Effective January 1, 2024, the current interest rate for Single Family Housing Direct home loans is 5.125% for low-income and very low-income borrowers.
Fixed interest rate based on current market rates at loan approval or loan closing, whichever is lower
Interest rate when modified by payment assistance, can be as low as 1%
Up to 33 year payback period – 38 year payback period for very low income applicants who can’t afford the 33 year loan term
Fixed interest rate based on current market rates at loan approval or loan closing, whichever is lower
Interest rate when modified by payment assistance, can be as low as 1%
Up to 33 year payback period – 38 year payback period for very low income applicants who can’t afford the 33 year loan term
Not the same as the USDA Rural Housing Guaranteed Program. These rates follow the secondary market and change daily like FHA, VA, Conventional Mortgage Loans and set by individual lenders based on lock period, credit score, loan amount, state, and other incentives
the current interest rate for Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans
The USDA 502 Direct Loan Program helps low- and very-low-income applicants in federally-determined rural areas of the state obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. This payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income.
A number of factors are considered when determining an applicant’s eligibility for this loan. At a minimum, applicants interested in obtaining a direct loan must have an adjusted income that is at or below the applicable low-income limit for the area where they wish to buy a house and they must demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay debt.
Rural Development Kentucky Underwriting Guideline Mortgage Changes for Income, Credit, Work History and Assets
Chapter 9 – Income Analysis
Paragraph 9.3 is being revised as follows: o To clarify that lenders must verify the income of each adult household member for the previous 2 years, which is consistent with the requirements in 7 CFR 3555. o To clarify under “full income documentation”, the lender must obtain W-2s or IRS Wage and Income transcripts, in addition to paystubs. o To change the term “streamlined documentation” to “alternative income documentation” to remove confusion with the streamlined refinance product. o To clarify under “self-employed income documentation” that if ownership interest is less than 25%, neither the “Business Owner” or “Self-Employed” options should be selected in GUS. o To clarify the Verbal Verification of Employment must be obtained within 10 business days of loan closing and confirmation a self-employment business remains operational must be obtained within 30 days of loan closing, which may differ than the note date that is currently referenced.
Paragraph 9.8 is being revised to clarify it is the lender’s responsibility to review gaps in employment and determine if the income is stable and dependable. In addition, this paragraph is being revised to clarify a business loss from a closed business may be removed from consideration under the same circumstances that self-employment income from a closed business can be removed from consideration.
Attachment 9-A is being revised as follows: o Revising “Automobile Allowance” and “Expense Allowance” guidance to allow the full expense allowance to be included as repayment income and the full debt counted in DTI, as well as updating the required history to two years. o To clarify that “Boarder Income” refers to rental income received from an individual renting space inside the dwelling, making the property income producing and therefore ineligible. o Revising “Bonus” and “Overtime” income to clarify the one year history must be in the same or similar line of work. o Revising the “Child Support” and “Separate Maintenance/Alimony” guidelines to simplify the guidance, remove inconsistencies within the current guidance, and clarify that income that meets the minimum history, but the payment amounts are not consistent, must use an average consistent with the payor’s current ability/willingness to pay for repayment income. o To clarify that employer-provided fringe benefits that are reported as taxable income may be included in repayment income. o Simplifying the guidance on considering mileage deductions, referring to IRS guidance when a mileage deduction is claimed on income tax returns.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. o Removing the requirement to obtain a copy of the IRS W-4 document when using a Mortgage Credit Certificate as income. o Revising “Secondary Employment” guidance to clarify that the applicant must have a one year history of working the primary and secondary jobs concurrently to be considered for repayment income. o Revising “Section 8 Housing Vouchers” to permit Section 8 vouchers to be treated as a reduction of the PITI when the benefit is paid directly to the servicer, rather than solely an addition to repayment income. Subsequently, provided clarification that a manual file submission is required in this instance and clarified that when lenders use the benefit as a reduction of the PITI, they must maintain documentation in their permanent loan file to support the benefit is paid directly to the servicer. o Revising the “Unreimbursed Employee or Business Expenses” guidance to reflect instances where the IRS continues to allow these deductions. o Adding categories providing guidance on Guardianship/Conservatorship Income, Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Distributions, and Variable Income. o Revising guidance for sourcing deposits in depository accounts to simplify the process and become more consistent with the lending industry. Clarified that all recurring deposits, as well as non-recurring deposits greater than $1,000, need to be reviewed to confirm the deposits are not from undisclosed income sources. o To clarify that gift funds applied as Earnest Money should not be entered on the “Loan and Property Information” GUS application page. o Adding a category providing guidance on “Lump Sum Additions.” o To clarify in the “Retirement” section that funds borrowed against retirement accounts (e.g. 401(k), IRA, etc.) are eligible for funds to close, but are not considered in reserves.
Attachment 9-E is being revised to reflect a two year required history for “Capital Gain or Loss” to be consistent with the current guidance in Attachment 9-A.
Chapter 15 – Submitting the Application Package
Attachment 15-A is being revised as follows: o Removing the requirement to submit evidence of qualified alien requirements on page 1, as it is not required to be submitted to the Agency on GUS Accept files. o To change the term “streamlined documentation” to “alternative income documentation” on page 2, to remove confusion with the streamlined refinance product. o Rent is required for manually underwritten loans less than 680.
Have Questions or Need Expert Advice? Text, email, or call me below:
Joel Lobb Mortgage Loan Officer Individual NMLS ID #57916
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc. 10602 Timberwood Circle Louisville, KY 40223 Company NMLS ID #1364
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 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.
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.
Why Would a Seller Agree to a Seller Credit?
Seller Benefits:
~ Seller credits help a home sell faster in buyer markets.
Price Reductions are costlier to a seller than credits.
~ Innovative “Good Will” to support a new homeowner adjusting to homeownership.
When the housing market turns into a buyer’s market, selling a home can be quite competitive.
The seller is no longer expecting to receive 100% or more of their asking price and instead expects to take less than their asking price to sell their property.
Therefore, they may offer a credit to attract more people to buy their home. After all, the seller is only concerned about selling their home at a reasonable price and selling it as quickly as possible. Seller credits and concessions are a very popular tactic to give the perception that buying their home is better. Seller credits work because many first-time buyers struggle to come up with the down payment and closing costs, and seller credits ease that burden.
Buyer Benefits:
~ Allows the buyer to ease into homeownership by paying below fixed-rate payments.
~ Does not increase the loan amount. The loan amount amortizes as a standard fixed-rate loan.
~ Safe way to take advantage of a lower payment in a rising rate environment.
A Seller Credit Can:
= Offset closing costs
= Permanentlv Reduce an interest rate
= Temporarily Reduce an interest rate
In all three scenarios, this helps your buyers. Each buyer has different needs, so it is up to you to help them In all three scenarios, this helps your buyers.
Each buyer has different needs, so it is up to you to help them figure out how to best apply a seller credit.
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.
Not every community qualifies—but if it does, it’s the best thing since sliced bread!
Check your listings to see if the property location qualifies. http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov. Generous household income limits also apply, and you can check them out at this link as well.
Generate phone calls by letting everyone know 100% financing is still available for eligible properties and borrowers.
Add an additional note to the listing info and mention it in your ads.
Buyer Qualifications Highlights
• No down payment required, and zero move-in cost is possible.
• 30-year fixed rate loan.
• 6% seller contribution limit allowed.
• Lender closing cost contribution by premium pricing allowed. Does not count against 6% seller limit.
• 100% Loan up to appraisal allowed plus you can add the 1.00% Guarantee Fee on top of that.
• Low .35% Annual Fee included in monthly payment.
• Finance closing costs & prepaids if appraisal Is higher than sales contract.
• No stated maximum loan amount; maximum loan based on repayment ability.
• No cash contribution required from borrower.
• No pre-payment penalty
• Liberal income limits (by county)
• Gift funds and grants allowed.
• No cash reserve requirements.
Property Qualification Highlights
• Existing Home
• New Construction
• New Manufactured Homes (Existing MH allowed under test program in 22 states)
• Previously occupied manufactured homes…unless refinancing existing Agency loan or home built on or after 2006 and in the certain states (22 test states).
—
Joel Lobb Mortgage Loan OfficerIndividual NMLS ID #57916