What Does Debt-to-Income Mean?

WHAT IS DEBT-TO-INCOME

Every time you apply for some type of credit or loan, you are going to be hit with the phrase 'debt to income ratio'. This is merely inquiring how much obligatory debt payments you have in comparison to your total gross income. Lenders will use this debt-to-income number to determine what type of risk you are.

What is Back-End Debt-to-Income?
For example, your monthly take home salary is $10,000 and your monthly debt payments equate to $5,500. Based on these numbers, your debt-to-income is 55%. This is considered a very high debt-to-income which means you will likely be labeled as high risk by lenders. This type of debt-to-income is known as your back-end debt-to-income.

What is Front-End Debt-to-Income?
Your front-end debt-to-income is a portion of your back-end debt-to-income. To compute the front-end you will need to divide your monthly housing obligation by your monthly income. For renters, you housing obligation is your rent. Homeowners will need to total their mortgage principal as well as taxes, interest, insurance as well as any other costs tied to their mortgage.

Let’s utilize the numbers from above again. Say your monthly housing obligation is 30% ($1,650) of your total debt ($5,500). In this situation, your front-end debt-to-income is going to be 16.5% ($10,000/$1,650x100).

Effect of Debt-to-Income on Loan Applications
What your debt-to-income is one of the most influential factors when it comes to lenders generating loan approval as well as loan amounts. In addition, your debt-to-income will also impact the interest rates you receive. If you encompass a high debt-to-income (typically 30% or higher), achieving approval may be difficult. And if you do get approved, you can expect a higher interest rate and overall less favorable terms. A high debt-to-income shows that you are overloaded with monthly debt expenses. It is important to note that a high front-end debt-to-income is especially bad because that likely means that you are default on loans.

Lenders typically have precise debt-to-income requirements when approving loans. Private lenders usually will necessitate a low debt-to-income. However, government backed FHA loans have less strict requirements.

Your debt-to-income is not the only variable lenders look at when determining whether or not to grant approval. Your credit score is another strong factor. In addition, there are several less influencing markers like age of credit, length of current employment, amount of aged credit, amount of new credit, etc. To maximize your credit worthiness, it is important that you attempt to maintain a low debt-to-income. Figure out what your debt-to-income is by using a Debt-to-Income Calculator.

Managing Debt
Loans for Paying Off Credit Cards
Good Debt vs. Bad Debt
Changes In Spending Habits
Early Warning Signs of Debt Trouble
Planning a Budget is a Good Strategy
Budgeting Tips
Problems With Overspending
Fixed Expense vs. Discretionary Expenses
Locating a Financial Counselor
How to Save Money If You Have Kids
How to Save Money by Changing the Way You Buy Food
Dealing With Creditors
Dealing With Collection Agencies
Paying Off Credit Card Debt

Home - Apply Now - How It Works - Approval Requirements - Testimonials
Contact - Rates & Fees - Credit Help Info - Site Navigate

Types of Personal Financing Opportunities Offered:
Unsecured Personal Loans - Bad Credit Personal Loans
Consolidating Debt with Personal Loans