How Medical Debt Impacts Credit Scores and Mortgage Approval for Kentucky Homebuyers

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:

  1. Implementation Timeline: The rule is expected to take effect in at least 60 days.
  2. Debt Removed: Over $49 billion in medical debt will be erased from credit reporting systems.
  3. Consumer Impact: An estimated 15+ million Americans will see their credit reports improved.
  4. Credit Score Boost: Consumers affected by this change could see an average credit score increase of 20 points.
  5. 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:

  1. Lower Credit Scores: Medical debt can drag down your FICO score, making it harder to qualify for favorable loan terms.
  2. Higher Interest Rates: A lower score often leads to higher interest rates on mortgages.
  3. 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:

  1. Credit Score Requirements by Loan Type:
    1. 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.
    2. Conventional Loans: Minimum credit score of 620 or higher.
    3. VA Loans: No minimum credit score set by the VA, but most lenders prefer a score of 580-620.
    4. USDA Loans: Minimum credit score of 640 for automatic approval, though manual underwriting is possible for lower scores.
  2. Impact of Credit Score on Interest Rates:
    Higher credit scores lead to better mortgage rates. Lower scores can result in higher monthly payments.
  3. 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: 10602 Timberwood Cir, Ste 3, Louisville, KY 40223


Evo Mortgage
Company NMLS# 1738461
Personal NMLS# 57916

For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly.

How does Kentucky FHA Mortgage Rates work?

Kentucky FHA mortgage loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration under the umbrella of HUD. FHA loans were developed to help borrowers that don’t have a large down payment and a weaker credit profile to buy and refinance their home mortgage loan.

​Kentucky FHA rates are backed by the government, so they are typically lower than other mortgage rates in the secondary market like Conventional loans and portfolio loans at banks, but fall in line compatible to other backed government loans in the secondary market likeUSDA, VA, mortgage loans. Most people seeking FHA mortgages will get a 30 year, 20 year of 15 year fixed rate loan with the security of the house payment not changing. ​

​Lower Credit Standards and Credit Scores for FHA loans

FHA mortgages will go down to a 500 credit score with at least 10% down payment, and if your credit score is higher than 580, you can put the minimum of 3.5% down payment. Additionally, you need to be only 2 years removed from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or 1 year from a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

​Mortgage Insurance on FHA loans

Mortgage insurance is required on most FHA loans and is usually for life of loan with everyone paying the same. If you have a higher credit score and a larger down payment, it would make sense to look at doing a conventional mortgage loan because they are based on your credit score, money down, and debt to income ratio and not for life of loan.

You can get a lower FHA mortgage insurance premium and not have to finance the premiums for life of the loan if you put more than 10% down payment and finance on a 15 year term.

​Why would you consider a FHA mortgage?

​My best opinion is this. ​​​​If you have a bankruptcy that is less than 4 years, have a credit score lower than 660, and very little money down, I would recommend at looking to do a FHA mortgage Loan. Your chances of getting approved with likely result in a loan approval as opposed to doing a conventional loan backed by Fannie Mae.

Why would you consider a Conventional Loan?

My best opinion is this. If you have a bankruptcy over 4 years or longer, at least 5% down payment, a credit score of 680 or higher, I would look doing a conventional mortgage loan.

 

Video: Kentucky FHA mortgage rates and loan options explained
▶ Click to watch on YouTube

 

 

​I can help you understand what mortgage is correct for you. Please contact me below and I will be happy to answer any questions.

Got questions about your Kentucky mortgage? Contact Joel Lobb
Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior Loan Officer
EVO Mortgage
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223
Company NMLS #1738461


Text/call 502-905-3708

kentuckyloan@gmail.com

 

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/