Medical Debt and Mortgage Approval for Kentucky Homebuyers
Medical debt has long been a challenge for many Americans. It particularly affects credit scores and the ability to secure a mortgage loan. Fortunately, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized a new rule. This rule is set to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. As a result, more opportunities may open up for homebuyers in Kentucky. Here’s how this change can affect your mortgage approval process. Also, understand what you need to know about medical debt and credit scores in Kentucky.
What’s Changing with Medical Debt and Credit Reports?
The CFPB has implemented a new rule to remove medical debt from credit reports. This change is significant for borrowers in Kentucky. Medical debt often lowers credit scores. It creates hurdles in the mortgage approval process.
Here’s what to expect from the new rule:
- Implementation Timeline: The rule is expected to take effect in at least 60 days.
- Debt Removed: Over $49 billion in medical debt will be erased from credit reporting systems.
- Consumer Impact: An estimated 15+ million Americans will see their credit reports improved.
- Credit Score Boost: Consumers affected by this change could see an average credit score increase of 20 points.
- Mortgage Approvals: This change is anticipated to result in over 22,000 additional mortgage approvals annually across the U.S.
How Medical Debt Affects Credit Scores in Kentucky
Before this rule, unpaid medical bills often appeared on credit reports, negatively impacting credit scores. In Kentucky, this has been a common issue for homebuyers trying to secure mortgage loans.
Key Effects of Medical Debt on Credit Scores:
- Lower Credit Scores: Medical debt can drag down your FICO score, making it harder to qualify for favorable loan terms.
- Higher Interest Rates: A lower score often leads to higher interest rates on mortgages.
- Mortgage Denials: In some cases, excessive medical debt could result in outright denials of loan applications.
Even with medical debt on your report, mortgage lenders may consider compensating factors. These factors include stable income, down payment assistance, or other positive financial attributes.
How Credit Scores Impact Mortgage Loan Approval in Kentucky
Mortgage lenders in Kentucky use credit scores as one of the primary factors to determine loan eligibility. Here’s how it works:
- Credit Score Requirements by Loan Type:
- FHA Loans: Minimum credit score of 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Scores as low as 500 may be considered with a 10% down payment.
- Conventional Loans: Minimum credit score of 620 or higher.
- VA Loans: No minimum credit score set by the VA, but most lenders prefer a score of 580-620.
- USDA Loans: Minimum credit score of 640 for automatic approval, though manual underwriting is possible for lower scores.
- Impact of Credit Score on Interest Rates:
Higher credit scores lead to better mortgage rates. Lower scores can result in higher monthly payments. - Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI):
Lenders calculate your DTI to ensure you can manage your mortgage payments alongside other debts. Medical debt previously factored into this calculation, potentially increasing your DTI and reducing your borrowing power.
Email – kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Call/Text – 502-905-3708
Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer – Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans
Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
Address: 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204
Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916
For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.



