Debt Ratios for Home Lending
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide your maximum monthly payment after you've paid your other monthly debts.
Understanding the qualifying ratio
For the most part, 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 how much (by percent) of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, homeowners' dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything.
The second number 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, car payments, child support, and the like.
Examples:
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 calculate pre-qualification numbers with your own financial data, we offer a Mortgage Pre-Qualification Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Remember these are just guidelines. We will be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you figure out how much you can afford.
Coastal Mortgage Corp. can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Call us: 504-866-5626.