John Pyne

Lenders don’t focus on the total amount you owe — they focus on your monthly student loan payment and how that affects your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). That ratio compares your total monthly debts (including your future mortgage) to your gross monthly income.

Ever wonder what makes up the number on your monthly mortgage statement? It’s not just your loan principal and interest. Lenders use an acronym — PITI — to break down the full payment you’ll make each month. Let’s walk through exactly what each letter means and why it matters, especially here in Northern Virginia.

Thinking about spending thousands upfront to buy down your interest rate? Here’s why that strategy might not make sense in today’s market — and what to consider instead.