation requirements as most recent 2 years of federal tax returns / transcripts & YTD P&L may be audited or unaudited
  • Social Security Income – clarified documentation options and will allow social security benefit statement or form SSA-1099/1042S to source
  • Temporary Leave – The history requirements for repayment income has been changed and now income must be received by loan closing.
  • Cash on Hand – The underwriter must review the reasonableness of accumulation based upon income stream, spending habits, etc. and cash on hand can no longer be included in reserves
  • Gift Funds – Clarification provided on how gift funds must be sourced when gift funds have been deposited into borrower’s account, not deposited into borrower’s account, or if funds are being wired directly to the settlement agent.
  • Large Deposits – USDA no longer addresses lump sum additions.

Kentucky Rural Housing Loan Program Update for 2021 Single Family Housing USDA Guaranteed Loan

Kentucky Rural Housing Loan Program Update for 2021 Single Family Housing USDA Guaranteed Loan

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Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Streamline Refinance Guidelines

KENTUCKY USDA MORTGAGE STREAMLINE REFIANCE

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: Top 5 Reasons To Apply For A Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Streamline Refinance
Rate/Term Refinance
(with
•
Allows financing of
unpaid principal and
eligible costs subject
to available equity
Streamlined Refinance
(without
•
Allows financing of
unpaid principal
balance and upfront
guarantee fee along
with accrued interest
•
Debt ratios are
calculated
Streamlined
Assist
Refinance (no appraisal
effective 6/2/2016)
•
Allows financing of
unpaid principal
balance and eligible
costs
•
Debt ratios not
calculated

Streamline Refinance
•
A new appraisal is not required (unless the loan being refinanced is a Direct Loan and subsidy
recapture is required).
•
The new loan amount may not exceed the original loan amount of loan being refinanced.
•
The new loan is limited to:
•
The principal balance of the loan being refinanced
•
The upfront guarantee fee (if financed)
•
Accrued interest (current interest)
•
Reasonable and customary fee for reconveyance
•
Subsidy recapture due for Direct Loan borrowers may not be included in the new loan amount
•
A borrower may be removed from the loan as long as at least one original borrower remains on
the new loan.
•
All other rate/term refinance requirements, including debt ratio calculation and limits apply.
(Except as outlined above, all Rate/Term Refinance requirements also apply to Streamline Refinance. See the
HB 1 3555 for all three types of refinance transactions allowed.)

Streamlined
Assist Refinance (cont.)
•
The new loan amount is limited to:
•
The unpaid principal balance of the loan being refinanced
•
The upfront guarantee fee (if financed)
•
Accrued interest (current interest)
•
Eligible loan closing costs (not to exceed 2% of total loan amount)
•
Permissible bona fide discount points (not to exceed 2% of total loan amount).
•
Funds to establish an escrow account for real estate taxes and insurance.
•
Subsidy recapture due for Direct Loan borrowers may not be included in new loan amount; however,
the cost of any appraisal obtained for recapture purposes is an eligible closing cost and may be
included.
Note:
The maximum loan amount cannot exceed the balance of the loan being refinanced, plus the guarantee
fee and reasonable and customary closing costs (including funds necessary to establish a new tax and
insurance escrow account). Subordinate financing, such as home equity lines of credit and down payment
assistance “silent” seconds, cannot be included in the new loan amount. Unpaid fees, past due interest and
late fees/penalties due the servicer, cannot be included in the new loan amount.
(Except as outlined above, all Rate/Term Refinance requirements also apply to Streamline
Assist Refinance.)

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan OfficerIndividual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.10602 Timberwood Circle Louisville, KY 40223Company NMLS ID #1364
click here for directions to our office
Text/call:      502-905-3708fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

USDA Loans in Kentucky 

USDA SINGE FAMILY HOUSING INCOME LIMITS FOR KENTUCKY IN 2021
1-4 person household and 5 or more household

New Income limits for most counties (*) in Kentucky are $91,900 for a household family of four and household families of five or more  can make up to  $121,300.

With the new changes for 2021 USDA Income limits, the Jefferson County Louisville, KY Metro area (**) saw an increase of $91,900 for a family of four and up to$121,300 for a family of five or more. The metro area surrounding counties of Jefferson County includes Oldham, Bullitt, Spencer are included in these higher income limits for USDA loans.
Remember,  the entire  Jefferson County and Fayette County  Kentucky counties are not eligible for USDA loans. Along with parts of the following counties Daviess (Owensboro), Mccracken (Paducah), Madison County, (Richmond), Clark County (Winchester), Warren (Bowling Green), Hardin (Fort Knox and Radcliff), Bullitt(Hillview, Maryville, Zoneton, Fairdale, Brooks), Franklin, (Frankfort), Henderson (Henderson City Limits), Christian County (Hopkinsville, Fort Campbell), Boyd County (Ashland city limits) and the most Northern Parts of Boone, Kenton, Campbell Counties of Northern Kentucky (Covington, Florence, Richwood, Hebron, Ludlow, Fort Thomas, Bellevue, Ryle, Beechwood, )
The Northern Kentucky Counties (***) of Boon, Kenton, Campbell, Bracken, Gallatin, and Pendleton are $99,250 for a household of four or less and up to $131,000 for a family of five or more.
USDA Eligible Areas in Northern Kentucky
Burlington
Hebron
Independence
Walton
Alexandria
Highland Heights
Cold Springs
Grant County
Owen County
Pendleton County
​
USDA Income Limits
Boone, Kenton & Campbell Counties (N. KY)
​
$99,250  (family size 1-4)
$131,000 (family size 5 or more)
​
Grant, Owen & Pendleton Counties (N. KY)
​
saw an increase of $91,900 for a family of four and up to$121,300 for a family of five or more

Most are familiar with USDA Rural Housing Loan Program  being a great no money down program available and it is not just for Kentucky first time buyers.

What is KY USDA Rural Development Guarantee in Kentucky?

Kentucky USDA Rural Development Guarantee USDA loans offer 100% financing options on home purchases in rural areas.  Properties though can be located within city limits and in subdivisions depending on population density of that area.
The RDG loan program is primarily used to help low to moderate income individuals or households to purchase homes and the applicants need to be within 115% of the median income for the area. Most Kentucky Counties are 90,300  for a household family incomes of four or less, and up to $119,200 for a family of five or more in the household income
Some highlights of the are:
  • 100% financing on purchases and 100%  Zero Money Down
  • Low 30 year fixed rates on all loans. They don’t offer any other terms or offer cash-out refinancing.
  • A small Rural Housing monthly guarantee fee or sometimes called annual fee of .35% of the loan amount divide by 12 months to get total monthly mi payment.
  • Upfront Rural Housing funding fee of 1% of the loan amount and is financed into new loan
  • Minimum credit scores of 581, but helpful to have 640 and get an automated underwriting approval thru Rural Housing’s underwriting engine – GUS–GUS stands for the Guaranteed Underwriting System to pre-approval all Kentucky USDA loans.
  • No rental verification needed with GUS approval if Approved Eligible Findings.
  • Flexible trade line requirements with GUS approval with only 1 trade line needed on credit for 12 months
  • No foreclosures in the last 36 months, but need explanation if < 36 months
  • Bankruptcy discharged at least 36 months
For a Kentucky USDA Rural Housing  property and income eligibility search, please click HERE.

Issues to avoid or be aware of with Rural Housing property search:

  • Avoid homes with any income producing activities such as working farms, detached buildings with offices or car lifts for auto repairs, or anything else related to income producing activities.

What Is The Mortgage Insurance Premium On A Kentucky Rural Housing USDA Loan?

When does PMI stop on Kentucky Rural Housing USDA Loans?

How Can I Get Rid of Mortgage Insurance for a Rural Housing Loan In Kentucky?

USDA’s Mortgage insurance is for the life of the loan

Mortgage insurance advantages & strategies for lower down payment and payment USDA has an annual fee which is similar to private monthly mortgage insurance premiums and an upfront guarantee fee paid to USDA at closing that is currently equal to 1% of the loan amount.

The annual fee is recalculated each year based on the new balance of the mortgage. The annual fee is currently only .35 which began October 1, 2016.

The annual fee percentage on USDA loans stays for the entire 30 year term but because it is based on the annual mortgage balance. Therefore, the dollar amount decreases each year.

How to calculate monthly mortgage insurance  for Kentucky USDA loans:

Take Loan amount x 1.0101% (USDA funding fee) x .0035 / 12 = monthly
fee to include in the monthly mortgage payment.

So on a $100,000 sales price, going no money down, this would yield a total loan amount of $101,000 with a monthly mortgage insurance premium of $29.45 a month.

This is very cheap mortgage insurance when compared to an Kentucky FHA loan. 

 

USDA Loan Payment Calculator: Calculate Loan Guarantee Eligibility ...

Rural Housing Requirements For USDA Loans In Kentucky

Kentucky Rural  Housing Loans

 

Kentucky USDA loans are mortgages made by lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are available to moderate- and low-income borrowers to build, rehabilitate, improve or relocate a primary residence in eligible rural and suburban areas. The income limit is 115 percent of the median income in your area. You can check the income limits for your area here.

 

It can be closed with zero down. USDA loans do have a monthly insurance requirement, but the upfront fee is significantly lower than on the VA loan and the mortgage premiums are lower than on the FHA loan.

The problem is that the number of buyers who qualify for a USDA loan is much smaller. Unlike on other loans where more income is better, a USDA loan has strict income maximums.

Fees for Kentucky USDA Loans

USDA loan borrowers pay an upfront fee of 1 percent of the loan amount, and this fee can be added to the loan balance. Borrowers also pay a mortgage insurance premium of 0.35 percent of the loan balance per year in 12 equal installments. This fee is based on the current balance and added to the monthly payment.

 

Down Payment Requirements for Kentucky USDA Loans

 

USDA loans are available with up to 100 percent financing (zero down).

 

Credit Score Required for Kentucky Rural Housing Loans

 

There is no minimum credit score for a USDA loan, but you are automatically ineligible if you are presently delinquent on a nontax federal debt.

Automated approval is available if you have two tradelines reported on your credit history and acredit score of 640 or higher.

If you do not have sufficient credit data, the underwriter can assess your creditworthiness other ways, such as by examining your history with rent payments. Applicants with a credit score lower than 640 will undergo additional underwriting steps.

 

Loan Limits for Kentucky USDA Loans

 

They are no loan limits for Kentucky USDA loans backed-up the guarantee loan program. The Direct USDA loan program does have loan limits.

 
 
 
 



 
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/
 
— 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.
 
 

Kentucky Direct Single Family Housing Program

Loan Limit Change – Effective January 31, 2020

Homes financed under the program are generally 2,000 square feet or less.
Area Loan Limits
Single Family Housing Direct

The Direct Home Loan Program assists low- and very-low- income applicants obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas.  Funds can be used to purchase, build, repair, or renovate a home.  Applicants must meet income eligibility for a direct loan.  Please select South Dakota from the map that displays.

Generally, rural areas with a population less than 35,000 are eligible.  Visit the USDA Income and Property Eligibility website for complete details.

Remember, Direct USDA Loan Limits aren’t effective for the USDA Rural Development Single Family Guartneed Program, whereas that program has no Loan Limits, just income limits on the household income.

 

County or Equivalent Limit Effective 01-31-2020 for the Direct USDA Loan Program

Adair $265,400
Allen $265,400
Anderson $265,400
Ballard $265,400
Barren $265,400
Bath $265,400
Bell $265,400
Boone $265,400
Bourbon $265,400
Boyd $265,400
Boyle $265,400
Bracken $265,400
Breathitt $265,400
Breckinridge $265,400
Bullitt $266,800
Butler $265,400
Caldwell $265,400
Calloway $265,400
Campbell $265,400
Carlisle $265,400
Carroll $265,400
Carter $265,400
Casey $265,400
Christian $265,400
Clark $265,400
Clay $265,400
Clinton $265,400
Crittenden $265,400
Cumberland $265,400
Daviess $265,400
Edmonson $265,400
Elliott $265,400
Estill $265,400
Fleming $265,400
Floyd $265,400
Franklin $265,400
Fulton $265,400
Gallatin $265,400
Garrard $265,400
Grant $265,400
Graves $265,400
Grayson $265,400
Green $265,400
Greenup $265,400

Hancock $265,40
County or Equivalent Limit Effective 01-31-2020
Hardin $265,400
Harlan $265,400
Harrison $265,400
Hart $265,400
Henderson $265,400
Henry $266,800
Hickman $265,400
Hopkins $265,400
Jackson $265,400
Jessamine $265,400
Johnson $265,400
Kenton $265,400
Knott $265,400
Knox $265,400
Larue $265,400
Laurel $265,400
Lawrence $265,400
Lee $265,400
Leslie $265,400
Letcher $265,400
Lewis $265,400
Lincoln $265,400
Livingston $265,400
Logan $265,400
Lyon $265,400
McCracken $265,400
McCreary $265,400
McLean $265,400
Madison $265,400
Magoffin $265,400
Marion $265,400
Marshall $265,400
Martin $265,400
Mason $265,400
Meade $265,400
Menifee $265,400
Mercer $265,400
Metcalfe $265,400
Monroe $265,400
Montgomery $265,400
Morgan $265,400
Muhlenberg $265,400
Nelson $265,400
Nicholas $265,400
Ohio $265,400
Oldham $266,800
Owen $265,400
County or Equivalent Limit Effective 01-31-2020
Owsley $265,400
Pendleton $265,400
Perry $265,400
Pike $265,400
Powell $265,400
Pulaski $265,400
Robertson $265,400
Rockcastle $265,400
Rowan $265,400
Russell $265,400
Scott $265,400
Shelby $266,800
Simpson $265,400
Spencer $266,800
Taylor $265,400
Todd $265,400
Trigg $265,400
Trimble $265,400
Union $265,400
Warren $265,400
Washington $265,400
Wayne $265,400
Webster $265,400
Whitley $265,400
Wolfe $265,400
Woodford $265,400