Married couple, ages 36 and 38 · Tampa, FL · 11 months

Tampa Couple Cut DTI From 53% to 28% in 11 Months

Combined avalanche payoff, refinancing, and income optimization to cut DTI by 25 points.

DTI
53%28%
Consumer debt
$92,000$36,000
Challenge

$92K in consumer debt and a 53% DTI blocked any mortgage qualification.

Approach
  1. 01Mapped every debt with rate, balance, and minimum payment.
  2. 02Used a 0% balance transfer to consolidate $24K of high-rate debt.
  3. 03Avalanche-paid the remaining balances starting with the highest APR.
  4. 04Refinanced the auto loan at a 3.4% lower rate.
Outcome

DTI dropped from 53% to 28%. Total consumer debt reduced from $92K to $36K. Pre-qualified for mortgage 30 days later.

FAQs
What DTI do mortgage lenders prefer?

Conventional sweet spot is under 36%; FHA allows up to 45-50% with compensating factors.

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