60 Minute Homebuyer Logo
About Blog Get Pre-Approved Book a Call
Log In
← Back to all posts

DTI Basics for First-Time Homebuyers: Understand What You Can Really Afford

by Jennifer Beeston
Sep 05, 2025
Connect

Understanding debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the most important — and overlooked — parts of getting ready to buy a home. It plays a huge role in whether a mortgage gets approved and whether the payment will actually feel affordable once it kicks in.

This video breaks down how lenders view DTI, including both front-end (housing-only) and back-end (housing plus all debts) ratios. It also covers how different income types (salary, commission, hourly, self-employed) are calculated and why a lot of people misjudge their numbers.

Real-life variables like daycare, student loans, and credit card payments are all factored in (or sometimes not), and that can really shift what’s realistic. There’s also a walk-through on how to calculate DTI manually and why it’s worth doing — not just to qualify, but to feel financially stable in the home.

Our goal is simple: help people buy homes without ending up house-poor.

 Need help getting to that next step? Let us help you. 786-933-2077

First-Time Homebuyers: Debt-To-Income(DTI) Explained

 

Responses

Join the conversation
t("newsletters.loading")
Loading...
How Hidden Debt Destroys Couples During Homebuying
Buying a house as a couple should be exciting but for so many, it becomes the moment everything falls apart. After 18 years as a top mortgage loan officer, I’ve seen relationships unravel during the home loan process because people didn’t talk about money before applying.  In this video, I’m breaking down the real conversations couples need to have about credit scores, income gaps, hidden de...
Think That Lender Is Legit? Think Again.
Mortgage scams are getting more sophisticated by the day, and with AI and online impersonation tactics on the rise, it’s getting harder to tell who’s real. In this video, I walk through how to verify if a mortgage lender is legitimate before handing over any sensitive information. From AI-generated calls to fake websites stealing loan officer identities, you gotta stay smart. You'll learn how t...
Is That Old House a Good Deal or a Money Trap?
This video breaks down the key things buyers need to consider before purchasing an older home—especially properties built in the 1930s or earlier. From potential historic designations to costly updates like electrical, plumbing, foundation work, and HVAC, older homes come with unique challenges. I cover what to look for during inspections, how to spot deferred maintenance, and which repairs cou...

Home Truths with Jen

Welcome to The Loan Down — your no-pressure update on mortgage and housing news, with the info you need delivered clearly, simply, and without the stress.
© 2026 Jennifer Beeston - All Rights Reserved
Powered by Kajabi

Join The FREE Challenge

Enter your details below to join the challenge.