Buying during residency or fellowship.

Start with the move, not the maximum loan

Clarify your expected time in the area and compare ownership costs with renting. Buying and selling involve transaction costs, and a short training period may leave little time to recover them. Discuss commute, call schedules and a monthly payment you can carry on your current documented income.

A signed contract may open a conversation

Silver, Teal and the reviewed FCM/AMB program may consider eligible employment within 150 days after the note date; Pink has a 180-day window. A signed contract must document the role, pay, start date and at least 12 months of compensation, with only permitted licensing or administrative contingencies. A separate contractor/1099 path has a shorter 60-day window. Additional reserves and employment verification apply.

Student-loan relief has specific conditions

Under the reviewed programs, certain deferred, forborne or qualifying zero-payment student loans may be excluded only when you are in an eligible residency or fellowship and qualify using that training income. Qualifying on a future attending salary does not, by itself, meet that exception. Sasha will review your repayment status and the income used for qualification together.

Prepare these items for a secure review

• Residency or fellowship contract, start date and compensation details.
• Degree, licensing and training information.
• Student-loan statements showing the repayment status and actual payment.
• Bank statements and a realistic moving and closing-cost budget.

Get the timeline in writing

Ask when the lender can close relative to your employment start, what conditions must be met and how much cash you need after closing. Keep financing contingencies and contract deadlines in view with your real estate agent.