New York Real Estate Salesperson ExaminationFinancingHard

A buyer is applying for a mortgage. The lender calculates the buyer's housing expense ratio by dividing their proposed monthly housing expenses (PITI) by their gross monthly income. If the lender's guideline is a maximum housing expense ratio of 28%, what is the maximum allowable PITI for a buyer with a gross monthly income of $7,500?

  1. A$2,250
  2. B$1,875
  3. C$2,100
  4. D$2,400
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. $2,100

The maximum allowable PITI is calculated by multiplying the gross monthly income by the maximum housing expense ratio. So, $7,500 (gross monthly income) * 0.28 (28% ratio) = $2,100.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. $7,500 * 0.30 = $2,250 (incorrect ratio).
  • B. $7,500 * 0.25 = $1,875 (incorrect ratio).
  • D. $7,500 * 0.32 = $2,400 (incorrect ratio).

Housing Expense Ratio (Front-End Ratio)

A debt-to-income ratio that compares a borrower's total monthly housing expenses (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance - PITI) to their gross monthly income.

  • Calculated as PITI / Gross Monthly Income.
  • Lenders use this to assess affordability.
  • Commonly has a maximum limit (e.g., 28%).

Memory trick: PITI over Income: Your house payment can't be too high for your salary.

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