Debt to Income Ratio
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Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine the most you can pay monthly after your other recurring debts are paid.
How to figure your qualifying ratio
In general, underwriting for conventional loans needs a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less strict, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number in a qualifying ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can go to housing (including mortgage principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, hazard insurance, property taxes, and homeowners' association dues).
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be applied to housing costs and recurring debt together. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes credit card payments, auto/boat payments, child support, and the like.
Some example data:
28/36 (Conventional)
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .28 = $756 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .36 = $972 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .29 = $783 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $2,700 x .41 = $1,107 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 Qualification Calculator.
Don't forget these ratios are just guidelines. We will be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford. At Fidelity Bancorp , we answer questions about qualifying all the time. Give us a call: (888) 998-9868.
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