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
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.)
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’…
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.
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
Minimum credit scores are 581 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 24 months, but need explanation if < 36 months
A bankruptcy discharged at least 24 months
Must have two tradelines on the credit report for at least 12 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.
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.
Getting Approved for a Kentucky USDA Loan after bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale.
The Kentucky USDA Rural Loan program requires a minimum of three years from the date of a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale to the borrower being eligible for a USDA Loan.
If the bankruptcy included a property, whether a primary residence or investment property, the earliest a new loan can be obtained is based on USDA Loan short sale and foreclosure guidelines.
When the borrower experienced either a short sale, foreclosure, or surrenders the property through the bankruptcy process, there will be a three year waiting period between the date of property transfer from the borrower to a new entity, and the date the new loan application can be processed.
The most conservative stance by a Kentucky USDA Loan Underwriter for defining the date of the negative occurrence is the legal recorded transfer date, which is the date the property has been transferred out of the borrowers name and either back to the bank that holds the mortgage note or a subsequent home buyer. From this date the borrower will not be eligible for a USDA Loan for a period of time no less than three years.
However, one of my investors will allow a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge date to be considered the date of foreclosure, provided the borrower didn’t re-affirm the mortgage liability. This differs from when the property transfer date is recorded at the County Clerks Office. This is especially helpful in circumstances where the home owner legally removed their ownership rights to a property, through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but the mortgage lien holder was slow to transfer the mortgage back into the name of the bank or sell the property.
If the foreclosed property was secured by a government backed mortgage loan such as a FHA or VA Loan, the property transfer date is no longer considered relevant. The date that now becomes important is the date when the mortgage lender that held the mortgage note received compensation for their mortgage insurance claim through either The Department of Housing and Urban Development for a FHA Loan or The Veterans Administration for a VA Loan.
If you have yet to apply for your Kentucky USDA Loan pre-qualification request, you can do so online by clicking here. If you have any Kentukcy USDA Loan or other loan specific questions please, email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com or text/call 502-905-3708
Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Guidelines for Kentucky Rural Housing Loans
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 for Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky
.
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.
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). USDA 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.
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 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.
I now offer the USDA Streamline Product: ‘Streamline Assist’ for all USDA Kentucky Homeowners for refinances Take advantage of our Kentucky Rural Development USDA Streamline Refinance today!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Min 640 FICO
No appraisal
30 year fixed only
Rate term only
No GUS run
No household income calculation
Mortgage only credit report
2nd mortgage liens must be subordinated, but no max CLTV
Borrowers may be added but not removed from current loan
Max loan amount may include P&I balance of existing loan, eligible loan
closing costs, funds necessary to establish tax and insurance escrow account
and upfront guarantee fee
NTB must be met – $50 reduction in PITI plus annual fee payment
Seasoning required – 12 months timely payments prior to new application
date
Streamlined application:
* No income
* Disclose assets only if needed to close
* No liabilities listed other than mortgage to be refinanced
* REO – list subject property only
.
RHS USDA Recent News
Good news! Kentucky Mortgage holders of USDA Mortgage loans can get new drastically lower fees starts with commitments starting tomorrow October 1. If you have an USDA eligible Loan up to $417,000 with no money down in most Kentucky Counties.
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
You can refinance your existing USDA Rural Housing Loan. See details below:
Can you refinance a Rural Housing Loan? The short answer is yes. See below for qualifying criteria
KENTUCKY USDA LOAN GUARANTEED RURAL HOUSING REFINANCE FEATURES
Loan must be secured by the same property as the original loan. The original loan must be Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) or USDA Section 502 Direct only. The Program may not be used to refinance FHA, VA, or other government or conventional mortgages.
Term of the new loan will be 30 years.
Interest rate of the new loan cannot exceed the interest rate of the loan being refinanced. However, the interest rate of the new loan does not have to meet the interest rate requirements established in RD Instruction 1980-D, §1980.320 Interest rate.
Property must be owned and occupied by the borrowers as their principal residence.
The guarantee fee is 1.00% of the total principal obligation of the new loan.
The 1.00% guarantee fee may be always financed into any GRH refinancing transaction. As usual, borrowers may finance other closing costs and fees up to 100% of the current appraised value. However, it is possible for the loan-to-value (LTV) of the new loan to reach 101% if the 1% guarantee fee is financed. Loans may exceed 100% LTV only to the extent that the excess represents a financed guarantee fee of no more than 1.00%.
Total household income cannot exceed the moderate level for the area as established in RD Instruction 1980-D, Exhibit C.
GRH refinance loans are permitted for properties in areas that have been determined to be non-rural since the existing loan was made.
Applicants are not eligible to receive “cash out” from the refinancing transaction. However, applicants may receive reimbursement from loan proceeds at settlement for their personal funds advanced for eligible loan purposes that are part of the refinance transaction, such as an appraisal fee or credit report fee. At loan closing, a nominal amount of “cash out” to the applicants (beyond reimbursement of these “prepaid” items) may occasionally result due to final escrow and interest calculations. This amount, if any, must be applied to a principal reduction of the new loan.
Subordinate financing such as home equity seconds and down payment assistance “silent” seconds cannot be included in the new loan amount. Any existing secondary financing must be subordinate to the new first lien.
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 escrow account.
Unpaid fees, such as late fees due the current servicer, are not eligible to be included in the new loan amount.
eligible areas on USDA Rural Development’s web-site at:
For commitments issues on or after October 1, 2016:
USDA charges the lender, who can pass the charge to the borrower, a one-time up-front cost, which is known as a Guarantee Fee. The Guarantee Fee can be financed in addition to the maximum base loan amount. The Guarantee Fee is calculated as follows as of October 1, 2016:
PURCHASE TRANSACTION CALCULATION:
1.00% of the TOTAL loan amount for commitments issued on or after 10/1/16.
Calculation: Base loan amount divided by .99 = Total loan amount (round down to nearest dollar). Total loan is then multiplied by 1.00% to get the amount of the guarantee fee.
1.00% of the TOTAL loan amount for commitments issued on or after 10/1/16.
Calculation: Base loan amount divided by .99 = Total loan amount (round down to nearest dollar). Total loan is then multiplied by 1.00% to get the amount of the guarantee fee.
ANNUAL FEE:
All loan transactions will include an annual fee of .35%
REPAYMENT RATIOS REFINANCE
FOR BOTH GUARANTEED LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN AND DIRECT LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN:
USDA – GUS Approved
USDA – Manual Underwrite – Must meet USDA guideline maximum debt ratios of 29 & 41%–No Exceptions Allowed.
TERM OF NEW LOAN
FOR BOTH GUARANTEED LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN AND DIRECT LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN:
TERM OF THE NEW LOAN WILL BE A 30 YEAR FULLY AMORTIZED FIXED RATE MORTGAGE ONLY.
INTEREST RATE
Interest rate of the new loan must be a fixed rate.
The interest rate must be lower than the existing loan to be refinanced.
Funded buy down accounts are not permitted.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Total adjusted income for the household cannot exceed the moderate level for the area as established in HB-1-3555.
LOAN SECURITY
Loan security must include the same property as the original loan.
The security property must be owned and occupied by the applicants as their principal residence.
RURAL / NONRURAL AREAS
SFHGLP refinance loans are permissible for properties in areas that have been determined to be non-rural since the existing loan was made.
PROPERTY VALUATION
The value of the new mortgage loan request must be supported by a new appraisal. The loan amount cannot exceed the present market value plus the one-time 2 percent guarantee fee. The new loan amount can include closing costs or lender fees if supported by market value.
INSPECTIONS
The lender must confirm the property meets or continues to meet the current requirements of HUD Handbook 4150.2 and 4905.1.
No further inspections or repairs required by Rural Development.
Lender may require inspections or repairs. Expenses related to inspections or repairs may not be financed.
NET TANGIBLE BENEFIT
Every refinance
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