Debt-to-Income Ratio
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide your maximum monthly payment after your other recurring debts are paid.
About the qualifying ratio
Usually, conventional mortgages need 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 (including mortgage principal and interest, PMI, homeowner's insurance, property tax, and HOA dues).
The second number in the ratio is what percent of your gross income every month that can be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes credit card payments, auto/boat payments, child support, and the like.
Some example data:
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, we offer a Loan Qualification Calculator.
Don't forget these are just guidelines. We will be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford.
Mountain Equity Mortgage, Inc. can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Call us: 970-513-0934. Want to get started?
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