Category: Property/Appraisal Requirements for USDA Loan

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Repair and Grant Program.


Section 504 Repair Loan and Grant Program for Kentucky USDA RHS Loans
If you missed the live webinar to learn about recent changes to the Section 504 Single-Family Housing Repair Loan and Grant Program, the presentation slides from the webinar are available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture  (USDA) Rural Development’s website. This information is for individuals and organizations, including nonprofits and public agencies, who work with affordable housing products such as weatherization, home repairs, and Section 504 application packaging.

The slides will provide information on the following:

  • An overview of recent changes to the Section 504 Single-Family Housing Repair Loan and Grant Program.
  • Information on Procedure Notice 527 (published on August 29, 2019).

For a brief overview of the 504 program, please watch the USDA Helps You Make Home Repairs

Program Guidelines & Terms –Section 504 Loans
• Maximum outstanding 504 loan amount is $20,000
• Interest rate is fixed at 1%
• Maximum term of 20 years (term and payment is based upon the
family budget)
• Appraisal and escrow account is required for loans over $15,000
• Flood insurance is required for properties located in a flood zone
• Mortgage, title work and closing agent required for loans of
$7,500 or more
• Mortgage is filed for loans of $7,500 and over
• Assets above $15,000 ($20,000 for elderly/disabled households)
must be applied toward repairs.
• Residential Mortgage Credit Reports are ordered by Agency for
loans of $7,500 and over (RMCR fee paid by Rural Development

General Eligibility Criteria – Section 504 Loans
• Household income must not exceed “very low” income
limits; < 50% HUD median income
• Applicant must own home (to include site when
considering manufactured housing) and occupy house on a
permanent basis
• Demonstrate repayment ability based upon a family budget
• Stable and dependable source of income
• Acceptable credit – reasonable ability and willingness to
meet debt obligations
• Meet asset limitations (15K non-elderly and $20K elderly*)

Program Guidelines & Terms –Section 504 Grant
• Maximum cumulative lifetime grant assistance is $7,500
• Grantee must sign Grant Agreement requiring occupancy
of home for 3 years
• No lien on property
• Repairs to remove health and safety hazards or to make the
home accessible and useable for household members with
disabilities.

General Eligibility Criteria – Section 504 Grants
• At least one applicant must be 62 years of age or older.
• Household income must not exceed “very low” income limits;
< 50% HUD median income
• Applicant must own home (to include site when considering
manufactured housing) and occupy house on a permanent basis
• Repairs must be necessary to remove health and safety hazards or
to make the home accessible and useable for household members
with disabilities.
• Must demonstrate a lack of repayment ability based upon a
household budget.
• Meet asset limitations (15K non-elderly and $20K elderly*)
• No outstanding federal judgments

SECTION 504 PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS
• Must be modest for the area; market value cannot be in
excess of USDA established area loan limit
• Property must be located in a designated rural area
• Must not have an in-ground swimming pool
• If the property has income producing land or structures, we
may use loan/grant funds as long as repairs are used for the
residential portion of the home.
• Mobile or manufactured homes must be on a permanent
foundation or be placed on a permanent foundation with
loan or grant funds.
For additional program Information, please visit the following USDA webpages:

USDA Rural Development Housing Program 

 

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What are Kentucky USDA Home Loans? Do I Qualify?


What are Kentucky USDA Home Loans? Do I Qualify? Deciding between rural and suburban is one of many choices you’ll make along your homeownership journey. And if the countryside is your preference, then you may want to consider applying for a USDA loan. You’…

Source: What are USDA Home Loans? Do I Qualify? – Cape Gazette

Northern Kentucky Mortgage Guidelines for the USDA Rural Housing Loan Home Program


If you are looking to buy a home in Northern Kentucky,  to either own a home on acreage in the country with 100% financing on your home loan with zero down,  then you need to look at the Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Loan Program.

 How Does the USDA Home Loan Work in Northern Kentucky?

Here are some of the Key Financial Elements of the USDA Home Loan in Northern Kentucky:

  • Low to Middle-Income Households are generally eligible – If the Household Income is too high, you may be ineligible.
  • 30 Year Fixed Term Loans at Today’s Low Interest Rates compared to FHA, USDA and other government mortgage loans
  • Qualifying rations are 29% for Housing and 41% for total debt. or possibly higher with a credit score over 640.
  • Rural Development Loan Guarantee Fee applies, currently 1% USDA funding fee and .35% monthly mi premium
  • Zero Cash required for the Down Payment.  If access to 20% down payment, then you cannot use this program.
  • Flexible Credit Guidelines, where non-traditional histories may be accepted. USDA will do a no score loan, but it is very difficult to qualify for so your best bet is to get your credit scores to 620 to 640 range and go from there. You will need two trade lines on the credit report for last 12 months, so no limited credit history is allowed on this program.
  • Eligible properties include: Existing Homes, New Construction, New Manufactured Homes, Modular Homes, and eligible Condos!—No used mobile homes.
  • Eligible Repairs may be included in the loan as well! If home appraises for more than sales price, sometimes you can finance these repairs into the loan.
  • They’re are two income tests. Compliance income and repayment income. See pic below for answers about Northern Kentucky Counties with max income limits for household
  • Home must be in an eligible area. See map below of Northern Kentucky Eligibility for USDA Rural Housing Loans

What Parts of Northern Kentucky Are Eligible for the USDA Home Loan?

With Northern Kentucky being part of the  metro area  of Cincinnati, the USDA has provided a map of the Ineligible Northern part of the Counties of Boone, Kenton, Campbell counties  which means, the remaining southern part of the counties of Boone, Kenton, Campbell being  eligible.  Here is the Northern Kentucky rural housing  map courtesy of the USDA:

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What Parts of Northern Kentucky Are Eligible for the USDA Home Loan?

What are the income limits for a Rural Housing Loan in Northern Kentucky?

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.

Northern Kentucky Counties
Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Bracken and Pendleton, Gallatin ***		 Cincinnati (OH, KY, IN FMR) Household income of 4 or less:

***$99,250
 Household income of 5 or more:

***$130,000
All Other Areas $90,300 $119,200

Here are a few more items to check off before looking into this loan or at a particular property:

  • Must be Owner Occupied as the Primary Residence;
  • Home must not be used to produce Income, nor can there be Income Producing Buildings or other Accessories that produce Income on the property; i.e. no working farms or cows, livestock, crops etc. Can be a small hobby farm.
  • No foreclosed homes that  that need a lot of work.
  • Home must be structurally sound and in reasonably good repair and pass FHA standards on an appraisal.
  •  Home  cannot be used for a Rental Property or, be a major fixer




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#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.

Kentucky Rural Development Loans 100% Financing.


USDA Loans in Kentucky. Updated Qualifying Guidelines 

What is Kentucky  USDA Rural Development Guarantee?

Kentucky USDA Rural Development Guarantee USDA loans offer 100% financing options on home purchases in rural areas of Kentucky.  Properties though can be located within city limits and in subdivisions depending on the population density of that particular County of Kentucky. Jefferson and Fayette Counties, the two largest counties of Kentucky are not eligible for Rural Development Loans.

Full Credit Guidelines below ….click on link for USDA Mortgage Credit Guidelines

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https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD-SFH-CreditNotes.pdf

Some highlights of the KY Rural Housing loan program are:

  • 100% financing on purchases with no down payment
  • Low 30 year fixed rates. No prepayment penalty.
  •  Rural Housing monthly guarantee fee of .35%
  • Upfront Rural Housing funding fee of 1% of the loan amount and is financed into new loan
  • No  Minimum credit scores but helpful to have 620 or higher with most USDA lenders with a 640 and get an automated underwriting approval thru Rural Housing’s underwriting engine – GUS-GUS Stands for the automated Underwriting system they use online to pre-approve you for a loan.
  • Each lender will set their own credit and debt to income criteria
  • No rental verification needed with GUS approval
  • No foreclosures in the last 36 months, 
  • A bankruptcy discharged at least 36 months

For a USDA eligible areas in Kentucky, see the property and income eligibility search, please click HERE.

Things to look for in your  Rural Housing property search in Kentucky below:

  • Avoid homes in flood zones – RD is very restrictive for homes in flood zones. They will do them in flood zones just watch out for the costly premiums.
  • Avoid homes with cisterns – they are extremely difficult to get financed
  • Be aware that homes with wells and septic systems needed extra tests for contamination
  • 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.
  • Manufactured homes or doublewides must be brand new. No used mobile homes are allowed.
  • Must meet FHA standards on appraisals so watch out for this on older homes with crawl spaces. 
  • Must have a permanent heat source and no wood stoves as permanent heat sources
  • Homes that are in need of major repairs.

Put my experience of originating KY USDA loans to work for you. I have successfully originated over 200 Rural Housing Mortgage Loans in Kentucky. I offer free pre-approvals and will help you from start to finish and I usually attend all my closings in Kentucky. 

Get Qualified for a Kentucky USDA Loan Now!

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916
 
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

Text/call:      502-905-370

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

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). Mortgage loans only offered in Kentucky.

All loans and lines are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation and are originated by lender. Products and interest rates are subject to change without notice. Manufactured and mobile homes are not eligible as collateral.



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What is a Kentucky USDA Rural home loan?


What is a Kentucky USDA Rural home loan?

A Kentucky USDA home loan is a zero-dollar-down mortgage option provided by USDA’s Department of Rural Development.

This government-backed loan program comes in two types: direct loan, which is reserved for lower-income households and issued by USDA, and the guaranteed loan, which is reserved for low- to moderate-income families. The guaranteed loan is funded by private lenders, and USDA guarantees a portion of the loan against default.

Is a Kentucky  USDA loan more beneficial than a Kentucky conventional loan?

 The KY USDA home loan program is generally more beneficial to rural families than a conventional lending program, particularly for first-time homebuyers with lower- to median-level incomes.

Some of the benefits of Kentucky Rural Housing USDA loans include:
• zero down payment 
• competitive interest rates
• lower-than-average monthly mortgage insurance 
• relaxed credit requirements versus conventional loans
• no loan limits

How do I determine eligibility for a Kentucky Rural Housing USDA loan? To be eligible for a USDA home loan, borrowers must meet the program’s basic eligibility requirements. These requirements are relaxed compared to other mortgage options and are in place to ensure borrowers can make their monthly mortgage payments.

Here are a few of the basic Kentucky RHS USDA eligibility requirements:

• Income. Applicants must not have annual adjusted income greater than 115% of the median household income for the area. Check your county’s USDA income limit. This called compliance income.

• Credit. USDA’s guaranteed underwriting credit requirements. However, most lenders will want a 620 or preferably to get an Automated Approval 640 is the magic number in most cases. With regards to bankruptcy, 3 years is usually the date needed to lapse since your discharge. They actually require no minimum score but no lenders that I know of will do a no score loan.

• Employment. Applicants must have proof of two years of stable income and employment.

:  Income: They will take your gross monthly income and develop two ratios for you: The front end ratio, which is called your housing ratio, and then the back-end ratio or total debt ratio is the house payment plus the total monthly payments listed on the credit report. If you pay child support, this is included in the qualifying ratios but utility bills, car insurance, cell phone bills, water bills etc, is not included. Typically 28% is used for the housing ratio, and

Student Loans:  They are pretty tough on student loans and qualifying with your current student loan debts. They will make us use 1% of your outstanding balance on student loans, so sometimes this will cause the loan to get denied because your debt to income ratio is too high. If they are in an Income-Based repayment plan they will still make us use the .5% balance so keep this in mind. For example, let’s say you owe $50k in outstanding student loans, and your IBR plan calls for a $50 monthly payment. RHS will make us use $250, not the $50 IBR payment so you can see where this will cause issue on higher debt to income ratios on some loans.**********

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Effective immediately for all Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Loans.

If you are a Kentucky USDA Mortgage applicant who has student loan calculations will be changed to the following Fixed Payment Loans:

A permanent amortized, fixed payment may be used when it can be documented that the payment is fixed, the interest rate is fixed, and the repayment term is fixed.

Non-Fixed Payment Loans (i.e. deferred, income based, graduated, adjustable, etc.): The payment should be calculated as the greater of 0.5% of the loan balance or the actual payment reflected on the credit report. No additional documentation is required.

• Property location. Homes must be located within a rural area, as defined by USDA. Rural areas are any that have a population less than 35,000 depending on the area’s designation. Use this tool from USDA to determine if a specific address is eligible.

• Physical property. Homes must be the borrower’s primary residence, have direct access to a street, and have adequate utilities and water and wastewater disposal, among other things No working fams allowed or properties that income producing livestock or crops.

For those with lower incomes, a USDA direct loan provides greater opportunities for lending, as its credit and income requirements are more lax than the guaranteed loan option.

 
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

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. 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/
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