Kentucky FHA Mortgage Loan Lender Guidelines

Does FHA require collections to be paid off for a borrower to be eligible for FHA financing?

A Collection Account refers to a Borrower’s loan or debt that has been submitted to a collection agency by a creditor.
If the credit reports used in the analysis show cumulative outstanding collection account balances of $2,000 or greater, the lender must:
•     verify that the debt is paid in full at the time of or prior to settlement using an acceptable source of funds;
•     verify that the Borrower has made payment arrangements with the creditor and include the monthly payment in the Borrower’s Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI); or
•      if a payment arrangement is not available, calculate the monthly payment using 5 percent of the outstanding balance of each collection and include the monthly payment in the Borrower’s DTI.

Collection accounts of a non-borrowing spouse in a community property state must be included in the $2,000 cumulative balance and analyzed as part of the Borrower’s ability to pay all collection accounts, unless excluded by state law.   Unless the lender uses 5 percent of the outstanding balance, the lender must provide the following documentation:
•     evidence of payment in full, if paid prior to settlement;
•     the payoff statement, if paid at settlement; or
•     the payment arrangement with creditor, if not paid prior to or at settlement.

For manually underwritten loans, the lender must determine if collection accounts were a result of:
•     the Borrower’s disregard for financial obligations;
•     the Borrower’s inability to manage debt; or
•     extenuating circumstances.

The lender must document reasons for approving a mortgage when the Borrower has any collection accounts. The Borrower must provide a letter of explanation, which is supported by documentation, for each outstanding collection account. The explanation and supporting documentation must be consistent with other credit information in the file.

For additional information see Handbook 4000.1 II.A.4.b.iv.(M); II.A.5.a.iii.(D), II.A.5.a.iv.(O)  at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/administration/hudclips/handbooks/hsgh

Kentucky FHA Guideline Update

FHA has published the following guideline updates, which will be effective for all Kentucky FHA loans with case numbers assigned on or after September 9th
  • Specific verbiage for Well Water Testing has been added indicating that it must be performed by a disinterested party in a method acceptable to the local health authority. The borrower or any other interested party may not have contact with the sample. Additionally, cases mandating a Well Water Test have been added to include (but not limited to) the following
    • Newly constructed properties and/or wells
    • Properties with deficiencies in the well or well water as determined by an appraiser
    • Areas where water has been reported or is otherwise known to be unsafe
    • Properties located in close proximity to dumps, landfills, industrial sites, farms, or other sites that could contain hazardous waste
    • Properties where distance between well and septic systems is less than 100 feet
  • Clarification issued indicating how to calculate FHA income for Overtime, Bonus, or Tip Income must be calculated using the lesser of
    • Average Overtime, Bonus, or Tip income earned over the previous 2 years (or if earned less than 2 years, the total length of time it has been received); OR
    • Average Overtime, Bonus, or Tip income earned over the previous year
  • All requirements regarding unreimbursed business expenses and Commission Income or Automobile Allowances has been completely removed to align with current IRS tax laws
  • Rent Below Fair Market has been defined as an inducement to purchase when the borrower is allowed to live in the property rent free or at a rental amount more than 10 percent under the fair market rent as determined by the appraiser.
  • Clarification has been added that Reduction in Term for Kentucky FHA Mortgage Streamline Refinances refers specifically to the reduction of the remaining amortization period of the existing mortgage.
FHA Guidelines For Bankruptcy, income, down payment, mortgage insurance, credit scores, work history for FHA loan
FHA Guidelines For Bankruptcy, income, down payment, mortgage insurance, credit scores, work history for FHA loan

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.

Joel Lobb
Senior  Loan Officer

(NMLS#57916)


Text or call phone: (502) 905-3708

email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com

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 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

This web site is not the FHA, VA, USDA, HUD or any other government organization responsible for managing, insuring, regulating or issuing residential mortgage loans.

**Download Fair Housing Booklet – CLICK HERE

All approvals and rates are not guaranteed, and are only issued based on standard mortgage qualifying guidelines



Remember, we are even available this weekend for pre-qualifications or questions.  Call our cell phone or email us.  If you miss us, leave a message and we WILL call you back 

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Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Questions and Answers

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Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans's avatarLouisville Kentucky Mortgage Loans

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Questions Answered:

What will my mortgage rate be?

We’ll begin with what always seems to be everyone’s number one concern, saving money. Similar to any other monthly payments you’re attempting to negotiate, it depends on a lot of factors. But we can at least clear up a few items to give you an idea of how things will go. Ultimately, the more risk you present to the mortgage lender, the higher your mortgage rate. So, if you have poor credit and come in with a low, down payment, expect a higher interest rate relative to someone with a flawless credit history and a large down payment. The higher interest rate is intended to compensate the lender for the potential of greater risk of a missed payment as data proves those with questionable credit and low down payments are more likely to fall behind on their…

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Kentucky FHA Guidelines for 2024

FHA pros and cons

FHA loans are a good option, especially if you have low credit or a lot of debt. But they come with their own set of drawbacks too.

FHA pros

Some of the best reasons to apply for an FHA home loan include:

  • Lenient credit requirements: You can generally qualify for maximum FHA financing with a credit score of 500 to 580 versus a 620 to 640 score for a USDA loan. You might also be eligible with a credit score between 500 and 579 if you can make a 10% down payment.
  • Higher debt-to-income ratios: Your back-end DTI — that is, your total monthly debt obligations — can be as high as 56.9% for FHA loans, but only 45% for USDA loans.
  • Potentially lower interest rates: FHA interest rates can be lower than rates for USDA loans because you have the option to choose shorter repayment terms, including a 15-year fixed interest rate. The USDA only offers 30-year fixed loans, which naturally have higher rates.
  • Multi-family units can qualify: Properties with up to four units can qualify for financing with an FHA loan when one unit is your primary residence. For example, purchasing a duplex with an FHA loan is allowed as long as you live in one half of the property. Like USDA loans, however, second homes and investment properties are ineligible.

FHA cons

  • Higher down payment requirements: Depending on your credit score, you’ll need to make a 3.5% or 10% down payment. USDA loans require no down payment.
  • Higher mortgage insurance premiums: Your upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums are higher than the USDA guarantee fee and annual fee.
  • Difficult to cancel mortgage insurance: You’ll pay an annual mortgage insurance premium for the life of the loan unless your down payment is at least 10% — in which case, you’ll only pay mortgage insurance for the first 11 years.
  •  
Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural  Housing Kentucky Mortgages: What is the difference between Conventional, FHA  and VA Mortgage loans in Kentucky?

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When qualifying for a USDA Loan and the borrower already owns another house?

USDA Loan assumes a very conservative perspective on financing homeowners who already own a home, unless the borrower can prove that the current home is not “adequate or suitable” for the borrower’s needs.

Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans's avatarLouisville Kentucky Mortgage Loans

USDA Loan assumes a very conservative perspective on financing homeowners who already own a home, unless the borrower can prove that the current home is not “adequate or suitable” for the borrower’s needs.

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Debt-to-Income Ratio for Kentucky Mortgage Loans:

Check your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).
Mortgage lenders want to know how much debt you have compared to your income. It’s called your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and the better it is, the better mortgage terms you’ll get.

Find your DTI by plugging your financial numbers into Trulia’s affordability calculator. The percentage is found by dividing your debt by your income. For example, if your total debt is $3,000 a month (including your new mortgage payment), and your gross income is $6,000 a month, your DTI would be 50%.

Lenders typically prefer DTI to be no more than 36%—although some types of mortgages allow for a DTI of 50%. To lower yours, you can pay down debt or bring in more income.

One of the main pieces of an FHA loan approval is the borrower’s debt to income calculation. It is important that home buyers understand how this number is calculated and what they can do to improve their chances of getting approved.
Payments Included in Debt Ratios
Certain payments must be considered as part of a person’s overall debt when calculating the ratios. Items such as:
  • Payments for car loans
  • Payments on credit cards
  • Payments on unsecured loans
  • Child support payments
  • Alimony
Items Excluded from Debt Ratios
There are also some items not included in the debt to income ratio for FHA loans. Common examples would be:
  • Current rent payment
  • Money spent on entertainment
  • Expenses paid for child care
How to Overcome High Debt to Income Ratios
If a borrower has a compensating factor, it is possible for people with ratios higher than the proposed guidelines to get an approval for an FHA loan. Here are some examples of compensating factors:
  • Paying more than 10% of the purchase price as a down payment
  • Using income and expense records from the past two years to demonstrate that you have the ability and discipline to pay the housing expense
  • Having a large balance in a savings, investment or retirement account
For people that have a high debt to income ratio, it is possible to reduce the numbers. Paying off debt, such as credit cards or car loans can help. Sometimes it may be necessary to sell an expensive vehicle and get a cheaper payment in order to qualify for a loan.
 

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Mortgage Lending Requirements for FHA, VA, and Conventional Mortgage Loans.

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Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans's avatarLouisville Kentucky Mortgage Loans

FHA:

FHA home loans are mortgages insured by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a branch of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. FHA home loans reduce the barrier to entry for homebuyers and refinancers by featuring low down payments, flexible credit requirements, and more purchase power. If funds are limited, an FHA home loan can help you finance more than 80% of your home value.

What are FHA loan requirements?

In order to ensure that you meet the minimum FHA loan requirements, you need to consider the following factors:

  • Are you over the age of 18?
  • Do you have a valid Social Security number and lawful residency in the United States?
  • Do you have a steady employment history? If not, have you at least worked for the past two years?
  • Can you afford the minimum down payment of 3.5% 580  or 10% 500 (depending…

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Western Kentucky are now eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans's avatar

low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Credit Score Information For Kentucky Home buyers

What Will My Lender Use?

FICO is used by 90% of lenders, according to myFICO, and has been around

since 1989. (VantageScore only hit the scene in 2006.)

If you’re not sure which scoring model a lender will use, just ask!

FICO Scores used for mortgages

USDA loan:

Most lenders prefer at least a 620
The U.S. Department of Agriculture insures for low- to moderate-income homebuyers. The USDA does not set a minimum credit score requirement and does not require a down payment.

Conventional loan:

620 is the minimum but in reality most will need a 720 or higher for a pre-approval if you are putting down less than 20%

Conventional loans aren’t insured by a government agency either, but they are covered by mortgage loan companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The down payment amount varies.

VA loan:

Most lenders prefer at least a 580
A Veterans Affairs loan is backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and meant for military members and their spouses. These loans don’t require a minimum score or money down.

FHA loan:

500 (with 10% down payment) or 580 (with 3.5% down payment)
FHA loans, those guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, are for higher-risk borrowers who have poor credit and little money saved for a down payment. The credit requirements can fluctuate based on how much of a down payment you can afford.Most lenders have overlays now wanting a minimum 620 credit score even for FHA loans.


Are you interested in seeing how your current credit score might affect a new mortgage?

Let’s take a look together.

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916

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

Text/call: 502-905-3708

email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
https://kentuckyloan.blogspot.com/

Kentucky Mortgage Broker Offering FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and KHC Down Payment Assistance Home Loans's avatar

What Will My Lender Use? FICO is used by 90% of lenders, according to myFICO, and has been around since 1989. (VantageScore only hit the scene in 2006.) If you’re not sure which scoring model a lender will use, just ask! USDA loan: Most lenders prefer at least a 620 The U.S. Department of Agriculture … Continue reading Credit Score Information For Kentucky Home buyers

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