Understanding DTI Ratios in Maryland
The debt-to-income ratio is the single most important metric lenders use to evaluate loan applications. It compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Two versions matter: the front-end ratio (housing costs only) and the back-end ratio (all monthly debt obligations).
In Maryland, with a median household income of $102,905/year and a median home price of $415K, the price-to-income ratio is 4.0ร. This is above the traditional 4ร guideline, putting moderate pressure on affordability in Maryland.
DTI Thresholds Explained
| DTI Range | Lender View | Monthly Income at $103K/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Below 28% | Excellent โ easily qualifies | Under $2,401/mo |
| 28โ36% | Acceptable โ qualifies with good credit | $2,401โ$3,087/mo |
| 36โ43% | Elevated โ requires compensating factors | $3,087โ$3,687/mo |
| Above 43% | High โ most conventional loans denied | Over $3,687/mo |
Maryland vs. National Housing Affordability
| Metric | Maryland | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $415,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Household Income | $102,905 | $74,580 |
| Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.0ร | 5.6ร |
| Max Housing Budget (28%) | $2,401/mo | $1,740/mo |