Category: Guide to Kentucky VA Loans

Kentucky VA Lending Guide


Kentucky VA loans are typically the best solution for our honored veterans and service members. Contrary to popular belief, VA loans are fairly easy to process and tend to not be any more complicated than any other loan program that we offer.

Here are some of our favorite features of Kentucky VA loans:

  1. No Down Payment – VA is a true 100% financing loan with no minimum investment required.
  2. No Monthly Mortgage Insurance – VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance, providing significant cost savings to our Veterans. They do require an upfront Funding Fee of 0 to 3.6% that is paid directly to the VA. This funding fee is financed into the loan and may be waived for some buyers based on their scenario.
  3. Credit scores – Interest rates and underwriting requirements are less credit score sensitive than other loan programs. In some scenarios, we are able to lend to buyers with scores in the mid-500s. Buyers without a credit score may be eligible with additional requirements.
  4. Renovation loans – We can do purchase and refinance loans that roll the cost of minor and cosmetic repairs into the loan amount.
  5. Property Types – VA Loans can be used on 1-4 unit properties, primary residence only. They can also be used on VA approved condominiums and qualifying manufactured homes.

VA Loans are issued by federally qualified lenders and are guaranteed by the United States Veterans Administration.  VA Loans are available to military personnel and veterans, including Reservists and members of the National Guard. Surviving spouses may be eligible in specific circumstances.

VA Loan eligibility is determined using the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) document. We work directly with the VA on the buyer’s behalf to obtain this document. A buyer can take advantage of the VA loan program more than once!

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How To Qualify For An Kentucky VA Loan


VA loans help active duty, reserves, and veterans buy a house with no down payment and no mortgage insurance monthly making it one of the best loans out there while getting a low 30 year fixed rate loan based on market trends.

 

VA loans help you buy a home with limited credit or no credit if you can provide alternative trade lines
The VA loan program makes it possible to purchase a home with as little as 0 percent down and with a lower credit score than required by traditional mortgages.

 

VA loans are not just for first-time home buyers, and they’re not restricted to low-income applicants. Here are the requirements you’ll need to meet to qualify for an VA loan

1. Consistent income and work history for last two years to support mortgage payment

In general, lenders want to see that you’ve worked for a year or two in the same field (if not the same employer). Consistent two year history needed, does not have to be same employer.

2. Debt to income ratio for VA loans. 

The biggest factor in qualifying for an VA loan is whether you can afford the payment. As a rough guideline:

  • your mortgage payment must not be more than 1/3 of your income (before taxes) and
  • your mortgage payment PLUS other monthly debt payments (car loan, credit cards) must not be more than 43 percent of your income for a manual underwrite, or can go higher on the debt ratios if you get an automated approval through Desktop Underwriting AUS system.
  •  Car insurance, cell phone bills, utility bills are not included in the debt to income ratio just the monthly payments on the credit report and child support .

3. Zero Down Payment

There is no minimum credit score for VA loans, but in reality most lenders will wants a 620 score. However, we deal with some lenders that will go down to a 560 credit score but be prepared to get a lot of documentation to support your lower credit score.

 

When Can I Get a VA Loan After Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, or Short Sale?

Every once in a while, bad things happen to good people. Whether credit issues result from financial mismanagement or other circumstances, VA home loan guidelines are very forgiving. So, how long after a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy can you get a VA loan?

  • Foreclosure seasoning = 2 years, 1 year if proven out of borrower’s control
  • Short sale seasoning = Same as foreclosure, but if not lates prior to short sale then no seasoning required
  • Bankruptcy waiting period = Chapter 7 seasoning is 2 years from discharge date. Chapter 13 seasoning is at least 12 months from filing

A key VA home loan requirement after major credit events like these is re-established credit. Therefore, showing on-time rent and other credit references may show recovery from a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy.

Rent Verification for VA Loans With Low Scores

For lower credit scores on VA or any other type of mortgage loan, rent or mortgage history is very important.  A previous housing history is a good indicator of how someone will pay a new house payment.  So lenders take rent very seriously.  The most weight is given to a rent history proven by cancelled checks.  Then a buyer proving on time payment history through checks shows the buyer is the one who actually made the payments.  Plus it shows they were made on time and there is no disputing this.  Next, rent payments verified through a rental company is good.  The weakest would be rental payments made to an individual.  In cases where payments are made to individuals, additional documentation may be required.  For instance, cancelled checks or proof of withdrawal from a bank account for 12 months would help.

Keep in mind, using alternative credit is not a way to ignore a bad credit report or score.  Alternative credit is a way of proving a more solid or in depth payment history than the credit report shows.

VA Mortgage Loan Checklist

  1. Signed and dated Statement of Service Letter (Ask us if we need it though)
  2. DD214 (if no longer in the military)
  3. Current LES
  4. Most recent W2 and Tax Return
  5. Most recent bank statement (all pages of actual monthly statement)
  6. Photo identification
  7. Military transfer orders – if transferring to a new base

We will request your COE, status report, complete your application, and discuss your mortgage options.  Our goal is to have educated, confident, and approved buyers!

 

Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Guidelines for 2021


Complete List of VA Loan Benefits for Kentucky Veterans

• Eligible homebuyers are not required to have a down payment in most cases – typically cited as the greatest VA loan benefit. Conventional loans generally require a 5 percent down payment, and FHA loans require 3.5 percent.
• No monthly mortgage insurance premiums or PMI to pay. FHA loans come with both an upfront and an annual mortgage insurance charge. Conventional buyers typically need to pay for private mortgage insurance unless they’re making a down payment of 20 percent or more.


• Limitation on buyer’s closing costs. Sellers can pay all of a buyer’s loan-related closing costs and up to 4 percent in concessions.


• Lower average interest rates than other loan types. VA loans continue to have the lowest average interest rates of all loan types.


• No prepayment penalties. VA buyers can pay off a loan early without any financial penalties.


• Two refinance options. The VA loan program allows homeowners with existing VA loans the option to lower their monthly payment with a new interest rate. Eligible homeowners who financed their property with a loan other than a VA loan can refinance into the VA loan program.

• Second tier entitlement. Even though many veterans have already used their loan benefits, it may be possible for them to buy homes again with VA financing using remaining or restored loan entitlement.


• An assumable mortgage, typically subject to VA and/or lender approval. You may be able to have someone take over your mortgage payment, which can be a big benefit in an environment of rising interest rates.


• Foreclosure avoidance advocacy from the VA loan program. The VA has staff members who advocate on behalf of homeowners to find alternatives to foreclosure.


Contact us today for loan approval and let our 25 years of experience go to work for you. Credit scores down to 580. Call /text 502-905-3708 or click the link below to apply.

 

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Kentucky VA Home Loan Guide
Kentucky VA Home Loan Guide

—

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