Debt-to-Income Ratio
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to decide the most you can pay monthly after your other monthly debts are paid.
About your qualifying ratio
For the most part, underwriting for conventional mortgages needs a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number is how much (by percent) of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including hazard insurance, HOA dues, PMI - everything that makes up the full payment.
The second number is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that should be spent on housing costs and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes auto payments, child support and monthly credit card payments.
For example:
28/36 (Conventional)
- 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, feel free to use our very useful Mortgage Qualification Calculator.
Guidelines Only
Don't forget these ratios are just guidelines. We'd be thrilled to help you pre-qualify to help you determine how large a mortgage you can afford.
Norcal Capital Group, Inc can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Give us a call at (650) 689-5684.