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
May 6, 2021 - Many Americans have needed foreclosure avoidance measures due to economic hardship brought on by the global pandemic. The FHA and HUD have announced many steps to help homeowners with FHA mortgages keep their home.
May 3, 2021 - FHA / VA / USDA One-Time Close construction loans are an important option to consider for those looking to build a new home in Florida. Florida home values have gone up 10.0% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will continue to rise within the next year.
May 1, 2021 - What kinds of problems make it tougher for your lender to approve your mortgage loan application? We all know that credit scores, loan repayment history, and the amount of debt you carry can affect your ability to get home loan approval.
April 29, 2021 - Before you fill out loan application paperwork, you’ll need a year or more to save up for the down payment and closing costs, work on your credit to lower your FICO score, and reduce the amount of your debt. But there are some other areas you will want to consider during this time.
April 27, 2021 - If you’re thinking about building your home from the ground up using a One-Time Close loan, your down payment depends on the type of mortgage you seek -- VA, FHA, USDA, conventional, etc. Down payments requirements can range from zero to 20% and is separate from closing costs.
