Debt to Income Ratio
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine your maximum monthly payment after you have paid your other recurring loans.
Understanding the qualifying ratio
Usually, conventional mortgage loans require a qualifying ratio of 28/36. An FHA loan will usually allow for a higher debt load, reflected in a higher (29/41) qualifying ratio.
The first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, homeowners' dues, PMI - everything.
The second number is what percent of your gross income every month that should be spent on housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like car payments, child support and credit card payments.
Some example data:
A 28/36 ratio
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .28 = $756 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .36 = $972 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .29 = $783 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .41 = $1,107 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you want to calculate pre-qualification numbers on your own income and expenses, use this Mortgage Qualification Calculator.
Remember these ratios are just guidelines. We will be happy to go over pre-qualification to help you determine how much you can afford.
Affinity Lending, Inc. can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call: 816-554-9696. Want to get started?
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