Home Value:
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First Mortgage Balance:
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Second Mortgage Balance:
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Any Other Liens on Home:
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What is the Loan-to-Value Ratio?

Loan to Value

The Loan-to-Value Ratio is a home equity figure that lenders use to assess risk. The LTC calculator provided insight into how a higher LTV percentage means that the borrower owns less home equity, therefore the loan is riskier to the lender and more costly in case of default. Generally speaking, mortgage applicants with a LTV ratio higher than 80% are required to purchase mortgage insurance to cover increased risk.

How is LTV Calculated?

Mortgage loan-to-value can be calculated several ways, depending on the loan purpose. The easiest way is to use the loan-to-value calculator. This LTV calculator factors in the balance of your first and second mortgages, as well as any other liens on the home.

How to Calculate LTV Yourself

For a home buyers, mortgage loan-to-value is calculated based upon the purchase price. For refinance loans, calculating LTV is based upon the property’s appraised value. By either method, loan-to-value is determined easily by dividing the loan amount by the purchase price or appraised value.

Loan-to-Value Ratio

Conventional Loan-to-Value Limits – Home Buyers

Conventional mortgage LTV ratios are based upon the mortgage type, purpose and the number of units in a property.

Residence UsageFixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM)Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
1 Unit Primary97% LTV90% LTV
2 Units Primary85% LTV75% LTV
3 Units Primary75% LTV65% LTV
4 Units Primary75% LTV65% LTV
1 Unit Second Home90% LTV80% LTV
1 Unit Investment85% LTV75% LTV
2 Units Investment75% LTV65% LTV
3 Units Investment75% LTV65% LTV
4 Units Investment75% LTV65% LTV

Conventional Loan-to-Value Limits: Rate-Term Refinance

Rate-term refinance loans typically allow higher loan-to-values than for borrowers trying to take cash out.

Residence UsageFixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM)Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
1 Unit Primary97% LTV90% LTV
2 Units Primary85% LTV75% LTV
3 Units Primary75% LTV65% LTV
4 Units Primary75% LTV65% LTV
1 Unit Second Home90% LTV80% LTV
1 Unit Investment75% LTV65% LTV
2 Units Investment75% LTV65% LTV
3 Units Investment75% LTV65% LTV
4 Units Investment75% LTV65% LTV

Conventional LTV Limits: Cash-Out Refinance

Cash-out refinance mortgages are riskier to lenders, therefore generally employ stricter LTV ratio requirements.

Residence UsageFixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM)Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
1 Unit Primary80% LTV75% LTV
2 Units Primary75% LTV65% LTV
3 Units Primary75% LTV65% LTV
4 Units Primary75% LTV65% LTV
1 Unit Second Home75% LTV65% LTV
1 Unit Investment75% LTV65% LTV
2 Units Investment70% LTV60% LTV
3 Units Investment70% LTV60% LTV
4 Units Investment70% LTV60% LTV

FHA LTV Limits: Purchase or Refinance

FHA home loans permit larger LTV ratios than many mortgage programs.  Compare the LTV ratio calculator results with the chart below to determine your standing.

Credit ScorePurchase Mortgage Refinance Mortgage
580+ FICO Score96.5% LTV85% LTV
Below 580 FICO Score90% LTV85% LTV

VA LTV Limits: Purchase or Refinance

It’s really easy to calculate LTV for VA Loans. Technically, there’s no maximum. It’s generally 100 percent of the appraised value though, depending on the fees.

Purchase Mortgage Refinance Mortgage
All Credit Scores100% LTV + Points, Fees100% LTV + Points, Fees

USDA LTV Limits: Purchase or Streamline Refinance

USDA loans are offered with max LTV’s of 102%.

Purchase Mortgage Streamline Refinance
All Credit Scores102% LTV102% LTV
Get Your Rate Quote
Refinance     Purchase

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