If you’re a physician or medical professional carrying six figures of student loan debt, you're not alone and you're certainly not out of luck when it comes to buying a home. One of the most common concerns we hear from doctors is, “Won’t my debt-to-income ratio disqualify me from getting a mortgage?”
It’s a valid question…for most buyers. But as a physician, you have access to a powerful financial tool that most people don’t: physician mortgage loans.
Why Traditional Loans Fall Short
Conventional lenders typically scrutinize your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine how much house you can afford. The DTI compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income, and if the ratio is too high (usually above 43%), it can make qualifying for a traditional mortgage difficult or even impossible.
For newly trained doctors with $200K+ in student loans and limited time in the workforce, that can feel like a door slammed shut.
Enter the Physician Loan
Physician loans were created specifically with medical professionals in mind. These loans acknowledge the unique financial path doctors take: years of school, high earning potential, and delayed entry into full-time work.
Most physician loan programs:
✅ Do not count student loan debt in the DTI calculation (or count a significantly reduced payment)
✅ Require little to no down payment
✅ Do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI)
✅ Allow you to close before you even start your new position (with a signed contract)
This means your sky-high student debt doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, and your early-career income doesn’t have to hold you back.
At PREN, You’re Not Just a Number, You’re a Doctor
At Physician Real Estate Network, we work exclusively with doctors and healthcare professionals across the country to make homeownership a reality. We understand your schedule, your financial pressures, and the long hours you've put in to get to this point. We’ll help you connect with lenders who understand you, too.
Whether you're in residency or just signed your attending contract, now may be the perfect time to explore your options. Let’s talk about how a physician loan can open the door to your next home, without letting your DTI slam it shut.
Want to learn more about physician mortgage loans and how to get started? Contact us here, we can’t wait to hear from you.
