Debt to Income Ratio (DTI). What is it?

Introduction

When applying for a mortgage loan, one of the key factors that lenders consider is the borrower’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. The DTI ratio is a measure of the borrower’s ability to manage their debts and make payments on time. In this article, we will explore what the DTI ratio is, how it affects qualification for a mortgage loan, and the determining factors involved in calculating it.

What is Debt-to-Income Ratio?

Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a financial metric that compares a borrower’s monthly debt payments to their gross monthly income. It is a measure of the borrower’s ability to manage their debts and make payments on time. A lower DTI ratio indicates that a borrower has a better ability to repay the loan, while a higher DTI ratio suggests that the borrower may have difficulty making their monthly payments.

Calculating Debt-to-Income Ratio

To calculate the DTI ratio, lenders look at the borrower’s monthly debt payments and compare them to their gross monthly income. Monthly debt payments include all of the borrower’s recurring debt obligations, such as credit card payments, car loans, student loans, and other debts.

For example, if a borrower’s total monthly debt payments are $1,500 and their gross monthly income is $5,000, their DTI ratio would be 30% ($1,500 divided by $5,000). In other words, the borrower’s monthly debt payments account for 30% of their gross monthly income.

What is the Typical DTI Ratio for a Mortgage Loan?

When applying for a mortgage loan, lenders typically look for a DTI ratio of 43% or lower. This means that a borrower’s total monthly debt payments should not exceed 43% of their gross monthly income. This is considered as a typical DTI ratio for a mortgage loan.

However, some lenders may be willing to consider higher DTI ratios, depending on the borrower’s creditworthiness and other factors. For example, a borrower with a high credit score, stable employment history, and significant savings may be able to qualify for a mortgage loan with a DTI ratio of up to 50%.

Determining Factors in Calculating Debt-to-Income Ratio

There are several factors that can affect a borrower’s DTI ratio and their eligibility for a mortgage loan. These include:

Income

A borrower’s gross monthly income is a key factor in determining their DTI ratio. The higher the income, the higher the DTI ratio can be and still be considered acceptable by a lender.

Credit Score

A borrower’s credit score is a major factor in determining their creditworthiness and their ability to repay a loan. Borrowers with higher credit scores may be able to qualify for a mortgage loan with a higher DTI ratio.

Debt

A borrower’s total monthly debt payments, including credit card payments, car loans, student loans, and other debts, will affect their DTI ratio. The more debt a borrower has, the higher their DTI ratio will be.

Down Payment

A larger down payment can help a borrower qualify for a mortgage loan with a higher DTI ratio. This is because a larger down payment reduces the amount of money the borrower needs to borrow and therefore also reduces their monthly mortgage payment.

Property Type

The type of property being purchased, such as a single-family home or a multi-unit building, can also affect a borrower’s DTI ratio and their eligibility for a mortgage loan. For example, a borrower purchasing a multi-unit building may be able to count rental income towards their gross monthly income, which can help to lower their DTI ratio.

Benefits of a Low Debt-to-Income Ratio

Maintaining a low DTI ratio has several benefits for borrowers. First, it makes it easier to qualify for a mortgage loan, as lenders consider a low DTI ratio as an indicator of a borrower’s ability to manage their debts and make payments on time.

Second, a low DTI ratio can help borrowers secure a lower interest rate on their mortgage loan. This is because lenders see borrowers with lower DTI ratios as less risky, and therefore, they may be more willing to offer them lower interest rates.

Finally, a low DTI ratio can help borrowers manage their finances more effectively. By keeping their monthly debt payments low, borrowers can free up more of their income for other expenses, such as savings or discretionary spending.

How to Improve Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

If a borrower’s DTI ratio is too high, there are several steps they can take to improve it and increase their eligibility for a mortgage loan. These include:

Pay Down Debt

Paying down existing debts can help to lower a borrower’s DTI ratio. By reducing their monthly debt payments, borrowers can free up more of their income and reduce their reliance on credit.

Increase Income

Increasing income can help to improve a borrower’s DTI ratio. Borrowers can consider taking on a part-time job or side hustle, asking for a raise at their current job, or finding ways to increase their income through passive income streams.

Reduce Monthly Expenses

Reducing monthly expenses can also help to lower a borrower’s DTI ratio. This can be done by cutting back on discretionary spending, such as dining out or entertainment, or by finding ways to reduce fixed expenses, such as utilities or insurance.

Consider a Co-Borrower

If a borrower’s DTI ratio is too high, they may want to consider adding a co-borrower to their mortgage loan application. A co-borrower with a high income and low debt can help to lower the overall DTI ratio and increase the borrower’s eligibility for a mortgage loan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debt-to-income ratio is an essential factor that lenders consider when determining a borrower’s eligibility for a mortgage loan. A low DTI ratio indicates that a borrower has a better ability to repay the loan, while a high DTI ratio suggests that the borrower may have difficulty making their monthly payments.

When calculating a borrower’s DTI ratio, lenders look at several determining factors, including income, credit score, debt, down payment, and property type. Maintaining a low DTI ratio has several benefits, including making it easier to qualify for a mortgage loan, securing a lower interest rate, and managing finances more effectively.

If a borrower’s DTI ratio is too high, they can take several steps to improve it, including paying down debt, increasing income, reducing monthly expenses, and considering a co-borrower. By understanding the importance of the DTI ratio and taking steps to manage it, borrowers can increase their eligibility for a mortgage loan and achieve their homeownership goals.