I am a Kentucky based USDA Mortgage Lender that has originated over 200 KY Rural Housing Mortgage Loans in Kentucky, Put my expert advice to use. Kentucky Rural Development RHS loans give KY Rural Homebuyers a zero down mortgage loan with a low 30 year fixed rate loan. A Local Kentucky Rural Housing Mortgage Lender offering same day free approvals and credit report. This website is not affiliated with USDA or any other government agency. NMLS#57916 Equal Housing Lender Text or call today 502-905-3708 with your mortgage questions about USDA Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky. Free Pre-Approvals on most applications within the same day. Kentuckyloan@gmail.com
KENTUCKY USDA Loans are issued by qualified lenders and are guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture. These are not farm loans! They are intended to encourage home ownership in rural areas as defined by the USDA in Kentucky.
Minimum credit score of 581. Just investors will create overlays and institute a higher minimum credit score-Be aware of this!~!!!
Borrowers that do not have a credit score may be eligible with additional requirements.
No Bankruptcies or forecloses in the last 3 years
Kentucky USDA Rural Housing has a Household income limits apply. Avg. limits throughout KENTUCKY are $90,300 for 1-4 people in the home, $119,200 for 5-8. Incremental increases to limits will apply for families with over 8 people.
Generally easier to qualify for than a Conventional mortgage and much cheaper mortgage insurance than FHA loans in Kentucky!
Property must be located in an eligible rural area as designated by map below
No maximum loan amount unlike FHA and Conventional loans.
Eligible Property Types:
1 unit properties only
HUD Approved Condos
New Manufactured Homes (*There is currently a pilot program in KENTUCKY only that allows for existing homes built after Jan. 2006)
Want to learn more about KENTUCKY USDA loans? Let us know, we are here to help!
Watch Video Below👇👇👇👇
New Income limits for most counties (*) in Kentucky are $90,300 for a household family of four and household families of five or more can make up to $119,200.
With the new changes for 2020 USDA Income limits, the Jefferson County Louisville, KY Metro area (**) saw an increase of $90,300 for a family of four and up to $119,200 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, Brackenn, 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)
$90,300 (family size 1-4)
$119,250 (family size 5 or more)
Kentucky USDA loans are loans offered by the United States Department of Agriculture to those looking to buy homes in rural areas of Kentucky.
There are a few requirements and restrictions associated with this type of loan however, if you are afirst time home buyer in Kentucky with a limited income, no down payment and are looking to live in a rural part of Kentucky, this may be a good option for you to purchase a home going no money down and getting a 30 year fixed rate loan.
Income Requirements for USDA Loans in Kentucky
The Rural Housing USDA website provides an income eligibility calculatordepending on where you are looking for housing in the state of Kentucky. Because it is a nationally funded loan by the United States Government, the income restrictions will vary county-by-county but the loan recipient cannot make more than 115% of the median income for the area in which they are applying. There is also a chart you can consult that provides Kentucky USDA county income limits depending on the number of people in your home. Most Kentucky Counties will allow up to $90,200 for a household family of four or less, and up to $119,350 for a household of five. The Northern Kentucky Counties of Kenton, Bracken, Boone, Gallatin, Campbell allow for more. See Chart below
Households with 1-4 members have different limits as households with 5-8. Similarly, applicants living in high-cost counties will have a higher income limit than those living in counties with a more average cost of living.
Credit Score Requirements for a USDA Loan in Kentucky
Borrowers in Kentucky are required to have a FICO minimum credit score of 581 or higher. However, most USDA lenders will create a credit overlay where they will want a minimum credit score of 640 in order to get a GUS approval.
If the potential borrower has declared bankruptcy or foreclosure within the last 36 months, they would be ineligible for this type of loan.
If the mortgage was included in the Bankruptcy, sometimes the 36 month hold is ignored and you just have to make sure the property is out of your name before applying for a USDA loan
Can you get a USDA loan in Kentucky with a Previous Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the bankruptcy must have been discharged at least 3 years prior to becoming eligible for a Kentucky USDA home loan.
Borrowers must be in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy for a minimum of 12 months, with documentation of 12 months of on time payments and a letter of authorization from the bankruptcy trustee authorizing you to enter into new debt.
In order to qualify for a USDA home loan after filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, additional documentation may be requested/required stating that the reason for the Chapter 13 filing was due to extenuating circumstances beyond the borrower’s control, temporary in nature and not likely to re-occur.
Home must be primary Residence.
Recipients must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals or Qualified Aliens to apply for this program. They must also agree to use the home as their primary residence and not as a rental property.
The property must be for a family including townhouses, single family homes, condominiums (FHA Approved), new construction or new mobile homes.
What areas of Kentucky Qualify for the USDA Loan Program?
The USDA provides a map of the where you can apply a USDA loans are eligible in Kentucky. The major metro areas of Jefferson County and Fayette County Kentucky are not eligible for Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky, along with some parts of Northern Kentucky next to Cincinnati; parts of Owensboro, Paducah, Bowling Green, Richmond, Frankfort, Winchester, Radcliff, Hopkinsville and Henderson Kentucky are not eligible.
If you have a property in mind, you can head over to the eligibility map to see if the home you are considering qualifies.
What are the advantages of USDA loans in Kentucky?
For many people in a low to middle-income bracket, saving for a down payment can be difficult. A USDA loan does not require the purchaser to put any money down toward the purchase price of a home. The government insures the loan in this case, should the borrower default, therefore the borrower is required to carry mortgage insurance during the life of the loan. The mortgage insurance for the USDA loan is provided at a more discounted rate than that required by traditional loans.
On USDA loans the mortgage insurance is 1% upfront, called a guarantee fee, and .35% monthly called an annual mortgage insurance fee to USDA. The beauty of USDA, is that it does not matter if you have a credit score of 640, or a credit score of 740, everyone pays the same premiums, unlike conventional loans.
They only offer 30 year fixed rates with no prepayment penalty, and usually the rates are very low and compare to FHA rates and much lower than conventional loans.
USDA loans take on average about 30 days to close, and the appraisal must meet FHA requirements. Home inspections are not required, and only new mobile homes are allowed on this home loan program.
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#57916 http://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.
Here are a few reminders about the Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Service (RHS) Section 502 Guaranteed program which provides very-low-, low- and moderate-income rural residents access to affordable housing finance options with little or no down payment or out-of-pocket costs.
• Eligibility Link – Access the USDA Home page, click here.
• Income – To determine eligibility of an applicant/household, click here.
• Property Eligibility – To determine whether the property is located in a designated rural area, click here.s
30 year fixed rate loan terms only, Purchase or refinance, If refinancing must be existing USDA home loan. No cash out allowed.
• Occupancy – Owner occupied only.
• Maximum Loan Amount-No max loan amount
• Max DTI – GUS approved, generally 45% (front end sensitive)/ Manual 29/41.
• Guaranty Fee/Annual Fee – there is a 1.00%/ 0.35% (monthly).
• Down Payment – Down payment not required but if any cash to close, must be borrowers own funds. Gifts are not allowed.
• Interested Third Party Contributions – An amount of 6% of the sales price can be contributed towards closing costs.
.
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.
CREDIT SCORES UNDERWRITING USDA MORTGAGE FOR RURAL HOUSING
This attachment illustrates the approach to reviewing credit history when a loan is
manually underwritten by an approved lender. Credit score over 680: Perform a basic level of underwriting to confirm the
applicant has an acceptable credit reputation. Perform additional analysis if the
applicant’s credit history has indicators of unacceptable credit as noted in Paragraph 10.7 of this Chapter. Credit score 679 to 640: Perform a comprehensive level of underwriting.
Underwrite all aspects of the applicant’s credit history to establish the applicant has an
acceptable credit reputation. Credit scores in this range indicate the applicant’s
reputation is uncertain and will require a thorough analysis by the underwriter of the
credit to draw a logical conclusion about the applicant’s commitment to making
payments on the new mortgage obligation. The applicant’s credit history should
demonstrate his or her past willingness and ability to meet credit obligations. Credit score less than 640: Perform a cautious level of underwriting. Perform a
detailed review of all aspects of the applicant’s credit history to establish the applicant’s
willingness to repay and ability to manage obligations as agreed. Unless there are
extenuating circumstances documented in accordance with this Chapter, a credit score in this range is generally viewed as a strong indication that the applicant does not have an acceptable credit reputation. Little or no credit history: The lack of credit history on the credit report may be
mitigated if the applicant can document a willingness to pay recurring debts through
other acceptable means such as third party verifications or cancelled checks. Due to
impartiality issues, third party verifications from relatives of household members are not
permissible. Lenders can develop a Non-Traditional Credit Report for applicants who
do not have a credit score in accordance with Paragraph 10.6 of this Chapter.
An applicant with an outstanding judgment obtained by the United States in a
Federal court, other than the United States Tax Court, is not eligible for a guarantee
unless otherwise stated in this Chapter.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.
See link here for more detailed guidelines for credit score, disputed accounts, foreclosures, trade line requirements bankruptcies below:
Indicators of unacceptable credit. The following indicators require documentation
meeting the criteria of Section 10.8 to approve an applicant’s loan request for manually
underwritten loans: Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Guidelines
Foreclosure within 3 years:
Including pre-foreclosure activity, such as a pre-foreclosure sale or short sale
in the previous 3 years (refer to Attachment 10-B for additional guidance);
Bankruptcy within 3 years:
Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged in the previous 3 years;
An elapsed period of less than 3 years, but not less than 12 months, may
be acceptable if the applicant meets the criteria of Section 10.8 of this
Chapter.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy that has yet to complete repayment (repayment plan in
progress) or has completed payment in the most recent 12 months.
Plans that are completed for 12 months or greater do not require a credit
exception in accordance with Section 10.8;
Late mortgage payments if any mortgage trade line during the most recent 12
months shows 1 or more late payments of greater than 30 days
Collections Accounts
.
In an effort to minimize future risk of open collections left unpaid, the lender will
consider the following during the capacity analysis of the loan request, regardless of the
method utilized to underwrite:
1) Determine if the total outstanding balance of all collections accounts of all
applicants is equal to or greater than $2,000. Unless excluded by state law,
collection accounts of a non-purchasing spouse in a community property state are
included in the cumulative balance of all collections.
2) Remove all medical collections and all types of charge off accounts from the total
balance. Medical collections and charge off accounts must be clearly identifiable
on the credit report.
3) If the remaining outstanding balance of collection accounts are equal to or greater
than $2,000, any of the following actions will apply:
a. Payment in full of all collection accounts at or prior to closing.
b. Payment arrangements are made with each creditor for each collection
account remaining outstanding. A letter from the creditor or evidence on
the credit report is required to validate the payment arrangements. The
agreed upon monthly payment for each outstanding collection account
will be included in the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio.
c. In the absence of a payment arrangement, the lender will utilize in the
debt-to-income ratio a calculated monthly payment. For each collection
utilize 5% of the outstanding balance to represent the monthly payment.
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 also a max household income limits with most cutoff starting at $87,000 for a family of four, and up to $115,000 for a family of five or more.
Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA & Rural Housing, KHC and Fannie Mae mortgage loans.
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.
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 views of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people
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 views of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people
In order to get you pre-approved for your max loan amount, I will need the following items from you. This is a free process and I will give you a copy of your credit report for free!
Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist:
One full month’s or 30 days worth of pay stubs
Last 2 years W-2′s
Last 2 years tax returns
4. Last two months bank statements for all accounts including 401 k or retirement account if you have one
_______________________________________________
if you have questions about qualifying as first time home buyer in Kentucky, please call, text, email or fill out free prequalification below for your next mortgage loan pre-approval.
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 views of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people
*Upfront guarantee fee will change from 2.75% to 1.0% Annual fee will change from 0.50% to 0.35%
Kentucky USDA Loans are not just for small farm communities, but rather they can help many lower-income individuals or households purchase homes in many small cities, towns and townships!
USDA Home Loans : 100% Financing Kentucky USDA Rural Development Housing Zero Down Kentucky USDA Mortgage Loans Kentucky Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
The program’s full name is the Kentucky USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan program. Most people call them “USDA loans” or “Rural Housing Loans.” Kentucky USDA loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the program’s most popular feature is its option for “no money down” financing. Via the USDA, you can finance 100% of a home’s purchase price.
It is a common misconception that these loans are only for farm types of properties. In fact, income producing farms are not eligible for the program. 118 of Kentucky’s 120 counties contain areas that are eligible for program (The whole area of Jefferson & Fayette Counties currently are ineligible). Parts of Bullitt County, McCracken, Christian, Boone, Kenton, Campbell Counties are ineligible.
The property cannot be located within the city limits of a municipality with a population level determined by the U.S Census with a limit set by the USDA.
A Kentucky USDA loans are similar to other loan types including loans via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Kentucky USDA loans differ in their down payment requirements (none required) and its simpler loan approval standards. Kentucky Rural loans can be used by first-time buyers and repeat home buyers alike. Homeowner counseling is not required to use the Kentucky USDA program. Mortgage insurance premiums are also often more attractive than many alternative financing types.
Since October 1, 2012, USDA mortgage insurance rates have been : •For purchases, 2.00% of loan amount upfront fee paid at closing •For refinances, 2.00% of loan amount upfront fee paid at closing •For all loans, 0.40% annual fee, based on the remaining principal balance
As a real-life example, then, a homebuyer with a $100,000 loan size in Kentucky would be asked make a $2,000 upfront mortgage insurance premium payment at closing, plus $33.33 in mortgage insurance monthly.
The upfront mortgage insurance is not required to be paid as cash and the amount is often added to your loan balance even above the purchase price and appraised value of the home. USDA is one of the only loan types that allows you to also finance in other closing costs and prepaid items above the purchase price up the appraised value if it is greater than the purchase price of the home.
Also similar to the FHA, the USDA requires mortgage insurance premiums to be paid until the loan is paid-in-full, or until the home is sold. USDA mortgage insurance rates are lower than those for a comparable FHA mortgages.assess a 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium and charge as much as 1.55% in MIP annually.
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For home buyers today, there are two mortgage programs which offer 100% financing. The first is the VA loan from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s available to most active military personnel and veterans nationwide.
The other program is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Single Family Housing Loan Guarantee Program.
Sometimes called a “Rural Housing Loan” or a “Section 502” loan, today’s USDA financing isn’t just for farms. Because of the way the USDA defines “rural”, there are plenty of exurban and suburban neighborhoods nationwide in which USDA loans can be used.
Home buyers who buy a home in a qualified USDA area, and who meet USDA income eligibility requirements, can take advantage of the USDA’s low interest rate, no downpayment mortgage program..
What Are The Benefits Of A USDA Home Loan?
USDA mortgages are structured just like conventional ones via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Where they…
Eligible Cities are Back!A Continuing Resolution has passed allowing RHS to refer back to the 2000 census data for eligible areas. This will allow the following eight Kentucky cities to remain eligible until January 2014: Bardstown, Burlington, Elizabethtown, Georgetown, Independence, Nicholasville, Shelbyville, and Shepherdsville. This is good news as implementation of the 2010 census data has been put on hold again
click on image to enlarge the area for more detailed map
The United States Department of Agriculture has created a special home buyer opportunity for Americans that live in rural areas. These home buying programs were designed to increase homeownership amongst lower and middle income families that live in smaller sized cities, towns, and remote areas.
What makes these loans so special?
No Down Payments – USDA loans are one of the only home mortgages that allow someone to buy a home without putting any money down. In fact, the only other way someone can finance 100% of their home purchase is if they are in the military or a veteran. Even someone with perfect credit, long job history, and plenty of savings/assets can not qualify for 0 down on a home loan. This is a unique and very special aspect of USDA home buyer loans.
Lower PMI costs– Private Mortgage Insurance, also known as “PMI” is much lower on USDA loans than FHA or conventional mortgages. This can save you a lot of money.
Reduced Interest Rates The interest rates are lower on USDA loans, which results in lower payments, and plenty of money saved overtime.
Would You Like to Get Prequalified or Apply For a USDA Loan Now?
Click Here to Get Pre-Approved for a USDA Loan
How to Qualify for a USDA Loan
The best way to find out if you qualify for a USDA loan is to speak with one of our USDA specialists. It is easy to find out if you are eligible and usually only takes a few minutes. There are some basic qualification guidelines that the Department of Agriculture has set up which will help you have an idea if you can get a USDA loan.
Property Eligibility – The home you want to finance with a USDA loan must be an eligible property. You can not buy any home you want, it must be a designated property. You can look up homes in certain areas, or you can search by address on the USDA website.
Job History – Similar to all other mortgage loans, a two year work history is required. You must show that you have been consistently employed for the past two years straight in order to qualify for USDA financing.
Income Limits – You must not make over a certain amount in order to receive a USDA mortgage. This amount varies by location so you will need to look up your specific counties income limits.
DTI Ratio– One of the main ways which determines if you will be approved or not is your debt-to-income ratios. While you must not make too much money, you also must not have too much debt. Your debt-to-income ratio is how much monthly debt you have (only those debts which show on your credit report are counted) compared to your bring home income. So if your household income is $4,000/month, and your currently monthly debts (excluding rent), combined with your new mortgage payment are $1,500/month, this would equal a 37.5% DTI ratios (this was calculated by taking $1,500 and dividing it by $4,000).
Credit Score – The minimum credit score varies from lender to lender, but most want to see at least a 640 credit score for you to be approved.
Mortgage Insurance – USDA loans have their own version of mortgage insurance. It is called the “Guaranteed Fee” and works similarly to how FHA loans have upfront and monthly mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). With USDA loans, there is a 1.0% upfront guarantee fee, and a 0.350% annual guarantee fee that is divided into 12 payments each year. The amount of your annual fee (paid monthly) adjusts each and goes down as your loan balance does. Use our USDA calculator to get an idea of what your monthly payment will be:
What Are the USDA Programs That Exist?
The USDA has two primary loan programs that exist. This includes direct loans and guaranteed loans.
Direct Loan – These are loans made directly by the government. You do not have to go through a mortgage lender, but instead you apply with the Department of Agriculture. The direct loan is named the USDA 502 Direct Loan.
Guaranteed Loans – Guaranteed loans are those processed and closed by a USDA mortgage lender. This program is called the USDA 502 Guaranteed Loan. The USDA backs the loan, but does not issue the loan themselves.
The difference between these two, aside from who provides the financing, is eligibility requirements. The USDA 502 direct loan is geared more towards lower income families that may have issue obtaining a loan from a mortgage lender. The USDA 502 guaranteed loan allows for more borrowers, including those with more income, to get a USDA loan. Some applicants may be able to get a direct or guaranteed loan. When you speak with a mortgage representative, they will help you identify which programs are available to you. You can then compare loan terms of any mortgage you qualify for.
How to Apply for a USDA Loan
It is very easy to apply for a USDA loan. In fact, we can prequalify you over the phone. The best way to apply is to request a free USDA loan consultation and a loan specialist will contact you. All we need for an initial pre qualification is for you to share some basic information and we can inform you of your eligibility.
Would You Like to Get Prequalified or Apply For a USDA Loan Now?
USDA Mortgage Questions and Answers
Are USDA loans only for farms and agricultural properties?
This is a very common question and something that many people wonder about since it is the Department of Agriculture that backs these loans. It is actually the complete opposite though. USDA loans are meant for residential homes in rural areas, not agricultural or farmland.
Can you buy a farm with a USDA?
USDA loans are strictly for residential properties, so no farm or land that is used for agricultural purposes are allowed. In simplest words, the property can not be income producing.
If USDA loans are for rural properties does that mean they are not available near cities?
Surprisingly this is not the case either. Another misconception about the USDA home buying program is that the loans are exclusively for homes in remote areas. There are actually plenty of eligible homes just outside of various urban/suburban areas. The best way for you to get an idea of what type of home you can buy, and where, is to use the USDA property eligibility search.
Can I buy an investment property with a USDA loan?
No, you may only use a USDA loan for a home that you personally occupy as the owner.
Can I finance the loan costs into the loan?
Yes, you can finance the closing costs and the upfront mortgage insurance into the loan. This means that you do not pay the fees out of pocket at closing, but instead it is added to the loan amount. It is important to note that you will then be paying interest on these fees if they are wrapped into the mortgage. Just some “food for thought” when you decide if that is something you want to do.
How much is mortgage insurance on USDA loans?
There are two types of mortgage insurance on USDA loans. This includes both upfront mortgage insurance and what is called the “annual fee”. The upfront amount is 1.00% of the loan amount. This can be added to the loan amount (as described in the question above). The “annual fee” is divided into your monthly payments. This fee is 0.35% of the loan balance (recalculated each year). So the amount goes down as you pay your mortgage. The annual fee of 0.35% is divided into 12 and added to the monthly payments. This is cheaper than FHA MIP (mortgage insurance premiums), as well as the PMI amounts on VA and conventional loans.
Do I have to be a first time home buyer?
The good news is you do not have to be a first time buyer. The only stipulation is that it must be your primary residence. So you must not currently own a home to be able to get a USDA loan.
What is the loan limits? How much can I borrow?
USDA loan limits adhere to the Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac conforming loan limits. For a single family residence, this amount is $417,000 in most areas of the county
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
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.
