What Percentage of Your Income Should Go Toward a Mortgage?

When buying a home, one of the most critical financial decisions is determining how much of your income should go toward your mortgage. Striking the right balance ensures that you can comfortably afford your home without stretching your budget too thin. Lenders use various guidelines to help buyers determine affordability, but personal financial goals and lifestyle should also factor into the decision.General Mortgage Affordability GuidelinesA common rule of thumb is the 28/36 rule, which lenders often use when evaluating mortgage applications: 28% Rule: Your monthly mortgage payment (including principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowners’ insurance) should not exceed 28% of…
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Why Your ‘Debt-to-Income Ratio’ Number Matters When Obtaining a Mortgage

If you are looking to buy a home, you may want to consider shopping for a loan first. Having your financing squared away ahead of time can make it easier to be taken seriously by buyers and help move along the closing process. For those who are looking to get a mortgage soon, keep in mind that the Debt-to-Income ratio of the borrower plays a huge role in the approval of your mortgage application. What is a Debt-to-Income Ratio? A debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of monthly debt payments compared to the amount of gross income that a person earns…
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