Front end ratios are a thing of the past. It used to be we used ratios of 28/36%, but now we use a backend ratio of 50% for conventional, and 56.99% for FHA. Only VA and USDA use both front and backend ratios. IMO, it never mattered what the front ratio was, as long a the backend ratio worked

Much higher for so many who want to own homes, hence, they do not qualify.  I have personally seen many over 60% due to excessive credit card debt. I have select programs for ratios higher than 28%, but the credit profile must be reviewed

Great answer, Bob!

Will read the answers.

Thank you for the information Tim.

Thanks for the question.  I learned something new today from it and Bob Betel's response.

Folks like Bob Betel know so much more about these matters than I do, thanks for the info.

Will check back to see what others have to say.

will be back to see what the experts know....

Believe it or not, Rental / Investment property mortgages are offered at NO RATIO  (i.e. no doc income) up to 80% ltv and with a seller held or business partner or family member held 2nd mtg, up to 90% Cltv. 

Will let the experts respond to this - as you asked!

Higher in our area.  

Parked and Reading. 

This beyond my need to know.

Experts know better. 

Interested to see what our AR lenders have to say

Let the experts raise the ratios to the 30's when they report.

As others have said, will be interested in the lenders' responses to your question.

between 20-35% usually...i dont pay much attention to the front end though, back end (total) DTI is usually what i'm working with