I have deferred student loans for 4 years out. At what point do they become a part of my debt to income ratio?

This will vary based upon the type of mortgage program you apply for. FHA for example will require the payment to be counted now. Can you tell me more about the type of financing you may be looking to apply for? Thanks Anthony Gerakos

As of the recent guideline changes, your student debt, even though deferred, will be considered.. however FHA will allow for an "Reduction Based on Income" or RBI payment, even if it is zero.. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347

Student debts are counted now even with deferment.

Unless it will be a VA loan, the verified monthly payment amount will be considered for all types of financing based on the most current mortgage rules for both FHA and conventional financing. Some lenders have "Doctor" loans which have more flexibility.

For the most part at this point any and all programs are going to count some semblance of deferred student debt

Under current guidelines, Lenders will count those student loans against you right now in some way. But what does each program use? Conventional will use whatever your student loan estimated future payment letter (obtained from the student loan center) indicates the payment will be, OR at least 1% of the outstanding balance. FHA will use whatever the future payment letter indicates payments will be. If you can't get a letter, FHA will use 2% of the outstanding balance. If you are currently making income based payments, FHA will use the income based payment you are making today.