The debt to income ratio is a formula lenders use to determine how much of your income is available for a monthly mortgage payment after you meet your other monthly debt payments. This is an important aspect of the mortgage application process. Without a good number, you won't be able to qualify for your new home.
About your qualifying ratio:
Typically, underwriting for conventional mortgages requires a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are a little less strict, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
The first number in a qualifying ratio is the maximum percentage of gross monthly income that can be applied to housing...
