Kentucky USDA Rural Development Loans Program Guidelines Loan Purpose of Kentucky Rural Housing Loans Purchase One-time Close Construction Loan (very few lenders do this) Rate-term refinance for existing USDA Loans Only. Cannot refinance a Conventional loan, FHA, VA, or other loans into an USDA loan. Credit Profile for a Kentucky Rural Housing Buyer 581 minimum middle credit score for all borrowers on the loan – purchase No score allowed with alternative trade lines Most Kentucky USDA lenders will want a 620 or 640 score or higher. A 640 middle score is required for a USDA loan through GUS, the automated underwriting system used by rural development to determine the max lending limits for a loan. No foreclosure, short sale, or Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge within three years of contract ratification date on credit report not permitted Minimum of two tradelines on credit, with a positive pay history within the most recent 12-month period. Accounts can be...