What is the term used to measure a borrower's creditworthiness based on their total debt compared to income?

The term used to measure a borrower's creditworthiness based on their total debt compared to income is the debt-to-income ratio. This ratio is a crucial factor in assessing a borrower's ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts. It is calculated by dividing total monthly debt payments by gross monthly income, expressed as a percentage.

A lower debt-to-income ratio indicates a healthier financial situation, as it suggests that the borrower has a manageable level of debt relative to their income. Lenders use this metric to determine whether an applicant qualifies for a loan and to evaluate their risk as a borrower. Generally, a debt-to-income ratio below 36% is considered favorable, while ratios above this threshold may raise concerns about a borrower’s financial stability.

Other choices mention related but distinct concepts. The debt service ratio measures the ability to cover debt payments but is not specifically tied to income comparison. A credit score is a numerical expression of credit risk that considers various factors, such as payment history, but does not directly measure debt in relation to income. Finally, the loan-to-value ratio is related to the amount of a loan compared to the appraised value of the property but does not assess a borrower's income or total debt.