Debt/Income Ratio
Shopping for a mortgage? We will be glad to assist you! Call us at (808) 891-9292. Ready to get started?
Apply Online Now.
The ratio of debt to income is a tool lenders use to determine how much money can be used for your monthly mortgage payment after all your other recurring debts have been met.
About the qualifying ratio
Usually, underwriting for conventional mortgage loans requires 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 in a qualifying ratio is the maximum amount (as a percentage) of gross monthly income that can be applied to housing (this includes principal and interest, PMI, hazard insurance, taxes, and HOA 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 together. Recurring debt includes car payments, child support and monthly credit card payments.
For example:
A 28/36 qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .28 = $2,240 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .36 = $2,280 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .29 = $2,320 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $8,000 x .41 = $3,280 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you'd like to calculate pre-qualification numbers on your own income and expenses, feel free to use our Mortgage Qualification Calculator.
Don't forget these are only guidelines. We will be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford. Creative Financial can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call: (808) 891-9292.
N style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Usually an FHA loan will allow for a higher debt load, reflected in a higher (29/41) qualifying ratio.
The first number in a qualifying ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be applied to housing (including loan principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, hazard insurance, property taxes and homeowner's association dues).
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like car loans, child support and monthly credit card payments.
For example:
With a 28/36 qualifying ratio:
-
Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .28 = $980 can be applied to housing
-
Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .36 = $1,260 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 qualifying ratio:
-
Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .29 = $1,015 can be applied to housing
-
Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .41 = $1,435 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
Simply guidelines
Remember these are just guidelines. We’d be happy to pre-qualify you to determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford. We look forward to helping you buy your dream home.