Know your DTI before a lender runs your numbers for you.
DTI is your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Lenders use it to determine how much mortgage or credit you qualify for. Under 36% is ideal. Under 43% is typically the maximum for a qualified mortgage. Over 50% makes most conventional lending very difficult.
Lenders look at more than DTI — but knowing yours before you apply puts you in a stronger position.