Kentucky VA Mortgage Refinance

Kentucky VA Mortgage Refinance Guidelines

100% of the home's value No Income or Asset verification is required for a VA Refinance No Appraisal is required  No Credit Qualifying VA Funding Fee is .50% Can refinance an investment property as long as you can document it was formerly the borrower’s primary residence At least 6 monthly payments must have been made on the original loan being refinanced; AND The first payment due date of the new loan must be at least 210 days after the first payment due date of the original loan being refinanced A copy of the Note from the previous loan being refinanced must be provided An IRRRL refinancing a Fixed Rate Mortgage into another Fixed Rate Mortgage must result in a rate IRRL is also know as Interest Rate Reduction Loan in VA terms. reduction of at least 0.5% An IRRRL refinancing a Fixed Rate Mortgage into an Adjustable Rate Mortgage must result in a rate  reduction of at least 2.0% IRRRLs in which a Discount is being charged to the borrower will now require an Exterior-Only Appraisal to be ordered If the Discount being charged is 1% or less, the loan will be limited to 100% LTV based on the value of the Exterior-Only Appraisal If the Discount being charged is more than 1%, the loan will be limited to 90% LTV based on the value of the Exterior-Only Appraisal Loan must current be guaranteed by VA and must be current Closing costs must be recouped within 36 months Proposed P&I payment must be less than current payment unless: Veteran refinancing ARM to Fixed Term of IRRRL is shorter than existing loan as long as payment does not increase over 20% Energy efficiency improvements are included in the IRRRL VA Guaranteed by the Veterans Administration for qualified military veterans. No down payment if the property appraises for the sale price or greater. Credit underwriting is flexible. No Minimum credit score for VA loans, but lenders will create overlays to protect their selling ability to VA for delinquent mortgage loans sold to VA. A lot of VA lenders want a 620 credit score, with some going down to 580, and a few will do down below that but very difficult to get approved with a VA lender. No monthly mortgage insurance payments are required, however they're upfront funding fees that range anywhere from 2.1% to 3.3% based on previous use or first time use of VA eligibility to buy a home, or if you are disabled, you may have not to pay this at all. The VA Certificate of Eligibility will show if you have to pay a funding fee to VA or if you are exempt.

Kentucky VA Mortgage Guidelines for Student Loan Payments

Clarification and New Policy for Student Loan Debts and Obligations

 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Circular is to clarify and explain new policy regarding
student loans for the underwriting of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home
loans.

 2. Background. The policy in the Lender’s Handbook- VA Pamphlet 26-7, chapter 4, section 5,
paragraph G will now be titled Student Loans. The clarification will apply to deferred student
loans and the new policy will provide guidance for student loans in repayment or, to begin
repayment within 12 months of a VA loan closing. Student loans under certain repayment plan
types are described at studentaid.ed.gov. This policy applies to all student loan repayment types.

 3. How to Calculate a Student Loan Monthly Payment.

 a. If the Veteran or other borrower provides written evidence that the student loan debt will be
deferred at least 12 months beyond the date of closing, a monthly payment does not need to be
considered.
 b. If a student loan is in repayment or scheduled to begin within 12 months from the date of
VA loan closing, the lender must consider the anticipated monthly obligation in the loan
analysis and utilize the payment established in paragraph (1) or (2) below. Calculate each loan
at a rate of 5 percent of the outstanding balance divided by 12 months (example: $25,000
student loan balance x 5% = $1,250 divided by 12 months = $104.17 per month is the monthly
payment for debt ratio purposes).

 (1) The lender must use the payment(s) reported on the credit report for each student loan(s) if
the reported payment is greater than the threshold payment calculation above.
 (2) If the payment reported on the credit report is less than the threshold payment calculation
above, the loan file must contain a statement from the student loan servicer that reflects the
actual loan terms and payment information for each student loan(s). The statement(s) must be
dated within 60 days of VA loan closing and maybe an electronic copy from the student loan
servicer’s website or a printed statement provided by the student loan servicer. It is the
lender’s discretion as to whether the credit report should be supplemented with this information

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

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#57916 http://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.

VA Student Loans for Kentucky Mortgage Loan Approval

 Kentucky VA Student Loans

Did you know that VA has a new policy for calculating student loan payments?

Considering the Payment:

• If the student loan repayments are to begin within 12 months of closing, the debt will be considered.
  

• If the student loan payment is being deferred for a period longer than 12 months after closing, the debt does not need to be considered.

Calculating the Payment:

• Calculate each loan at a rate of 5% of the outstanding balance then divide that by 12 months.

            Example: $25,000 x 5% = $1,250 divided by 12 months is $104.17 per month.

• If the student loan payment reported on the Borrower’s credit report is greater than the calculated payment, then the credit report payment will be used.
  

• If the payment reported on the credit report is less than the calculated amount, the lender must require a statement (dated within 60 days of closing)  from the student loan servicer that reflects the actual terms and payment information for each student loan.
  

• If the student loan payment is in an Income Based Repayment Plan and the current payment is documented to continue for at least 12 months after closing, the lender may use the IBR amount. If the payment is not expected to continue for at least 12 months after closing, a monthly statement is required. If a statement is not available, the calculation of 5% of the balance, divided by 12 will be used.
  

Documentation for payments and 12 months continuance will be required

For more Information see VA Circular 26.17.02 dated 1/23/17

What are the eligibility requirements for a VA Loan in Kentucky?

What are VA Home Loans?

VA Loans provide military veterans and current service members a distinct advantage when it comes time to purchase or refinance a home. Today’s VA Loans have the most favorable terms available for most veterans. VA Loans can be used to purchase a new home with no down payment with no mortgage insurance or refinance up to 90% of a homes current equity.

What are the eligibility requirements for a VA Loan in Kentucky?

Veterans Affairs loan guidelines use two methods of income qualification 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. VA does not have a minimum credit score requirement, but lenders do.

How much can I borrow?

The maximum VA Mortgage amount is determined by:

Maximum Finance: For purchase transactions, the Maximum VA Loan will be 100% of the lower of the selling price or the appraised value

What property types are allowed for VA Loans in Kentucky

VA Loans may be used to purchase or refinance single family residences and VA approved condo projects if the property is the veteran’s primary residence.

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.

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 even though VA states in their guidelines it has no minimum credit score. 

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.

Kentucky VA Home Loan Approval Requirements with Collections on Credit Report

Collection accounts are account for a debt that have been submitted to a collection agency by the creditor generally due to nonpayment. Below are general tips and guidance on what DU will require when collection accounts are reporting on a borrower’s credit report. Accounts that are reported as past due but not yet turned over to a collection agency must be brought current. These past due accounts are not considered collection accounts. Kentucky Mortgage Requirements for Collections and VA Home Loan Approval Any collection account required by DU to be paid must be paid prior to or at closing. Isolated collection account does not necessarily have to be paid off for the loan approval. Borrowers with a history of collection accounts should have reestablished satisfactory credit in order to be considered a satisfactory credit risk. Lenders/underwriters should review the complete credit history and use sound judgment to determine if the collection account poses a credit risk to the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. If the collection account is listed on the credit report with a minimum payment, then the debt should be recognized at the minimum payment amount 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 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/

Kentucky VA Home Loans Credit Scores Requirements

• No down payment required for Kentucky VA Loans
• There are closing costs on all home purchases and refinances, however, on purchases, VA allows the home seller to give the home buyer up to a 4.0% sellers concession towards the home buyer’s closing costs. If the home buyer is short on closing costs or if the home seller is not willing to give a sellers concession, the Veteran can get a lender’s credit to cover part or all of the closing costs
• There is no monthly  mortgage insurance premium on Kentucky VA Loans
• Here are VA Credit Requirements:
  • VA does not have a mandatory minimum credit score requirement
  • VA lets the lender to set the minimum credit score requirement. Most lenders will want a 620 credit score nowadays. 
  • VA does not have a maximum debt to income ratio requirement. If you loan pre-approval shows a refer eligible, the max debt to income ratios are usually limited to 41% for the new house payment and your current bills on the credit report of your gross income. For example, lets say you make $3000 a month, and you have $400 in monthly bills on the credit report. Then your max house payment would be $830.00
  • 2 year waiting period to qualify for a VA mortgage loan after a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, short sale, and recorded dates of foreclosure and/or deed in lieu of foreclosure
  • If you have deferred student loans that are deferred for at least 12 or more months, it will be exempt from from debt to income ratio calculations

Related Articles Below:

• Kentucky VA Home Loans (18)
• Kentucky VA Streamline Refinance Guidelines (5)

• VA (16)
• VA Funding Fee Chart (4)
• VA Income Guidelines (6)
• VA Loan- A step by step guide (7)
• VA Mortgage Loan Checklist (4)
• VA Mortgage Streamline (IRRRL) (6)

VA Loans in Kentucky

 10 facts about the Kentucky VA Home Loan program

1. No down payment, no mortgage insurance

These are perhaps the biggest advantages to a VA loan. You don’t need a down payment. None whatsoever. Most mortgage programs, such as FHA and conventional loans, require at least 3.5 percent to five percent down.That’s up to $12,500 on a $250,000 home purchase.

With a VA loan, you can buy immediately, rather than years of saving for a down payment. With a VA loan, you also avoid steep mortgage insurance fees. At 5 percent down, private mortgage insurance (PMI) costs $150 per month on a $250,000 home, according to PMI provider MGIC.

With a VA loan, this buyer could afford a home worth $30,000 more with the same monthly payment, simply be eliminating PMI. Using a VA loan saves you money upfront, and tremendously increases your buying power.

2. Use your benefit again and again

Your VA home loan benefit is not one-and-done. You can use it as many times as you want. Here’s how.

Assume you purchased a home with a VA loan. But now, you’ve outgrown the home and need something bigger. When you sell the home and pay off the VA loan completely, you can re-use your benefit to buy another home. Your entitlement is restored in full.

But that’s not the only way to re-use your benefit.

Eligible Veterans and Service persons can receive a one-time restoration when they pay off the VA loan, but keep the home. This scenario comes into play if you purchased the home long ago, and have paid off the loan. It also applies if you have refinanced the VA mortgage with a non-VA loan.

In these cases, you can keep the home, and enjoy the benefits of VA home buying one more time.

3. Your benefit never expires

Once you have earned eligibility for the VA home loan, it never goes away. Those who served 20, 30, even 50 years ago often wonder whether they can still buy a home today if they never used their benefit. If eligibility can be established, the answer is yes.

Eligibility is based on the length of time served, and the period in which you served. For instance, a U.S. Army Veteran with at least 90 days in service during the Vietnam era is likely eligible.

To check eligibility, first obtain your DD Form 214. With that document, a VA-approved lender can request your VA Certificate of Eligibility for you, or you can request it directly from VA’s eBenefits website. You may be eligible to buy a home using a VA home loan, even if you served long ago.

4. Surviving spouses may be eligible

More than 3,000 surviving spouses purchased a home with their fallen partner’s VA benefit in 2015. Un-remarried husbands and wives of Service-persons who were killed in action can buy a home with zero down payment and no mortgage insurance. Plus, the VA funding fee is waived.

There’s no way to repay the spouse of a fallen hero, but this benefit surely helps them move forward after tragedy.

5. VA Loan Rates Are Lower

According to loan software company Ellie Mae, VA loan rates are typically about 0.25% lower than those of conventional loans. The VA backs the mortgages, making them a lower risk for lenders. Those savings are passed on to Veterans.

Additionally, VA loans come with some of the lowest foreclosure rates of any loan type, further reducing risk for lenders. No surprise here, but Veterans and Service persons take home ownership seriously. These factors add up to lower rates and affordable payments for those who choose a VA loan.

6. VA loans are available from local lenders

The VA home loan is unlike most other VA benefits. This benefit is available from private companies, not the government itself. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not take applications, approve the loans, or issue funds. Private banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies do that.

The VA provides insurance to lenders. It’s officially called the VA guaranty. The VA assures the lender that it will be repaid if the Veteran can no longer make payments. In turn, lenders issue loans at superior terms. In short, a VA loan gives you the best of both worlds. You enjoy your benefit, but have the convenience and speed of working with your chosen lender.

7. Buy, refinance or tap into home equity

The VA home loan benefit is not just for buying homes. Sure, it provides unmatched home buying advantages, but you can also use it to refinance your existing mortgage, whether it’s a VA loan or not.

Homeowners with a VA loan can use the Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan, or IRRRL, to easily drop their rate and payment without an appraisal, or even paystubs, W2s or bank statements. The VA streamline refinance, as it is commonly known, gives VA loan holders a faster, cheaper way to access lower refinance rates when rates fall.

Even homeowners without a VA loan can use a VA refinance. The VA cash-out loan is available to eligible Veterans who don’t have a VA loan currently. As its name suggests, a VA cash-out refinance can be used to turn your home’s equity into cash. You simply take out a bigger loan than what you currently owe. The difference is issued to you at closing.

The VA cash-out loan amount can be up to 100 percent of your home’s value in many cases. Use the proceeds for any purpose – home improvements, college tuition, or even a new car.Many homeowners today are dropping their rate and taking cash out simultaneously, accomplishing two goals at once.

But you don’t have to take out cash to use this VA loan option. You can also use it to pay off a non-VA loan. Eligible homeowners who pay mortgage insurance or are dealing with other undesirable loan characteristics should look into refinancing with a VA loan. It can eliminate PMI, get you into a stable fixed-rate loan, pay off a second mortgage, or simply reduce your rate to make homeownership more affordable.

8. Lenient guidelines for lower credit scores, bankruptcy, foreclosure

Unlike many loan programs, a lower credit score, bankruptcy or foreclosure does not disqualify you from a VA home loan.

Shop around at various lenders, because each will have its own stance on past credit issues. However, VA guidelines do not state a minimum credit score to qualify. This gives lenders leniency to approve loans with lower scores. In addition, VA considers your credit re-established when you have established two years of clean credit following a foreclosure or bankruptcy.

Many homeowners across the U.S., military and civilian, experience bankruptcies and foreclosures due to a loss of income, medical emergency or unforeseen event. Fortunately, these financial setbacks don’t permanently bar VA-eligible home buyers from ever owning again.

The exception, though, is a foreclosure involving a VA home loan. In this case, you may need to pay back the amount owed on the foreclosed VA loan to regain eligibility. But for most home buyers with past credit issues, a VA home loan could be their ticket to home ownership.

9. Funding fee waivers

VA typically charges a funding fee to defray the cost of the program and make home buying sustainable for future Veterans. The fee is between 0.50 percent and 3.3 percent of the loan amount, depending on service history and the loan type.

However, not everyone pays the VA funding fee. Disabled Veterans who are receiving compensation for a service-connected disability are exempt. Likewise, Veterans who are eligible for disability compensation, but are receiving retirement or active duty pay instead, are also exempt from the fee.

10. Buy a condo with a VA loan

You can buy many types of properties with a VA loan, including a single-family (free-standing) home, a home of up to four units, and even manufactured homes. But condominiums are commonly overlooked by VA home buyers.

Condominiums are ideal starter homes. Their price point is often lower than that of single-family homes. And, condos are often the only affordable option in many cities.

The VA maintains a list of approved condominium communities. Veterans can search by city, state, or even condominium name on VA’s condo search tool. It’s not a short list. 

As a Veteran or Service-member, consider the array of home types when shopping for a home.