How Can I Figure Out My Debt-to-income Ratio?
To figure out where you stand on the debt-to-income ratio, you must first understand the meaning of the figure. Most lenders use the ratio 28/36.
The first number, which is also referred to as the front-end ratio, is the percentage of your gross monthly income that you could comfortably afford to spend on your housing payments or mortgage. This figure includes the money you spend on property taxes and insurance as well as the loan payment itself.
The second number, which can also be referred to as the back-end ratio, is the percentage of your gross monthly income that should be spent on all long-term monthly debts combined.
Use the following guidelines to find out where you stand:
- First, figure out your gross monthly income (your income before taxes). To do this, take your gross yearly income and divide it by 12.
- Multiply this figure by 28 percent (.28). The amount you come up with is TYPICALLY the amount you could comfortably afford to spend on your housing payments per month.
- Now, take your gross monthly income (your gross yearly income divided by 12) and multiply it by 36 percent (.36). The figure shown should be the TOTAL amount of money you spend on ALL LONG-TERM DEBTS COMBINED.
To get a more accurate mortgage estimate, tally up your monthly bills - which include car payments, credit cards, child support, alimony, etc. - and subtract this amount from the figure you just came up with. However much money is left over is the amount you should truly be spending on your housing payments per month.
Popular Real Estate Questions
Popular Real Estate Glossary Terms
Evaluation of a contemplated project or course of action, according to pre-establisher criteria to determine if the proposal meets the requirements of the property owner. An analysis is ...
In insurance, an estimable risk for the purpose of calculating an adequate and reasonable premium providing sufficient resources should the company need to pay a claim while maintaining ...
Abbreviation for the Latin term et alii meaning "and others". ...
Early American architecture modeled after the English Georgian architecture having two or three stories with a rectangular design and ample ornamentation often including a widow's walk. ...
(1) Written statement by a responsible individual or entity of the correctness and reliability of something. (2) Written permission to do something, such as receiving a real estate ...
The allocation method estimates the value of the property’s land by gathering information from comparable properties. The allocation method of estimating site value is ideal, however, ...
In real estate, the basis to set an adjustable rate mortgage, such as a 6-month certificate of deposit (CD) rate, cost of funds index, or prime rate. A statistical measure stated as ...
Agreement by a lender to lend money to a borrower. A loan commitment typically includes the amount of money to be lent, the interest rate, and the period of the loan. ...
People often use the term in their everyday discourse, yet many wonder what the meaning of common law genuinely implies. Common law refers to a system of jurisprudence based on court ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.