Debt Ratios for Residential Financing
The debt to income ratio is a tool lenders use to calculate how much money can be used for a monthly mortgage payment after you meet your various other monthly debt payments.
How to figure your qualifying ratio
In general, conventional mortgage loans need a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less strict, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number is how much (by percent) of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including hazard insurance, HOA dues, PMI - everything that constitutes the payment.
The second number in the ratio is what percent of your gross income every month that should be spent on housing costs and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes things like auto payments, 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 want to run your own numbers, feel free to use our very useful Loan Pre-Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Remember these ratios are only guidelines. We will be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you figure out how much you can afford.
Bright Vision Mortgage can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Call us at 9043423622.