Ratio of Debt-to-Income

Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide your maximum monthly payment after your other monthly debts have been paid.

About the qualifying ratio

Most conventional 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 in a qualifying ratio is the maximum amount (as a percentage) of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing costs (this includes mortgage principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, homeowner's insurance, property tax, and homeowners' association dues).

The second number in the ratio is what percent of your gross income every month which can be applied to housing costs and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes payments on credit cards, car loans, child support, etcetera.

Some example data:

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, use this Mortgage Loan Pre-Qualification Calculator.

Just Guidelines

Don't forget these are just guidelines. We'd be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to determine how large a mortgage you can afford.

Triumph Mortgage Inc can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Call us at 8327302000.