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HOW MUCH CAN I AFFORD?

As you begin to shop for a home, knowing how much house you can afford is a critical first step. The best way to determine this is to meet with a reputable mortgage lender. The purpose will be to discuss your financial situation. During this process, known as prequalification, a professional mortgage lender will be happy to help you without further obligation.
For a rough estimate of the house payment you can afford, you may follow the steps here:
STEP ONE - INCOME RATION (28%)
Multiply Total Gross (before taxes) Monthly Income (self + any
co-borrowers) by .28 to get your Estimated Maximum Monthly House Payment.
$ x .28 = $
STEP TWO - TOTAL DEBT RATIO (36%)
(A) Multiply your Total Gross Monthly Income by .36. $ x .36 = $
(B) Add together your Monthly Installment Debts. (Include all debts with 10 or more payments remaining, e.g., car, credit cards, child support / alimony)
(C) Subtract the answer (B) from (A) to get your Estimated Maximum Monthly House Payment (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) (A) $ - (B) $ = (C) $ *
* If a difference exists between the amounts of your Estimated Maximum Monthly House Payment in Step One and Step Two, use the lesser of the two as your guideline. Before a lender makes a decision regarding your loan, additional information will be requested (credit history, other income sources, etc.). Formulas and ratios may vary based on loan type and lender.
Documentation Required for Your Loan Application
When applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to supply your lender the following information:
Bank Accounts:
• Last two months statements
Monthly Payments (credit cards, car, child support, etc.)
• Estimated balances
• Minimum payments
Self Employed
• Two years personal tax returns with original signatures
• If incorporated, two years corporate tax returns with
original signatures
• Current year-to-date profit and loss and balance sheet
Employment for Past Two Years
• Complete address of employer
• Position
• Salary
• Length of employment
• Previous two years W-2s and current 30
days of paystubs
• Copy of diploma and/or transcript if in school
during the past two years
• Please provide an explanation of any gaps or if
more than two jobs in past two years
Gift Letter
• Gift letter from family member or significant other
• Verification of receipt of gift funds
Earnest Money
• Copy of cancelled check (front and back)
if amount exceeds $1000.00
Divorce
• Complete divorce settlement
• Complete final decree
• Complete tax returns if counting alimony as income
• Proof of receipt of child support income for
past twelve months, if applicable
Fees
• Credit report and appraisal money collected
at application. If the seller is to pay these fees,
you will be reimbursed when your loan closes
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Stocks and Bonds:
• Last two statements
Mortgages (two full years)
• Name and address of institutions
• Loan numbers
• Monthly payments
• Estimated balances
Commission Income
• Two years income tax returns with W-2s and/or 1099s
with original signatures
Residence for Past Two Years
• Full address
• If renting, full name, address, and phone
number of landlord
• Amount of rent
Transferred Employees
• Copy of company relocation policy or letter
• Copy of agreement with relocation company
• Copy of sales contract on home
• Copy of equity check
• Copy of Closing Statement (HUD-l)
• Swing Loan Agreement, if applicable
Paying Off Bills
• Copy of last statement
• Copy of cashier's check and paid receipt from creditor
Bankruptcy
• Copy of complete petition (list of creditors) and
discharge
• Thorough explanation letter
Selling Present Home
• Copy of contract or listing agreement
• Closing statement on present home prior
to closing of proposed home
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