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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

The Burns Affordability Index, which measures the ratio of housing costs to income, is now at 42.4%, a figure that’s well above the historic norm of 32.8%. Louis -based Better Rate Mortgage , noted that in his local area, FHA loans are more common for those with higher debt-to-income ratios.

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Southern states had the highest mortgage denial rates in 2023: NAR

Housing Wire

These include insufficient credit or income, changes in credit scores and high debt-to-income ratios. “A loan-to-value ratio that is too high, either because of a limited down payment or an appraisal of the home that resets the value used to calculate this ratio, can also be a factor,” she said. .

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Homebuyers are taking more risks in an obstacle-filled market

Housing Wire

Findings include 71% of loan officers reporting an increase in buyers who are willing to purchase fixer-uppers, explore unconventional financing or accept high mortgage rates despite long-term financial concerns. Many first-time homebuyers are stretching their finances to the limit. ADU is a big requirement now.

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How will first-time buyers fare if sellers can’t offer buyer agent compensation?

Housing Wire

But for first-time and other cash-strapped buyers—those who are not relying on the proceeds of a home sale, who may be using a 100% financed VA loan, whose agents may be layering forms of assistance to put together enough cash for closing—knowing in advance about the seller’s contribution to their agent costs may be essential.

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Should I pay off student loans before buying my first home?

Housing Wire

With these rates, it’s a bit easier to save a down payment , while still paying down debt. With these rates, it’s a bit easier to save a down payment , while still paying down debt. Meaning, you can take longer to pay down your debt (without accumulating a great deal of interest) than you would with credit card debt.

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Buy now, pay later: How do mortgage pros deal with ‘phantom debt’?

Housing Wire

For his client, who had many BNPL loans on her bank statement, paying them off made a significant difference since her debt-to-income ratio was too high. This type of short-term financing became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when people — mainly young and underserved consumers — were stuck at home and shopping online.

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5 tips for finding the right mortgage lender for you

Housing Wire

To find a qualified lender, you need a good credit score and a good debt-to-income ratio, which is the percentage of a consumer’s monthly gross income that goes to paying down debt. Before you start searching for a lender, check your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Buying a home?