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Homeownership With Student Loan Debt? I’m Living Proof It’s Possible.

Home Buying Arielle Dixon March 12, 2025

There’s this unspoken narrative out there—this idea that if you took on student loans, you somehow forfeited your shot at owning a home. That you “should’ve known better,” or that you have to wait until the debt is gone before you can start building real wealth.

Let me be the first to tell you: that’s a lie.

I know, because I’ve lived it.

I carry student loan debt. I also believe in financial independence. And I’ve helped people—people like me—buy homes while still paying off their education. You don’t have to be perfect on paper to deserve a place to call your own.

This System Wasn’t Designed For Us—But We’re Still Thriving

Higher education was supposed to be the golden ticket. For many of us—especially those breaking generational cycles—it was. But it came at a steep price. When I signed those loan documents, I wasn’t thinking about mortgage underwriting or debt-to-income ratios. I was thinking about survival, opportunity, and doing something better for my future.

And while the student loan system is deeply flawed, it doesn’t mean your future is on pause. You can move forward. You can own something. You can create the kind of stability that makes all the sacrifice worth it.

Let’s Get Practical For a Second

When lenders review your mortgage application, they’re looking at the full picture—not just your loan balance. What matters most is how your monthly debts stack up against your income. That’s called your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and it’s one of the most important factors when qualifying for a home loan.

Now here’s the part many people don’t know:
If you’re on an income-driven repayment plan (IDR), lenders can often use that lower monthly payment in their calculations—not the full 1% of your loan balance like they used to.

There are loan programs—like FHA—that are more forgiving with DTI. And there are assistance programs designed specifically for first-time buyers, people with student debt, and folks building from the ground up.

The key is to work with a team that knows how to position you strategically. That’s where I come in.

You Deserve to Be Seen

This is where my empathy and experience merge. I’m not just here to sell you a house—I’m here to help you feel seen and supported as you move through a system that often doesn’t make space for people like us.

I understand how heavy this process can feel. The anxiety. The self-doubt. The fear that you’ll be judged for your debt, or told to wait another five years. But the truth is, your education was an investment. So is homeownership. These two things don’t cancel each other out—they can work in harmony, if you know how to navigate it.

If You’re Dreaming of Home—Don’t Wait for Perfection

I believe in action. In taking steps forward even if the path isn’t completely clear. Because I’ve seen what happens when people bet on themselves. I’ve seen the pride in my clients' eyes when they hold the keys, knowing they did it their way—even if it wasn’t traditional. Especially because it wasn’t traditional.

If you’ve been wondering whether homeownership is possible for someone with student loans, I want you to hear this from someone who knows:

It is.
And I’d be honored to help you figure out how.

Let’s talk. No pressure, no shame—just a real conversation about what’s possible.

📩 [email protected]
🔗 arielledixon.com/home-valuation

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WORK WITH ARIELLE

Arielle understands that buying or selling a home is an important decision that's about so much more than just the price tag, and she is fully committed to helping you achieve your real estate dreams, whatever they may be.