Ratio of Debt to Income
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide your maximum monthly payment after you've paid your other recurring debts.
Understanding your qualifying ratio
Most underwriting for conventional mortgages requires a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are a little 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, 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 should be spent on housing expenses and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes credit card payments, auto/boat payments, child support, etcetera.
Some example data:
A 28/36 qualifying ratio
- 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, we offer a Mortgage Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Remember these ratios are just guidelines. We'd be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to determine how large a mortgage you can afford.
Amity Mortgage LLC can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Give us a call: (203) 729-6681.