Understand The Way Income Is Figured For Mortgage Lending
Understand The way Salary is Calculated for Home Financing
There is certain ways and methods that different associations, Banks, Mortgage Providers; use for calculating income for the loan, but I will present you the way, income is calculated in mortgage lending.
There are actually various strategies used by loan consultants for any specific situation, when an average might be used to get the total of income which is needed to meet the requirements, when that is the only issue and it may be acceptable. There are always circumstance which may be taken into consideration with each unique loan file.
A superior Loan Officer will tell their customers to bring for the submission process pay stubs to cover one full month and two years W-2s. Therefore,for this reason when the income is figured initially, it will be accurate and therefore qualifying ratios will be correct.
The type income must be entered as: regular base income, commissions, bonus (normally used if consistent only) overtime ( is required to be consistent) self employment income, tip income (must use an average) and alimony and child support for various kinds of additional income.
Foremost the underwriter is looking for consistent, stable income. What an individual is earning on a normal basis. Any other income is averaged that is not regular income that is received consistently.
The documents (pay stubs, W-2’s and tax returns if applicable) is analyzed to see if you receive monthly payroll, weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or hourly wages, which is calculated by determining what number of customary hours is worked weekly. Total income, not net income is used to qualify the income for a mortgage loan.
Sample Calculations for Salaried Income
a) Annual Wages: $46,000 ÷ 12 = $3,833.00 monthly wage
b) Weekly: $884.62 x 52 ÷ 12 = $3,833 monthly wages
Hourly: To determine what the hourly figure is; I will use a number which is even. When I use $46000 ÷ 2080 hrs (yearly hrs worked for a 40 hr week) = $22.12 rounded. Of course if it $46500 you still divide by 2080.
$22.12 x 40 hrs x 52 ÷ 12 = $3834.13 or $46,009 annual
c) Bi-Weekly: * the bi-weekly wages is within the pay stub and using the $46,009 ÷ 26 pay periods = $1769.58
$1769.58 x 26 ÷ 12 =$3834.09
d) Semi-Monthly: * the amount will be on the pay stub
$46,009 ÷ 24 = $1917.00 rounded or
$1917.04 x 24 ÷ 12 = $3834.08 ** a penny or two difference as a result of rounding…this is slightly different
Many time the underwriter can determine how an applicant is paid in respect for the dates within the pay stub. Why? Many times people seem to think because they’ve got two (2) pay checks monthly that it is routinely bi-monthly income, it may be bi-weekly as two extra pay checks are received yearly, with bi-weekly salary. It definitely is not at all times easy to recognize with the pay stub, however the underwriter can make a analization by calculating the income by the year to date earnings and additional ways.
Commission Income:
Calculation of commission is customarily a 24 month average calculation but not lower than 12, if it has been received persistently and is more likely to continue during the future. This is actually obtained through the employer but can also be recognizable on the pay stubs and W-2s, since the year to date earnings average are going to be different. Certain situation as always comes into play and consequently it can be calculated in a different way. **If it is guaranteed and is followed by proof as the matching amount each month, or normal for the employer to pay commission income that is guaranteed, it would be counted regardless. More often than not commission income fluctuates and as a result must be averaged.
Example: January - $1546, February $1200, March $250 etc. with 2009 total commission = $5000
2008 total commission = $2500
$7500 ÷ 24 = $312.50
If the income for 2008 was reversed and $2500 was the commission income for 2009, most underwriters will go using the current lower level of $208.33 monthly. This is a sign that the amount of commission has flucuated for some reason and is not in line with the prior year and consequently by far the most conservative approach was used. As always other aspects may some into place also.
Bonus Income:
Bonus income is figured on a median just like commission income and confirmation of anything dissimilar to the normal must be proven and documented from your employer. A 24 month history not less than 12 months is used but must be steady and certain to be received. It also depends upon whether the position is one which has a history of bonus income and less time may be applicable if the bonus is guaranteed etc. Different conditions could apply but this is the norm.
You can also find information about prepare, for loan application;what you should know AND a mortgage payment calculation.