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
November 5, 2019 - Why do borrowers who want to build a house on their own lot turn to an FHA One-Time Close construction loan instead of conventional construction loans? Perhaps for reasons that include a lower mortgage loan interest rate and a lower down payment requirement.
November 3, 2019 - The idea of planning for ten years or so to buy a home is actually a fairly sound one if you consider having to save up for the down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and new appliances where needed.
November 1, 2019 - Do you need a home loan? Are you looking for a lower down payment? Borrowers often want to know who offers the lowest mortgage loan interest rates and the lowest down payments, not realizing that they have a say in what is offered.
October 29, 2019 - For some borrowers, the advantages of FHA and VA construction loans include being able to design a home to a specific need or plan, especially if the house hunter needs to install features not considered common among the available home sales in the area.
October 28, 2019 - You can build on your own lot using an FHA mortgage, even as a first-time home buyer. You will get the same 3.5% down payment minimum on an FHA construction loan as you would buying existing construction real estate.
