The debt-to-income (DTL) ratio is a standard yardstick that many lenders use to determine the soundness of the mortgage applications that come across their desks. In fact, one of the most common reasons for denying a loan is because the potential borrower has monthly payments that exceed the standard limit of 43 percent. Possible reform that could go into effect in 2021 could ease these standards and make it easier for some to qualify for a mortgage. 

How DTL Ratios Work

While lenders look at a number of factors when scrutinizing an application for a mortgage, the DTL ratio is one of the most important. It’s determined by comparing the borrower’s gross monthly income with their recurring monthly debts.

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One of the many appeals of purchasing a home is the equity that you’ll eventually build up. As you make your mortgage payments, you’ll be primarily paying down the interest on the loan at first. Over time, though, the amount you owe on your mortgage is reduced through a process known as amortization. The result is the buildup of equity in your home. 

Using Equity to Fund Your Life

Around the time that homeowners start to build equity, many of them start thinking about renovating or other major projects that are designed to improve their home and make it better suit their needs. In other cases, you might be looking for ways to fund your children’s college education. Regardless of why you want to access your home’s equity, you have two primary options for doing so: a home equity loan and a cash-out refinance. 

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Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, made a surprising announcement on July 31. For the first time in more than 10 years, the Fed slashed interest rates. The reasoning behind this move, according to Powell, was to extend the country’s economic expansion so it can continue to set records. 

Dissecting the Interest Rate Reduction

The comments Powell delivered on July 31 in tandem with the Fed’s announcement were largely positive. It was a desire to keep the economy looking favorable that lead to the decision to lower the interest rate by a quarter percentage point. This move is designed to make it more affordable for consumers to borrow money to purchase cars, homes and consumer goods. 

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For first-time homebuyers, obtaining financing isn’t the aspect of a mortgage they need to contend with. There are also a number of different types of loans available. While the options can be overwhelming, careful research can ensure that you understand each and help you find the one that best suits your situation. 

1. VA Loans

VA loans are limited to veterans and members of the military. Often easier to qualify for than a conventional loan, these mortgages are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s important to make the distinction that in spite of being the guarantor, the VA does not actually make the loan. 

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A reverse mortgage is officially known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). A tool that taps into a home’s equity while providing retirement income for homeowners aged 62 years or older with no monthly payments, reverse mortgages are being increasingly common. While most reverse mortgages are federally insured and are a great financial decision for many homeowners, there are still many myths surrounding them that can make it difficult to decide if they are the best choice. 

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