Debt Ratios for Home Financing
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine your maximum monthly payment after your other recurring debts are paid.
Understanding your qualifying ratio
In general, conventional mortgage loans need a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number in a qualifying ratio is the maximum percentage of gross monthly income that can be spent on housing costs (including loan principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, hazard insurance, taxes, and homeowners' association dues).
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income which can be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes payments on credit cards, auto/boat payments, child support, and the like.
For example:
28/36 (Conventional)
- 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, feel free to use our superb Loan Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Remember these are just guidelines. We will be thrilled to go over pre-qualification to determine how much you can afford.
At Coastal Mortgage Corp., we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Call us: 504-866-5626.