Ratio of Debt-to-Income

Your ratio of debt to income is a tool lenders use to calculate how much of your income can be used for your monthly mortgage payment after all your other recurring debts are met.

Understanding your qualifying ratio

Usually, underwriting for conventional mortgages requires a qualifying ratio of 28/36. An FHA loan will usually allow for a higher debt load, reflected in a higher (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 hazard insurance, HOA dues, Private Mortgage Insurance - everything.

The second number is what percent of your gross income every month that should be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt together. For purposes of this ratio, debt includes payments on credit cards, car payments, child support, etcetera.

Some example data:

28/36 (Conventional)

• 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 want to run your own numbers, please use this Loan Qualification Calculator.

Guidelines Only

Don't forget these are only guidelines. We'd be thrilled to pre-qualify you to help you determine how large a mortgage loan you can afford.

The Mortgage Exchange Service LLC can answer questions about these ratios and many others. Call us at 703.255-5810.