Debt Ratios for Residential Financing
The ratio of debt to income is a tool lenders use to calculate how much of your income is available for your monthly home loan payment after all your other recurring debts have been met.
About the qualifying ratio
Most underwriting for conventional mortgage loans requires a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are a little less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
In these ratios, the first number is how much (by percent) of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, HOA dues, PMI - everything.
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that should be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes payments on credit cards, auto/boat loans, child support, etcetera.
Some example data:
28/36 (Conventional)
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .28 = $2,240 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .36 = $2,280 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .29 = $2,320 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .41 = $3,280 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you'd like to run your own numbers, feel free to use our very useful Mortgage Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Remember these are only guidelines. We'd be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to help you determine how much you can afford.
MidTowne Mortgage can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Give us a call: 4787462063.