Category: refinance

Qualifying for a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan

A VA mortgage loan in Kentucky offers benefits like zero-down payment and competitive interest rates for eligible veterans and service members. Meeting criteria related to income, work history, debt ratio, military service, and property standards is essential. Working with an experienced mortgage professional can help secure the best terms for a VA loan.


A VA mortgage loan can be a fantastic option for eligible veterans and active-duty service members looking to purchase or refinance a home in Kentucky. Understanding the qualifying criteria is crucial to navigating the process smoothly and securing the benefits offered by VA loans.

Qualifying Criteria Overview: Here’s a breakdown of the key qualifying criteria for a Kentucky VA mortgage loan:

The qualifying criteria for a Kentucky VA mortgage loan in regards to income, work history, debt ratio, bankruptcy, foreclosure, time in service, loan limits, upfront funding fees, refinance, purchase, cash out refinance, down payments, property requirements in a chart or organizational chart, interest rates

CriteriaDetails
Income Stable income that supports the ability to repay the loan. VA loans typically have more flexible income requirements.
Work HistoryA consistent 2 year work history, though exceptions can be made for veterans transitioning to civilian employment.
Debt RatioVA loans generally allow for higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratios compared to conventional loans, typically up to 41%, but can be much higher with strong credit scores, residual income, and assets
BankruptcyGenerally, veterans must wait two years after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge before being eligible for a VA loan.
ForeclosureVeterans may be eligible for a VA loan two years after a foreclosure.
Time in ServiceMinimum service requirements vary based on when and where the veteran served. Typically, 90 consecutive days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime are required.
Loan LimitsVA loan limits in Kentucky follow the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Upfront Funding FeesVA loans often come with an upfront funding fee, which can vary based on factors like down payment amount, military category, and if it’s a first-time or subsequent use of the VA loan benefit.
Refinance OptionsVA loans offer several refinancing options, including Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) and Cash-Out Refinance loans.
Down PaymentsVA loans are known for their zero-down payment option, making homeownership more accessible for veterans.
Property RequirementsVA-approved properties must meet certain standards, including being safe, sanitary, and structurally sound.
Interest RatesVA loans often have competitive interest rates, which can vary based on market conditions and individual factors.

Qualifying for a Kentucky VA mortgage loan involves meeting various criteria related to income, work history, debt ratio, military service, and more. Veterans and active-duty service members can benefit from the zero-down payment option, competitive interest rates, and flexible requirements offered by VA loans. Working with a knowledgeable mortgage professional like Joel Lobb can help navigate the VA loan process smoothly and secure the best terms possible.

Hope your day is full of sunshine😊

Joel Lobb  Mortgage Loan Officer

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

Text/call: 502-905-3708
fax: 502-327-9119
email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

 

 

 

 
NMLS 57916  | Company NMLS #1364/MB73346135166/MBR1574

 
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).
 

Kentucky VA Mortgage Streamline Refinance Information


If you’re a veteran interested in refinancing your Kentucky VA home mortgage, you should look into a VA Streamline loan, also known as a VA to VA loan or Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan (IRRRL). The key aspects of VA Streamline loans are:

 

• You must be a veteran to qualify.

• You must have already used your original VA benefit.

• No minimum credit score required, just a good pay history on the mortgage for last 12 months

• Refinancing should lower your interest rate or change an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) to a VA Streamline.

• No appraisal is required, underwriting will want you to be current on your loan.

• An email from the VA can be used instead of your Certificate of Eligibility.You don’t need to use your current lender.

• Can be done with no money from you by wrapping fees into the loan.

• A VA funding fee of .5 percent must be paid in cash or included in the loan, unless you are exempt.

• You can’t receive cash back from the loan.

If you’re interested in and eligible for a Kentucky VA Streamline loan, be sure to shop around for the best rate. You’re under no obligation to stay with your current lender.

 

Kentucky VA Mortgage Lender and Broker

Can I do a VA refinance in Kentucky?

Three kinds of VA Refinance programs are available for veterans in Kentucky.


Rate/Term VA Refinance

The Rate/Term VA Refinance can be used to refinance a conventional, FHA or subprime mortgage into a stable, fixed rate VA Loan.

VA Cash-Out Refinance

A Cash-Out VA Refinance is very beneficial for the veteran who wants to access the equity that they have built up in their home. VA Loans can be used to refinance up to 90% of a homes current value and take cash out for any reason.


Streamline Refinance

The VA Streamline Refinance is designed to lower the interest rate on a current VA mortgage or convert a current VA adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed rate. A VA Streamline Refinance Loan can be performed quickly and easily. It requires much less hassle and paperwork than a normal refinance including no appraisal, no qualifying debt ratios and no income verification.


How much can I refinance in Kentucky?

The maximum amount for an KY VA loan is determined by:

Maximum VA Loan in Kentucky: The largest loan allowed for a VA Mortgage varies from county to county. The highest maximum VA Mortgage right now is $1,094,625. The lowest maximum VA Mortgage amount available in any county is $484,500. To see what the limit is in the county in which you’re interested, visit the following page

https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/purchaseco_loan_limits.asp. This site lists U.S. territories as well as states.

Maximum Finance: In Kentucky, The maximum VA refinance loan amount will be 100% of the appraised value of the home for a rate/term refinance or 100% of the appraised value for a VA cash out refinance.

What factors determine if I am eligible for a VA Refinance Loan?

VA refinance loans use two methods for income qualification purposes in Kentucky. The residual income method is the primary method, where it is determined that the borrower has sufficient income to cover daily living costs once housing, taxes, insurance and all other liabilities like credit card and auto payments have been made. Additionally, VA loans use a debt to income ratio (DTI). Using this ratio, the veteran’s total debt should not exceed 41% of the veteran’s total income. Most lenders will require at least a 620 credit score for a VA Loan approval.

Why choose a VA Home Loan?

Kentucky VA Mortgages require no down payment.

There are no prepayment penalties for VA Home Loans.

An Kentucky VA Loan is fully assumable, provided the person assuming is qualified.

VA Mortgage Loans have no PMI premiums.

A VA Mortgage Loan is eligible for non-credit qualifying, Streamline Refinance or “IRRRL”.

A VA Home Mortgage is available all areas of the country, provided a market exists for the property and the home meets VA’s property standards.

A VA Home Loan may be used to purchase or refinance a new or existing home.

Kentucky VA Loans are offered at terms of 15 or 30 years.

VA Refinance Questions Answers

 

1. What are the guidelines for a  Kentucky VA Refinance?

If the borrower wishes to take cash out of the property, then the maximum financing amount is 90% of the appraised value, depending on the borrowers qualifications. If the borrower does not take cash out then the maximum financing will be 100% of the appraised value of the home or the amount you are refinancing plus closing costs, whichever is lower.

2. Why should I consider refinancing into a Kentucky VA-insured mortgage?

Kentucky VA refinance mortgages do not come with prepayment penalties, have no teaser rates nor balloon payments. They are offered at market rate with terms up to 30 years and are fully amortized, meaning that you pay towards principal and interest every month.

3. What if I have a prepayment penalty and other refinancing costs and there isn’t enough equity in my home to refinance?

If you do not have sufficient equity in your home to add your prepayment penalty and/or other refinancing costs into your new VA mortgage, then you should ask your current lender to consider a second mortgage to pay the difference or a short payoff on your existing loan. Offering either of these options is at the discretion of the lender.

4. Does it matter that the value of my home is now less than what I still owe?

Not to Kentucky VA, but the current mortgage lender considering the refinance would have to be willing to accept a short payoff on the existing loan OR to hold a second mortgage to make up the difference needed to pay off the existing mortgage and the home’s value.

What do VA Home Lenders Look for on a Loan Approval in Kentucky


What are the qualification for a Kentucky VA Home Loan?

 

  • Consistent Job and Income Stability

    • For a currently serving service member, your service will immediately qualify as a stable job.
    • For Kentucky veterans no longer on active duty, you’ll want to have at least 12 months at your current job or be in a similar line of work to your most recent work. Two years or more with an employer is the ideal job history for a mortgage.
    • If you started a new job recently, you may be able to reference your previous work history, work in the service, or educational background to support the stability of your new job. In addition to standard paperwork, if it’s a brand new job, we’ll also be looking for an offer letter.
    • Some types of jobs are inherently less stable than others. If you’re receiving a salary, your income is guaranteed short of job loss. If you’re receiving an hourly pay, then there is a good idea of what you’ll likely be making. But if you’re working any type of commission related job, your income is volatile. It could be high one month and zero the next month. For commission jobs, you’ll want to have at least two years of history reported to your tax returns. We’ll then be able to use a two-year average to determine what we can use as your monthly income.

  • Good credit scores and credit history

  •          There is no minimum credit score for VA, but most Kentucky VA lenders that I            work with  will want a 580 to 620 minimum with no foreclosure or                                bankruptcies in the last 2 years
    • You should have zero late payments on either your rent or mortgage within the last 12 months – preferably having zero late payments. If this isn’t possible, focus on keeping all current accounts paid on time. Your new history will eventually bury the old late payments.
    • If you have no credit score, we can use alternative trade lines like rent, utility  bill and car insurance. 

  • Debt to Income Ratios under 41% for lower credit score, or higher than 41% for good credit scores

    • DTI will be referenced commonly throughout the loan process. This determines how much house you can afford as it’s your monthly debts considered against the gross monthly income (GMI) we’re able to use for your mortgage.
    • Ideally, your total DTI will be below 41% of your gross monthly income. This means someone who makes $5,000 monthly would want all of their collective credit related debts + new mortgage to be below $2,050 for the month. For example, According to CNBC, the average car loan is $523 a month. If you add in another $27 for a credit card, that would be $550 in credit debts + housing. So, your mortgage payment would want to be under $1,500. You can potentially be approved for more, but this would be the ideal number to aim for.
    • Residual Income requirements of $1000 or more a month for most veteran borrowers in Kentucky 
  • Your veteran status.
    • You must have at least 90 days of active duty service.
    • For Reserves, at least six years of service.
    • For veterans, you must have a discharge other than dishonorable.

How you apply for a VA Home loan In Kentucky

The first step is to get  your  (COE and DD Form 214 for A Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan) in order as well as reviewing your information to make sure you qualify. If you don’t, we can get you on the right track.

 

​Kentucky ​VA Loan limits ​​​​​

 

Determining your eligibility and the maximum purchase price is the first step you’ll need to take for your ​Kentucky ​VA Loan. VA Loans don’t technically have a maximum mortgage/loan limit, but they do have a maximum amount they’ll 100% finance. On the other hand, FHA does have a maximum mortgage. This is an actual limit on the amount you can borrow.

Using a VA Loan allows you to finance up to 103.3% of the purchase price, with 100% going towards the purchase and the remaining 3.3% eligible to go towards your closing costs. Determining your eligibility will involve reviewing your veteran status, Certificate of Eligibility (COE), county limits, income, credit, and job stability. These factors will all contribute to your VA maximum mortgage.

The first thing you’ll need to do is to make sure you’re an eligible veteran and confirm your Certificate of Eligibility is ready for your VA Loan. If you’ve already got that sorted out, then you’re ready to start shopping for how much you’ll qualify for.

 

Text/call:      502-905-3708
fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

 

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
 
 

 

https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/0bfJs9b6bK8TGoc6mQk9hIu