Debt-to-Income Ratio

The debt to income ratio is a tool lenders use to determine how much money is available for your monthly mortgage payment after you meet your other monthly debt payments.

About the qualifying ratio

Usually, conventional loans need a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are a little less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.

In these ratios, the first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, HOA dues, PMI - everything.

The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income which can be spent on housing costs and recurring debt together. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes payments on credit cards, auto/boat payments, child support, etcetera.

Some example data:

With a 28/36 qualifying ratio

• Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .28 = $1,820 can be applied to housing
• Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .36 = $2,340 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses

With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio

• Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .29 = $1,885 can be applied to housing
• Gross monthly income of $6,500 x .41 = $2,665 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses

If you'd like to run your own numbers, feel free to use our superb Mortgage Qualification Calculator.

Guidelines Only

Remember these are just guidelines. We'd be thrilled to pre-qualify you to determine how much you can afford.

Harbor View Lending* a DBA of Megastar Financial can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Call us: (207) 571-8034.