Explanation of a Debt to Income Ratio, The Bank's Method Vs Your Method - Which Should You Use?

If you're in the process, or have been through theexpenses (heat, electric, water, cable, etc) by
process, of getting a mortgage then I'm sure you'veaccounting for no more than 50% of your gross
heard the term Debt to Income Ratio. This ratio can beincome. Let's assume the banks finds $1650.00 worth
found in two different ways; Your way and the banksof loans and bills for you. They would take 1650/4166 =
way. I recommend "your way" instead of the banks39%. You're approved! That's assuming you have
because you can easily see what you can afford forgood credit and a clean mortgage history of course.
a monthly mortgage payment. When figuring out thisYour Way
number make sure you remember taxes, insuranceThis is simple! First add up every monthly expense you
and new expenses.can possibly think of (1000.00), and every dollar you
The Banks waymake monthly after taxes (3,125.00). I would take off
The reason I don't recommend this formula is simple,about 200-300 for spending / Way to save money
you know your bills better than the bank does! Yourfrom that 3,125 to make 2,825 - 1000 = $1,825.00
Debt to Income Ratio is all of your monthly expensesavailable for you new home. Make sure you account
(debt) divided into your gross monthly income. Debt =for your new mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and
1100/mo divided by Income = 2600/mo which is 42%.if there's a condo fee then include that too. Then take
Most banks don't approve a mortgage if your totala look at a mortgage calculator to realize how
debt including the new mortgage is over 46-49%, ifexpensive of a house you can afford and look in that
you get over that percentage you might be able to getrange.
a caution mortgage loan. So what happens is, the bankYou know you bills, expenses and spending habits
takes half of your gross income.better than anyone else, so it's up to you to be honest
Ex. 50,000/12 months = 4,166.00 available to spend.with yourself about what you can afford for you
Then mortgage company, or bank, will then run yourmonthly mortgage payment. Just because the
social security number to see if you have any debt ormortgage company says you can afford something it
existing loans to your name (car loan, college loans,doesn't mean you can. So be careful and use a
mortgage, rent, etc.). They already account for yourmortgage calculator to analyze what you're
new mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and homecomfortable spending each month on your new home.