Physician Loans in Kentucky


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10 Best Hidden Doctor Mortgage Loans in Kentucky

Key Terms

  • A Kentucky physician mortgage loan comes with high loan limits and options for up to 100% financing.
  • Physician mortgages don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI) even with a 0% down payment.
  • Student loan payments typically receive favorable treatment with a doctor loan, making it easier to qualify for a mortgage.

Kentucky is known as the “Bluegrass State” and was the 15th state to join the United States on June 1, 1792. It is also home to the world’s largest cave system known as Mammoth Cave National Park, as well as some of America’s favorite pastimes, including horse racing and bourbon. This landlocked state is bordered by Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Illinois, and Missouri and is home to over 10,000 working physicians

The Kentucky housing market has shown significant strength over the last five years. According to the Kentucky Realtors Association, the housing market doubled in value over a span of five years. For the year, the state has 57,100 homes sold, nearly 2,000 more than the previous year. Sales volume broke records by the end of last year reaching $14.3 billion in sales. 

For those who are doctors and dentists and thinking about buying in the state, the Kentucky physician mortgage loan program may be an opportunity to do so affordably. The program allows qualified professionals to secure a loan without a down payment requirement or a small one. 

Show Me Lenders

Pros/Cons of Kentucky physician mortgage loans

Going with a Kentucky physician mortgage brings a lot of assets into the mix. When you take out a doctor mortgage in Kentucky, you can enjoy:

  • Higher loan limits that allow you to afford “more home”
  • No PMI payments
  • Little to no money down required

You also will likely receive special consideration of your student debt; that means that your approval process will be much easier than it might be with a conventional loan. Traditional loans make it hard for medical residents and new healthcare workers to get a home, especially if they’ve maxed out credit cards on a limited resident income and because these physicians have high student loan amounts.

Alternative home financing through a physician home loan is one of the best ways to get a home, especially if your realtor already found you the perfect place through the NMLS. You don’t have to wait until you start your job to get your new home, but be aware that repayment rules do apply much like a traditional loan. Do the math with your budget to ensure your monthly payments are in line with what you can afford.

Unlike a refinance or going through a traditional lender, there are different rules that apply with physician mortgage loans. If you’re seeking a new primary residence because you found an amazing home on the NMLS, homeownership might just been one doctor loan away.

And the downsides with these loans? Well, you need to consider that having a higher limit doesn’t mean you actually need a bigger, more expensive house. Be careful not to buy more home than you need or can afford. You may also have to deal with a slightly higher interest rate when taking on one of these loans, though that does come with a number of advantages. Be aware of the future mortgage payment, however, as it could be out of your reach to take on a big loan without the paycheck to cover it. Check out the details and contact information for each of the lenders below if you’re thinking about getting a home loan.

Get Quotes for Your Physician Loan

10 Top Kentucky doctor mortgage lenders

Some lenders only offer physician mortgage loans to attending physicians, while other programs can lend to those still in residency or fellowship.

Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Pharmacist (Pharm D), Attorney (JD), Veterinarian (DVM), Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse (RN/NP/CRNA), ATP Pilots, CPA

Flagstar Bank

(All 50 States)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Flagstar Bank was chartered in 1987 and holds around $23 billion in assets, making it a medium sized bank. However, they punch above their weight when it comes to mortgages.

The bank is the sixth largest bank mortgage originator nationally. They only offer ARM products when it comes to doctor mortgages but their ability to lend in all 50 states means they're a player at every closing. There is no application fee or prepayment penalties. They also offer a float down, buy down, and recast option. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Pharmacist (Pharm D), Attorney (JD), Veterinarian (DVM), Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse (RN/NP/CRNA), ATP Pilots, CPA

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
20% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $2,500,000
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: ARM Only
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Keybank

(All 50 States)

$10M+ Closed Loans

Keybank is a major national bank based in Ohio with a competitive doctor mortgage program. They also lend across a large part of the United States.

The Keybank doctor mortgage program does not require you to be a minimum or maximum number of years out of medical school to qualify. They also offer large mortgage options if needed and part of your down payment can be supplied in money that you've received as a gift. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
15% above $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: Contact to discuss
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Veterinarians (DVM)

Alerus

(AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY)

$10M+ Closed Loans

Alerus is a national bank but one that you might not know. They are headquartered in North Dakota but provide mortgage across the country.

Alerus has some other interesting features, including a $20,000 closing guarantee. It's a benefit paid to the seller if the loan doesn't close per the terms of the pre-approval letter. In other words, it's something you can use to make your offer look more attractive in a competitive market. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Veterinarians (DVM)

Down payment Financing
0% up to $750 thousand
5% up to $1 million
10% above $1.5 million
  • Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan: $1.5 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not disclosed
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Fellows, Residents

Citizens Bank

(CA, CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Citizens Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States. We bet you didn't know that it is head-quartered in the smallest state: Rhode Island.

With over $160 billion in assets, it's no surprise that Citizens offers a full range of financial products, including a physician loan. New medical professional graduates who are under contract for residency within 60 days of closing and have not yet obtained a license are eligible. No more than 10 years out of residency. Self-employed professionals are eligible with a two-year history of self-employment income. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
5% up to $850 thousand
10% up to $1 million
15% up to $1.5 million
  • Minimum credit score: Not reported
  • Maximum loan: $1.5 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Required reservers: None
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Optometrist (OD); Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Fifth Third

(FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, NC, OH, SC, TN, WV)

$50M+ Closed Loans

Fifth Third is a large bank with an established doctor mortgage loan program that is available to doctors, dentists, optometrists and veterinarians.

The Fifth Third physician mortgage program is also available for innterns, residents or fellows that are starting their residency within 90 days of closing on a new home. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Optometrist (OD); Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
10% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $2 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Podiatrist (DPM), Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Huntington Bank

(CO, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, ND, OH, PA, SD, WI, WV)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Huntington Bank operates primarily out of the Midwest.

Huntington's mortgage group can service a large part of the country. Huntington has a competitive physician loan product with no money down financing options.. You can close a Huntington Bank loan prior to starting new employment as long as you have an employment contract in hand. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Podiatrist (DPM), Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.25 million
10% $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $2 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: 2 months
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Lawyer (JD), Doctorate degree-holders (PHD), Fellows, Residents

S&T Bank

(DE, MD, NJ, OH, PA, WV)

$50M+ Closed Loans

S&T Bank is located in Indiana, Pennsylvania and was founded in 1902 mainly serving Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The S&T Bank physician mortgage program is also available to lawyers and PHD holders, making it broader than other programs. No private mortgage insurance is required and low down payment options are available for high loan amounts. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Lawyer (JD), Doctorate degree-holders (PHD), Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
5% up to $1 million
5% up to $2 million
5% up to $3 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: Exceptions granted
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Podiatrist (DPM), Fellow, Resident

Truist

(AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Truist was formerly known as SunTrust and has historically been a strong player in the doctor mortgage world, thanks to a strong physician home loan program.

Medical professionals with a job offer can close up to 90 days prior to the start date. For doctors and dentists with 10 to 15 years post-training experience, 89.99% financing is available for up to $1.5 million. Truist won’t let you borrow outside of your debt-to-income ratio of 43%, but your student loan payment can be excluded from the debt component if the student loans are deferred for at least 12 months at the time of closing. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Podiatrist (DPM), Fellow, Resident

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
20% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 680
  • Maximum loan: Contact to discuss
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DDS, DMD); Veterinarian (DVM), Resident, fellows

The Federal Savings Bank

(CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY)

$50M+ Closed Loans

The Federal Savings Bank is a nationwide mortgage lender, although their physician program isn't available in all states.

The Federal Savings Bank's physician mortgage program is available for primary residences, including 1-2 unit residential properties (although you can't use the rental income from the other unit to meet the DTI requirements). The bank can work with 1099 income and can close on mortgages up to 90 days prior to starting a job. They can also handle mortgages with H1B visa holders. [Read Review]

Eligible Professions:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DDS, DMD); Veterinarian (DVM), Resident, fellows

Down payment Financing
0% down up to $1 million
5% down up to $1.25 million
10% down up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 680
  • Maximum loan: Exceptions made
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Laurel Road

(All 50 States)

$10M+ Closed Loans

Laurel Road used to be an independent bank but is now owned by Keycorp and part of the Keybank family. They focus on financial products for healthcare professionals.

Laurel Road has a middle of the road doctor mortgage program. It's available in all 50 states but limited to healthcare professionals and only goes up to $1 million. Retired doctors are not eligible. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
  • Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan: Contact to discuss
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs

Is a Kentucky physician mortgage loan right for you?

If you are taking the time to consider a Kentucky physician mortgage, you may want to ask yourself some key questions. A mortgage is a real commitment, and you should only enter into one if you know you will be staying in your region for years to come. To that end, consider how satisfied you are in your current job and area. 

Next, remember that a higher interest rate can translate into a good bit of money by the time you make that final payment on your mortgage. If this is something you think is worth it, given that you can enjoy an easier approval process with higher limits, then a Kentucky doctor mortgage may be great for you.

Examples of doctors who take out physician loans in Kentucky

Let’s segue now to talking about some of the doctors and professionals in Kentucky that are taking out physician loans. You might be surprised at how similar their stories are to yours.

Fellow who has a lot of student debt

Having just landed one of only six fellowships offered by the Cardiovascular Division at the University of Louisville, Henry is on track to do very well in his career and earn a good salary. For the time being, however, he still has some serious student debt to consider. That debt has been holding him back from buying a home, even though he’s ready to settle down in the Greater Louisville area.

Banks aren’t happy with his DTI ratio, despite his great earning potential. Fortunately for Henry, a local bank is offering doctor mortgages and giving special consideration to his student debt. He will be able to access a mortgage and buy the home he needs. 

Doctor who doesn’t have a down payment

One might think that given her salary and how careful she has been with money that Denise would be ready to make a down payment on a home. The truth is, however, that her student loan payments have been slowing her savings down. Plus, housing prices are such that even 10% is a lot. Luckily, Denise can access a physician mortgage in Kentucky, allowing her to purchase a home with no money down. 

Looking for a physician loan in a different state?

If you’re looking to explore the best physician loans in other states, click on your state below.

Find a Physician Loan Specialist

Joshua Holt is a licensed mortgage loan originator (NMLS #2306824) and founder of Biglaw Investor. His mortgage expertise lies in the areas of professional mortgage loans, particularly for lawyers, doctors and other high-income professionals. Prior to Biglaw Investor, Josh practiced private equity mergers & acquisition law for one of the largest law firms in the country.

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