Debt/Income Ratio

The ratio of debt to income is a formula lenders use to determine how much money can be used for your monthly mortgage payment after you meet your various other monthly debt payments.

Understanding your qualifying ratio

For the most part, underwriting for conventional mortgage loans needs a qualifying ratio of 28/36. An FHA loan will usually allow for a higher debt load, reflected in a higher (29/41) qualifying ratio.

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 hazard insurance, homeowners' dues, PMI - everything that makes up the payment.

The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that should be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt together. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes credit card payments, auto/boat payments, child support, and the like.

For example:

28/36 (Conventional)

• 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 want to calculate pre-qualification numbers with your own financial data, we offer a Mortgage Pre-Qualification Calculator.

Guidelines Only

Don't forget these ratios are only guidelines. We will be happy to help you pre-qualify to help you figure out how much you can afford.

Harbor View Lending* a DBA of Megastar Financial can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Give us a call at (207) 571-8034.