Ratio of Debt-to-Income

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The debt to income ratio is a tool lenders use to determine how much money is available for a monthly mortgage payment after you have met your other monthly debt payments.

Understanding the qualifying ratio

For the most part, 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) ratio.

The first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including hazard insurance, HOA dues, PMI - everything.

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. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes payments on credit cards, car loans, child support, and the like.

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 run your own numbers, we offer a Loan Qualification Calculator.

Remember these are just guidelines. We will be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to determine how large a mortgage you can afford. Sublime Financial, LLC can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Give us a call: 214-396-3650.

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