Ratio of Debt to Income
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Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine the most you can pay monthly after your other monthly debts are paid.
Understanding your qualifying ratio
Typically, conventional mortgage loans need a qualifying ratio of 28/36. An FHA loan will usually allow for a higher debt load, reflected in a higher (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 that makes up the full payment.
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing expenses and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes credit card payments, auto/boat payments, child support, and the like.
Some example data:
With a 28/36 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'd like to run your own numbers, we offer a Loan Pre-Qualification Calculator.
Don't forget these are only guidelines. We will be happy to pre-qualify you to determine how much you can afford. At Cosatal Financial Group, we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Call us: (512) 292-3494.