Skyler McCurdy · November 3, 2026

Before you apply, know your debt-to-income ratio

Mortgage Market Update

Skyler McCurdy

Skyler McCurdy

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Before you apply, know your debt-to-income ratio

One of the most overlooked numbers in mortgage lending is the one that can make the biggest difference in what you qualify for. Here's what you need to know.

National Mortgage Rates · November 2, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.13%

FHA 30-Year

6.96%

VA 30-Year

6.76%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


Smart Money Habits

The one thing lenders look at before they look at rates

When you're ready to buy or refinance, lenders pull your credit report and calculate your debt-to-income ratio—basically, how much of your monthly income goes toward existing debts. This number matters more than you might think. A lower ratio tells lenders you have room in your budget to handle a mortgage payment comfortably, and that can open doors to better loan options and terms. The good news: if your ratio is higher than you'd like, there are real steps you can take right now to improve it, even before you apply. Paying down existing balances, avoiding new credit inquiries, and staying current on payments all move in the right direction. If you're curious where you stand and what moves might help your application down the road, I'd love to walk through it with you.

Let's talk about your financial picture and what it means for your borrowing power.

Tip of the Week

Refinancing resets your amortization clock. If you're 10 years into a 30-year loan, consider a shorter term to avoid paying more total interest.

Tips for Homeowners

Co-Signing a Mortgage: What You're Really Agreeing To

1.

Co-signing makes you equally responsible for the debt. If the primary borrower misses payments, your credit score takes the same hit and the lender can pursue you for the full balance.

2.

The co-signed mortgage debt appears on your credit report and counts toward your DTI. This can limit your ability to qualify for your own financing until the loan is paid off or refinanced out of your name.

3.

There's no automatic way to remove yourself as a co-signer — the primary borrower must refinance the loan in their name alone. Get this understanding in writing before you sign.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Skyler McCurdy team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

S

Skyler McCurdy

Skyler McCurdy

skyler@barrettfinancial.com

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