What does my debt-to-income ratio need to be at to qualify for a refinance loan at Better Mortgage?

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) shows how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments and is a key factor lenders consider when assessing your refinance application. For a conforming loan refinance with Better Mortgage, a DTI of up to 50% is required, while a jumbo loan refinance typically requires a lower DTI of 43%.

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What is Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)?

Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is a type of insurance required by some lenders to protect against borrower default, especially for loans with lower down payments. When refinancing, borrowers may encounter MIP if they have an FHA loan or other government-backed loans. Although MIP doesn’t count toward your DTI, it can impact your overall monthly payment, so it’s important to factor this in when assessing refinancing options.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements for Refinancing

The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is crucial for determining how much mortgage you can afford. For most refinance loans, a DTI of 50% or less is necessary for conforming loans, while jumbo loans usually require a DTI of 43% or less. Lenders use these DTI limits to ensure that borrowers can comfortably manage mortgage payments alongside their existing debts.

How Much Income Do I Need to Refinance My Mortgage?

Income is an important consideration for refinancing. Lenders review both your income and DTI to determine if you qualify and how much you can borrow. While there isn’t a fixed income requirement, the amount of income you need depends on the loan size, DTI, and other debt obligations. If you’re uncertain about qualifying based on your income, consider consulting with a Better Mortgage expert to see which refinancing options might work best for you.

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