Ratio of Debt-to-Income
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine your maximum monthly payment after your other monthly debts have been paid.
About the qualifying ratio
In general, conventional mortgage 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 go toward housing. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including homeowners' insurance, HOA dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything.
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be applied to housing costs and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like car loans, child support and credit card payments.
For example:
A 28/36 qualifying 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, we offer a Mortgage Pre-Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Remember these are just guidelines. We'd be happy to help you pre-qualify to help you figure out how much you can afford.
AAA Mortgage LLC can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call: 816-272-5550.