Buying a house for the first time is a challenge in its own right. However, for many millennials, the idea of purchasing a home also comes with issues looming from student debt. School loans and financial assistance are burdens that often impact future decisions and leave many people wondering whether or not they’ll be able to obtain help when it comes to buying their first home. While the purchase is certainly a big chunk of new debt, acquiring a house with student debt is possible.

The steps to owning a home are more like a journey than a sprint. From the beginning, you’ll need to talk things through with banks and lending institutions to see what works for your budget. During this step, you’ll be able to get the best insight into the status of your current student loan debt and how it can impact your lending abilities. Mortgages typically depend on a few factors, not solely the amount of debt you have.

Another major factor to consider before you buy is your income and how it directly relates to your debt. The technical term for this is debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and it compares your monthly debt to your gross income to provide a realistic estimate of what you can afford. Determining your DTI can easily be done at the bank with a loan officer or at home through online DTI calculators.

Student loan debt is a mounting reality for many people. But while it can be discouraging to think about, it doesn’t mean you can’t still purchase your dream home. Outstanding debt of any sort can impact how much you can spend, so it’s best to know your financial situation upfront. Make time to consult with your lender and determine your DTI ahead of time—this will give you the best look at what the future holds for you.