FHA vs Conventional Loans: A Guide for Kentucky Buyers

FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Which Is Better for Kentucky Homebuyers?

Compare FHA and conventional loans for Kentucky homebuyers. Learn credit requirements, down payments, mortgage insurance, and which loan fits your situation.

When comparing FHA loans vs conventional loans in Kentucky, the decision comes down to four core factors: credit score, down payment, debt-to-income ratio, and mortgage insurance. Both loan programs are widely used across Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and rural areas, but they serve very different borrower profiles.

FHA Loans: Built for Flexibility

Kentucky FHA loans are designed for buyers who need more flexibility. FHA financing is often a strong option for borrowers with credit scores under 680, limited savings, or little to no cash reserves after closing. FHA also allows buyers to qualify sooner after major credit events, including foreclosures that are three to seven years old and short sales that occurred two to four years ago.

Another major advantage of FHA loans in Kentucky is gifting. The entire down payment and most closing costs can be covered with gift funds from approved sources. This makes FHA especially popular with first-time homebuyers and buyers using down payment assistance programs.

FHA Mortgage Insurance (MIP) Breakdown:

  • Upfront mortgage insurance premium: 1.75% of loan amount (rolled into the loan)
  • 30-year loans with less than 5% down: 0.85% annually
  • 30-year loans with 5%+ down: 0.80% annually
  • 15-year loans: 0.45% to 0.70% annually (depending on down payment)

Conventional Loans: For Stronger Credit

Kentucky conventional loans are best suited for borrowers with stronger credit and more money saved. Conventional financing generally favors buyers with credit scores above 680, at least five percent down, and reserves remaining after closing. Borrowers with foreclosures over seven years old or short sales that occurred five to seven years ago typically fit conventional guidelines more easily.

One of the biggest advantages of conventional loans is mortgage insurance flexibility. Unlike FHA, there is no upfront mortgage insurance premium. Monthly private mortgage insurance can be lower for borrowers with strong credit, and PMI automatically drops off once the loan reaches roughly 80 percent loan-to-value. FHA mortgage insurance, by contrast, usually lasts for the life of the loan when the down payment is less than ten percent.

Quick Comparison Table

Factor FHA Loans Conventional Loans
Credit Score Required 580+ 3.5% down payment (some lenders 500+ 10% down payment) 720+ typically
Down Payment 3.5% (with 580+ score) 3-5% minimum, typically 5%
Mortgage Insurance Required on all loans (lifetime with <10% down) Only if less than 20% down; drops at 80% LTV
Upfront Insurance Premium 1.75% None
Gift Funds 100% of down payment allowed Limited or restricted
Max Debt-to-Income Up to 56.99% (with compensating factors) Typically 45%
Property Types Owner-occupied only Owner-occupied and investment
Appraisal Standards Stricter More flexible

The Bottom Line

FHA loans are ideal for Kentucky buyers rebuilding credit, using gift funds, or purchasing with limited savings. Conventional loans reward borrowers with stronger credit, larger down payments, and long-term equity goals.

Most homeowners do not keep a mortgage for 30 years. Because many refinance or sell within five to seven years, FHA’s lifetime mortgage insurance is often less of a concern than it appears on paper. In many cases, the lower interest rate and easier approval standards outweigh the insurance cost.

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Broker – FHA, VA, USDA, KHC, Fannie Mae
EVO Mortgage • Helping Kentucky Homebuyers Since 2001
📞 Call/Text: 502-905-3708
📧 Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
🏠 Address: 911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
NMLS #57916 | Company NMLS #1738461
Free Info & Homebuyer Advice →
Kentucky Mortgage Loan Expert
FHA | VA | USDA | KHC Down Payment Assistance | Fannie Mae
Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program requirements.

How to Access KHC’s $12,500 Down Payment Assistance

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance

This type of loan is administered by KHC in the state of Kentucky. They typically have $12,500  down payment assistance year around, that is in the form of a second mortgage that you pay back over 15 years at a interest rate of   4.75% depending on your income in the household.

Joel has worked with KHC for 12 of his 20 years in the mortgage lending business. Joel said, “A lot of my clients would not have been able to purchase a home of their own or possibly delayed their purchase due to lack of down payment but with the $6,000 DAP loan program, this gets them into a house sooner and starts their path to homeownership while building equity instead of throwing their money away.”

When you’re ready to purchase a home in Joel’s area, contact him at:
Phone: 502-905-3708
Email: Kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com

Kentucky Housing Corp KHC New income limits and Purchase Price Limits for 2024 Kentucky Homebuyer’s

The income limitations listed below are imposed by federal law.

Failure to comply with them may create adverse consequences for Kentucky Housing Corporation and its bondholders.

Funding Source: MRB (Purchase Price Limit – $510,939)

County

1-2

Person

3+

Person

 

County

1-2

Person

3+

Person

 

County

1-2

Person

3+

Person

Adair**

80,800

92,920

Grant

87,480

102,060

McLean

92,325

106,174

Allen

86,160

100,520

Graves

84,720

98,840

Meade

91,005

104,656

Anderson

91,345

105,047

Grayson

80,800

92,920

Menifee

96,960

113,120

Ballard

88,440

103,180

Green**

80,800

92,920

Mercer

92,105

105,921

Barren**

80,800

92,920

Greenup**

85,560

99,820

Metcalfe

96,960

113,120

Bath

96,960

113,120

Hancock

92,325

106,174

Monroe**

80,800

92,920

Bell

96,960

113,120

Hardin

93,245

107,232

Montgomery

85,920

100,240

Boone**

104,800

120,520

Harlan

96,960

113,120

Morgan

96,960

113,120

Bourbon

95,200

109,480

Harrison

93,120

107,324

Muhlenberg

86,400

100,800

Boyd**

85,560

99,820

Hart**

80,800

92,920

Nelson

91,605

105,346

Boyle

88,800

103,600

Henderson**

92,245

106,082

Nicholas

83,760

97,720

Bracken

104,800

120,520

Henry

96,400

110,860

Ohio

80,800

92,920

Breathitt

96,960

113,120

Hickman

87,480

102,060

Oldham

96,400

110,860

Breckinridge

84,360

98,420

Hopkins**

82,800

96,600

Owen

86,400

100,800

Bullitt

96,400

110,860

Jackson

96,960

113,120

Owsley

96,960

113,120

Butler

80,800

93,940

Jefferson**

96,400

110,860

Pendleton

104,800

120,520

Caldwell

80,800

93,660

Jessamine

95,200

109,480

Perry

96,960

113,120

Calloway**

90,720

105,840

Johnson

96,960

113,120

Pike

96,960

113,120

Campbell**

104,800

120,520

Kenton**

104,800

120,520

Powell

96,960

113,120

Carlisle

84,360

98,420

Knott

96,960

113,120

Pulaski**

80,800

92,920

Carroll

80,800

92,920

Knox

96,960

113,120

Robertson

96,960

113,120

Carter

96,960

113,120

Larue

93,245

107,232

Rockcastle

96,960

113,120

Casey

96,960

113,120

Laurel**

80,800

92,920

Rowan

96,960

113,120

Christian**

92,785

106,703

Lawrence

96,960

113,120

Russell

81,840

95,480

Clark**

95,200

109,480

Lee

96,960

113,120

Scott**

95,200

109,480

Clay

96,960

113,120

Leslie

96,960

113,120

Shelby

100,500

115,575

Clinton

96,960

113,120

Letcher

96,960

113,120

Simpson

87,000

101,500

Crittenden

92,040

107,380

Lewis

96,960

113,120

Spencer

96,400

110,860

Cumberland**

80,800

92,920

Lincoln**

80,800

92,920

Taylor

84,720

98,840

Daviess**

92,325

106,174

Livingston

86,040

100,380

Todd

84,720

98,840

Edmonson

91,765

105,530

Logan

88,800

103,600

Trigg

92,785

106,703

Elliott

96,960

113,120

Lyon

92,485

106,358

Trimble

93,005

106,956

Estill

96,960

113,120

Madison**

92,045

105,852

Union

84,360

98,420

Fayette**

95,200

109,480

Magoffin

96,960

113,120

Warren**

91,765

105,530

Fleming**

80,800

92,920

Marion

85,680

99,960

Washington

92,245

106,082

Floyd

96,960

113,120

Marshall

92,405

106,266

Wayne

96,960

113,120

Franklin

91,985

105,783

Martin

96,960

113,120

Webster

81,240

94,780

Fulton**

80,800

92,920

Mason**

82,560

96,320

Whitley

96,960

113,120

Gallatin

104,800

120,520

McCracken**

92,285

106,128

Wolfe

96,960

113,120

Garrard**

87,120

101,640

McCreary

96,960

113,120

Woodford

95,200

109,480

Counties in Green are Targeted

d Census Tracts

 

The income limitations listed below are imposed by federal law.

Failure to comply with them may create adverse consequences for Kentucky Housing Corporation and its bondholders

Funding Source: MRB (Purchase Price Limit – $510,939)

County

Census Tracts

1-2 Persons

3+ Persons

Adair

9703.00

96,960

113,120

Barren

9504.01, 9506.01

96,960

113,120

Boone

0703.01

125,760

146,720

Boyd

0302.00, 0303.00, 0308.00

96,960

113,120

Calloway

0103.03, 0104.00

96,960

113,120

Campbell

0501.00, 0506.00

125,760

146,720

Christian

2002.00, 2003.00, 2008.00, 2015.02

96,960

113,120

Clark

0201.06, 0202.01

114,240

133,280

Cumberland

9502.00

96,960

113,120

Daviess

0003.00

99,120

115,640

Fayette

0004.00, 0018.00, 0019.00, 0020.01

114,240

133,280

Fleming

9201.00, 9204.00

96,960

113,120

Fulton

9601.00

96,960

113,120

Garrard

9703.00

96,960

113,120

Green

9302.00, 9303.00

96,960

113,120

Greenup

0406.00

96,960

113,120

Hart

9703.02, 9704.00

96,960

113,120

Henderson

0203.00

99,600

116,200

Hopkins

9704.00, 9706.00

96,960

113,120

 

Jefferson

0002.01, 0004.00, 0006.00, 0009.00, 0014.00, 0018.00,

0023.00, 0024.01, 0027.00, 0030.00, 0035.02, 0038.00,

0041.00, 0043.01, 0043.02, 0050.00, 0059.01, 0059.02,

0065.00, 0110.07, 0127.01

 

115,680

 

134,960

Kenton

0651.00, 0671.00

125,760

146,720

Laurel

9701.00, 9702.01, 9702.02, 9703.00, 9705.00,

9709.00,9710.01 9710.03

96,960

113,120

Lincoln

9201.03, 9203.01, 9204.00

96,960

113,120

Madison

0102.02, 0103.02, 0103.03, 0104.00, 0105.00, 0112.01,

0112.02, 0113.01,

100,800

117,600

Mason

9602.02

96,960

113,120

McCracken

0301.00, 0302.00

99,360

115,920

Monroe

9302.00, 9304.00

96,960

113,120

Pulaski

9301.01, 9302.02, 9303.01, 9303.02, 9304.01, 9306.00,

9308.01, 9308.02, 9311.01, 9311.04,

96,960

113,120

Scott

0401.01

114,240

133,280

Warren

0102.00, 0103.00, 0108.04

102,480

119,560

 

Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRB)

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS ID #1364

Text/call: 502-905-3708

email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com


http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/


NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574

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).

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Rates for First Time Home Buyers

 

Do I qualify as a Kentucky first-time home buyer?

You are typically considered eligible to apply for first-time home buyer loans and benefits if you haven’t owned your principal residence within the past three years.

Some first-time home buyer assistance programs are even more lenient, offering financial aid in specific areas targeted for redevelopment, even to repeat buyers.

 

Kentucky First-time home buyer benefits

Benefits can include low- or no-down-payment loans, grants or forgivable loans for closing costs and down payment assistance, as well as federal tax credits with the Kentucky Housing Agency or KHC

 

Is there an income limit to qualify as a first-time home buyer?

Income limits come into play when you are applying for local, state or federal government assistance. Some national mortgage programs, such as loans issued or backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, also have household income limits.

Some low-down-payment conventional loans do, too.

In these cases, your income may be benchmarked to local county limits for low- and moderate-income households.

Lenders, even those working with loan programs authorized by a state housing agency, will likely consider your debt-to-income ratio when determining if you qualify.

 

How to qualify for a first-time home buyer grant

Grants or forgivable loans that typically don’t require repayment are available to low- and moderate-income borrowers through state first-time home buyer programs. Approval standards vary by program and location but often include household income and home sale price limits.

How to qualify for down payment assistance

Just as for grants, down payment and closing cost assistance is often offered by local and state housing authorities. Again, qualifications vary. Look for income and home sale price caps here, too.

Don’t be surprised if a first-time home buyer class is required to qualify for a grant or down payment assistance. These classes are designed to help you navigate the homebuying process, and can be a good idea to take whether they’re mandatory or not.

 

What are the requirements to qualify for a first-time home buyer loan?

Qualifications required for approval of a loan vary by the type of mortgage — and even by the lender — but here are some general guidelines:

Kentucky Conventional loans:

For a 3% down payment, you’ll need at least a 620 FICO and a debt-to-income ratio below 50%. The higher your credit score or the lower your debt, the better your chances are for approval.

Kentucky FHA loans:

If you want a down payment as low as 3.5%, you’ll need a FICO score of 580 or higher. With 10% down, your required credit score may go as low as 500.

Kentucky VA loans:

Down payments aren’t generally required for a loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. And while VA-backed loans don’t have a minimum FICO score as a part of their official requirements, many lenders look for a score of 620 or better.

KentukcyUSDA loans:

Another no-down-payment option, USDA-backed loans are typically issued for rural or suburban properties. Income limits apply. A FICO score of 640 or better is generally required, though exceptions with documentation can allow a lower score.

Lenders can add additional conditions, called “overlays,” to loan approval. This is another good reason to shop for more than one lender.

 

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

Text/call:      502-905-3708

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

22 New Fannie Mae Homes in Kentucky

You have subscribed to receive alerts in Kentucky.

 

$25,000Just Listed

3801 Herd Elias Rd
Tyner, KY 40486

3 Beds |2 Baths | 1634 sq. ft.

View Property

 

$79,900Back on Market

36 Sweetbriar Ave
Florence, KY 41042

3 Beds |1 Baths | 1288 sq. ft.

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$40,000Back on Market

2204 Parkwood Rd
Louisville, KY 40214

2 Beds |1 Baths | 624 sq. ft.

View Property

 

$55,000Price Reduced

504 5th Ave
Frankfort, KY 40601

3 Beds |1 Baths | 1056 sq. ft.

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$108,900Price Reduced

1927 Brooklyn Chapel Rd
Morgantown, KY 42261

3 Beds |2 Baths | 2097 sq. ft.

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$288,900Price Reduced

7154 Thornwood Ln
Florence, KY 41042

4 Beds |3 Baths | 2776 sq. ft.

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$64,900Price Reduced

517 Washington Ave
Paintsville, KY 41240

3 Beds |2 Baths | 2242 sq. ft.

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$135,500Price Reduced

136 W Main St
Mount Sterling, KY 40353

5 Beds |2 Baths | 3641 sq. ft.

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$42,900Price Reduced

147 Williams Branch
Hazard, KY 41701

3 Beds |2 Baths

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$39,900Price Reduced

158 Baker Ave
Hazard, KY 41701

3 Beds |2 Baths | 2416 sq. ft.

View Property

 

$19,000Price Reduced

1229 Hermes Ave
Covington, KY 41011

1 Beds |1 Baths

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$79,000Price Reduced

2116 Quillman Rd
Louisville, KY 40214

4 Beds |1 Baths | 1440 sq. ft.

View Property

KHC Loan Programs

KHC Loan Programs.

Kentucky Home Buyers

More about down payment and closing costs

KHC recognizes that down payments, closing costs, and prep​aids are stumbling blocks for many potential home buyers. Here are several loan programs to help. Your KHC-approved lender can help you apply for the program that meets your need.

Regular DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644 with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance in the form of a loan up to $6,000 in $100 increments.
  • Repayable over a ten-year term at 5.50 percent.
  • Available to all KHC first-mortgage loan recipients.

Affordable DAP

  • Purchase price up to $346,644​ with Secondary Market.
  • Assistance up to $6,000.
  • Repayable over a ten-year term at 1.00 percent.
  • Borrowers must meet Affordable D​AP income limits.

​MORE ABOUT DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COSTS

  • No liquid asset review and no limit on borrower reserves.
  • Specific credit underwriting standards may apply to down payment programs
  • .​

SECONDARY MARKET FUNDING SOURCE

  • First-time and repeat homebuyers statewide
  • 30-year fixed interest rate
  • Principal residence ONLY
  • Purchase Price Limit:  $346,644
  • Borrower must meet KHC’s Secondary Market Income Limits

KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION
2021 SECONDARY MARKET
GROSS ANNUAL APPLICANT’S INCOME LIMITATIONS
Effective May 1, 2021

Secondary Market Purchase Price Limit — $346,644

KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION 2021 SECONDARY MARKET GROSS ANNUAL APPLICANT’S INCOME LIMITATIONS
KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION 2021 SECONDARY MARKET GROSS ANNUAL APPLICANT’S INCOME LIMITATIONS
  • No liquid asset review and no limit on borrower reserves.
  • Specific credit underwriting standards may apply to down payment programs.
This type of loan is administered  by KHC in the state of Kentucky. They typically have $4500 to $6000 down payment assistance year around, that is in the form of a second mortgage that you pay back over 10 years.
Sometimes they will come to market with other down payment assistance and lower market rates to benefit lower income households with not a lot of money for down payment.
KHC offers FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans with their minimum credit scores being set at 620 for all programs. The conventional loan requirements at KHC requires 660 credit score.
The max debt to income ratios are set at 40% an 50% respectively.


Text/call 502-905-3708
kentuckyloan@gmail.com

Customer Testimonials

We just moved here the first of January in 2017 from Ohio to the Louisville, KY area and we found Joel’s website online. He was quick to respond to us and got back the same day on our loan approval. He was very knowledgeable about the local market and kept us up-to date throughout the loan process and was a pleasure to meet at closing. Would recommend his services.

Angela Forsythe

“We were searching online for mortgage companies in Louisville, Ky locally to deal with and found Joel’s website, and it was a godsend. He was great to work with, and delivered on everything he said he would do. I ended up referring my co-worker at UPS, and she was very pleased with his service and rates too. Would definitely vouch for him.” September 2016

Monica Leinhardt

“We contacted Joel back in July 2011 to refinance our Mortgage and he was great to work with. We contacted several lenders locally and online, and most where taking almost 60 days to close a refinance, Joel got it done in 23 days start to finish,I would definitely recommend him. He got us 3.75% with just $900 in closing costs on our FHA Streamline loan.

Kayle Griffin

“Joel is one of the best Mortgage Brokers I have ever worked with in my sixteen years in the real estate and mortgage business.” May 25, 2010

Tim Beck

“Joel has always worked very hard to keep his word and to work out seasonable solutions to difficult problems. He is truly an expert in FHA and other type loans.” September 1, 2010

Nancy Nalley
“I have worked with Joel since 1998. He is a great loan professional.” I refer most of my Louisville, Kentucky area home buyers to him and he always take special care of them. August 23, 2012
Jon ClarK

“Joel Lobb is a real professional in the lending industry, with many years of experience, he is the one to go to for any mortgage lending needs.” August 22, 2011

RICHARD VOLZ , Residential Sales , Remax Foursquare Realty
“When looking to purchase our new home in 2006, I had the pleasure of meeting Joel Lobb. Not only was he personable and easy to reach, he was extremely knowledgable in his field and made sure to find us the best rate and a top notch mortgage company. We were able to complete the process in less than 3 weeks with his expertise. I find Joel to have the utmost high integrity and I recommend him to anyone who say’s they are need of mortgage assistance. He is also fantastic and keeping everyone up to date on the latest in the housing industry through his twitter posts. He provided great results for our family and we still communicate to this day!” August 21, 2010
Stacie Drake

“We first use Joel on our new home purchase in 2007 in St Matthews, Kentucky area and he was great to work with. We have since refinanced our home with him in 2010 when rates got really low and he has always delivered on what he says. I could not imagine using anyone else.”

Melody Glasscock March 2014

Absolutely Amazing!! I emailed Joel after I had just got a denial from a bank and just thought i would try to get some advice on what my next steps would be to get a house. I honestly didn’t expect to even get a reply because my credit is not great. That was about a week and a half ago. I just signed a contract on a house last night. ONLY because of Joel Lobb. He even worked with us throughout the weekend, which shocked me. Best decision I have ever made. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WORKING WITH US THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS.
Cee Bellisle August 2017

Contacted him about buying a home and he was great to work with. I was moving to Louisville Ky to take a new job and he walked me through the entire process. He explained to me all the different options for FHA, VA, USDA mortgage loans and credit score requirements versus Fannie Mae. Since I was a first time home buyer I needed alot of help and guidance. I would definitely recommend him. Fast to respond and available to answer questions that I or my realtor had after hours.

Anderson Johnson June 2018

We moved from Michigan to Northern Kentucky area and we were really impressed. We got a USDA loan no money down and closed in less than 3.5 weeks. We shopped around online with other lenders but Joel was always first to respond and his rates were just a little better than other lenders. He kept us informed through the process along with our realtor and there was absolutely no surprises like we heard from other co-workers and friends that they experienced in their loan process. We have already referred another co-worker to Joel . He’s AWESOME!

Patty Kingston
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/
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.