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Income vs. Debt Ratios
As you think about applying for a home loan, you need to consider your personal finances. How much you earn versus how much you owe will likely determine how much a lender will allow you to borrow.
First, determine your gross monthly income. This will include any regular and recurring income that you can document. It is the average income of a 2 year time period. Unfortunately, if you can't document the income or it doesn't show up on your tax return, then you can't use it to qualify for a loan. However, you can use unearned sources of income such as alimony or lottery payoffs. And if you own income-producing assets such as real estate or stocks, the income from those can be estimated and used in this calculation. If you have questions about your specific situation, any good loan officer can review your documents.
Next, calculate your monthly debt load. This includes all monthly debt obligations like credit cards, installment loans, car loans, personal debts or any other ongoing monthly obligation like alimony or child support. If it is revolving debt like a credit card, use the minimum monthly payment for this calculation. If it is installment debt, use the current monthly payment to calculate your debt load. And you don't have to consider a debt at all if it is scheduled to be paid off in less than ten months. Add all this up and it is a figure we'll call your monthly debt service.
In a nutshell, most lenders don't want you to take out a loan that will overload your ability to repay everybody you owe. Although every lender has slightly different formulas, here is a rough idea of how they look at the numbers. Typically, your monthly proposed housing expense, including monthly payments for taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28% of your gross monthly income. If you don't know what your tax and insurance expense will be, you can estimate that about 15% of your payment will go toward this expense. The remainder can be used for principal and interest repayment.
In addition, your proposed monthly housing expense and your total monthly debt service combined cannot exceed about 36% of your gross monthly income. If it does, your application may exceed the lender's underwriting guidelines and your loan may not be approved.
There are a number of factors within your control that affect your monthly payment. For example, you might choose to apply for an adjustable rate loan that has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Likewise, a larger down payment has the effect of lowering your projected monthly payment.
A lender takes into account many factors that reflect the financial condition of a homebuyer. With a variety of loan programs, buying a home is possible.
As you think about applying for a home loan, you need to consider your personal finances. How much you earn versus how much you owe will likely determine how much a lender will allow you to borrow.
First, determine your gross monthly income. This will include any regular and recurring income that you can document. It is the average income of a 2 year time period. Unfortunately, if you can't document the income or it doesn't show up on your tax return, then you can't use it to qualify for a loan. However, you can use unearned sources of income such as alimony or lottery payoffs. And if you own income-producing assets such as real estate or stocks, the income from those can be estimated and used in this calculation. If you have questions about your specific situation, any good loan officer can review your documents.
Next, calculate your monthly debt load. This includes all monthly debt obligations like credit cards, installment loans, car loans, personal debts or any other ongoing monthly obligation like alimony or child support. If it is revolving debt like a credit card, use the minimum monthly payment for this calculation. If it is installment debt, use the current monthly payment to calculate your debt load. And you don't have to consider a debt at all if it is scheduled to be paid off in less than ten months. Add all this up and it is a figure we'll call your monthly debt service.
In a nutshell, most lenders don't want you to take out a loan that will overload your ability to repay everybody you owe. Although every lender has slightly different formulas, here is a rough idea of how they look at the numbers. Typically, your monthly proposed housing expense, including monthly payments for taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28% of your gross monthly income. If you don't know what your tax and insurance expense will be, you can estimate that about 15% of your payment will go toward this expense. The remainder can be used for principal and interest repayment.
In addition, your proposed monthly housing expense and your total monthly debt service combined cannot exceed about 36% of your gross monthly income. If it does, your application may exceed the lender's underwriting guidelines and your loan may not be approved.
There are a number of factors within your control that affect your monthly payment. For example, you might choose to apply for an adjustable rate loan that has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Likewise, a larger down payment has the effect of lowering your projected monthly payment.
A lender takes into account many factors that reflect the financial condition of a homebuyer. With a variety of loan programs, buying a home is possible.
For Buyers
Finding a Good Agent
Benefits of a Buyer's Agent
Preparing To Buy a Home
Getting Prepared To Buy A Home
First Time Buyers
Renting vs. Owning
How Much Do I Need
How Much Can I Afford?
Income vs. Debt Ratios
Understanding Your Credit Score
Examining Your Credit History
Getting Pre-Approved
Finding A Property
Are You Ready To Find A Property?
Visiting Open Homes
Using A Property Checklist
Other Considerations
Making an Offer
Establishing an Agreement
The Agreement of Sale
What You Need To Know
Negotiating
How Much Should I Offer?
Closing The Deal
Your Responsibilities
Property Information
The Loan Process
Closing Costs
Who Pays For What?
Finding a Good Agent
Benefits of a Buyer's Agent
Preparing To Buy a Home
Getting Prepared To Buy A Home
First Time Buyers
Renting vs. Owning
How Much Do I Need
How Much Can I Afford?
Income vs. Debt Ratios
Understanding Your Credit Score
Examining Your Credit History
Getting Pre-Approved
Finding A Property
Are You Ready To Find A Property?
Visiting Open Homes
Using A Property Checklist
Other Considerations
Making an Offer
Establishing an Agreement
The Agreement of Sale
What You Need To Know
Negotiating
How Much Should I Offer?
Closing The Deal
Your Responsibilities
Property Information
The Loan Process
Closing Costs
Who Pays For What?
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Pro Realty Inc. (814) 825-7761
Fax: (814) 825-1798
Email: pro@prorealty.com
Pro Realty Inc. (814) 825-7761
Fax: (814) 825-1798
Email: pro@prorealty.com