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Student Loan Begin Repayments
The rising cost of education has meant that a significant number of graduates are left with student loans to repay when they enter the workforce. These debts can, unfortunately, make it more difficult for people to become homeowners. While student loans may limit your buying power when it comes to buying a home, it does not make it impossible. Use these tips to qualify for a mortgage with student loans in 2024.
The U.S. Department of Education is now providing a 12-month on-ramp to Student loan payments , starting on October 1, 2023, and ending on September 30, 2024. Student loan interest will resume starting on September 1, 2024, and borrowers will have to restart payments in October. The U.S. Department of Education will notify borrowers before payments restart.
How Student Loans Affect the Homebuying Process
Education is crucial for many professions, however, its soaring costs have become a tough hurdle for many students. Going to college or university isn’t cheap. From tuition fees to living expenses, the costs have grown incredibly high over the years. Because of these steep prices, most students end up taking loans to be able to afford their education.
These student loans can turn into a gigantic amount of debt that they’ll have to repay for years after they graduate. The massive student loan burden is a direct result of the high cost of education today, making it challenging for many young people to move forward with other life goals like buying a house or starting a family.
What do Mortgage Lenders review on Student Loans?
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at your financial health to decide whether you’re capable of repaying the loan. One key measure they look at is your debt-to-income ratio, which is the comparison between how much money you owe and how much money you make. Big amounts of student loan debt can increase this ratio, making it seem like you might not be able to handle the mortgage payments.
Mortgage Lenders will review student loan details including:
- Debt to Income Ratios
- Payment History
- Longevity of Credit
- New Credit Inquiries
- Credit Scores
Student loans can also impact your credit score, another important factor in mortgage decisions. If you’ve ever missed or been late on a student loan payment, it could hurt your credit score, making it harder to qualify for a mortgage. So, the resulting financial strain due to student loans can become a stumbling block when trying to qualify for a mortgage.
Qualifying for a Mortgage with Student Loans
When you apply for a mortgage, underwriters calculate student loan payments as part of their assessment of your debt-to-income ratio. The calculation varies depending on the type of loan. For instance, when it comes to conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, different parameters and percentages are taken into account, affecting how much money you can borrow.
| Loan Type | DTI ratio allowed | How the lender calculates your monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Loans | Up to 50% Max with AUS Approval | Your actual documented payment, your fully amortizing payment or .5% of your outstanding loan balance divided by 12 months |
| FHA Loans | 43% with AUS Approval up to 56.9% | Your actual documented payment or 0.5% of your outstanding loan balance divided by 12 months |
| VA Loans | 41%, however, with residual income there is no set limit | 5% of your outstanding loan balance divided by 12 months or, if it’s higher, the monthly payment shown on your credit report |
| USDA Loans | 41% / 45% Max | Your actual documented payment or 0.5% of your outstanding loan balance divided by 12 months |
VA Student Loan Guidelines 2024
In 2024, VA Student loan guidelines continue to remain one of the more lenient options for veterans carrying student loan debt. Whereas other loan types usually require a percentage of the loan balance for the calculations, VA loans primarily focus on the amount that is actively being repaid each month.
If the student loan is in deferment and repayment will not start in the next 12 months, it might not be included in your debt-to-income calculation. When no payment amount is reported or available, the lender will use 5% of the current balance divided by 12 to determine the payment.
FHA Student Loan Guidelines 2024
In 2024, the FHA student loan guidelines account for student loans in deferment or those with income-driven repayment plans. The dependency on the balance of the loan or a percentage of the balance is a significant determinant.
If the actual monthly payment is zero or is less than what would be under regular amortizing payment terms, lenders must use the greater of .5% of the outstanding loan balance or the monthly payment reported on the credit report.
Conventional Student Loan Guidelines 2024
Currently in 2024, for those seeking a conventional loan, the guidelines dictate that lenders will need to factor in all student loan repayments, including those in deferment or forbearance, into the applicant’s debt-to-income ratio.
Conventional loans mainly focus on the monthly payment listed on the credit report. If your report doesn’t show a monthly payment, or it shows $0, the lender can use as low as .5% of the outstanding loan balance as the monthly payment for the purpose of the loan application. Fannie Mae still requires a minimum payment of 1% of the outstanding student loan balance.
If the monthly payment is an income based repayment plan, even as low as $0, this payment can be used.
USDA Student Loan Guidelines 2024
In 2024 USDA student loan guidelines have become somewhat stricter compared to previous years. While prior regulations allowed for disregarding loans in deferment, new guidelines require lenders to consider them in the debt-to-income ratio.
USDA loans will utilize the higher of .5% of the outstanding student loan balance or the actual monthly repayment amount. If the loans are in deferment or forbearance, the lender may utilize credit report payments or 0.50% of the loan balance to establish the payment for the ratio.
Use a Mortgage Broker to Qualify for a mortgage with Student Loans
Understanding how to navigate mortgage guidelines can be a game-changer when trying to qualify for a home loan. Several factors come into play, such as your credit score, your income, and your overall debt. Reducing your debt-to-income ratio, for instance, can help you qualify. This could mean finding ways to earn more money, reducing your other debts, or both.
It’s also essential to have a good credit score, so always try to make all your payments on time. Additionally, some home loan programs are specifically designed to help first-time homebuyers or people with lower income. They have more flexible guidelines, which can make it easier to qualify even if you have student loans. Understanding these guidelines, along with seeking help from an expert mortgage broker, can lead you to the path of successfully getting a mortgage.
How to get a Mortgage with Student Loans
While the financial challenges with student loans can be overwhelming, they do not need to destroy the dream of owning a home. The high costs of education may lead to substantial student debt, and this debt certainly has an impact on qualifying for a mortgage.
However, by understanding the mortgage guidelines and exploring options like income-based repayment plans for student loans, there may be options available. Be sure to work with an experience mortgage broker than can review all loan options to help you qualify for a mortgage with student loans.
Related: Buying a Home with Student Loan Debt Qualifying for a Mortgage with Student Loan Debt 10 Reasons to Buy a Home While Still in College