Debt Ratios for Home Financing
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide the most you can pay monthly after your other recurring debts are paid.
Understanding the qualifying ratio
For the most part, conventional mortgages require 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 be spent on housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including hazard insurance, HOA dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - 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 car loans, child support and monthly credit card payments.
For example:
With a 28/36 ratio
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .28 = $1,820 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .36 = $2,340 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .29 = $1,885 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .41 = $2,665 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you want to calculate pre-qualification numbers on your own income and expenses, we offer a Mortgage Loan Qualification Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Don't forget these are just guidelines. We'd be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford.
Amity Mortgage LLC can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Call us at (203) 729-6681.