: Late payments or defaults can severely damage your credit score, making it difficult to meet the minimum requirements for most loans (typically 620 for conventional or 580 for FHA with 3.5% down).

Conventional) calculate DTI specifically for deferred student loans? Can Student Loan Debt Affect Getting A Mortgage? | Chase

: Even if your loans are in deferment or forbearance (showing a $0 payment), lenders must still factor them into your DTI. They typically use a placeholder amount—often 0.5% to 1% of your total loan balance—to estimate your future monthly obligation. Credit Score :

: Adding a co-signer (like a spouse or parent) with lower debt and stable income can help balance a high DTI ratio.