Ratio of Debt-to-Income
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide the most you can pay monthly after you have paid your other recurring debts.
About the qualifying ratio
Typically, underwriting for conventional mortgages requires 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 in a qualifying ratio is the maximum amount (as a percentage) of your gross monthly income that can go to housing (this includes mortgage principal and interest, PMI, hazard insurance, property tax, and HOA dues).
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that should be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt together. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes payments on credit cards, auto/boat loans, child support, and the like.
For example:
With a 28/36 qualifying ratio
- 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 want to calculate pre-qualification numbers with your own financial data, feel free to use our Loan Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Don't forget these ratios are only guidelines. We will be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to determine how much you can afford.
Foxfield Financial can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Call us: 720-598-8300.