Debt-to-Income Ratio

Sam · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:33 am Post subject: Debt-to-Income Ratio

A debt-to-income ratio or back-end ratio shows the percentage of a person's monthly income that goes towards payment of debts like mortgage loan and car loan, child support and alimony, credit card bills, student loans, and other types of credit. It is evaluated as an individual's total monthly debt divided by gross monthly income.

To Sum Up,

colin · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 2:25 pm Post subject:

Debt to income ratio also helps to judge whether a person is having a debt burden that is more than his current income. Sometimes it may happen that you are not aware that you are in lot of debt and it is out of any reasonable proportion to your income.

Thus constant monitoring of the DTI also helps to know the gradual increase in debt and avoid major credit problems before they actually occur.

Guest

One thing I would like to add is that, as a common prerequisite borrowers are required to ideally have a debt to income ratio of 28/36 while applying for mortgage. But in case of FHA loans generally the ratio is 29/41.

DavyDany1 · Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 3 2.09 Dollars($)

Your Debt to Income ratio can have a very dramatic affect on your ability to obtain a loan. Lenders will look at this ratio as well as your credit score. They want to ensure that you will be able to repay the loan. There are two important ratios that most lenders use to determine your ability to repay.

1. Back End
2. Front End

helping_user

Yes Davy, debt to income ratio may not be as important as credit scores but then they do play a key role in evaluating one's ability to manage a loan. Whether one qualifies for the loan and how much one can borrow, depend upon your debt to income ratio.

Lenders will surely check a borrower's debt to income ratio and decide whether they'll lend him money for a home loan or an auto loan.

The borrower has fair chance to negotiate with lenders provided he has a low debt to income ratio even if he doesn't have factors like credit score, payment history etc in his favor.

Thanks.

Guest

Okay so what if someone has very low debt of 150.00 a month for two small credit cards and 4,300 gross monthly and has paid off some collections in full a good 12 months prior to applying for an FHA loan or any other (once my score gets higher) What would my ratio look like? I don't understand the last number.

Do I have a good shot at getting a loan at least up to 200,000? I'm married but my husband won't be going on the loan since his finances are a mess and we will attempt to clear some of it up. If I put him on I will surely be denied. Will they factor in that I won't be living alone and my husband splits payments with me as he does now?

PS. I am childfree and will remain that way and a great job that gives raises every year.

larry · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 3328 474.65 Dollars($)

Hi Vertigo,

You may get a loan. But for that, the lender will like to know about your debt-to-income ratio. So, considering your debts and income, you can calculate your debt-to-income ratio by using this calculator http://www.mortgagefit.com/calculators/diratio.html

Moreover, your husband can help you with the loan payments. But as he will not be named on the loan, it will not be his obligation to make the payments. He can anytime split payments with you and in that case you will have to continue the payments of your own.

Guest

Hi Larry, my debt to income ratio is 7%. I will have very low credit card payments because I only use them to spend 10 to 60.00 a month and pay more then the minimum.

ezmortgageloanz · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 7:58 pm Post subject:

Vertigo,

Based upon what you have shared, you could certainly begin to entertain a FHA loan---the program doesn't concern itself with your credit score and as mentioned above, you are allowed a higher qualifying front & back end ratios (translated, you can qualify for a higher mortgage amount using FHA then you can using most conforming programs).

A 200,000 mortgage would require a PI (principal & interest) payment of approx. 1347.00---it's difficult to say that you would qualify for this loan amount without reviewing all of your debt burden (car loans, bank loans, student loans, installment loans, etc.) and your husband's income/debt circumstances...

Based upon the limited info you have provided, it sounds like you would need both of your incomes to qualify for this level of mortgage.

Regards,

Scott Miller

larry · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 3328 474.65 Dollars($)

Hi Vertigo,

It's good that you have low credit card payments as in that case, you won't have to face much trouble in getting a loan. But before approving you a loan, the lender will look at your entire financial situation, including your debt-to-income ratio and also your credit score in case if it is not a conforming loan. Moreover, have you check out your current credit score? I suppose once it went down because of some collection account that you have mentioned earlier. So, I think you should start shopping for lender and get the best loan program suiting your needs.

It’' good to hear that you have a great income. It may help you to get a greater loan amount.

Hope you best of luck!

tafolla326 · Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Posts: 2 1.52 Dollars($)

to qualify for a mortgage modification is having a dti rat of 43% bad or good

jameshogg · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 11:13 pm Post subject:

Hi tafolla,

The dti for conventional mortgage is around 28/36 and for FHA, it is 31/43. Anything more than that is not considered to be good.

Thanks

gmakerley · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:48 am Post subject:

tafolla, i would think that you're not in a bad position to obtain modification with a 43 back ratio. of course, that's not going to be the only variable that your lender will consider.
i think james' answer corresponds more closely to the purchase market than to one thinking of a modification.

caramel_star_maroon · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 9 5.13 Dollars($)

i do i get my number lower? i paying my on my student loans and medical bills and will be finish this year the only hang up is my car note cause i co sign with my husband

Guest

This 36% debt ratio is rediculous and I can't believe banks are approving loans for those who wish to carry this much debt. Maybe that's why the country is having financial challenges. I'm at a 9% debt ratio and can't fathom what the banks recommend.

ADVICE: Pay off your debts, save a minimum of 20% for a down payment, save for a 6 month emergency fund, and then buy a house.

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