What is a Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Lenders use your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio to evaluate your current debt load and to see how much you can responsibly afford to borrow, especially when it comes to mortgages. Less debt equals more borrowing power, and possibly a higher loan offer. If the DTI is too high, then it may be an indication that the borrower is in serious financial distress.
Should I use my current or future housing costs in calculation?
If you are in the process of buying a home, you should enter your estimated housing costs. This includes your new mortgage, property taxes, and fess. Mortgage lenders use DTI ratios to make sure that you'll not be over-extended with your new loan.
If you are not buying a new home, you should use your current housing costs for the calculation.
Should I enter my credit card minimum payments or the amount I really pay each month?
Enter only the minimum credit card payments you are required to pay each month. Also, be sure to include each credit card payment you are required to make each month.
What goes under "other debts"?
Include home equity loans, judgments, and any other monthly debts you pay. This may include rental payments, mortgage payments, insurance, and homeowners' dues.
The Importance of the Debt to Income Ratio
Our total amount of debt plays a significant role when it comes to our credit standing and financial health. Therefore, it is important to understand how these different components of our credit score affect our life.
The debt to income ratio is on of the mort important, and often overlooked, components. It is a comparison of your total monthly debt to your total gross monthly income.
To calculate the debt to income ratio, you should take all the monthly payments you make including credit car payments, auto loans, and every other debt including housing expenses and insurance, etc., and then divide this total number by the amount of your gross monthly income. You will then see a percentage.
Below you will enter your Annual Income and Expenses to find your Debt-to-Income Ratio.
Note: DO NOT change the following fields as they will automatically populate when you enter information: Monthly Income, Total Monthly Housing Debt Payments, Total Other Monthly Debts Payments, Combined Monthly Debt Payments, and Total Debt to Income Ratio.