Debt/Income Ratio
The ratio of debt to income is a tool lenders use to determine how much money is available for your monthly home loan payment after you have met your other monthly debt payments.
About the qualifying ratio
Typically, underwriting for conventional loans requires a qualifying ratio of 28/36. An FHA loan will usually allow for a higher debt load, reflected in a higher (29/41) qualifying ratio.
For these ratios, the first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, homeowners' dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything that constitutes the payment.
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like auto/boat payments, child support and monthly credit card payments.
Some example data:
With a 28/36 qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .28 = $756 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .36 = $972 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .29 = $783 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .41 = $1,107 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you want to run your own numbers, we offer a Mortgage Loan Pre-Qualifying Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Remember these are just guidelines. We'd be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford.
Affirm Home Loans can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call: (972) 292-0448.