Are Student Loans Hold You Back from Buying a Home?

Are Student Loans Hold You Back from Buying a Home?

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with student debt, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of owning a home. In fact, data shows that about 60% of people with student loans are actively planning to buy a home.

So if you’ve been putting off your search because of your loans, now’s the time to take another look.

“When you have student loans, it’s not the loan itself but how you manage your monthly debt that matters most. Lenders want to see that you’re responsible with repayment and not overextended.”
— Freddie Mac

Student debt doesn’t automatically disqualify you from buying. Lenders are mainly focused on your debt-to-income ratio, not just whether or not you have loans. That means responsible repayment and good credit habits can still lead you to a mortgage approval—even with student loans on the books.

Here’s how to position yourself for success:

✅ Tap into first-time buyer programs that offer down payment assistance
✅ Partner with a local lender who understands student loan guidelines
✅ Keep up with on-time payments and work on your credit score
✅ Talk with a real estate agent like myself who can guide you step by step

This chart from the National Association of Realtors helps put things into perspective—many buyers carry student loan debt and still move forward with purchasing a home.

If you’re planning to buy a home in South Snohomish or North King County, let’s connect. I work with buyers every day who are navigating student debt and still making homeownership happen.

Let’s talk about your next move—and how to make it work for your situation.