Remove As-is Remove Debt-to-income ratio Remove Finance
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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?

article thumbnail

California leads all states for highest bankruptcy risk to seniors

Housing Wire

Across all states, California poses the highest risk of bankruptcy for Americans ages 65 and older, according to a study released by personal finance website Moneywise. The study analyzed 11 factors to determine which states put elderly U.S. citizens at the greatest risk of bankruptcy. California posed the highest risk with a score of 69.72

article thumbnail

Divvy launches new product aimed at homeownership readiness

Housing Wire

They wanted to understand their credit, they wanted to understand their debt-to-income ratio, they wanted to understand how to build their savings, and they wanted education.” Proptech startup Divvy is starting 2024 with a new product launch. With these customer needs in mind, Hefets and her team set out to create DivvyUp.

article thumbnail

Tired of renting? 6 signs you’re ready to buy your first home

Housing Wire

Your Income Is Stable. Your Income Is Stable. How are your finances? A stable income means you’re more likely to be approved for a loan , than someone with an unstable income. Not to mention, if your finances are solid, you’ll be able to afford all those extra housing expenses. Not to mention, expensive.