Debt/Income Ratio
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine the most you can pay monthly after your other monthly debts are paid.
Understanding your qualifying ratio
Usually, underwriting for conventional loans needs 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.
The first number in a qualifying ratio is the maximum amount (as a percentage) of your gross monthly income that can be applied to housing costs (including principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, homeowner's insurance, taxes, and homeowners' association dues).
The second number is what percent of your gross income every month that should be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like auto loans, child support and credit card payments.
Some example data:
With a 28/36 ratio
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .28 = $1,820 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .36 = $2,340 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .29 = $1,885 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .41 = $2,665 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you want to run your own numbers, we offer a Mortgage Loan Pre-Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Remember these ratios are just guidelines. We'd be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford.
At MidTowne Mortgage, we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Give us a call: 4787462063.