09/03/2026
DTI can sound like it's complicated.
Let's break down an example to simplify it...
Let’s say you earn $8,000/month before taxes and have:
🚗 Car payment: $650
💳 Credit card minimums: $200
🎓 Student loan payment: $350
That’s $1,200 in monthly debt payments.
$1,200 ÷ $8,000 = 15% DTI before adding a potential housing payment.
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at your existing monthly debt plus the proposed housing payment to help determine your overall debt-to-income ratio.
That’s why income alone doesn’t tell you how much home you may qualify for.
Two people can both make $8,000 a month but have completely different buying power based on the debts they’re carrying.
And one important note: DTI requirements aren’t one-size-fits-all. Loan program, credit profile and other factors can all come into play.
*For informational purposes only. Loan qualifications and individual circumstances vary. Contact a Northpoint Mortgage Loan Officer for personalized guidance.