Student loans can be an obstacle for many when pursuing their dream of buying their first home. Aside from having the debt that can pose a challenge in getting approved for a loan, paying down school loans can also cripple your ability to save for important things such as closing costs, down payments, etc.
However, there are several ways to decrease the impact of student loans and get yourself in a prime position to buy your first home. Read on to learn how student loans affect your mortgage application and buying power.
How Student Loans Affect Buying a House
Student Loans Affect Your FICO Score
Having a stellar FICO score increases your chance of getting mortgage pre-approval, plus it helps you secure a loan with a favorable interest rate. Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score and is a major factor in your score’s calculation, and mortgage lenders like seeing borrowers with a history of on-time debt payments.
If you consistently pay your student loans on time, you’ll see a boost in your FICO score; however, a missed payment or defaulting on the loan will lower your credit score.
Student Loans Add to Your DTI Ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio is a calculation of how much you owe versus how much money you have coming into your household. Mortgage lenders use your DTI ratio to determine your eligibility.
In most instances, you’re limited to a debt-to-income ratio of around 43%; however, the specifics vary per loan type. A huge student loan payment, plus other monthly expenses, can increase your DTI ratio, which may make getting pre-approved for a loan more challenging.
Student Loans Cripple Your Ability to Build Savings
Individuals with student loan payments may struggle to save enough cash for a down payment.
How to Purchase a Home with Student Loan Debt
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Take out a 0% down payment loan: Veterans and active duty service members are eligible for VA loans, which are zero down payment mortgages. You can also take out a 0% down USDA loan if you want to purchase a home in a rural area.
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Lower your debt-to-income ratio: You can decrease your DTI ratio by paying down some debt. Paying off debt gets rid of a recurring expense, plus it frees up more cash flow. You can pay off a different debt source if you don’t have the money to make an extra payment on your student loan bill.
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Apply for down payment grants: If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may apply for either local or national down payment assistance programs. The grants will cover part or all of your down payment.
Conclusion
You can still buy a home even with a student loan, but you may struggle to get pre-approved if you have too much debt overall. Unsure where you currently stand and want to get some real insight? Contact us today for a free and personalized consultation.