Debt Ratios for Home Financing
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine the most you can pay monthly after you have paid your other monthly debts.
How to figure your qualifying ratio
For the most part, conventional mortgages require 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 go toward housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, HOA dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything.
The second number is what percent of your gross income every month that should be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes credit card payments, auto/boat loans, child support, etcetera.
For example:
With a 28/36 qualifying 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'd like to run your own numbers, please use this Mortgage Qualification Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Remember these are only guidelines. We'd be happy to pre-qualify you to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford.
At Yamini Patel, we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Give us a call: (832) 730-2000.