Ratio of Debt to Income
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide the most you can pay monthly after your other monthly debts are paid.
Understanding the qualifying ratio
In general, conventional mortgage loans need a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are a little less strict, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
In these ratios, the first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, HOA dues, PMI - everything.
The second number is what percent of your gross income every month that should be applied to housing costs and recurring debt together. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes credit card payments, auto loans, child support, and the like.
For example:
28/36 (Conventional)
- 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, feel free to use our very useful Mortgage Qualifying Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Remember these are only guidelines. We will be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to determine how much you can afford.
Price Mortgage Group LLC can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Give us a call: 405-513-7700.