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 Articles and Mortgage News
August 6, 2017 - First-time home buyer are likely to wonder about the kind of credit requirements needed for an FHA mortgage. According to Experian, there is no set minimum to buy a house. However, that does not mean you won’t have any minimum FICO score expectations from a lender or the FHA.
July 1, 2017 - FHA regulations and underwriting requirements are subject to change from time to time. Some of the changes come as part of new laws that close legal loopholes, improve the fairness of the FHA mortgage loan process, or modernize the FHA loan program.
May 12, 2017 - The FHA Handbook instructs lenders that a borrower is technically qualified for maximum financing at the required minimum 3.5% down payment when the applicant has a FICO score at 580 or higher.
April 7, 2017 - FICO score issues are a common source of stress to potential FHA borrowers. Everyone wants to know if their FICO scores are high enough to qualify for an FHA mortgage. Is it possible to qualify for an FHA loan or refinance loan with credit scores from 500 to 579? Or are higher scores required?
March 22, 2017 - Borrowers wishing to purchase a home with an FHA loan may need some help with the down payment. There are rules that permit a borrower to receive such outside help, but the source and purpose of these funds are carefully regulated under FHA mortgage loan rules.
