Kentucky first-time homebuyers: Learn how to check your FICO score for FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC loans and improve your chances of mortgage approval.
Why Your FICO Score Matters for Your Kentucky Home Loan
If you’re buying your first home in Kentucky, your FICO® credit score is one of the most important factors in getting approved for a mortgage. Lenders use your score to determine:
Whether you qualify for a loan
How much you can borrow
The interest rate you’ll pay
This applies to all common Kentucky loan programs, including FHA, VA, USDA Rural Housing, and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) loans.
New FICO Program Makes Getting Your Score Easier
FICO recently launched the Mortgage Direct License Program, which allows lenders to get and share FICO Scores directly with borrowers.
What this means for you:
Lenders may save money and pass along efficiency to borrowers
Your mortgage application process could move faster
There’s more transparency in how your credit score is used
You still don’t need to buy your FICO score yourself—your lender will pull it during pre-approval.
Minimum FICO Score Requirements for Common Kentucky Loans
Each loan program has different credit score expectations:
FHA Loans: Usually 580+ for 3.5% down
VA Loans: No official minimum, but most lenders prefer 620+
USDA Loans: Typically 640+ for automated approval
KHC Loans: Follows FHA, VA, and USDA guidelines, sometimes with additional overlays
