DTI Calculator for Bayou Region Homebuyers

DTI Calculator:
You don’t have to be debt-free
to buy a home.

Your credit score is only part of the picture. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares your monthly debt payments with your income before taxes. Use this worksheet to start preparing for a conversation with a mortgage lender.

DTI debt-to-income calculator with a house model and pen for Houma homebuyers

Estimate your mortgage DTI

Enter monthly amounts in dollars. Use required debt payments, not total balances. Your entries stay on this page and are not sent or saved.

Include only borrowers applying for the loan. A lender must confirm eligible income; self-employment, rental, bonus and other variable income may be calculated differently.

Monthly debt payments

A lender may use a qualifying payment different from your current payment, including for deferred loans.

Do not add your current rent if it will end when you move. Ask your lender how an existing mortgage or other continuing housing obligation should be treated.

Proposed monthly housing payment

Include principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, applicable flood insurance, mortgage insurance and HOA dues. Ask your lender for an estimate. These costs matter when shopping in Louisiana.

Prepare before you pay off debt.

Ask your lender which payments affect your qualifying numbers before paying off accounts, closing credit cards or making a financed purchase. The right plan depends on your full financial picture.

DTI also differs from your everyday budget. Groceries, utilities, childcare, maintenance and other living expenses still matter when choosing a payment you feel comfortable with.

Request your personalized debt-to-income worksheet below. Share it with your mortgage lender as you begin planning your home purchase. The income and debt amounts you enter are never sent or saved.

Download Your Debt-to-Income Worksheet

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Frequently asked questions

What is a debt-to-income ratio (DTI)?

It compares your monthly debt payments with your gross monthly income, which is your income before taxes. Lenders look at it along with other factors when they review a mortgage application.

How do I calculate my DTI?

Add your monthly debt payments and your estimated housing payment, then divide by your gross monthly income. This calculator does the math for you as you type. Results are estimates and may not be exact.

What counts as a monthly debt payment?

Common examples are auto loans, student loans, credit card minimum payments, personal loans, and child support or alimony. Your lender confirms which payments they include.

How are student loans counted?

Lenders may use the payment shown on your credit report. If your loans are deferred or show a $0 payment, some lenders use a percentage of the loan balance instead. That percentage varies by lender and loan program, so your result here may differ from theirs. Please confirm with a mortgage lender.

Does my DTI include my future housing payment?

Yes. This calculator adds your estimated housing payment to your other debts. That payment can include principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood or mortgage insurance, and HOA dues.

What DTI do I need to buy a home?

It depends on the loan program and the lender. I am not a mortgage lender, so I leave qualifying numbers to them. A lender can explain which programs fit your situation.

Can I buy a home if I still have debt?

Many buyers do. Having debt does not automatically keep you from buying. A lender reviews your full financial picture, and I am happy to help you plan your next step.

Is my information saved?

The amounts you enter stay in your browser. They are not sent or saved by this calculator.

Can I share the worksheet with my lender?

Yes. You can download a PDF with your numbers or print it, then bring it to your lender.

How can I get help planning my home purchase?

Call or text me at 985-688-1707 or visit brookfreeman.com. I can explain the buying process and connect you with a mortgage lender.

Brook Freeman is a Realtor, not a mortgage lender. This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not a pre-approval or a loan decision. Results are estimates and may not be exact. Loan programs and requirements vary by lender. Learn more: CFPB: Understanding DTI and Fannie Mae: Debt-to-income ratios.