🏠 Your Kentucky Home Buying Alternatives
USDA Loans Frozen? Discover FHA, VA, KHC & Fannie Mae Programs Processing NOW
Don't Wait for USDA
The October 2025 government shutdown has frozen USDA rural housing loans. But your dream of homeownership isn't dead—it's just taking a different path.
After 20+ years and helping 1,300+ Kentucky families, I've seen this before. When one door closes, several others open. Right now, FHA, VA, KHC, and Fannie Mae are all processing and ready to help you buy your home—often faster and just as affordably.
Let me show you your options.
Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Get approved for FHA, VA, KHC or Fannie Mae THIS WEEK. Same-day pre-approvals available.
Your 4 Best Alternatives
🏛️ FHA Loan
Status: PROCESSING NOW ✅
- 3.5% Down Payment
- Credit Scores 580+
- 15-21 Day Timeline
- Rates 6.2-6.8%
- Works Anywhere
- Combines with KHC
Best For: First-timers who want speed + affordability
🎖️ VA Loan
Status: PROCESSING NOW ✅
- 0% Down Payment
- No PMI Insurance
- No Prepayment Penalties
- Rates 6.2-6.8%
- Lifetime Benefit
- For Veterans
Best For: Military members & veterans
🔑 KHC Down Payment
Status: AVAILABLE NOW ✅
- Up to 5% Gift Money
- No Repayment Required
- Kentucky Residents
- Income-Based Limits
- Combines with FHA
- Maximum Affordability
Best For: Low-moderate income first-timers
📈 Fannie Mae
Status: PROCESSING NOW ✅
- 3-5% Down Payment
- Credit Scores 620+
- 20-25 Day Timeline
- Rates 6.2-6.9%
- Flexible Income
- Self-Employed OK
Best For: Flexible cases, self-employed
Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature | USDA | FHA | VA | Fannie Mae | KHC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Down Payment | 0% | 3.5% | 0% | 3-5% | Up to 5% Gift |
Credit Score | 640+ | 580+ | N/A | 620+ | 640+ |
PMI/Insurance | Funding Fee | Yes | No | Possible | N/A |
Processing Time | ⏸️ FROZEN | 15-21 days | 18-25 days | 20-25 days | Varies |
Current Status | 🔴 SHUTDOWN | 🟢 OPEN | 🟢 OPEN | 🟢 OPEN | 🟢 OPEN |
Timeline:
- Day 1: Pre-approval ✅
- Days 2-8: Underwriting ✅
- Days 9-15: Appraisal ✅
- Day 16: Clear to Close ✅
- Day 22: Closed & Got Keys 🔑
Jessica is now in her home. The USDA shutdown didn't stop her.
The Winning Math: FHA + KHC
Here's how combining FHA with Kentucky Housing Corporation down payment assistance creates the most affordable path to homeownership.
Scenario: $160,000 Home Purchase
Traditional (20% Down)
❌ Most Can't Do This
FHA Only
✓ Better, But Tight
🏆 FHA + KHC (THE WINNER)
✅ MOST AFFORDABLE & FASTEST
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes! That's actually my top recommendation for most first-timers. FHA provides the mortgage, and KHC provides the down payment loan. Perfect combo.
A: Typically 24-hours. I offer same-day pre-approvals for qualified applicants. This gets you pre-approved fast so you can start shopping.
A: yes. KHC down payment assistance is a loan.
A: FHA works with credit scores as low as 500 with 10% down payment and 580 credit score allows for 3.5% down payment assistance along with some other programs offering a combo second mortgage for your down payment of 3.5% so you can buy a house no money down to a 580 score. Even if you had credit challenges in the past, FHA can work with you. I've helped many people with less-than-perfect credit get approved.
A: Technically yes, but there's no timeline. Your application could sit frozen indefinitely. My recommendation? Explore these alternatives now. You can always try USDA later if these don't work out.
A: It depends on your income, debts, and credit. A general rule: your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) should be no more than 29% to 45% on some programs with USDA being the most strict on front end debt ratios % of your gross monthly income. Call me for a personalized affordability breakdown.
A: For qualified applicants with all documents ready, yes. I prioritize speed. That said, some applications need additional documentation. But I'll get you answers FAST—usually within 24-48 hours.
A: FHA and Fannie Mae both work with self-employed borrowers. I'll need 2 years of tax returns and financial statements, but self-employment is not a deal-breaker.