Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®
Emily Ford, Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®Phone: (248) 722-4239
Email: [email protected]

What you should know about mortgages & student loans

by Emily Ford 07/05/2023

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
Author

Emily Ford

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I am in my 22nd year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion!

· I earned the "Top Producer" award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2023

· My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $315M in closed transactions

· I've been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2023, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents

· I'm a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee, Livingston and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled

· As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of your transaction and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra

· We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more!

· In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019. I'm a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers

· I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and Clarkston Schools

· My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible!