If you’ve been seeing headlines about student loans lately, you may be wondering if buying a home is still realistic. We hear that question more often than you might think.
Here’s the good news. Having student loan debt doesn’t automatically mean you have to put your homeownership plans on hold.
One of the Biggest Myths We Hear
A lot of first-time buyers believe they have to pay off all of their student loans before they can qualify for a mortgage.
In most cases, that’s simply not true.
Lenders don’t usually look at student loans any differently than other monthly debts like a car payment or a credit card. Instead, they’re looking at your overall financial picture.
That includes things like:
- Your income
- Your credit history
- Your monthly debt obligations
- Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
- Your savings and assets
As explained by Redfin:
“Yes, you can get a mortgage with student loan debt. Lenders primarily assess your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which compares your monthly debt payments, including student loans, to your gross monthly income. Having student debt doesn’t automatically disqualify you if your DTI is within acceptable limits.”
In other words, student loans are one piece of the puzzle. They’re rarely the whole story.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re carrying student loan debt, you’re in good company.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 33% of first-time homebuyers still had student loan debt when they purchased their home. The median amount they owed was $30,400.
Think about that for a minute.
One out of every three first-time buyers made it to the closing table while still paying student loans.
That doesn’t mean every situation is the same. But it does show that student debt, by itself, doesn’t keep people from becoming homeowners.
Don’t Talk Yourself Out of Buying Before You Ask
One of the biggest mistakes we see isn’t that buyers have too much student debt.
It’s that they assume they won’t qualify and never have the conversation with a lender.
Every buyer’s situation is different.
You may have a steady income, manageable monthly payments, and stronger buying power than you realize. Or you may need a little more time to prepare. Either way, it’s better to know where you stand than to make assumptions.
A conversation with a trusted lender can give you real numbers and a clear plan.
What This Means if You’re Buying in Greenbrier County
Whether you’re looking in Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Fairlea, Ronceverte, or elsewhere in the Greenbrier Valley, your financing options are unique to you.
That’s why we always recommend starting with a lender before deciding whether now is the right time to buy.
Once you know what you qualify for, we can help you find homes that fit your budget and your goals, instead of guessing what may or may not be possible.
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Thinking About Buying?
If student loans have been holding you back, don’t assume homeownership is off the table.
Talk with a lender. Ask the questions. Run the numbers.
You may be closer than you think.
And when you’re ready to start looking in Lewisburg or anywhere across the Greenbrier Valley, we’d be honored to guide you through the process, one step at a time.
Byron Rausenberger & Kerry Baldwin | REALTORS® | Lewisburg, WV Real Estate Experts
Byron Rausenberger and Kerry Baldwin are full-time REALTORS® with Grist Real Estate Associates, serving Lewisburg, WV, and the greater Greenbrier Valley, including Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers, and Pocahontas Counties.
They specialize in residential homes, land, farms, commercial properties, and luxury retreats throughout Southern West Virginia. Known for strong negotiation, strategic marketing, and clear communication, they guide buyers and sellers through every step of the process with confidence and precision.
For those searching for the best real estate agents in Lewisburg, WV, relocating to West Virginia, or exploring homes with acreage in the Greenbrier Valley, Byron and Kerry provide trusted local expertise rooted in deep community involvement and market knowledge.
They maintain 100% five-star reviews on Realtor.com, reflecting consistent client satisfaction and a commitment to professional, results-driven service.
From first-time buyers to experienced investors, their focus is simple: help clients make smart real estate decisions that align with their goals and lifestyle.
📍 Based in Lewisburg, WV
🧭 Lewisburg WV real estate • Living in Lewisburg WV • Moving to Lewisburg WV • Greenbrier Valley homes
🙂 Find home. Sell smart. Live local.
The information shared here is for educational purposes only and reflects local market conditions at the time of writing. It should not be considered financial or investment advice. For guidance specific to your situation or local market, contact Byron and Kerry directly. They’re always happy to help you understand what it means for you.
Think student loans mean you can’t buy a home? Learn how lenders evaluate student debt and what it means for buying a home in Greenbrier County, WV.
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