Front-End DTI

Front-end DTI is the ratio of your total housing cost (PITI — principal, interest, taxes, insurance, plus HOA if applicable) to gross monthly income. The 28/36 rule's 28% is the front-end cap. This ratio tells lenders whether your housing payment alone is sustainable. Most lenders weigh back-end DTI more heavily in approval decisions but use front-end DTI to flag borrowers at risk of being house poor.