The three DTI thresholds every borrower should know
28% front-end / 36% back-end is the conservative lender standard. Under this, you qualify for the best rates almost everywhere.
43% back-end is the hard ceiling for a Qualified Mortgage. Above it, most conventional lenders decline you.
50%+ is financial stress territory — one missed paycheck triggers cascading missed payments. Pay down credit cards first; they hit DTI hardest.