46. Can You Buy a House With Student Loans? What First-Time Buyers Actually Need to Know

Student loan debt is one of the biggest reasons first-time buyers assume they can't qualify for a mortgage… but the data says otherwise. One-third of first-time homebuyers in 2025 had student loan debt when they closed (and I'm one of them). In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how lenders calculate your student loan payment for approval, whether you should pay off your loans before buying, and how to run the debt-to-income numbers yourself before you ever talk to a lender.

Ready to take the first step of finding your first home? Connect with a FAME agent in your area (it's free!)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN TODAY:

Whether student loan debt actually disqualifies you from buying a home (33% of 2025 first-time buyers had it and still closed)

How lenders calculate your student loan payment for pre-approval, even if you're on an income-based repayment plan, in deferment, or in forbearance

The exact debt-to-income ratio math lenders use, with a real dollar example you can run with your own numbers

Why low down payment options like 3% down for first-time buyers matter even more when student debt is part of the picture

How to decide whether to pay off your student loans first or put that money toward a down payment instead

The interest rate comparison that tells you which option actually saves you more money

Why a free conversation with a local lender is the fastest way to get a real answer

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with a FAME agent in your area (free)