Ratio of Debt-to-Income
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide the most you can pay monthly after you have paid your other monthly debts.
About your qualifying ratio
Most underwriting for conventional mortgage loans requires a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number in a qualifying ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can go to housing (this includes mortgage principal and interest, PMI, homeowner's insurance, property tax, and homeowners' association dues).
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes auto loans, child support and monthly credit card payments.
For example:
28/36 (Conventional)
- 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, please use this Loan Qualifying Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Remember these ratios are only guidelines. We'd be happy to help you pre-qualify to help you determine how large a mortgage you can afford.
At MidTowne Mortgage, we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Give us a call: 4787462063.