Debt Ratios for Home Financing

Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine the most you can pay monthly after your other monthly debts are paid.

Understanding your qualifying ratio

Most underwriting for conventional mortgage loans needs a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are a little less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.

The first number is how much (by percent) of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including hazard insurance, HOA dues, PMI - everything that makes up the payment.

The second number is what percent of your gross income every month that can be spent on housing expenses and recurring debt. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes credit card payments, auto/boat payments, child support, and the like.

Examples:

A 28/36 ratio

• Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .28 = $2,240 can be applied to housing
• Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .36 = $2,280 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses

With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio

• Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .29 = $2,320 can be applied to housing
• Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .41 = $3,280 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 Loan Qualification Calculator.

Guidelines Only

Don't forget these are only guidelines. We'd be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to determine how much you can afford.

Reliance Mortgage Service, Inc can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call: 562 320-0510.