Consumer DEBT Will Have A HUGE Impact On First Time Home Buyers - EP224
Consumer debt is becoming one of the biggest obstacles for first-time homebuyers in 2026.
In this episode of The Educated Homebuyer, Jeb Smith and Josh Lewis break down how credit cards, student loans, car payments, personal loans, and high debt-to-income ratios are impacting mortgage approvals in today’s housing market.
With first-time homebuyers making up just 21% of the market, many buyers are being held back not only by home prices or mortgage rates, but by monthly debt payments that reduce purchasing power and make it harder to qualify for a home loan.
Jeb and Josh explain what lenders look at when reviewing your mortgage application, why consumer debt can limit your home buying budget, and what smart buyers are doing now to improve their chances of getting approved in 2026.
If you are planning to buy a home in 2026, this episode will help you understand how to prepare financially, avoid common mortgage approval mistakes, and take the right steps before applying for a home loan.
Topics covered:
- Why consumer debt matters for first-time homebuyers
- How debt-to-income ratio affects mortgage approval
- The impact of student loans on home buying
- How credit cards and car payments reduce buying power
- Why some buyers are still getting approved in 2026
- How to prepare before starting the home buying process
✅ Ready to buy a house in 2026? Start your stress-free journey today: theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start