Showing posts with label manual underwrite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manual underwrite. Show all posts

Big News for Kentucky Home Buyers: USDA Now Financing Manufactured Homes

 

Big News for Kentucky Home Buyers: USDA Now Financing Manufactured Homes!

Date: May 20, 2025

Manufactured home in rural Kentucky setting 


A modern manufactured home option now eligible for USDA financing

Learn about the new USDA Rural Housing changes that now allow financing for manufactured homes in Kentucky. Discover eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to apply for affordable rural housing.

Introduction

Great news for Kentucky families looking for affordable rural housing options! As of May 5, 2025, the USDA has officially updated its Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) to include permanent financing options for certain manufactured homes. This game-changing policy update opens doors for many Kentucky residents who previously struggled to find affordable financing for manufactured housing.

For years, potential rural homebuyers found themselves in a frustrating position: they qualified for USDA's excellent terms but couldn't use the program when they fell in love with a manufactured home. Now, that roadblock has been removed, creating new pathways to homeownership across Kentucky's rural communities.

What's Changed?

The USDA Rural Development agency has recognized the critical need for affordable housing solutions and has permanently expanded their loan guarantee program to include existing manufactured homes that meet specific criteria. This change acknowledges manufactured housing as a viable, quality housing option for rural families.

Key Eligibility Requirements for Manufactured Homes

To qualify for USDA financing under the new guidelines, manufactured homes must meet the following criteria:

Requirement Details
Installation History Must be an existing unit never previously installed on a different homesite
Minimum Size Floor area not less than 400 square feet
Modifications No alterations since factory construction (except approved porches/decks)
Foundation Must be on a permanent foundation per HUD standards
Energy Efficiency Must meet Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard for geographic area
Age Restriction Manufacture date within 20 years from loan closing date
Certification Must have HUD Certification label and HUD Data Plate
Classification Must be classified and taxed as real estate

Important Restrictions to Know

The USDA will NOT guarantee loans for:

  • Units without an eligible site
  • Units not constructed to Federal standards
  • Units without proper permanent foundation
  • Furniture or movable personal property
  • Unapproved additions or modifications
  • Units being relocated from another site
  • Units older than 20 years (with some exceptions)
  • Units with remaining tow hitches or running gear

Benefits for Kentucky Rural Home Buyers

<div class="benefits-container"> <div class="benefit-card"> <h3>100% Financing</h3> <p>No down payment required, making homeownership more accessible</p> </div> <div class="benefit-card"> <h3>Competitive Rates</h3> <p>Access to market-competitive interest rates</p> </div> <div class="benefit-card"> <h3>Affordable Housing</h3> <p>Manufactured homes typically cost 10-35% less than site-built homes</p> </div> <div class="benefit-card"> <h3>Modern Options</h3> <p>Today's manufactured homes offer quality construction and amenities</p> </div> </div>

What This Means for Kentucky Families

This update is particularly significant for Kentucky, where:

  • Rural communities make up approximately 41% of the state's population
  • Manufactured housing represents about 14% of the state's housing stock
  • Housing affordability continues to be a challenge for many families

For families struggling with rising housing costs, manufactured homes offer a quality, affordable alternative to traditional site-built homes. With the USDA now offering financing options, the dream of homeownership becomes more attainable for thousands of Kentucky residents.

How to Apply for USDA Manufactured Home Financing

Step 1: Check Property Eligibility

First, verify that your desired location qualifies as "rural" under USDA guidelines. You can check eligibility using the USDA Property Eligibility Map.

Step 2: Meet Income Requirements

USDA loans are designed for low to moderate-income households. Income limits vary by county and household size. Check Kentucky income limits here.

Step 3: Find an Eligible Manufactured Home

Remember, the home must meet all the criteria outlined above, including age requirements and permanent foundation standards.

Step 4: Work with an Approved Lender

Contact a USDA-approved lender who can guide you through the application process. Find approved lenders in Kentucky.

Financing Example

Here's how USDA financing might look for a typical manufactured home purchase in Kentucky:

Home Purchase Price: $150,000
Down Payment: $0 (0% with USDA)
Loan Amount: $150,000
Term: 30 years
Interest Rate: 6.5% (example rate, actual rates may vary)
Monthly Principal & Interest: ~$948
Guarantee Fee: 1% upfront (can be financed)
Annual Fee: 0.35% of outstanding balance

Expert Insights

"This is one of the best financing opportunities available today," notes housing finance specialist JaCee DeMartino-Simms. "The USDA's recognition of manufactured housing as a viable option opens doors for many Kentucky families who otherwise might be priced out of homeownership."

Local mortgage expert Joel Lobb adds, "For rural Kentucky communities, this change represents a significant opportunity to address housing shortages while providing affordable options for first-time homebuyers and those on fixed incomes."

Resources for Kentucky Home Buyers

For more information on USDA manufactured home loans, check these valuable resources:

Conclusion

The USDA's policy update represents a significant advancement in affordable rural housing options for Kentucky residents. By extending financing options to include manufactured homes, the program acknowledges both the quality of modern manufactured housing and the critical need for affordable homeownership opportunities.

For many Kentucky families, this change could be the difference between continuing to rent and achieving the dream of homeownership. If you're considering a manufactured home in a rural area, now is an excellent time to explore your financing options through the USDA Rural Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.


About the Author: Joel Lobb is a Kentucky mortgage specialist with over 25 years of experience helping families achieve homeownership. Contact Joel today at (502) 905-3708 or visit Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Loans for more information.

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No Credit Score USDA Borrower in Kentucky

 Kentucky Rural Housing USDA Borrower with No Credit Score


Question:

My USDA client has no credit score and filed Chapter 13 in 2019. Would USDA accept this?

Answer:
USDA allows no-score Borrowers, so this file would be a manual underwrite. You will need to build a non-traditional credit and also meet all of the manual underwriting requirements.


Minimum Credit Scores for a Kentucky USDA Home Loan Approval

Technically, there is no minimum credit score required to obtain a USDA home loan. However, lenders often impose overlays over USDA guidelines to ensure the borrowers are creditworthy.
Generally, you’ll need a credit score of 640 or higher to get approved for a USDA loan, though it’s possible to go lower with an exception or a manual underwrite.
When doing a manual underwrite, you should have compensating factors (such as long-term employment, assets, decent income, positive rental history etc.) to allow for the lower credit score. Your mortgage rate will also be higher to account for increased risk.
Also note that a higher credit score may be required if your DTI exceeds the allowable ratios.
In any case, you should really try to attain much higher credit scores if you want to get any type of mortgage, and favorable terms on said loan.
As with any other mortgage, it’s advisable to check your credit several months in advance to ensure your credit is on good shape, and if not, take steps to improve it before applying.
Minimum Credit Scores for a Kentucky USDA Home Loan Approval


References:

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
Get Approved Now Click Here

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).



Current Underwriting Turn Times on Rural Housing USDA Loans in Kentucky

Kentucky Rural Housing USDA Turn Times


Are you interested in knowing the current status of USDA's turn times? USDA provides this information on their website. 

Refer to Kentucky USDA's turn times click link below 



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Kentucky USDA Mortgage Loans

What is a Kentucky USDA loan?


A Kentucky USDA loan is a home loan that gives significant benefits to those who want to buy a single-family primary residence in the eligible  rural development areas of Kentucky. The mortgage is backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and given through private financial institutions and straight through the USDA government itself with the Direct USDA loans.

For purposes of this article,  I will talk mainly about the Guarantee USDA Loan offered by lenders.

 USDA loans require no money down, and they are mainly for families/households making less than the following:


Income Limits –
 The Kentucky Rural Housing USDA program is intended to assist low and moderate-income Kentucky households, therefore to be eligible for a USDA loan, your household income may not exceed the moderate-income limits established for the specific county in which you are financing a home. you may view the eligibility requirements on this page of the USDA website:

 New Income limits for most counties (*) in Kentucky are $90,200 for a household family of four and household families of five or more can make up to $119,100. 

The Northern Kentucky Counties (***) of Boon, Kenton, Campbell, Bracken, Gallatin, and Pendleton are $99,000 for a household of four or less and up to $129,000 for a family of five or more.



What Kind of home loans are offered by USDA?


The loan program focuses on stimulating economic growth and rural development in the United States. You can get a USDA loan as a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. They do not offer shorter term loans than 30 year fixed rates and can only be used to buy a home or refinance an existing USDA loan. 
You cannot take a cash out refinance or refinance another type of loan to a USDA loan.


Kentucky USDA loan eligibility and qualifying Guidelines


For you to qualify for USDA loans you should satisfy the income and credit requirements set by the USDA and financial institutions. To get a USDA mortgage:

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent residence.

You should have a stable and sustainable income that should be consistent for two years. Does not have to be same job, but must have worked for the last two years with stable employment, meaning no job gaps, and reliable income

You should have an acceptable debt-income ratio that is determined and varies depending on the lender. Most lenders will use GUS, the Automated Underwriting Engine to determine your credit and income worthiness for a mortgage pre-approval. 

Your adjusted annual income should not be more than 115% of the region median income, according to your family’s size.

The property you are purchasing should be ineligible in suburban or in rural development areas and must be your primary residence. No rental properties or second homes allowed for this loan program. 
Manufactured homes that are not brand new from the dealer lot are not acceptable. 

The property must meet FHA appraisal guidelines. 

The USDA has not set any rules on the acceptable minimum credit score, although most lenders want a minimum score of 640 so that they can use the USDA Guaranteed Underwriting System. 
You can still be eligible for USDA loans with a credit score less than 640 but the file will need manual underwriting. 

On paper, USDA says they don't have a minimum credit score, but most lenders will want a 640 credit score and some going down to 620. The trick is getting it approved with the Automated Underwriting system with USDA and if the score is below 640, they make it very difficult to qualify for with a lot of added conditions. 


The USDA includes all the annual income of each adult member of your households when calculating the income limit even if they are not a part of the mortgage. USDA does not just look at your yearly earnings; the limit comprises the adjusted income after putting into account the allowable deductions such as medical expenses.



There are three USDA home loan options:


Direct loans-
 these are loans available for low and very low-income earners, and the USDA issues them. The earnings requirement varies with locations. The interest rate is also variable and with subsidies, it can go as low as 1% sometimes with the rate and costs being subsisted by the Gov't. They take on average 3-6 months to close and are for very low income. 

Home improvement loans and grants-
 these are financial awards or loans that allow homeowners to renovate and improve their houses. The package can come as a combination of a grant and a loan, that gives up to $27,500 as help.

Loan guarantees- these are loans available from local lenders and USDA guarantees the mortgage such that you will get a low mortgage interest rate with no money down. However, you will have to pay a mortgage insurance premium if you give little or no down payment.
The current mortgage insurance upfront is 1% and .35% monthly, which is very cheap when compared to FHA loans. 


Guaranteed vs. Direct USDA loan program.


The differentiating factor between the two loan options is who funds the loan. The USDA gives the direct loan and offers payment assistance through subsidies. However, with a guaranteed loan, a USDA-approved lender offers the loan.

The aim of the two loan programs is to make homeownership affordable for low to moderate-income households in rural development areas. There are multiple differences between the two loan options and they are designed for two different financial bodies. For instance, with the USDA direct loan you must meet the following requirements:


Kentucky Mortgage USDA loan rates


The primary determining element for the interest rates is your credit profile, loan amount, when you are closing, and the lender you choose. USDA does not set the rates, they're set by the lender.


It is crucial to note that the USDA does not set the interest rates. The participating lenders have the liberty to set their own rates, hence the quotes will vary depending on various factors.



Kentucky USDA Underwriting Process:


Does it take longer to close a USDA loan? 

The experience with the USDA loan process varies with each home buyer but the process basically includes:

Prequalification with a USDA verified lender through GUS automated engine. 


How to apply for a Kentucky USDA loan


In order to get you pre-approved for your max loan amount, I will need the following items from you. This is a free process and I will give you a copy of your credit report for free!

 

 

👇MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL CHECKLIST 

 

  • Most recent 30 days of pay stub(s)
  • W-2s and 1099's if applicable  for most recent two years
  • 1040 tax returns for last two years 
  • Most recent 60 days bank statements all pages
  • Most recent 401(k)/retirement statement if applicable

 

Once I get the information above, I can usually get you pre-approved in one to two days, and get your loan closed in 30-45 days after you get an accepted offer on a home. Your first house payment usually starts 30-60 days after you close.

 

Your loan pre-approval is usually good for 120 days.

 

I don't need originals, copies are fine. You can fax or email  me the above documents,  or meet me face-to-face if you wish to make copies and go over your options.

 

Let me know your questions. 

 

Thanks and look forward to helping you. 

 






Joel Lobb


Mortgage Loan Officer


Individual NMLS ID #57916



American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.


10602 Timberwood Circle


Louisville, KY 40223


Company NMLS ID #1364



click here for directions to our office



Text/call: 502-905-3708



email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com



https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

 

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Mortgage Application Checklist of Documents Needed below  👇

W-2 forms (previous 2 years)
Paycheck stubs (last 30 days - most current)
Employer name and address (2 year history including any gaps)
Bank accounts statement (recent 2 months – all pages
Statements for 401(k)s, stocks and other investments (most recent)
federal tax returns (previous 2 years)
Residency history (2 year history)
Photo identification for applicant and co-applicant (valid Driver’s License





click on link for mortgage pre-approval


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/


NMLS Consumer Access for Joel Lobb 

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Joel Lobb 

Joel Lobb, American Mortgage Solutions (Statewide)

Joel has worked with KHC for 12 of his 20 years in the mortgage lending business. Joel said, “A lot of my clients would not have been able to purchase a home of their own or possibly delayed their purchase due to lack of down payment but with the $6,000 DAP loan program, this gets them into a house sooner and starts their path to homeownership while building equity instead of throwing their money away.”

When you’re ready to purchase a home in Joel's area, contact him at:
Phone: 502-905-3708
Email: Kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com






How much income do you need to qualify for on Rural Housing Kentucky USDA Mortgage Loan.

ZERO MONEY DOWN KENTUCKY  MORTGAGE LOANS
Rarely do you find homes eligible for Zero Down Financing. Click the link and check your eligibility.

- USDA ELIGIBLE 100% FINANCING FOR SELECT AREAS OF KENTUCKY
- FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY


How much income do you need to qualify for on Kentucky USDA Mortgage Loan.

They look at two ratios on qualifying your for a mortgage loan going USDA, the front end ratio and the back-end ratio, also called the total debt to income ratio.

When looking at your qualifying repayment income, they will use your base gross income, not your net income.

The first ratio is called the piti ratio, which stands for principal, interest, taxes, mortgage insurance and home insurance, namely your new house payment.

See example below of what goes into your front-end ratio or piti ratio:

A. PITI: 29% The Ratios

• Principal
• Interest
• Real estate taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Annual fee
• Additional assessments, HOA fees, e

The second ratio is called the total debt to income ratio, or sometimes called the back-end ratio. This consist of your new house payment along with your current monthly bills listed on the credit report. If you pay child support or have a  401k loan, this counts into your total debt to income ratio.  What is not listed in your total debt to income ratio is car insurance, utility bills, cell phone bill, etc. --just strictly what's on credit report.

See example below of what goes into your total debt to income ratio:

B. Total Debt (TD): 41%

• PITI
• Regular assessments
• Long‐term obligations (10 months or more repayment)
• Revolving accounts
• 30 day accounts
• Alimony
• Garnishments
• Student loans
• Previous mortgage (divorce, sale, trade, transfer)
• Co‐signed debts
• Business debts
• Non‐Purchasing Spouse debts, as applicable
• Collections, as applicable
• Judgments
• Self‐employed loss
• Auto allowance and expense payments
• Rental loss
• Short‐term obligations (significant impact on repayment)
• Balloon
• Deferred payments


If your have certain credit scores that are higher, sometimes you can go higher than the standard 29 and 41% ratios for a loan approval. This is called a waiver. See debt ratio waiver guidelines below

Debt Ratio Waivers 101

• GUS Accept = no waiver required
• GUS Accept with full documentation = no waiver required
• GUS Refer, Refer with Caution, or manual uw = waiver
required

*GUS stands for the USDA automated underwriting engine that lenders use to pre-approve you for the loan. All USDA loans are ran though this online automated system for initial pre-approval requirement .


 Debt Ratio Waivers: Purchases Manual UW

• All applicants = 680 credit score or higher
• Maximum ratios: 32% PITI / 44% TD
• 1 compensating factor with supporting documentation
– Proposed PITI less than or equal to previous 12 months of
verified housing cost with no late payments
– 3 months or more of PITI in reserve post loan closing
– All applicants employed with current employer for 2 years



Compensating factors:

• 680 credit score for all applicants
• Continuous employment with primary job
• Ability to accumulate savings
• 12 months mortgage paid as agreed







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






Text/call:      502-905-3708
fax:            502-327-9119
email:
          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