According to standard conventional financing, what are the housing payment and total debt ratios as a percentage of gross monthly income?

In standard conventional financing, the generally accepted guidelines for housing payment and total debt ratios are indeed set at 28% and 36% of gross monthly income, respectively.

The housing payment ratio, also known as the front-end ratio, includes all costs associated with housing such as mortgage payments (principal and interest), property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any mortgage insurance premiums. A limit of 28% ensures that borrowers are not overextending themselves on housing costs, promoting more sustainable financial health.

The total debt ratio, referred to as the back-end ratio, encompasses all monthly debt obligations, including housing expenses combined with any other monthly debts like car payments, student loans, or credit card payments. Capping this ratio at 36% allows lenders to evaluate a borrower’s overall debt load in relation to their income, further reducing the risk of default.

Thus, the choice reflecting these guidelines accurately is the one that states 28% for housing payments and 36% for total debts.