Ratio of Debt to Income
Your ratio of debt to income is a tool lenders use to calculate how much money can be used for your monthly home loan payment after you meet your various other monthly debt payments.
Understanding your qualifying ratio
Usually, conventional mortgage loans need 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 be spent on housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, homeowners' dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything that constitutes the full payment.
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that should be spent on housing costs and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes things like car payments, child support and monthly credit card payments.
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 Mortgage Loan Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Don't forget these are only guidelines. We will be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford.
At Executive Lending Group, LLC, we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Call us at (816) 525-8000.