Glossary term

Mortgage stress test

A mortgage stress test is a qualification comparison that may use a higher qualifying rate than the mortgage contract rate.

Plain meaning

What the stress test means

The stress test is used to test whether a borrower could qualify under a higher rate assumption. It is not the same as the payment actually charged under the mortgage contract.

Calculator context

How OpenBook uses it

Mortgage qualifier calculators can compare entered income, debts, housing costs, and mortgage assumptions against selected GDS and TDS limits using a qualifying-rate rule. Lenders may apply additional rules, exceptions, or documentation requirements.