Yes, you can buy a home in Denver with student loans—lenders factor them into debt-to-income (DTI) ratios up to 45-50%, allowing qualified buyers as long as payments fit budgets alongside a mortgage, especially with strong credit and reserves in the Colorado housing market.
How Lenders View Student Debt
After 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve helped clients with $300-$800 monthly student payments qualify for $600K medians. Conventional loans count full payments in front-end DTI (28% housing) and back-end (43-50% total debt)—$50K income covers $3,500 PITI plus $500 loans if reserves show 2-6 months. FHA flexes to 56% DTI for first-timers eyeing Littleton bungalows. Deferments count 1% of balance; income-driven plans use actuals. Highlands Ranch ranches ($700K) work with 680+ scores, offsetting HOAs ($150-$400).
Income beats debt load every time.
Denver-Specific Hurdles and Wins
Douglas County school zones like Mountain Vista demand DTI proof amid 4-6% appreciation—Littleton Public Schools buyers juggle loans with 0.6% taxes ($3,600/year). Core Denver condos under $500K ease entry versus suburban ranches. Pre-approval verifies: $80K salary, $400 loans, 720 score clears $550K loan at 6.5%. CHFA aids stack for debt-heavy profiles. Compared to Highlands Ranch real estate’s family premiums, urban spots forgive higher DTI.
Refinance later drops rates post-payoff.
Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers
| Debt Load | Max Loan Est. ($80K Income) | DTI Tip |
|---|---|---|
| $300/mo | $550K | Keep housing <28% |
| $600/mo | $500K | FHA for flex |
| $800+/mo | $450K | Co-signer option |
Buyers, document payments—pay down to 36% DTI, pre-approve dual lenders; target East Highlands Ranch under $650K with 5% down.
Sellers, request DTI breakdowns—highlight low-HOA villages for loan-tolerant buyers.
My hands-on, concierge-level service crunches DTI scenarios block-by-block, weighs school/HOA fits through market cycles, builds pricing from local sales, and negotiates relentlessly for debt-smart approvals. Clients are long-term relationships and friends, not transactions—integrity, honesty, transparency, and relentless work ethic make loans workable.
If student debt fits your Denver real estate goals—Littleton, Highlands Ranch paths—reach out anytime. I’m here for a no-pressure conversation and honest guidance tailored to the Colorado housing market.
Mile High Home Group - Welcome to Denver 
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