Ratio of Debt-to-Income

Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine your maximum monthly payment after you have paid your other recurring loans.

About your qualifying ratio

Typically, 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 (this includes loan principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, homeowner's insurance, property tax, and homeowners' association dues).

The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing costs and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes payments on credit cards, car payments, child support, et cetera.

For example:

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'd like to calculate pre-qualification numbers on your own income and expenses, we offer a Mortgage Pre-Qualifying Calculator.