Getting Ready to Afford a Mortgage

by Daniel Martin 06/16/2019

The cost to attend university continues to rise, putting pressure on students to afford an education. While some universities assist their students, many raise their prices to contend with operating costs. As a result, students leave school with mounds of debt that impede their quality of life. Paying off student loans starts by laying the appropriate groundwork, which gives you the best chance at success. 

Where to Start

Begin by identifying the type of student loans you have. Most often, you have either private or government student loans. The difference between them dictates the various options available to eliminate your debt. Now that you've identified your student loan type start with the government student loan. 

Government Loans

Government loans offer a variety of payment options based on factors such as your income and ability to pay. To more effectively make your student loan payments, request the payment plan that fits your financial situation. When you do receive extra money—like that birthday gift from Great-Aunt Daisy—apply it to your principal balance. You'll speed up the loan elimination process. By using the right payment plan, you balance your debt elimination with financial well being.

Private Loans

The payment plans for private student loans are difficult to adjust. One method to consider is refinancing to a lower interest rate. By refinancing your loan, you may lower your monthly payments. If you continue making more substantial payments on your refinanced note, you'll eliminate the principal balance at a faster rate. 

If you find yourself looking to refinance, shop around. Several companies specialize in student loan refinancing. By lowering your interest rate, you save money and can use that extra money toward principal payments, ultimately eliminating your student loans faster.

Finally, once you set a repayment plan, increase your principal payments through a second job or side-gig. Lyft, eBay, Instacart, and other flexible part-time options make increasing your outside income possible. Eliminating student loan debt is difficult, but certainly possible. With minor tweaks and adjustments, you will find the right path for you. 

Once you clear your student debt, you will have extra income for items such as saving for a down payment on a home. Purchasing a home is arguably the most significant asset for most people. By eliminating student debt, you can focus on home buying. To see if you qualify for a mortgage despite your school debt, reach out to a mortgage broker or loan officer.

About the Author
Author

Daniel Martin

Membership:

National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Connecticut Association of REALTORS (CAR)

Bridgeport Board of Realtors

Valley Board of Realtors

Greater Fairfield County CMLS

Connecticut CTMLS

Education:

Principals and Procedures of Real Estate

Naugatuck Valley Community College

Connecticut School of Electronics

Housatonic Community College

Achievements:

Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor 2014-2023

Top Producer

Top Listing Agent

Top Selling Agent

Professional Specialty:

My experience and expertise in the home selling and buying process gives my clients an advantage in any real estate market.

*First Time Home Buyers

*Single Family Homes

*Multi-Family Homes

*Land

*New Construction

*New Residential Developments

*Condominiums

*Downsizing

*Rentals

Personal:

Lifelong Connecticut Resident

Married with 2 Children, 3 Grandchildren

Musician

Golf Enthusiast

Areas Covered:

I specialize in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. *Shelton *Trumbull *Stratford *Bridgeport *Fairfield *Milford *Danbury Beacon Falls *Brookfield *Naugatuck Valley It doesn't stop there - I can also refer to anywhere in the world! Niche Marketing My background in customer service and technology gives me a step ahead of the competition. I use every available Marketing Resource to make your home stand out.