Ratio of Debt-to-Income
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Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide the most you can pay monthly after you have paid your other monthly loans.
Understanding your qualifying ratio
Most underwriting for conventional mortgages 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 percentage of gross monthly income that can be spent on housing costs (this includes loan principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, hazard insurance, taxes, and homeowners' association dues).
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes payments on credit cards, auto/boat payments, child support, et cetera.
Examples:
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 calculate pre-qualification numbers on your own income and expenses, feel free to use our Loan Qualification Calculator.
Remember these ratios are just guidelines. We would be happy to go over pre-qualification to help you figure out how much you can afford. At Affordable Mortgage Financing, LLC., we answer questions about qualifying often. Call us at (608) 372-9222.