Kentucky USDA Underwriting Guideline Mortgage Changes for Income, Credit, Work History and Assets


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

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

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.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 approvalnor 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).

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.
 
 

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 USDA Mortgage Guidelines 


Kentucky Rural Housing Mortgage Lender
Homebuyer Benefits for Kentucky Rural Housing Lenders

• No down payment required.
• Buy existing, build new, or refinance current Rural Development loan.
• Finance eligible loan costs up to 100% of the appraised value plus the one-time
upfront guarantee fee.
• Eligible loan costs may include: purchase price, repairs, lenders fees, closing costs,
essential household equipment.
• 30-year fixed rate that is negotiated between the applicant and lender.
• No maximum purchase price limits.
• Gift and grant funds allowed.
• Normal purchase contract time.
Why is the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program a top financing option for homebuyers?
USDA loans offer many advantages such as…
• No down payment so they can keep reserves in the bank for future unexpected costs.
• USDA offers the option to buy existing, build new, or refinance a current Rural Development
loan.
• Borrowers can finance eligible loan costs up to 100% of the appraised value plus the one-time
upfront guarantee fee.
• Eligible loan costs may include: purchase price, repairs, lenders fees, closing costs, essential
household equipment.
• 30-year fixed rate that is negotiated between the applicant and lender.
• No maximum purchase price limits. Maximum loan amount is determined solely by the
applicant’s repayment ability.
• Gift and grant funds allowed.
• Normal purchase contract time. No need to extend the contract time. Rural Development
typically issues a Conditional Commitment to the lender within 2-3 business days of receiving a complete application

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
(NMLS#57916)
EVO Mortgage
911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Text or call: 502-905-3708
email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Company NMLS #1738461
Equal Housing Lender

text or call my phone: (502) 905-3708

email me at 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). USDA Mortgage loans only offered in Kentucky.

All loans and lines are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation

Apply for Free Home Loan Today Kentucky
Apply for Free Home Loan Today Kentucky

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
  • On a manually underwritten file the qualifying ratios are 29% for housing and 41% for total debt. Those caps can be waived to 32% and 44% when every applicant has a credit score of 680 or higher and the file has a strong compensating factor. If your file gets a GUS Accept, those ratio caps do not apply.
  • 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, modular homes, eligible condos, and manufactured homes that are either new or already existing. Since May 5, 2025, an existing used manufactured home is eligible in Kentucky as long as the unit was built within 20 years of your closing date, sits on a permanent foundation, has never been installed at another homesite, is at least 400 square feet, still carries both the HUD certification label and the HUD data plate, and has no alterations made after it left the factory other than an engineered porch or deck.
  • 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. The limits below are the ones effective July 13, 2026.

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

***$128,600
Household income of 5 or more:

***$169,800
All Other Areas $122,800 $162,100

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
Mortgage Loan Officer
EVO Mortgage
911 Barret Ave
Louisville, KY 40204
NMLS #57916 | Company NMLS #1738461
Equal Housing Lender


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.