February 23, 2012

How Much Can I Borrow For a Mortgage?

"How much can I borrow for a mortgage?" is asked by almost everyone wanting to buy a house or homeowner curious in refinancing. In light of up-to-date changes in the mortgage manufactures that have eliminated almost every easy-qualifying loan program, this inquire has taken on even more importance.

The two largest categories of mortgages are accepted and Fha. accepted loans have guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Hud, the agency of Housing and Urban Development, determines Fha's guidelines. In general, accepted loans are harder to qualify for because they require larger down payments, higher revenue and good credit. However, the interest rates are the absolute lowest.

On the other hand, Fha loans are designed to give more flexibility and are easier to qualify for since they require smaller down payments, less revenue and lower credit. Fha interest rates are typically slightly higher than accepted rates.






Conventional and Fha both have qualifying ratios calculated from a borrower's revenue and debts. There are two ratios, the front or housing ratio and the back or debt ratio. The housing ratio is calculated by taking the proposed monthly cost of the new mortgage and dividing it by the gross monthly revenue before taxes.

The debt ratio is calculated by taking the proposed monthly cost of the new mortgage and adding all other monthly debts and then dividing the sum by the gross monthly revenue before taxes. Monthly debts considered are any consumer debt such as auto loans, credit card payments, personal loans, learner loans, and child withhold or alimony paid. Monthly obligations such as insurance and utilities are not included in this ratio.

Once calculated, the ratios give figures that tell what percent of a borrower's revenue will be devoted towards paying the mortgage cost and what percent will be needed to pay the mortgage cost and all other debts combined.

Fha loans have qualifying ratios of 29% for the housing ratio and 41% for the debt ratio. This means the proposed mortgage cost should be 29% or less and the proposed mortgage cost plus all other monthly obligations should be 41% or less than the gross monthly income.

Conventional loans have two dissimilar sets of qualifying ratios that depend on the loan to value ratio (Ltv). The Ltv is considered by dividing the loan estimate by the buy price or the appraised value, whichever is lower. For example, on a refinance, a loan estimate of 0,000 on a house with an appraised value of 0,000 would equate to a Ltv of 90%.

If the Ltv is higher than 90% on a accepted loan, the housing ratio is 28% and the debt ratio is 36%. When the Ltv is 90% or less, the housing ratio increases to 33% and the debt ratio increases to 38%.

Additionally, when qualifying for a mortgage, other factors come in to observation such as credit history, employment history, estimate of down payment, estimate or savings left after the down cost and the cost shock, or the growth in a borrower's monthly housing expense. Depending on the situation, these factors can grant flexibility to growth the qualifying ratios. Consult with a loan officer or an online mortgage calculator to help settle what you may or may not qualify for.

How Much Can I Borrow For a Mortgage?

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