Most Lenders Won't Tell You This About Getting Pre-Approved in Kentucky...
So I'll tell you instead! Here's a free checklist for getting pre-approval: documents, credit, and income. Quick, easy, and right below. No downloading necessary.
The Pre-Approval Checklist:
✅ Credit Score Requirements:
Conventional Loan: 620+ (but 680+ gets you better rates)
FHA Loan: 580+ (500-579 with at least 3.5% down)
VA Loan: No minimum (but most lenders want 580+)
USDA Loan: 640+ recommended
Reality check: Had a client get approved at 592. It's possible.
✅ Income Documentation:
W-2s or 1099s (last 2 years)
Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
Tax returns (last 2 years if self-employed)
Bank statements (last 2 months)
Proof of any additional income (alimony, bonuses, side gigs)
✅ Employment Verification:
Current employer contact info
2+ years steady employment (or same industry)
If you job-hopped: be ready to explain why
✅ Asset Documentation:
Bank statements showing down payment + closing costs
Retirement accounts (401k, IRA (yes, you can use these))
Gift letters if family is helping (it's allowed and common)
✅ Debt Information:
Current rent/mortgage payment
Car loans, student loans, credit cards
Any other monthly obligations (child support, etc.)
Your debt-to-income ratio matters more than you think
✅ Personal Info:
Driver's license or state ID
Social Security number
Rental history (addresses for last 2 years)
💡 Pro Tip: Get all this together BEFORE you talk to a lender. You'll look serious, and they'll move faster.