Which of the following items should be included to calculate a borrower's debt-to-income ratio?

To calculate a borrower's debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, it's vital to include all recurring monthly debts that the borrower is obligated to pay, as these impact their ability to repay the loan. The correct answer includes relevant debts that typically count against a borrower's financial obligations.

Car payment, boat payment, and child support obligations are all monthly payments that a borrower is legally required to pay. This means that they significantly affect the DTI ratio, as lenders want to ensure that a borrower isn't taking on more debt than they can handle based on their income. Car payments and boat payments are secured debts tied to collateral (the vehicle or boat), while child support is a legal obligation, making all three essential components for calculating the DTI ratio.

In contrast, the other choices include expenses like monthly rent, property taxes, and utility bills, which may not all be considered recurring debts in the same way. For example, grocery costs and utility payments can vary month to month and are generally not categorized as fixed debts. Understanding what constitutes fixed monthly debt helps in accurately assessing a borrower's financial stability during the loan approval process.