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 have met your various other monthly debt payments.
About your qualifying ratio
Typically, conventional 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) qualifying ratio.
The first number is how much (by percent) of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, homeowners' dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything.
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes things like car loans, child support and credit card payments.
Examples:
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 run your own numbers, we offer a Mortgage Loan Qualifying Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Don't forget these ratios are just guidelines. We'd be happy to pre-qualify you to help you determine how much you can afford.
At Reliance Mortgage Service, Inc, we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Give us a call at 562 320-0510.