Ratio of Debt to Income
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine the most you can pay monthly after you have paid your other monthly loans.
Understanding the qualifying ratio
In general, underwriting for conventional mortgages requires a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less strict, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, homeowners' dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything that constitutes the payment.
The second number is what percent of your gross income every month which can be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like car payments, child support and credit card payments.
Some example data:
A 28/36 ratio
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .28 = $1,260 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .36 = $1,620 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .29 = $1,305 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .41 = $1,845 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 Pre-Qualifying Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Don't forget these ratios are only guidelines. We will be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you determine how large a mortgage you can afford.
Executive Lending Group, LLC can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call: (816) 525-8000.