What is Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio?

If you are a first-time home buyer and are trying to secure a mortgage, chances are the lender has asked you what your DTI is. DTI stands for debt-to-income ratio, the percentage of your monthly income paying debt. Your lender uses the DTI ratio to determine how much of a risk you are paying back a loan. Expenses you incur that can count toward debt include car payments, mortgage payments, student loans, or anything that requires a regular monthly payment. To figure your own DTI, add up all your recurring monthly expenses and divide by your gross monthly income (the amount you earn each month before taxes and other deductions are taken out). According to The St. Louis Federal Reserve, which tracks the nation's household debt payments as a percentage of household income, the average American's DTI from the second quarter of 2020 is 8.69%.

What is a good DTI range for mortgage lending eligibility?

Lenders have different DTI requirements. Depending on the loan type, product, and other eligibility criteria, the maximum eligible DTI may range from 35% to 45%. The maximum eligible DTI may be 43% for certain qualified mortgage programs. Other mortgage lending programs may allow higher DTI ratios.

How can I lower my DTI?

Here are a few tips to help you lower your DTI:

• Make a list of all your current debts, with the highest debts owed at the top. Pay off the top debt first while you pay the minimum on the other debts. Continue to pay off debts as you move down the list.
• Do not make any significant purchases and take on more debt.
• Lower the interest rate on your high-interest credit cards with a credit card balance transfer. Depending on your FICO score, you may be able to transfer to a new card with an introductory 0% APR.
• In some instances, refinancing outstanding loans may make sense. If the interest rate is currently lower than what you are paying for personal or student loans, refinancing can save you money, which can be used to repay your loan faster.
• Make only essential purchases, such as food, clothing, and utilities. Try never to charge a purchase.
• Increasing your income is a quick way to lower your DTI. Consider taking on a second job or asking for a raise.

If you have questions about your DTI or how to secure a mortgage loan, talk to the experts at NASB. Call us at 888-661-1982 or click here for information on how to get started on a home loan. 

This is not intended to and does not constitute legal or financial / investment/tax advice. North American Savings Bank does not guarantee or make any other promise regarding the results obtained. The consumer should consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of interest and charges.