Debt-to-Income Ratio
The ratio of debt to income is a formula lenders use to calculate how much of your income can be used for your monthly mortgage payment after you meet your various other monthly debt payments.
How to figure your qualifying ratio
Typically, 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 gross monthly income that can be applied to housing (this includes loan principal and interest, PMI, hazard insurance, property taxes, and homeowners' association dues).
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income which can be spent on housing expenses and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes auto loans, child support and monthly credit card payments.
For example:
28/36 (Conventional)
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .28 = $980 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .36 = $1,260 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .29 = $1,015 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .41 = $1,435 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you'd like to calculate pre-qualification numbers on your own income and expenses, use this Mortgage Loan Pre-Qualification Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Remember these ratios are just guidelines. We will be happy to help you pre-qualify to determine how much you can afford.
At Executive Lending Group, LLC, we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Call us at (816) 525-8000 & (81.