Debt to Income Ratio

Your debt to income ratio is simply a way of determining how much money is available for your monthly mortgage payment after all your other recurring debt obligations are met.

Debt limit

There is generally a debt limit associated with each type of loan, such as a 28/36 qualifying ratio for a conventional loan. These qualifying ratios are guidelines.  An excellent credit history can help you qualify for a mortgage loan even if your debt load is over and above the limit.

Understanding the qualifying ratio

Typically conventional loans have a qualifying ratio of 28/36.  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 towards housing expenses (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 towards housing expenses and recurring debt.  Recurring debt includes things such as 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 toward housing expenses.
• Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .36 = $1,260 can be applied toward recurring debt plus housing expenses.

With a 29/41 qualifying ratio:

• Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .29 = $1,015 can be applied toward housing expenses.
• Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .41 = $1,435 can be applied toward recurring debt plus housing expenses.

Simply guidelines

Remember these are just guidelines.  We also offer a variety of other loan programs to fit the individual client's needs, such as; No Income/No Asset, Stated Income/Stated Asset, No Ratio, No-Document.  However, these loan programs will require higher credit FICO scores.  We will be happy to pre-qualify you to determine which loan program is best for you and how large a mortgage loan you can afford.

We look forward to helping you purchase your dream home!