It's common for homeowners to have both mortgage and student loan payments simultaneously. But how does student debt affect your chances of getting a mortgage in the first place?
While lenders consider all debt obligations in loan approval, you can still buy a home while paying student loans.
Do mortgage lenders care about student loans?
Lenders consider your current financial obligations, including any outstanding loan balance, in your financial statement.
Your debt to income ratio, or DTI, measures your ability to make regular loan payments, so if your student loan payments skew your DTI too much, it could be a red flag to lenders.
Can I still get a mortgage?
While mortgage lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio for mortgage approval, you don't have to be completely debt free to get a mortgage. So, you can have student loan debt and still get a mortgage!
Should I pay down my loans before buying a house?
Student loan debt won't keep you from mortgage approval, but it can make it harder to qualify. If you have reliable income and a good payment history, it's not necessary to pay off your existing debt before buying a house.
Just remember to consider the monthly student loan payments and your homeowner costs. Multiple loan payments add up quickly.
So, it’s harder to buy a house as a student loan borrower?
It's not necessarily harder to buy a house as student loan borrowers.
But regular student loan payments with regular mortgage payments can be expensive, so be careful to stay on top of your payments.
Student loan payment assistance programs may help with federal student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans. So explore all your options if you run into a hardship.
About the Author
Natalia San Filippo
Greetings from beautiful Naples Florida! Having grown up in Siberia, in a challenging environment I have a deep appreciation of our wonderful Southwest Florida climate and lifestyle. The journey that led me here has fueled my drive to be the best at everything I attempt. My natural enthusiasm for my work is contagious, and clients know that I am "giving my all”. My deep dedication to my family that includes my two adult children and my four fabulous grandchildren. My family reminds me every day that considering family first in one’s life requires an exceptional "home base” for everyone to gather for events and holidays. Everything in my life has equipped me to be a fabulous realtor at Premiere Plus Realty. Naples is cosmopolitan and international harmonious environment, positive energy and lifestyle. As a certified yoga instructor, I believe in and understand the importance of balance in one’s life. It’s through my yoga practice that I have achieved peace and harmony in my life. It’s this peace, harmony, and enthusiasm that I wish to pass to my clients. My goal is to continue to serve you!!! It is my mission! It is my goal! Let’s get to work together! Natalia Realtor, specializing in Residential sales, New construction, seasonal rental, VA homes, First home buyers, listings, sales. Member of Miami and Stella MLS. I service Naples, Bonita Estero, Marco Island & Ft. Meyer's as well as SW Florida. I appreciate referrals and I help with referrals in other States.