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.
FHA Loan Requirements
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
August 6, 2020 - The FHA and HUD have announced an extension to certain coronavirus measures initiated to allow lenders to approve FHA home loans among other guidelines altered by a multi subject mortgagee letter issued by HUD in the last week of July 2020.
July 30, 2020 - Renters can face big hurdles when they decide to become homeowners. One of the biggest is saving up for a down payment. With constantly changing economic environments and employment uncertainty, people are facing difficult decisions about how to use or presersve their savings.
July 27, 2020 - Are you ready to buy a home using an FHA home loan? At the time of this writing, coronavirus is still a major problem in the United States and there are revised procedures for appraisals and other measures to avoid spreading the disease while continuing to do business in the housing market.
July 24, 2020 - The importance of credit monitoring can’t be understated; the more you know about your credit report, how it changes and when can make a great deal of difference when you are ready to commit to a home loan.
July 21, 2020 - Consumers are warned repeatedly to monitor their credit for signs of identity theft, erroneous information, etc. Some future home owners already do this, but the concept is new to others. Why is credit monitoring a crucial part of your preparation before applying for an FHA mortgage?
