Getting a Mortgage in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Kentucky Guide

Home Bankruptcy Mortgage Help Can You Get a Kentucky Mortgage While in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Can You Get a Kentucky Mortgage While in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Yes — you can get a Kentucky mortgage while in an active Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but this is a narrow approval lane. Most borrowers do not qualify unless they have at least 12 months of on-time payments, court approval, and a debt-to-income ratio that still works with the bankruptcy payment included.

Need a real answer instead of a guess?
Call or text 502-905-3708 for a free Kentucky mortgage review.

What Are the Requirements for a Kentucky Mortgage During Chapter 13?

1) 12 Months of On-Time Chapter 13 Payments

You generally must show at least 12 consecutive months of on-time Chapter 13 payments before applying for a mortgage. If you are only at month 10 or 11, most lenders will not move forward.

2) Court Approval Is Required

You usually need written permission from the bankruptcy court before taking on a new mortgage. Your bankruptcy attorney typically files a motion to incur debt or motion to borrow, and the court reviews whether the proposed payment fits your budget.

3) You Still Must Qualify Financially

Chapter 13 does not override standard underwriting. You still need acceptable income, employment stability, credit, assets, and debt-to-income ratios. The Chapter 13 plan payment must be counted in your total debt ratio.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Guidelines

Most manually underwritten Chapter 13 mortgage files aim for these general benchmarks:

  • Housing ratio around 31% of gross monthly income
  • Total debt ratio around 43% of gross monthly income

Some files can stretch higher with strong compensating factors, but if the new house payment plus your bankruptcy payment and other debts push the numbers too far, the loan usually will not work.

Credit Score Requirements

Mortgage lenders do not use the scores shown on most consumer apps. They use mortgage-specific FICO scores from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, then qualify you off the middle score.

  • 620 and above: strongest approval range
  • 580 to 619: possible, but tougher
  • Below 580: usually not realistic right now

If your mortgage scores are under 620, it may make more sense to improve the file first rather than force a weak approval attempt.

Best Loan Programs for Kentucky Borrowers in Chapter 13

FHA Loans

FHA loans are the most common option for borrowers in an active Chapter 13 bankruptcy because they allow more flexible credit guidelines and manual underwriting in many cases.

  • 3.5% down payment minimum
  • Flexible credit compared to conventional loans
  • Often the best fit for credit rebuilding buyers

Read the full Kentucky FHA loan guide

USDA Loans

USDA loans can offer 100% financing, but they are more restrictive. The property must be in an eligible rural area and household income limits apply. In practice, these files usually work best when the borrower has stronger credit.

  • No down payment required
  • Property must be in an eligible USDA area
  • Household income limits apply
  • Stronger credit usually improves odds

Read the Kentucky USDA loan guide

VA Loans

If you are an eligible veteran or active-duty borrower, a VA loan may be an option during Chapter 13. The biggest advantages are no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, but the file still must be manually underwritten when required.

  • Zero down payment for eligible borrowers
  • No monthly mortgage insurance
  • Strong option for qualified veterans

Read the Kentucky VA loan guide

KHC Down Payment Assistance

Kentucky Housing Corporation programs may help eligible borrowers with down payment and closing cost assistance, depending on income, credit profile, and the first mortgage program being used.

  • Can help reduce cash to close
  • Often paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages
  • Program terms depend on borrower eligibility and current offerings

Read the Kentucky KHC mortgage guide

Why Most Chapter 13 Mortgage Files Get Denied

  • Applying before 12 full months of Chapter 13 payments are complete
  • Late bankruptcy plan payments
  • Using consumer credit scores instead of mortgage scores
  • Forgetting to include the Chapter 13 payment in debt-to-income calculations
  • Trying to get zero down financing with weak credit and no reserves
  • Not getting court approval before moving forward

How to Improve Your Approval Odds

  • Make every Chapter 13 payment on time
  • Keep credit card balances low
  • Avoid overdrafts and negative bank balances
  • Do not open new credit accounts
  • Build savings for down payment, closing costs, and reserves
  • Talk with a mortgage broker before house hunting

Internal Link Silo: Related Kentucky Mortgage Guides

FHA Loan Resources

Learn down payment rules, credit score requirements, mortgage insurance, and FHA eligibility in Kentucky.

Explore Kentucky FHA loan options

USDA Rural Housing Resources

See how zero-down USDA financing works in eligible Kentucky rural and suburban areas.

Explore Kentucky USDA loan options

VA Loan Resources

Review eligibility, no-down-payment advantages, and VA-specific financing rules for Kentucky veterans.

Explore Kentucky VA loan options

KHC Down Payment Assistance

See how Kentucky Housing Corporation programs may help with down payment and closing costs.

Explore Kentucky KHC programs

Credit Repair and Mortgage Scores

Understand how mortgage credit scores work and what steps may improve your approval chances.

Read the Kentucky credit improvement guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a mortgage before 12 months in Chapter 13?

No. In most cases, you need 12 full months of on-time Chapter 13 payments before applying.

Do I need court approval to buy a house during Chapter 13?

Yes. Most borrowers need written permission from the bankruptcy court before taking on a new mortgage.

What loan is usually best during Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

FHA is usually the most common and practical option, although USDA and VA may also work depending on eligibility.

Can I get a zero down mortgage while in Chapter 13?

Possibly. USDA and VA may allow zero down for eligible borrowers, but these files still must meet stricter underwriting requirements.

Do lenders use Credit Karma scores?

No. Mortgage lenders use mortgage-specific FICO scores and qualify you based on the middle score.

Get a Free Kentucky Mortgage Review

Want to know whether you can qualify while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Call/Text: 502-905-3708

kentuckyloan@gmail.com

Apply or learn more online


Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA

NMLS #57916 | Company NMLS #1738461

Equal Housing Lender

This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program requirements.

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by FHA, VA, USDA, KHC, or any government agency.

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Kentucky Mortgage After a Bankruptcy

Kentucky Mortgage After a Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy can impact your ability to qualify for various mortgage loan programs like FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy can impact your ability to qualify for various mortgage loan programs like FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae. Here are the details for each program regarding waiting times, credit score requirements, down payment, and qualification criteria after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

  1. FHA Loan after Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
    • Waiting Time: Typically, you’ll need to wait at least two years after the discharge date of your Chapter 13 bankruptcy before applying for an FHA loan.
    • Credit Score: FHA loans are known for their flexibility with credit scores. While there’s no specific minimum score, a higher score (usually around 580 or above) can help you qualify for better terms.
    • Down Payment: The down payment requirement for an FHA loan after Chapter 13 bankruptcy is relatively low, usually starting at 3.5% of the purchase price.
    • Qualification with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: To qualify, you must demonstrate that you’ve made all Chapter 13 payments on time for at least one year and receive approval from the bankruptcy court to take on new debt.
  2. VA Loan after Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
    • Waiting Time: The waiting time for a VA loan after Chapter 13 bankruptcy is generally two years from the discharge date.
    • Credit Score: VA loans also have flexible credit score requirements, with many lenders looking for scores around 620 or higher.
    • Down Payment: VA loans are known for offering zero-down financing, but eligibility depends on your military service record and whether you’ve used your VA loan benefits before.
    • Qualification with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Similar to FHA, you’ll need to demonstrate a consistent payment history under your Chapter 13 plan and receive approval from the bankruptcy court.
  3. USDA Loan after Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
    • Waiting Time: USDA loans typically require a waiting period of three years from the discharge date of your Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
    • Credit Score: While there’s no official minimum credit score, most lenders look for scores of 640 or higher for USDA loans.
    • Down Payment: USDA loans offer low to no down payment options, making them attractive for eligible borrowers in rural areas.
    • Qualification with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: You’ll need to show that you’ve been making timely payments under your Chapter 13 plan for at least one year and obtain approval from the bankruptcy court.
  4. Fannie Mae Loan after Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
    • Waiting Time: Fannie Mae typically requires a waiting period of two years from the discharge date of your Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
    • Credit Score: Fannie Mae loans often have stricter credit score requirements compared to FHA, VA, and USDA loans. A score of around 620 or higher is generally needed.
    • Down Payment: Down payment requirements vary based on the type of Fannie Mae loan you apply for, but they can range from 3% to 20%.
    • Qualification with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: You’ll need to demonstrate responsible financial management after bankruptcy, including rebuilding your credit and showing a stable income.

In all cases, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable mortgage broker like Joel Lobb, who can guide you through the specific requirements and help you navigate the loan application process after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS 57916

EVO Mortgage
 911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Company NMLS ID # 173846

Text/call: 502-905-3708

email:
 kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #173846

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).

Types of Kentucky Mortgage Loans to Consider After Bankruptcy

Types of Kentucky Mortgage Loans to Consider After Bankruptcy

If you want to try to get a Kentucky mortgage after bankruptcy, you can research a number of different types of loans. Each mortgage loan has its own unique requirements for bankruptcy filers.

Kentucky FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are managed by the federal government and may allow you to buy a house with a down payment that’s as little as 3.5% of the purchase price. The downfall of FHA loans, however, is that you’ll have to pay for mortgage insurance, which will result in higher monthly payments.

To get a mortgage after bankruptcy using an FHA loan, you’ll have to adhere to these waiting periods:

  • Chapter 7: Two years from your discharge date
  • Chapter 11: No waiting period
  • Chapter 13: One year from your discharge date

Kentucky USDA Loans

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans are designed for rural borrowers who meet certain income requirements. It may be a good option if you’d like to buy a house in a rural area, have a low or modest income, and aren’t eligible for a conventional loan. If you go this route, you may not have to put any money down and you may be able to secure a low interest rate.

Keep these waiting requirements in mind if you’re interested in getting a USDA mortgage after bankruptcy:

  • Chapter 7: Three years from your discharge date
  • Chapter 11: No waiting period
  • Chapter 13: One year from your discharge date

Kentucky VA Loans

If you’re a veteran or currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. A VA loan doesn’t require a down payment or charge private mortgage insurance and can give you the chance to lock in a low interest rate. If you pursue a VA loan, however, you’ll have to pay a funding fee, which will be a percentage of your home price.

Here are the waiting requirements you should be aware of if you’d like to get a VA loan after bankruptcy:

  • Chapter 7: Two years from your discharge date
  • Chapter 11: No waiting period
  • Chapter 13: One year from your discharge date

Kentucky Conventional Loans

Since conventional loans are not guaranteed or insured by government agencies, you can expect stricter requirements, such as having a good credit score, if you apply for one. If you get a conventional loan and put down less than 20% of the cost of your new home, you’ll need to pay private mortgage insurance.

The waiting requirements for taking out a conventional loan after bankruptcy are as follows:

  • Chapter 7: Four years from your discharge date
  • Chapter 11: Four years from your discharge date
  • Chapter 13: Two years from your discharge date or four years from your dismissal date
Bankruptcy Guidelines for Kentucky FHA, VA, USDA, and Fannie Mae Mortgage Loans

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

A four-year waiting period is required, measured from the discharge or dismissal date of the bankruptcy action until the application date.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
two years from the discharge date to the application date, or four years from the dismissal date to the application date.

The shorter waiting period based on the discharge date recognizes that borrowers have already met a portion of the waiting period within the time needed for the successful completion of a Chapter 13 plan and subsequent discharge.

A borrower who was unable to complete the Chapter 13 plan and received a dismissal will be held to a four-year waiting period.


Exceptions for Extenuating Circumstances

A two-year waiting period is permitted after a Chapter 13 dismissal, if extenuating circumstances can be documented. There are no exceptions permitted to the two-year waiting period after a Chapter 13 discharge.

Foreclosure / Short Sale

A seven-year waiting period is required. In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed. The end date of the waiting period is the application date.

Foreclosure / Short Sale – Extenuating Circumstance A three-year waiting period is permitted if extenuating circumstances can be documented. Additional requirements apply between three and seven years, which include:

FHA Loan Guidelines for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure 

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged more than 24 months prior to the application date may be allowed.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged between 12 and 24 months prior to the application date requires satisfactorily established credit and documentation showing the circumstances which caused the bankruptcy were beyond the borrower’s control (i.e. unemployment, medical bills not covered by insurance). In these instances, the file must be manually downgraded to a refer and manually underwritten. It falls upon the underwriter to make a final determination as to the overall quality of the file.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged less than 12 months prior to the application date is not allowed.

Chapter 13 

Loans where the borrower is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy or had a Chapter 13 bankruptcy which was discharged within the previous 2 years require manual downgrade and must be underwritten manually. Note that manual underwrites require Underwriting Management approval.

A borrower who is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible for FHA financing provided all of the following conditions are met in addition to standard manual underwriting requirements:


Foreclosure / Short Sale

A foreclosure less than 3 years ago is not allowed.

In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed. The end date of the time frame is determined by the application date.


Kentucky VA Loan Guidelines for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged more than 24 months prior to application date may be disregarded.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged between 12 and 24 months prior to application date requires satisfactorily established credit and documentation showing the circumstances which caused the bankruptcy were beyond the borrower’s control (i.e. unemployment, medical bills not covered by insurance). In these instances, the file must be manually downgraded to a refer and manually underwritten. It falls upon the underwriter to make a final determination as to the overall quality of the file.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged less than 12 months prior to application date is not allowed.

Note that for High Balance Transactions a minimum of 7 years must have elapsed since the discharge date regardless of AUS findings.

Chapter 13

The borrower’s credit history since the bankruptcy, the circumstances behind the bankruptcy, and the discharge date all factor in to the final determination by the underwriter.

A borrower who is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible for VA financing

Foreclosure / Short Sale

Foreclosure more than 36 months prior to application date may be disregarded.

Foreclosure less than 36 months prior to application date is not allowed.

Note that for High Balance Transactions a minimum of 7 years must have elapsed since the foreclosure date regardless of AUS findings.

In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed.

USDA Guidelines for Bankruptcy and Foreclosure 

Chapter 7

The Discharge date and GUS findings both play an important role in determining the viability and future repayment of the new loan. As such, Chapter 7 bankruptcy seasoning is evaluated by GUS.

Chapter 13

Loans where the borrower is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy or had a Chapter 13 bankruptcy which was discharged within the previous 3 years require a manual downgrade and must be underwritten manually.

A borrower who is currently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be eligible for RD financing provided all of the following conditions are met in addition to standard manual underwriting requirements:

• At least 12 months of payments have been made satisfactorily

• The Trustee or bankruptcy judge’s approval to enter into the mortgage transaction is documented

• Bankruptcy payments are included in the borrower’s debt ratio


Foreclosure / Short Sale

The foreclosure date and GUS findings both play an important role in determining the viability and future repayment of the new loan. As such, foreclosure seasoning is evaluated by GUS.

A foreclosure does not automatically disqualify a borrower from RD financing. In all instances, the “date of foreclosure” is considered the date of the foreclosure deed.

You can obtain a copy of your bankruptcy paperwork from the website below:

Bankruptcy Courts http://www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/

Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior Loan Office

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3

Louisville, KY 40223

Company ID #1364 | MB73346

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#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.Posted by Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA  Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestLabels: 100% Financingbad creditbankruptcyfico scores first time home buyerforeclosureKentucky First Time Home buyer zero down payment

Getting a FHA Loan Approved with the new Guidelines for Student Loans in Kentucky for 2018

2018 KENTUCKY FHA MORTGAGE GUIDELINES FOR APPROVAL WITH STUDENT LOANS

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Student Loan Payment Calculation
Must include all student loans in the borrower’s liabilities, regardless of the payment type or status of payments.

Calculation of monthly obligation, regardless of the payment status, must use either:
the greater of:
• 1 percent of the outstanding balance on the loan; or
• the monthly payment reported on the borrower’s credit report; or

the actual documented payment, provided the payment will fully amortize the loan over its term.
Additional documentation required if the payment used for the monthly obligation is:
• less than 1 percent of the outstanding balance reported on the borrower’s credit report;and
• less than the monthly payment reported on the borrower’s credit report.
Provide written documentation of the actual monthly payment, the payment status, and evidence of the outstanding balance and terms from the creditor.
Guide Reference – 4000.1 II.A.4.b.iv(H) (TOTAL) and II.A.5.a.iv.(G) (Manual)

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I can answer your questions and usually get you pre-approved the same day.

Call or Text me at 502-905-3708 with your mortgage questions.
Email Kentuckyloan@gmail.com






 
 


Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior  Loan Officer
 
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223
Company ID #1364 | MB73346
 


Text/call 502-905-3708
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). I lend in the following states: Kentucky