Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale | Homes for sale in Rochester, NY, LOCAL Rochester real estate listings, market data, REALTOR® info, and high quality content updated every 15 minutes! Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:50:30 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-SITE-LOGO-512-x-512-1-32x32.png How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home – Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com 32 32 June Home Maintenance Checklist: 40+ Must-Do Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-home-maintenance-checklist-summer-prep/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20501 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
May Home Maintenance Checklist: 30 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20484 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
April Home Maintenance Checklist: How To Prepare Your Rochester NY Home For Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/april-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20364 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
March Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your New York Home Ready for Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/march-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20338 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How to Buy a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buy-a-house-in-new-york/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19906 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How to Sell a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-a-house-in-new-york/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19905 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Risks of Buying a Non-Warrantable Condo In New York: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/non-warrantable-condo/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19796 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Builders Should Know About Spec Construction Loans In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/builders-spec-construction-loans/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19795 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Moving To The Finger Lakes Region Of New York | Guide To Relocating To The Finger Lakes https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-to-the-finger-lakes-region/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19875 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Navigating the Numbers: The Pros and Cons of Using Online Home Value Estimators For New York Real Estate https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-online-home-value-estimators/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19794 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Role of Location in Home Valuation In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/role-of-location-home-valuation/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19768 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Lowe’s vs U-Haul: A Review of Truck Rental Companies https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/lowes-vs-uhaul/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19758 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Understanding the Importance of a Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/property-condition-disclosure-statement/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19632 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What are Delayed Showings and Negotiations in Real Estate In New York? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/delayed-showings-negotiations/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19547 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
8 Viable Tactics to Selling Your Home and Moving Out of State https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-moving-out-of-state/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19542 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Unconventional Methods for Selling a House: Thinking Outside the Box https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/unconventional-methods-for-selling-a-house/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19519 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Should I Sell My House Off Market: Pros and Cons Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-house-off-market/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19503 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What is PITI and How Does It Affect Your Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-is-piti/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19498 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How To Set A Home Renovation Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-renovation-budget/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19490 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How Does A Co-Borrowers Credit Scores Affect A Home Purchase? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/co-borrower-credit-score/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19474 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
New Construction Final Walk-Through Checklist: Ensuring a Seamless Home Inspection https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/new-construction-final-walk-through/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19458 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Essential Tips for Pumping a Septic Tank: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pumping-a-septic-tank/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19450 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Can You Submit Multiple Offers On Homes At Once – A Legal And Ethical Analysis https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/multiple-offers-on-homes-at-once/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19414 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How to Get Your Home Photo Ready for Real Estate Listings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-photo-ready/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19409 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Does a Home Builder’s Warranty Cover? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-builders-warranty/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19394 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
July 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/july-2023-rochester-ny-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19403 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Who Pays Real Estate Commission When You Buy or Sell a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-commission/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19366 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Quitclaim Deeds: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/quitclaim-deeds/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19358 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What to Know About Selling a Home As Is for Cash https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-as-is-cash/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19347 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How to Know if My House Has Paranormal Activity https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/is-my-house-haunted/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19342 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Why Find The History of a House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/find-history-house/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19316 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
June 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19313 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-lawyer/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19181 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
May 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19162 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What to Know About Buying a Home For The First Time https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-home-first-time/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19058 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
<strong>What Should a Buyer Look For at a Home Inspection?</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-look-for-home-inspection/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18983 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Companies That Buy Houses For Cash Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/companies-buy-houses-for-cash/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18889 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Does Home Staging Work and What is The Cost? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/does-home-staging-work/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18814 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What to Avoid When Getting a Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/avoid-when-getting-mortgage/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18797 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
<strong>5 Options For Replacing a Roof Reviewed</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/replacing-roof/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18771 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Are Restrictive Covenants in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/restrictive-covenants/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18714 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Can The Court Force The Sale of Your House in Divorce? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/court-force-sale-divorce/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18693 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Real Estate Agent vs. Broker: What&#8217;s The Difference? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-vs-broker/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18650 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How To Determine Square Feet In Your House For More Accurate Property Estimates https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/determine-square-feet/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18167 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
3 Things That Often Results in a Real Estate Agent Getting Sued https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-sued/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18133 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Top 5 Types Of Home Inspections Buyers Should Consider https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-types-home-inspections/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18119 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Pros And Cons Of Rent To Own Homes: What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-rent-own-homes/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18104 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
5 Smart Things To Do Before Moving That Will Help Ease Your Transition https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-before-moving/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18084 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How to Become a Real Estate Agent https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/become-real-estate-agent/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18071 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Renting A House Or An Apartment: Which Is The Better Option https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-house-apartment/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17871 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The 5 Most Important Factors To Consider When Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-factors-buying-house/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17851 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Buyers And Sellers Need To Know About An Appraisal Gap https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/appraisal-gap/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17827 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Pros And Cons Of Renting With Roommates – What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-with-roommates/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17794 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
6 Things You Should Know About Buying Land https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-know-buying-land/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17773 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How Long Should Home Sellers Wait To Respond To An Offer On Their Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-sellers-wait-respond-offer/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17745 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How To Buy A House With A Low Credit Score https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-buy-a-house-with-a-low-credit-score/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16819 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Things To Consider When Shipping A Car https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-to-consider-when-shipping-a-car/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16248 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Home Depot Truck Rentals: What to Know Including Pricing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-depot-truck-rentals-what-to-know-including-pricing/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16156 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
16 Things To Do Before Listing Your Home For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/16-things-to-do-before-listing-your-home-for-sale/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16138 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-home-inspection-mistakes-to-avoid/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16112 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Ability To Buy A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-credit-score-impacts-buying-house/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16086 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Top Winter Home Selling Mistakes | 7 Errors Made While Selling A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-winter-home-selling-mistakes/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16051 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Top Winter Home Buying Mistakes | 11 Errors Made While Buying A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-home-buying-mistakes/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16013 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Address Change Form Should I Use At The Post Office? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/address-change-form-post-office/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15981 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Does Contingent Status Mean in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-does-contingent-status-mean-real-estate/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15956 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
DIY Renovation Ideas For Your Backyard https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/diy-renovation-ideas-backyard/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15937 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How to Rent Your First Apartment Guide https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15931 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Tips For Selling A Home Virtually https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-selling-a-home-virtually/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15907 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Complete Winter Storage Checklist For Your Belongings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-storage-checklist/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15885 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Should I Waive My Home Inspection When Buying A House? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-waive-my-home-inspection/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15870 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Biggest Self Storage Companies Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-self-storage-companies/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15836 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Earnest Money and House Deposits Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/earnest-money-house-deposits-explained/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15760 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Moving Mistakes To Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-mistakes-to-avoid/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15568 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Top Mortgage Myths | Demystifying Common Home Loan Misconceptions https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-mortgage-myths/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15102 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-mistakes/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14815 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
10 Tips For Adding Appeal To Your Home This Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/10-tips-adding-appeal-to-home-this-summer/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14237 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Exploring The Merits of Smart Home Technology When Selling a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/smart-home-technology-selling-a-home/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13782 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Top Frequently Asked Questions From Home Sellers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-frequently-asked-questions-home-sellers/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2424 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
First Time Home Buyer Programs In Rochester NY &#8211; Updated January 2025 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-programs/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock http://rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=580 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How New Doors &#038; Windows Can Boost Your Home Value https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-new-doors-windows-boost-your-home-value/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13643 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Top 5 Things To Know When Flipping Your First House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-things-to-know-when-flipping-your-first-house/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13574 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Are The Best Mortgage Options for Self Employed Borrowers? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/mortgage-options-for-self-employed-borrowers/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13450 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Top 10 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-10-best-places-see-christmas-lights-rochester-ny/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=10236 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Are The PROs And CONs Of Multifamily Homes? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-multifamily-homes/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13219 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
What Low-Cost Home Improvements Should You Make Before Selling Your Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/low-cost-home-improvements-you-should-make-before-selling-your-home/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13114 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
15 Things Millennial Home Buyers Look At While Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/15-things-millennial-home-buyers-look-at-while-buying-a-house/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13028 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How Does A Fence Increase The Value Of Your Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-does-a-fence-increase-the-value-of-your-home/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12995 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
5 Simple &#038; Low Cost Fixes To Make Your Home More Appealing To Buyers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-simple-and-low-cost-fixes-to-make-your-home-more-appealing-to-buyers/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12779 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How To Improve A Homes Curb Appeal In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-improve-a-homes-curb-appeal-rochester-ny/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12665 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
7 Ways to Create an Energy-Efficient Home While Conserving Your Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/7-ways-create-an-energy-efficient-home/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12633 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Hiring Movers Vs. Moving Yourself | The PROs &#038; CONs Of Each https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/hiring-movers-vs-moving-yourself/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12592 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Purchasing a Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pay-off-student-loans-before-purchasing-a-home/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12531 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Should I Build A New Home Or Buy An Existing Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-build-a-new-home-or-buy-an-existing-home/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2497 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
Buying A Condo Vs. Renting A Condo | What Are The PROs &#038; CONs? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-a-condo-vs-renting-a-condo/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12402 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
9 Money Saving Moving Tips | How To Cut Costs When Moving https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/9-money-saving-moving-tips/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12341 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
How to Create a Proper Home Maintenance Checklist https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-create-a-proper-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12300 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
5 Tips For Tenant Screening | How To Weed Out Bad Tenant Applicants https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-for-tenant-screening/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12291 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Best Social Media Blogs For Real Estate From 2017 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-social-media-blogs-2017/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12045 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Best Home Improvement Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Remodeling https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-home-improvement-blogs-2017/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12044 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner

About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>
The Best Mortgage Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Financing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-mortgage-blogs-2017/ Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:30:03 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12043 What Impact Do Student Loans Have On Getting A Mortgage To Buy A House [caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="450"]How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage How Do Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage[/caption] One topic that has been highly discussed in the mortgage and real estate industry are student loans.  If you're trying to buy a home and have student loan debts, you've likely experienced a high level of scrutiny from mortgage lenders and have had to answer several questions. Student loans are similar to other types of debts, such as a car loan or credit card debts, in the sense that they can dramatically impact the amount a lender is willing to allow a borrower to have.  There are many frequently asked questions about mortgages and it's vital that if you have student loans, you ask a mortgage professional how they can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. If you're going to be buying a home and have student loans, make sure you read on to find out how student loans affect getting a mortgage.  Below you will find out how student loans impact mortgage lending, how student loans affect specific types of mortgages, and other helpful information.

How Student Loans Impact Mortgage Lending

Student loans have been making it difficult for many buyers to get a mortgage to buy a home.  This is the case especially with many millennial home buyers.  The pressure on millennials to go to college and obtain a degree is higher than ever.  This is leading to significant student loan debts and is having a huge impact on their ability to buy a home. Certainly a buyer must have solid employment history, a strong credit score, decent income, and some assets, but a lender is also going to review a buyers debt to income ratios to make sure they are within the programs guidelines.    The biggest impact that student loans are making on mortgage lending is that they must be included in a buyers monthly debts.  The percentage or dollar amount of student loans that must be included in a buyers monthly debt does vary depending on the type of mortgage they are attempting to secure, which will be covered below. For example, to understand how student loans impact a buyers debt to income ratio, imagine a buyer has a monthly income of $3,000.  This buyer has monthly debts of $500 prior to their student loans, which would give this buyer a debt to income ratio of roughly 16%, which is very good.  If a buyer has another $500 in monthly student loan debt, this brings their total monthly debts to $1,000 which also raises their debt to income ratio to roughly 33%, which does not leave a lot of room to factor in a monthly mortgage.

Student Loan Repayment

[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage Understand Student Loan Repayment Plans & Options When Getting A Mortgage[/caption] There is no secret that student loan payments are important and not paying them on time can be a big reason why a mortgage is denied.  Since many student loans are backed by government agencies, if you were to apply for a government backed mortgage and there were delinquencies, the chances of getting approved for a mortgage are slim to none. There are several student loan repayment plans that can be taken advantage of and each one can have an impact on specific types of mortgages.  Income driven repayment plans, income sensitive repayment plans, extended repayment plans, and graduated repayment plans are some of the most popular plans.  It's important that if you're going to be buying a home and have student loan debt that you consult with a mortgage professional to see which plan would be best without jeopardizing your ability to purchase a home.

How Do Student Loans Affect Specific Types Of Mortgages

There are lots of different types of mortgages that buyers have the ability to choose between.  It's very important that when buying a home a buyer understands what type of mortgage is best for their individual situation.  Student loans may make a dramatic impact on deciding which type of mortgage is best for their situation because they affect different mortgage products differently. Below you will find out how student loans affect specific types of mortgages.  As you decide which type of mortgage is the best for your situation, keep in mind if you have student loans what impact they may have.

Veterans Administration Loans (VA Loans)

Student loan debts have an impact on VA loans and it's important that if you're considering a VA loan to purchase a home, you understand the potential impact they can have on the chances of getting a loan.  Since student loans generally impact a potential borrowers debt to income ratio, VA loans have guidelines whether they will be counted towards a monthly debt to income ratio or not. If a student loan payment is due within the first 12 months after closing, a lender will be required to include it in the monthly debt to income ratios.  Another scenario where student loans must be counted towards the debt to income ratios is when student loans are in forbearance or if they've been deferred due to a hardship. If a loan has been in deferment for three years a lender can typically use zero towards a buyers monthly debt to income ratio.  Documentation is required in all cases, but if no documentation can be obtained, a lender will use a payment listed on the borrowers credit report or 5% of the balance of the student loans divided by 12.

United States Department of Agriculture Loans (USDA Loans)

USDA loans, traditionally, do not permit any type of deferred, income-based, or graduated payment scenarios.  Most lenders will require a documented fixed payment to be used in qualifications.  If a lender cannot obtain a documented fixed payment, USDA will require that 1% of the loan balance that is documented on the credit report as the monthly payment.  Even if there is a payment listed on the credit report, USDA requires that the payment listed is fixed. If the proper documentation cannot be provided, a buyer who has to use 1% of the total student loan balance reported on the credit report, can be impacted severely.  For example, if the proper documentation cannot be provided and the credit report shows a total of $50,000 in student loan debt, the lender must use $500 towards the buyers USDA qualifying debt to income ratio.

State of New York Mortgage Agency Loans (SONYMA Loans)

SONYMA loans are a very popular first time home buyer program in Rochester NY.  SONYMA guidelines for student loans require that if a borrower has a deferred student loan listed on their credit report that the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or the actual verified monthly payment is used towards their debt to income ratio. SONYMA also allows that if a student loan is in repayment, including those using an income-based repayment, that the documented payment amount can be used towards the monthly debt to income ratio.  Obtaining the student loan documentation from the student loan provider is not always the easiest task but can make a huge difference on a borrowers monthly debt to income ratio.

Conventional Loans

Generally speaking, conventional loans have fairly flexible guidelines when it comes to mortgages.  The same can be said for student loans and their impact on conventional loans. For conventional loans, the monthly payment amount for student loans used for qualifying can be any of the following;
  • Payment shown on credit report
  • If loan is deferred, 1% of the outstanding balance
  • Direct verification from the student loan provider
  • Documentation provided by the borrower confirming the actual payment
 

Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans)

FHA loans are one of the most popular types of loans, especially for first time home buyers.  Since so many first time home buyers utilize FHA loans, the guidelines for student loans are pretty strict.  Recent guidelines have been put into place for borrowers who are obtaining an FHA loan. Regardless of the payments that are listed on a borrowers credit report or documentation of an income-based repayment/graduated payment, FHA requires that lenders use 1% of the outstanding balance on the credit report.  Even if a borrowers loans are in deferment, lenders must still use 1% of the outstanding balance towards monthly debt to income ratios. Recently while selling a home in Irondequoit NY, a buyer was turned down at the last minute because the changes to the guidelines.  The buyer no longer was able to qualify for the property since FHA had to use 1% of the total outstanding balance in their qualifying ratios.

Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans

[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Home With Student Loans[/caption] Now that you've learned about the impact that student loans have on getting a mortgage to buy a home, don't feel that the task is impossible.  With the proper preparation and following the correct tips, you can get a mortgage to buy a home even with student loans. Below are some excellent tips for getting a mortgage to buy a home with student loans.
  1. Prepare - It's recommended when buying a home, whether you have student loans or not, that you prepare.  If you're buying a home and have student loan debts, it's suggested to begin saving for a home at least 12 months in advance.  Buyers who have a larger amount of money saved will appeal to lenders much more than a borrower who is attempting to buy a home with little or no money and with student loans.
  2. Pay Off Debts - It's not realistic to pay off student loan debts immediately after finishing up with school.  Paying off debts does not necessarily have to be the student loan debts.  Paying off small debts such as credit cards can make a big difference in a buyers monthly debt to income ratios.
  3. Reduce Living Expenses - A buyer who is able to reduce their living expenses, such as entertainment and dining, will be able to save money quicker than one who does not reduce their expenses.
  4. Avoid New Debts - Too many buyers who have student loans think it's a great idea to add additional debts, which is completely false.  If you're buying a home and have student loans, it's highly recommended that you avoid all new debts.  This may mean waiting to buy a new car or get a new television.
  5. Improve Income - Everyone would love to get a huge raise at their job and make more money.  This isn't always possible though, but there is nothing stopping you from getting a part time job to put more money in your pocket.
 

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage while having student loan debts can be tricky, as you can see from the above information.  It's important that if you're buying a home and have student loans, that you understand how they impact the different types of mortgages. It's always best to get a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for homes, especially if you have student loan debts because they can significantly impact mortgage qualifying.  It's recommended to consult with a top mortgage consultant about how your student loan debts may impact getting a mortgage when buying a home.

Other Top Mortgage & Home Buying Resources


Are you buying a home in Rochester NY and have student loans?  Wondering how they will impact your ability to purchase a home?  If you don't have a top Rochester NY real estate agent or top Mortgage consultant yet, please contact me, and I'd love to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home!  It's critical that you have quality representation when making one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make.
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About the authors: The above article "How Student Loans Affect Getting A Mortgage When Buying A Home" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock). With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>