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Debt-To-Income Ratios For The Major Loan Programs

Reblogger Roy Kelley
Industry Observer with Retired

Debt-To-Income Ratios are figured off of the Borrowers total gross income (before tax income) if the borrower receives W2 income, and the Net Gross Income (after business adjustments) if the borrower is self-employed.

Follow George's blogs for much more helpful information.

Original content by George Souto NMLS #65149

On Monday I wrote a blog titled How Debt-To Income Ratio Are Calculated in which members asked for some further clarification on what are the Debt-To-Income Ratios For The Major Loan Programs?  So I thought it would be good to write a separate blog to answer those questions in depth.

With the creation of the Consumer Financial Credit Bureau (CFPB), 45% Total Debt-To-Income is pretty much the limit.  The exception being FHA which still allows Total Debt-To-Income ratios of as much as 55% or more.  However, two of the major loan program FHA & USDA have two ratios which Borrowers MUST staying under, and staying under the first ratio can be difficult:

  • The first ratio is the Housing Ratio, known as the "Front or Top Ratio"
  • The second ratio is the Total Debt-To-Income Ratio, known as the "Back or Bottom Ratio".

I explained what comprises both of these ratios in How Debt-To Income Ratio Are Calculated.  

NOTE:  Debt-To-Income Ratios are figured off of the Borrowers total gross income (before tax income) if the borrower receives W2 income, and the Net Gross Income (after business adjustments) if the borrower is self-employed.

The Debt-To-Income Ratios for the four major loan programs are:

  • Conventional:  45% Total Debt-To-Income.  Conventional loans only have one Debt-To-Income Ratio, and it is Total Debt-To-Income also know as the Back or Bottom Ratio.  
  • FHA:  45/55+.  FHA has two ratios which the Borrower has to stay under.  45% on the Front/Top Ratio, and 55+% on the Back/Bottom Ratio.  FHA has by far the most liberal Debt-To-Income Ratios of the major loan programs.  However, many Lenders will not go over a 50% Total Debt-To-Income Ratio even though FHA will go much higher.
  • USDA:  29/41.  USDA also has two Debt-To-Income Ratios like FHA, but they are much tighter.  Making USDA a more difficult loan program to qualify for.
  • VA:  Somewhere between 41% to 45% Total Debt-To-Income Ratio.  I say somewhere because the Total Debt-To-Income Ratio will depend on the DU and LP Automated Underwriting Systems.   VA requires the Borrower to have residual income in order to qualify.  Even though theoretically it is possible to get an Approved/Eligible or Accept from the DU and LP Automated Underwriting Systems, it is unlikely DU or LP will give an Approved/Eligible or Accept if the Total Debt-To-Income is much higher 41% because there will most likely not be enough residual income.

I could have just given a quick answer in my previous blog on Monday on what are the Debt-To-Income Ratios For The Major Loan Programs?  But I wanted to provide a little more detail in hope of providing a better answer to the questions asked in my blog How Debt-To Income Ratio Are Calculated.

 

 

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 Info about the author:

George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Originator who can assist you with all your #FHA, #CHFA, and #Conventional #mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes #Middletown, #Middlefield, #Durham, #Cromwell, #Portland, #Higganum, #Haddam, #East Haddam, #Moodus, #Chester, #Deep River, and #Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com

Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

A lot of good stuff.  Back when it was not regulared I see a lot people doing loan PT with another FT job. I did one loan and it was for the birds...

Oct 07, 2015 07:51 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Please be sure to leave comments at the original blog by George Souto

Oct 07, 2015 10:20 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

This is a good post to reblog. I hope home buyers will read it.

Oct 07, 2015 10:24 PM
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

This is a great choice for a re-blog, Roy. You always know which content to share. Have a great day ahead!

Oct 07, 2015 11:22 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for your feedback. Your comments are always welcome.

Oct 07, 2015 11:24 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great information and very worthy of a reblog..well done!

Oct 08, 2015 12:15 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Roy Kelley What an outstanding choice for a re-blog!  :) 

Oct 08, 2015 01:52 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, again, for your comments and for your continued support.

Oct 08, 2015 02:22 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Monday morning to all. I hope you enjoyed the weekend.

I am several days behind on comments and do not know if I will be able to reciprocate on all of them.

Oct 11, 2015 08:24 PM