The debt ratio is one of the most important things a lender will look at when reviewing a mortgage application. The debt ratio is basically a comparison between the amounts of debt a person has compared with their net income. Luckily, the debt ratio is one of the quicker ways to make adjustments before applying for a loan and is definitely something a potential homebuyer should consider when shopping for mortgage instruments.
While the formulas for determining debt ratio vary with the lender, finding that there is 30% more income than debt is generally desired. The perfect loan candidate wants to only thirty to forty percent of the net income tied up in outstanding debt. A high debt to income ratio means it would be unwise to add a mortgage payment to the list. The debt to income ratio is also used in determining how large a loan the lender will make and the monthly payment.
The formula for calculating debt ratio is fairly simple: take one third of the net income, and subtract the amount of outstanding debt. So if an applicant has a net income of $6000 and no debt then lenders see that $2000 is available for a mortgage payment ($6,000 3 = $2,000 – $0 debt = $2,000). However, with a net income of $6000 and outstanding debt of $2000 then it is clear to the lender there is no money for a mortgage payment ($6,000 3 = $2,000 – $2,000 debt = $0). It might seem that an income of $6000 a month with only $2000 in outstanding debt is not a problem, but even though each lender has a unique formula this debt to income ratio would not be a positive thing.
Luckily, there is more to determining a persons ability to pay than just the debt to income ratio. Large down payments and equity investments also have an impact on how monthly payments are calculated. If a borrower has retirement plans and significant stock portfolios this will also come to bear on the payment amount and lending decisions. While these two things, among other factors, can mitigate the effect of a higher debt to income ratio, it is still one of the most important factors for mortgage lenders.
The key advantage relating to the importance of the debt ratio to the prospective home buyer is that this is a determinant that can be adjusted before applying for a mortgage. By paying off debt before applying for a mortgage, the potential borrower can significantly improve his chances of getting approved at reasonable terms.
Wendy Polisi is the founder of Credit Repair College and Finance the Dream. Credit Repair College empowers people to take control of their financial future by learning everything they need to know to repair credit on their own. For more information on credit repair please visit them on the web. Finance the Dream offers rent to own homes throughout the United States.