Question on mortgage loan application

[Andy Thao]

Question for everyone out there.

I am trying to buy my first home and had a question on the mortgage loan application. Is it better to put down that you pay a certain amount for rent or will it be better to put down nothing to better your debt to income ratio.

Thanks in advance. 

[Michael Wagner]

Its best to be honest....so as to not commit mortgage fraud.  Beyond that, A rent payment is not factored into your debt to income ratio as it is not a debt.  Its an obligation, not debt...unless I am mistaken.  Im sure someone who works in lending can confirm or deny that point....but either way, be honest!