Dodd-Frank Mortgage Reform Makes Qualifying for a Home Loan More Difficult in 2014

As of January 2014, some homebuyers will have more difficulty qualifying for a mortgage.  Under Dodd-Frank, lenders must scrutinize a borrower’s income and assets more diligently to confirm his or her capacity to make the monthly mortgage payments, including any second mortgage, property taxes, insurance and homeowner association fees.  Additionally, any child support and alimony obligations must be factored, and the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio must be lower than 38 percent to meet the definition of a safe loan.