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
September 14, 2018 - Borrowers who have high debt ratios, and/or FICO score issues may still be able to be approved for an FHA mortgage loan but the lender may require one or more compensating factors to justify loan approval.
September 13, 2018 - Do home loan borrowers need to make a 20% down payment to be approved for a mortgage? The answer to that question depends on FICO scores, the type of mortgage loan you want, and your financial needs and goals.
September 11, 2018 - FHA cash-out refinance loans do require an appraisal, and borrowers who live in housing markets that are on the rise should check to see how far property values have increased since the last appraisal.
September 10, 2018 - Borrowers who want to apply for an FHA One-Time Close construction loan may, depending on the lender and circumstances, find that certain credit issues must be satisfactorily addressed as a condition of loan approval.
September 8, 2018 - Do you need an FHA home loan? Not sure what you can use FHA loan proceeds to do? If you are thinking of buying a home with an FHA mortgage you should know your options, even if you don’t think you’ll use most of them.
FHA.com Reviews
FHA.com is a one-stop resource for homebuyers who want to make the best decisions when it comes to their mortgage. With our detailed, mobile-friendly site, individuals can access information about different FHA products, the latest loan limits, and numerous other resources to make their homebuying experience easier. Take a look at some of the reviews from other FHA.com visitors!
