Debt Ratios for Residential Lending
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide your maximum monthly payment after you've paid your other monthly loans.
How to figure your qualifying ratio
For the most part, 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 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, PMI - everything.
The second number in the ratio is what percent of your gross income every month which can be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt together. Recurring debt includes things like auto/boat payments, child support and credit card payments.
For example:
With a 28/36 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 (FHA) 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
If you'd like to run your own numbers, please use this Loan Qualifying Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Don't forget these ratios are just guidelines. We will be happy to help you pre-qualify to help you figure out how much you can afford.
Forum Mortgage Bancorp can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Give us a call: (773) 774-9040 Ext 121.