Many people believe a high DTI means you can’t get a mortgage, but that’s simply not true. Lenders today look at your entire financial profile—plus, there are FHA, VA, and conventional loan options for borrowers with strong credit scores and higher DTI (even up to 57% for FHA!).
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Did anyone here get approved with a high DTI?
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What tips or programs worked best for you?
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How did your lender evaluate your full financial situation?
I found an in-depth guide that covers real stories, approval tips, and strategies for using home equity, refinancing, and more. If you’re curious or facing this challenge, you’ll find it super helpful.
👉 Check out the full guide here: https://dreamhomemortgage.com/tips-to-get-approved-with-good-credit-but-high-debt-to-income-ratio/
Let’s share experiences! What obstacles have you faced and what advice would you offer? Your tips might help someone else finally get into their dream home.
Honestly, I’ve been down this road more than once. My DTI was pushing 50% on one deal, but I still got approved—though it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Lender grilled me on reserves and side income, and I had to show a solid rental history. It’s doable, but don’t expect it to be a walk in the park. Just because FHA says 57% doesn’t mean every lender’s comfortable with it... they’ll nitpick everything.
- Been there too—DTI was a headache for me, even with a solid credit score.
- Lenders really do dig into every detail... felt like I was prepping for a job interview, not a mortgage.
- Good on you for sticking it out. It’s stressful, but possible if you’re organized and ready to answer all their questions.
- I actually found that having a clear budget and showing how I manage my money helped smooth things over a bit.
- Not gonna lie, it’s tough, but you’re right—it can be done. Just takes patience and a thick skin.
DTI is such a weird beast, right? I remember thinking my credit score was the golden ticket, but nope—lenders cared way more about my monthly payments than my years of on-time bills. It’s wild how you can be super responsible with your money, but if your student loans or car payment tip you over their magic number, it’s like you’re suddenly a risk.
I totally get the “job interview” vibe. I had to dig up pay stubs from jobs I barely remembered and explain every little deposit in my account. At one point, they asked about a $200 Venmo transfer from my sister... like, sorry for splitting dinner?
One thing that helped me (besides spreadsheets and a lot of coffee) was actually calling the lender before I applied and asking what counted toward DTI. Turns out, some stuff I thought would hurt me didn’t actually count—like my cell phone bill wasn’t included, but my minimum credit card payments were. That let me shuffle things around a bit and pay down the right stuff first.
I do wonder sometimes if it’s worth paying off smaller debts just to get under the DTI line, even if it means draining savings for a bit. Feels risky, but I’ve heard people say it worked for them. Anyone else try that? Or maybe there’s a smarter way I’m missing...
Anyway, yeah, patience is key. And maybe a sense of humor when you’re explaining your finances for the tenth time.
Feels risky, but I’ve heard people say it worked for them. Anyone else try that?
Title: Struggling With High Debt-To-Income Ratio Even Though You Have Good Credit? You’re Not Alone!
Funny you mention the “job interview” feeling—I swear, getting a mortgage was more intense than any job hunt I’ve had. The paperwork alone nearly did me in. I had to write a letter explaining a $50 cash deposit from selling an old bike… felt a bit much, but I guess they’re just covering bases.
About paying off smaller debts to tweak DTI, I did that before my last application. Cleared out a lingering store card and my minimum monthly payment dropped just enough to squeak under the lender’s cutoff. It made me nervous to dip into my emergency fund, but I figured it was temporary and I’d build it back up.
Honestly, I wish lenders looked at how you actually manage your money month-to-month, not just the numbers on paper. I’ve got friends with way lower DTI who are a mess with spending, but hey, rules are rules. It’s definitely a numbers game, but with some strategy (and patience), it’s possible.
