Ratio of Debt to Income
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine your maximum monthly payment after you have paid your other recurring debts.
How to figure your qualifying ratio
Typically, underwriting for conventional mortgage loans needs a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including hazard insurance, homeowners' dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything that makes up the full payment.
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 payments, child support and credit card payments.
For example:
28/36 (Conventional)
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .28 = $1,260 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .36 = $1,620 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .29 = $1,305 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $4,500 x .41 = $1,845 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you want to run your own numbers, use this Loan Pre-Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Don't forget these ratios are just guidelines. We'd be happy to help you pre-qualify to help you figure out how large a mortgage you can afford.
Amity Mortgage LLC can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call: (203) 729-6681.