Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans Credit Requirements, Debt Ratios, Income & Employment, Kentucky First-Time Home Buyers, Kentucky USDA Loans, Property Eligibility & Maps, USDA Direct & Section 504 Loans, USDA Guidelines & Program Updates, USDA Homes for Sale & Foreclosures, USDA Income Limits

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.

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.



 
Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Mortgage Loan Officer

EVO Mortgage
911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
NMLS #57916 | Company NMLS #1738461
http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Equal Housing Lender


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 Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans Credit Requirements, Guarantee Fee & Annual Fee, Property Eligibility & Maps, USDA Direct & Section 504 Loans, USDA Guidelines & Program Updates, USDA Homes for Sale & Foreclosures, USDA Income Limits

Kentucky USDA Home Loan Program Zero Down

KENTUCKY USDA LOANS

PROGRAM FEATURES

620+ MIN FICO– REFERS AND GUS ACCEPTS!

  • 620+ – YES WE DO REFERS!(29/41 MAX RATIOS)U/W DIRECTLY TO RD MANUAL GUIDES
  • 620+ GUS ACCEPTS – NO OVERLAYS – follow GUS findings
  • 101% LTV of appraised value
  • Ratios to 32/44 w/ 620+ and GUS approval w/ comp. factors for debt waiver
  • 35% Annual Fee, 1% Guarantee Fee
  • We Accept Transfer Appraisals – No Problem on all loans
  • File sent to RD within 24 Hours of UW clear!
  • File sent to docs within 24 Hours of Receipt of the RD commitment
  • Up to 6% seller concessions allowed
  • 620+ – GUS Accept – must have 2 trades for 12 months(open/closed) – or manual downgrade

GUS REFERS

  • 620– scores OK!
  • 29/41 max ratios
  • VOR or 12 months cancelled rents checks required
  • Tradelines or alt tradelines required
  • Medical collections & charge off accounts ignored – consumer collections follow HUD $2000 guidelines (Call us for details!)
  • Minimal lates allowed in past 12 months
Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans Credit Requirements, Debt Ratios, Income & Employment, Guarantee Fee & Annual Fee, Kentucky USDA Loans, Property Eligibility & Maps, USDA Direct & Section 504 Loans, USDA Guidelines & Program Updates, USDA Homes for Sale & Foreclosures, USDA Income Limits, USDA Refinance

Quick Guide to Kentucky USDA Rural Development Loans Approval Requirements

Quick Guide to USDA Rural Development Loans
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
• Manufactured Homes, new or existing. Since May 5, 2025, existing (used) manufactured homes are eligible in all 50 states, Kentucky included. The unit has to be manufactured within 20 years of the loan closing date, sit on a permanent foundation, have never been installed at another homesite, be at least 400 square feet, carry both the HUD certification label and the HUD data plate, and have no alterations made after it left the factory other than an engineered porch or deck. New units off a dealer lot are still eligible too.
• Modular Homes
• Town Homes. An attached townhome that is not part of a condominium regime does not need any project approval.
• Condos. The project can be approved by FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or it can instead be shown to meet one of those agencies’ standards rather than already sitting on an approved list.
Prohibited Loan Purposes
• Co-signors not residing in the household
• Furniture and personal property
• Income-producing property unless minimal income-producing activity.
• Previously occupied manufactured homes are no longer prohibited. That restriction and the old 22-state pilot ended May 5, 2025, and existing manufactured homes meeting the property rules above are now eligible nationwide.

—

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

EVO Mortgage

911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204

Text or call:      502-905-3708
email:

          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

NMLS #57916 | Company NMLS #1738461
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Equal Housing Lender

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans Credit Requirements, Debt Ratios, Income & Employment, Guarantee Fee & Annual Fee, Kentucky First-Time Home Buyers, Kentucky USDA Loans, Property Eligibility & Maps, USDA 502 Guaranteed Loans, USDA Direct & Section 504 Loans, USDA Guidelines & Program Updates, USDA Homes for Sale & Foreclosures, USDA Income Limits

Kentucky USDA Guideline Updates for

  • 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.

click link below

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Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans Credit Requirements, Kentucky USDA Loans, Property Eligibility & Maps, USDA Direct & Section 504 Loans, USDA Guidelines & Program Updates, USDA Homes for Sale & Foreclosures, USDA Income Limits, USDA Refinance

When qualifying for a USDA Loan and the borrower already owns another house?

The USDA Loan assumes a very conservative perspective on financing homeowners who already own a home, unless the borrower can prove that the current home is not “adequate or suitable” for the borrower’s needs. Owning a house can be defined as not only being on the mortgage loan but also being on title to the property without being on the mortgage loan for that property. Factors that can determine when a house is not “adequate or suitable” include the following:

  • Household size change in which the borrower’s family size now exceeds the room count of the current house. The assumption being made here is that there is more than 1.5 household residents per room. The room count generally includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, recreation room, and bedroom(s). Room counts do not include bathrooms, hallways, or foyers.
  • In the case of divorce where the borrower remains on the mortgage loan, but the Courts have awarded the house to the ex-spouse.
  • Job transfer in which the borrower has relocated more than 50 miles away from the current residence.
  • Manufactured houses (i.e. doublewides) not on a permanent foundation.
  • The current house is not suitable due to documentable health and safety related issue, which includes the disability or limited mobility of a household resident that cannot be accommodated without substantial retrofitting of the current house.

Under no circumstances will the borrower be able to obtain another USDA Loan if the existing home is already financed using a USDA Loan. When qualifying for a USDA Loan and the borrower already owns another house, the costs associated with the current house, including the mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowner insurance, condo or Homeowner Association Fees, and lot rent in the case of a manufactured home, will be considered a liability to the borrower when calculating their debt-to-income ratio.

If the borrower has two years of rental history, as documented on their tax returns, the mortgage liability can be offset by the rental income. Also, in the case of a court ordered divorce settlement where the borrower can document 12 months of on-time mortgage payments being made by their ex-spouse, the liability can be excluded.

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916
EVO Mortgage
911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Company NMLS #1738461
Text/call: 502-905-3708
Equal Housing Lender