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When you’re applying for a physician home loan, Physician Bank is going to want to know that you can afford the monthly payments. One way they do this is by looking at your debt-to-income ratio. This number tells us how much of your income goes towards debt payments each month. In this article, we will discuss what debt-to-income ratio is and how to calculate it. We’ll also give you some tips on how to improve your ratio so you can get approved for that Physician mortgage loan!
Debt-to-income ratio, or DTI for short, is a simple calculation that compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross (pre-tax) monthly income. It’s usually expressed as a percentage. A high debt-to-income ratio is one of the biggest red flags that lenders look for when considering a loan application. This number measures how much debt you have compared to your income. If this ratio is too high, you may not be approved for a loan, or you could end up with a high interest rate.
To find your DTI, add up all your monthly debts (such as car loans, student loans, and credit card payments) and divide the total by your gross monthly income. For example: if you have $2,000 in debt payments each month and you make $5,000 per month before taxes, then your DTI would be 40%.
Your DTI is important because it shows Physician Bank how much of your available income is already spoken for. If we see that a high percentage of it is already going towards debt payments, we may be less likely to approve your loan request. A DTI below 45% is seen as more desirable by Physician Bank because it indicates that you have more money available each month to make your new loan payment.
Now that you know how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, here are some tips for improving it:
Ten Tips For Improving Debt-to-Income Ratio
- Make a budget: Start by tracking your income and expenses over the course of a few months. This will give you an idea of where your money is going each month and help you create a realistic budget.
- Pay down debt: Pay down high-interest debts, such as credit card balances. This will help reduce the amount of interest you pay and can significantly reduce your monthly payments. If possible, focus on reducing the most expensive debt first as this will have the biggest impact on your debt-to-income ratio. The goal should be to lower your monthly payments and save money in interest costs over time.
- Prioritize high-interest rate loans: High-interest rate loans are typically the most expensive forms of debt and can quickly spiral out of control if left unchecked. Consider prioritizing these loans above others when making payments each month.
- Increase income: Increasing your monthly income is one of the best ways to reduce debt quickly. Consider working overtime, taking on a side hustle, or negotiating for a raise at your current job. This will give you additional funds that can be used to pay down existing debts and make it less likely for Physician Bank to reject your loan application due to a high DTI ratio.
- Refinance loans: If you have a high-interest rate loan, consider refinancing them into a lower-rate loan with a longer repayment period. This will help spread out the payments and save money in interest costs over time.
- Make extra payments: Aim to pay more than the minimum each month and use any extra funds available to make additional loan payments whenever possible. This can help reduce your total debt faster and improve your debt-to-income ratio quicker.
- Consolidate debt: Consider consolidating multiple loans into one with a lower interest rate or longer repayment period. This can help lower the total amount of debt you owe each month, improve your DTI and help you manage loans more effectively. However, it’s important to choose the right consolidation loan with a lower interest rate and longer repayment period.
- Take advantage of a physician loan: Physician loans are specifically designed for doctors that have high student debt or other liabilities. These loans offer lower down payment requirements and often come with no origination fees or other hidden costs, making them attractive options for those looking to purchase a home.
- Consider physician loan forgiveness programs: If you’re struggling to pay off your medical school debt, consider taking part in one of the many physician loan forgiveness programs offered by state governments and nonprofit organizations.
- Talk to a financial advisor: A qualified financial advisor can help you create a debt reduction plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. They can also provide valuable advice on how to save money in the long-term and build wealth.
Understanding and improving your debt-to-income ratio is an important step when applying for any kind of loan, especially physician home loans. By following the tips above, you’ll be in a better position to get approved and find the best interest rates available. If you have any additional questions about your dept-to-income ratio, please reach out to a Physician Bank loan originator.
Are you a physician in need of a loan? Physician Bank was made for you!
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