FHA Requirements
Debt-to-Income Ratio Guidelines
In order to prevent homebuyers from getting into a home they cannot afford, FHA requirements and guidelines have been set in place requiring borrowers and/or their spouse to qualify according to set debt to income ratios. These ratios are used to calculate whether or not the potential borrower is in a financial position that would allow them to meet the demands that are often included in owning a home.
The two ratios are as follows:
1) Mortgage Payment Expense to Effective Income
Add up the total mortgage payment (principal and interest, escrow deposits for taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance premium, homeowners' dues, etc.). Then, take that amount and divide it by the gross monthly income. The maximum ratio to qualify is 31%.
See the following example:
2) Total Fixed Payment to Effective Income
Add up the total mortgage payment (principal and interest, escrow deposits for taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance premium, homeowners' dues, etc.) and all recurring monthly revolving and installment debt (car loans, personal loans, student loans, credit cards, etc.). Then, take that amount and divide it by the gross monthly income. The maximum ratio to qualify is 43%.
See the following example:
Please note that the above indicators do not exclusively determine whether or not a candidate will qualify for an FHA loan. Other factors will be considered, including credit history and job stability.
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
May 27, 2020 - Do you want to have a house built for you from the ground up? This is an option, even for first-time home buyers. An FHA One-Time Close construction loan has a 3.5% down payment requirement, which is lower than you may be offered on a conventional loan.
May 26, 2020 - If you want to apply for an FHA mortgage, one of the first things you will learn is that FHA borrowers make a minimum 3.5% down payment, unless required to pay more due to low credit scores. How should you approach the down payment issue?
May 25, 2020 - While it is true that FHA mortgages have more forgiving FICO score requirements, lender standards will also apply and those standards are often higher than the FHA minimums. Improving your credit score is a combination of establishing good habits, avoiding too much credit, and reducing your debt.
May 24, 2020 - If you have been watching the ups and downs of the mortgage market, you will notice that mortgage rates have been falling recently, but market watchers are quick to point out that those with FICO scores below the 700 range are experiencing more costly loans.
May 21, 2020 - There are misconceptions about FHA home loans and refinance loans that hinder some borrowers from making truly informed decisions about their mortgages. What you don’t know can make a big difference in the price you pay, the terms you accept, and more.
