Credit Score and History
Your credit score is one of the most significant factors in determining your mortgage approval amount. Lenders use this score to assess your creditworthiness and determine loan terms.
| Credit Score Range | Loan Prospects |
|---|---|
| 740+ | Excellent rates and terms |
| 670-739 | Good rates, more options |
| 580-669 | Higher rates, fewer options |
| Below 580 | Limited options, FHA loans |
For more information on improving your credit score, visit Experian's guide.
Income and Employment History
Lenders evaluate several aspects of your income and employment:
- Steady employment history (usually 2+ years)
- Reliable income sources
- Recent pay stubs and W-2 forms
- Tax returns for self-employed applicants
Most lenders follow the 28/36 rule, which states that your mortgage payment shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debt payments shouldn't exceed 36%.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
To calculate your DTI, divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. For example:
Total Monthly Debt Payments: $1,500 Gross Monthly Income: $5,000 DTI = ($1,500 / $5,000) * 100 = 30%
Most lenders prefer:
- Front-end DTI (housing costs only): Below 28%
- Back-end DTI (all monthly debts): Below 36-43%
For more on DTI, check out Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's explanation.
Down Payment and Assets
The size of your down payment significantly affects your mortgage approval amount. Typical requirements include:
- Conventional Loans: 5-20% (20% avoids PMI)
- FHA Loans: 3.5% minimum
- VA Loans: 0% for qualified veterans
- USDA Loans: 0% for eligible rural properties
For more details on down payment options, visit NerdWallet's guide.
Required Assets and Reserves
Lenders typically want to see:
- Checking/savings accounts
- Investment accounts
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
- 2-6 months of mortgage payments in reserves after closing
Property Considerations
The type and location of the property influence your mortgage approval amount:
- Property Value: Higher-value properties may require larger loans
- Location: Properties in high-demand areas might have different lending criteria
- Property Type: Single-family homes, condos, and multi-family units can have varying requirements
- Professional appraisal and inspection requirements
- Title search
Market Conditions and Loan Types
External factors affecting approval amounts include:
- Current interest rates
- Local housing market conditions
- Economic indicators
- Lending institution policies
Different loan types include:
- Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Offer stable payments but might have stricter approval criteria
- Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): May start with lower rates but can fluctuate
- Government-Backed Loans: Such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans
For a comprehensive comparison of loan types, visit Bankrate's mortgage guide.
Remember that a higher approval amount doesn't necessarily mean you should borrow the maximum. Consider your long-term financial goals and comfort level with monthly payments when deciding how much to borrow. For more detailed information about mortgage qualification requirements, visit the Federal Housing Administration website or consult with a qualified mortgage professional.