
The DHI Mortgage debt to income ratio is a crucial factor in determining how much you can afford to borrow. It's calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.
Typically, lenders prefer a debt to income ratio of 36% or less. However, some may allow up to 43% if you have a good credit score and stable income.
A high debt to income ratio can make it difficult to qualify for a mortgage, or may even lead to a higher interest rate. This is because lenders view borrowers with high debt as a higher risk.
Understanding DTI
Your debt-to-income ratio is a comparison of your monthly debt payments to your income. Lenders use this ratio to determine if you can handle a mortgage payment along with other monthly payments.
A debt-to-income ratio is calculated by listing your current debt and income on a mortgage application, which the lender will then use to calculate your DTI. This ratio is also considered when approving an auto loan, new credit card, or personal loan.
Lenders take your DTI into account when deciding if you can afford to purchase a home, and if your DTI exceeds their preset guidelines, you may not be approved for a mortgage.
What is DTI?
Your debt-to-income ratio is a crucial number that lenders consider when approving loans, including mortgages. It compares your monthly debt payments to your income.
A lender will ask you to list your current debt and income on a loan application, and use those amounts to calculate your DTI. This ratio is used to determine if you can handle the anticipated loan payment and other monthly payments.
Your debt-to-income ratio is a simple calculation, but it's a powerful tool for lenders to assess your financial stability. It's calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross income.
Lenders may consider your debt-to-income ratio when approving an auto loan, new credit card, or personal loan, in addition to a mortgage. This means that your DTI is a factor in many types of borrowing.
Why is it Important?
DTI is important because lenders take it into account when deciding if you can afford to purchase a home. If your DTI exceeds their preset guidelines, you may not be approved for a mortgage.
Getting preapproved for a mortgage can help you set a homebuying budget and ensure you feel comfortable when making an offer to a seller.
Calculating DTI
To calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, you'll need to know your total monthly obligations and your total monthly income. Your total monthly obligations include your housing payment, qualifying payment for the subject mortgage loan, and other long-term and significant short-term monthly debts.
The total monthly obligation is the sum of the following: housing payment, qualifying payment, monthly payments on installment debts and other mortgage debts, monthly payments on revolving debts, monthly payments on lease agreements, monthly alimony, child support, or maintenance payments, and any net loss from a rental property.
To calculate your DTI, divide your total monthly obligations by your total monthly income. Lenders may use different approaches to calculate DTI, but Fannie Mae requires that you meet their minimum requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the two types of DTI calculations:
- Front-end DTI: Only includes your monthly housing payment amounts.
- Back-end DTI: Includes all types of debt.
Ideally, your front-end DTI calculation should not exceed 28%, and your back-end DTI ratio should not exceed 36%.
Calculating Monthly Income
Calculating your monthly income is a crucial step in determining your debt-to-income ratio. Your gross monthly income, which is your total income before taxes and other deductions, is what you should use.
To calculate your monthly income, start by adding up your base salary. Then, include any additional returns you receive from investments or a side business. Don't forget to add your year-end bonus or quarterly commissions, divided by 12.
Your spouse's income is also included in your income calculation if you're applying for the loan together. This is because lenders consider your combined income when evaluating your mortgage application.
If one spouse has poor credit, it might be better for the spouse with better credit to apply for the mortgage individually. This can help reduce the perceived credit risk and potentially lower interest rates.
Interpreting DTI Ratios
To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, lenders consider two different ratios: HTI and back-end DTI. The housing to income ratio equals the sum of your monthly housing payment, divided by current income.
Your back-end DTI consists of your monthly housing payment plus all other monthly debt, such as your car payment or credit card balance. This ratio helps lenders evaluate your financial position.
Here's how to break down your DTI ratios:
What's a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?
A good debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is crucial for lenders to assess your ability to meet your financial obligations. Ideally, your front-end HTI calculation should not exceed 28% when applying for a new loan.
This means that no more than 28% of your total monthly income should go towards your housing expenses, such as your mortgage payment, property taxes, and insurance. You should strive to keep your back-end DTI ratio at or below 36%.
This is the percentage of your total monthly income that should go towards all of your debt payments, including your mortgage, car loans, credit cards, and other debts. Staying within these ranges demonstrates to the lender that you are well equipped to meet your ongoing financial obligations.
Here are the ideal DTI ratios to aim for:
If you're approved for a mortgage or other type of loan with a back-end DTI higher than 36%, the lender may not offer you the best interest rates and terms.
Maximum Ratios
For manually underwritten loans, Fannie Mae's maximum total DTI ratio is 36% of the borrower's stable monthly income. This can be exceeded up to 45% if the borrower meets the credit score and reserve requirements reflected in the Eligibility Matrix.
For loan casefiles underwritten through DU, the maximum allowable DTI ratio is 50%. This is a higher threshold than the 36% maximum for manually underwritten loans.
Fannie Mae allows exceptions to the maximum allowable DTI ratios for certain mortgage transactions, including cash-out refinance transactions, high LTV refinance transactions, and loans with nontraditional credit.
Here are some key maximum DTI ratios to keep in mind:
Keep in mind that even if you're approved for a loan with a higher DTI ratio, the lender may not offer you the best interest rates and terms. It's always a good idea to aim for a DTI ratio of 36% or less to ensure you're in a strong financial position.
Managing DTI
Your debt-to-income ratio is a crucial factor in getting approved for a mortgage. The housing to income ratio equals the sum of your monthly housing payment, divided by current income.
To keep your DTI in check, lenders have established maximum allowable ratios. For manually underwritten loans, Fannie Mae's maximum total DTI ratio is 36% of the borrower's stable monthly income.
If your DTI exceeds the lender's guidelines, you can take steps to bring the percentage down to an acceptable range. You can lower your debt-to-income ratio in three ways: increase your income, pay down your debt or consider purchasing a less expensive home with a lower mortgage payment.
To increase your income, consider requesting overtime hours at work, asking for a salary increase, looking for a side hustle, or getting a part-time job.
Here are some ways to pay down your debt:
- Pay down high-interest debt with the waterfall method.
- Consider a balance transfer credit card.
- Look into refinancing student loans.
- Decrease your monthly savings and prioritize debt payments for a short time.
- Cut back on discretionary expenses, such as restaurant meals, and use the money saved to pay off credit cards or other loans.
Re-underwriting may be required if the borrower discloses or the lender discovers additional debt(s) or reduced income after the underwriting decision was made up to and concurrent with loan closing, and the new information causes the DTI ratio to increase by more than the allowed tolerances.
DHI Mortgage Company
DHI Mortgage Company is a leading mortgage lender that offers a range of mortgage products, including FHA and VA loans. They have a strong presence in the mortgage industry with a large network of branches across the country.
DHI Mortgage Company's loan officers are knowledgeable about the mortgage process and can guide borrowers through the application process. They also offer a variety of mortgage options to suit different budgets and needs.
DHI Mortgage Company's mortgage products often have competitive interest rates and low fees. This can help borrowers save money on their mortgage payments over time.
DHI Mortgage Company's loan officers work closely with borrowers to understand their financial situation and provide personalized mortgage recommendations. They also take the time to explain the terms and conditions of the loan to ensure borrowers fully understand their mortgage obligations.
DHI Mortgage Company's mortgage products are designed to be flexible and adaptable to changing financial circumstances. This means borrowers can adjust their mortgage payments or refinance their loan if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for a DHI Mortgage?
To qualify for a DHI Mortgage, you typically need a credit score of 620 or higher. However, a good credit score is just one factor in the mortgage approval process.
What is the maximum debt-to-income ratio for home possible?
The maximum debt-to-income ratio for a home loan is 45% for manually underwritten mortgages, but may vary with automated underwriting. This ratio is determined by Freddie Mac's Loan Product Advisor tool.
Sources
- https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/debt-to-income-ratio-mortgage.aspx
- https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-6-02/debt-income-ratios
- https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/calcs/debt-ratio.php
- https://thecafa.org/homebuyers
- https://www.allmortgagedetail.com/mortgages/lenders/dhi-mortgage-company-limited-austin-tx.asp
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