Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Loans Direct Programs Interest Rates

What is the interest rate and payback period?

  • 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.

This is a zero down payment loan.

Program Fact Sheet

Program Forms & Resources

Click here for the current rate for the USDA 502 Direct Loan Program

502 Direct USDA Loan in Kentucky:

NMLS 57916

There are two types of Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Home loans available to rural Kentucky Home buyers through Rural Development:

Direct homeownership loans and guaranteed home ownership loans.

Let’s first look at the 502 Direct USDA Loan in Kentucky

502 Direct USDA Loan in Kentucky:

With a Kentucky  Direct Loan 502, the applicant applies directly to the USDA office serving their location in Kentucky. There are about 13  different locations . They  lend the money direct from USDA , 100 percent financing, for the low rate currently at 3 percent on a 33 year term.

For a direct home loan, the purchase, construction, repair and rehabilitation of a single family home in rural areas must be used for the applicant’s permanent residence. “For manufactured housing, only new construction can be funded,” he explained.

Credit scores of 640 or greater are typically acceptable with a minimum number of trade lines (2 usually for 12 months can be opened or closed) that have been open and active.

No down payment typically is required- Loans may be up to 100 percent of the appraised value. Homebuyer education is required prior to closing for the Direct USDA Loan 502 program

Mortgage payments are based on what the applicant can afford to pay. USDA offers payment assistance/subsidies to make it affordable. When you go to payoff the USDA Direct loan, you may incur a subsidy recapture fee. KY RD Offices_August2014.jpg

There are two types of Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Home loans available to rural Kentucky Home buyers through Rural Development:

Direct homeownership loans and guaranteed home ownership loans.

Let’s first look at the 502 Direct USDA Loan in Kentucky

502 Direct USDA Loan in Kentucky:

Rural Home Loans (Direct Program)
What does this
program do?
Also known as the Section
502 Direct Loan Program, this
program assists low- and
very-low-income applicants
obtain decent, safe, and sanitary
housing in eligible rural areas by
providing payment assistance
to increase an applicant’s
repayment ability. Payment
assistance is a type of subsidy
that reduces the mortgage
payment for a short time.
The amount of assistance is
determined by the adjusted
family income.
Who may apply for this program?
A number of factors are considered
when determining an applicant’s
eligibility for Single Family Direct Home
Loans. 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.
Applicants must:
• Be without decent, safe, and
sanitary housing
• Be unable to obtain a loan from
other resources on terms and
conditions that can reasonably be
expected to meet
• Agree to occupy the property as
your primary residence
• Have the legal capacity to incur a
loan obligation
• Meet citizenship or eligible
noncitizen requirements
• Not be suspended or debarred from
participation in federal programs
Properties financed with direct loan
funds must:
• Be modest in size for the area
• Not have market value in excess of
the applicable area loan limit
• Not have in-ground swimming pools
• Not be designed for income
producing activities
Borrowers are required to repay all or a
portion of the payment subsidy received
over the life of the loan when the title to
the property transfers or the borrower is
no longer living in the dwelling.
Applicants must meet income eligibility
for a direct loan. Please contact your
local RD office to ask for additional
details about eligibility requirements.
What is an eligible area?
Generally, rural areas with a population
less than 35,000 are eligible. Visit the
USDA Income and Property eligibility
website for complete details.
How may funds be used?
Loan funds may be used to help
low-income individuals or households
purchase homes in rural areas. Funds
can be used to build, repair, renovate,
or relocate a home, or to purchase
and prepare sites, including providing
water and sewage facilities.
How much may I borrow?
The maximum loan amount an
applicant may qualify for will depend
on the applicant’s repayment ability.
The applicant’s ability to repay a loan
considers various factors such as
income, debts, assets, and the amount
of payment assistance applicants
may be eligible to receive. Regardless
of repayment ability, applicants may
never borrow more than the area loan
limit (plus certain costs allowed to be
financed) for the county in which the
property is located.
Rural Home Loans (Direct Program)
What is the interest rate and
payback period?
• Fixed interest rate based on current
market rates at loan approval or loan
closing, whichever is lower.
• The monthly mortgage payment,
when modified by payment
assistance, may be reduced to as
little as an effective 1% interest rate.
• Up to 33 year payback period – 38 year
payback period for very low income
applicants who can’t afford the 33 year
loan term.
How much down payment
is required?
No down payment is typically required.
Applicants with assets higher than the
asset limits may be required to use a
portion of those assets.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications for this program are
accepted through your local RD office
year round.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary depending on
funding availability and program demand
in the area in which an applicant is
interested in buying and completeness
of the application package.
What governs this program?
• The Housing Act of 1949 as
amended, 7 CFR, Part 3550
• HB-1-3550 – Direct Single Family

Rural Housing Funds for Kentucky USDA Loans Now Available

updates
RHS Funding Now Available for Kentucky Rural Housing Mortgage Loans for 2022
Funding has now been authorized for RHS loans.


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

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SECTION 502 GUARANTEED AND DIRECT LOAN PROGRAMS

 

There are several other Section 502 loan programs, but the only one that approaches the guaranteed program in number of loans made is the Homeownership Direct Loan Program

This program once accounted for almost all the Section 502 loans, but the number of guaranteed loans has greatly increased in the last few years. In Fiscal Year 2001, the guaranteed program obligated approximately $2.3
billion for 29,326 loans, while the direct program obligated approximately $1.07 billion for a total of 14,789 loans. The important differences between the Section 502 guaranteed and direct loan programs are as follows:

ƒ The lender for Section 502 guaranteed loans is a private savings and loan institution, bank, or mortgage company which also handles all the loan servicing. The lender for the direct program is the Rural Housing Service; Rural Development handles the servicing.

ƒ Income levels for Section 502 guaranteed borrowers are capped at 115 percent of the area median income. Income levels for the direct program must be no more than 80 percent of the AMI. ƒ Payment assistance subsidy is not available 
through the guaranteed program. Payment assistance, which can reduce the interest paid on the mortgage to as low as 1 percent, is available for borrowers in the direct program and is based on the borrower’s income as a percent of AMI.
ƒ Borrower protections differ between the programs. Applicants for guaranteed loans do not have the rights of moratorium or of appeal that accompany the direct program. Also, in the case of default, Section 502 guaranteed loans are liquidated by
the commercial lender, while direct loans are liquidated by the government

 

 

click here for your free quote to start your home journey

Kentucky USDA Rural Development Mortgage

Kentucky USDA Rural Development Mortgage Overview

 

Features Benefits
Down Payment is not required Borrowers without savings, or who wish to retain their savings qualify
100% financing More Americans become homeowners
No reserves are required Buyers do not need to provide bank statements
Expanded qualifying ratios Buyers with satisfactory credit may qualify with higher Debt-to-Income ratios to accommodate high cost housing areas, etc
Seller is allowed to pay Buyer’s Closing Cost (ask Kentucky USDA Specialist for details) Reduces out of pocket costs for Buyers
Low minimum credit score (no minimum credit score required but lenders will have overlays up to 620 to 640 minimums) Buyers with non-traditional or no credit histories may qualify
Streamlined processing with 640 credit score No explanations on credit with 640+ score
Generous income limits based on 115% US median (not HUD) Deductions are available for dependents, daycare, elderly households, etc. to assist more individuals and families in qualifying
No maximum purchase price limit Buyers choose the home that meets their needs and repayment ability
NOT just for first time buyers All home buyers are eligible for benefits
Modular Homes may be eligible Purchases only (Manufactured Homes are NOT Eligible)
Education/training substitute for job tenure Income history for ratios is waived.
USDA is the lowest payment loan option for buyers wanting a FIXED Rate Low upfront and monthly MI, very low 30 YEAR FIXED rates and very easy to qualify

Kentucky Guaranteed Rural Housing Loans

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have an adequate and dependable income;
  • Be a U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or be legally admitted to the United States for permanent residence;
  • Have an adjusted annual household income that does not exceed the moderate income limit established for the area. A family’s income includes the total gross income of the applicant, co-applicant and any other adults in the household. Applicants may be eligible to make certain adjustments to gross income – such as annual child care expenses and $480 for each minor child – in order to qualify.USDA Rural Development field offices can provide information on the moderate income limits for the areas that fall within their jurisdiction, and can provide further guidance on calculating household income.
  • Have a credit history that indicates a reasonable willingness to meet obligations as they become due;
  • Have repayment ability based on the following ratios: Principle, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (PITI) divided by gross monthly income must be equal to or less than 29 percent. Total debt divided by gross monthly income must be equal to, or less than, 41 percent.

A Kentucky USDA Guaranteed Loan is a Government Insured 100% Purchase Loan. These loans are only offered in rural areas.

 

Why choose a Kentucky USDA Mortgage?

  • USDA Loans require no down payment.
  • There are no prepayment penalties for USDA Rural Home Loans.
  • A USDA Rural Development Loan has low monthly mortgage insurance.
  • A USDA Rural Development Mortgage is available all rural areas of the country, provided a market exists for the property and the home meets HUD’s minimum property standards.
  • A USDA Rural Housing Loan can be used to purchase a new or existing one family home in rural areas.
  • USDA RD Loans are offered at terms of 30 years with a fixed interest rate.

  Kentucky USDA Loan FAQ’s

 

What is Considered a  Kentucky Rural Area by the USDA?


Rural areas include open country and places with population of 10,000 or less and—under certain conditions—towns and cities. There is an automated rural area eligibility calculator for USDA home loans at: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov.

What is the Maximum Loan Amount for a Kentucky USDA Loan?


There is no maximum loan amount for a USDA rural mortgage. However, it is limited by the appraised value and repayment ability (determined by your household income).

What is the Maximum LTV for a Kentucky USDA Loan?
The maximum USDA rural loan LTV can be up to 100% LTV plus the Agency guarantee fee.

Can Closing Costs be Financed into the Loan?
Yes, any difference between the contract price and the appraisal value can be used to finance normal closing costs for a Kentucky  USDA mortgage.

What is a Kentucky USDA Loan Guarantee?
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Program serves as a safety net for mortgage lenders. The USDA provides the full faith and assurance of the U.S. government that any financial loss resulting from servicing the loan will be reimbursed in full up to an amount not exceeding 90% of the original loan amount.

All loss up to an amount not exceeding 35% of the original loan is fully reimbursed. Any loss amount exceeding the 35% is 85% reimbursed. This leaves the lender only 15% exposed on the loss amount above the 35% of original loan.

In the majority of cases, the total loss does not exceed 35% of the original loan and the lenders are fully reimbursed. This guarantee provides lenders an expanded level of protection against losses. The quality of this guarantee allows lenders to easily sell the loans on the secondary market.

 

Kentucky USDA and Rural Housing Loan Information