Debt Ratios for Home Lending
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine your maximum monthly payment after your other monthly debts are paid.
About the qualifying ratio
For the most part, conventional loans require 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 percentage of your gross monthly income that can go to housing (including loan principal and interest, PMI, hazard insurance, property tax, and HOA dues).
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income which can be applied to housing costs and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like vehicle payments, child support and 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'd like to calculate pre-qualification numbers with your own financial data, please use this Mortgage Qualification Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Remember these ratios are just guidelines. We will be thrilled to go over pre-qualification to determine how large a mortgage you can afford.
Reliance Mortgage Service, Inc can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Call us: 562 320-0510.