Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country (see current examples at gmnews.com/?s=%22by+erik+j.+martin%22). I’m looking to interview mortgage/lending/financial professionals, realtors/agents, and other housing experts for the following article:
WHY STUDENT LOANS LEAD TO REAL ESTATE GROANS: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF BUYING A HOME DESPITE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT. A brand-new study by the National Association of Realtors and SALT (details found athttp://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2016/06/71-percent-believe-student-debt-delays-homeownership) reveals that 71% of non-homeowners repaying their student loans on time believe their debt is stymieing their ability to purchase a home, and slightly over half of all borrowers say they expect to be delayed from buying by more than five years; the percent share is the highest among older millennials approximately aged 26 to 35 (79 percent) and those with $70,000 to $100,000 in total debt. This story would examine the major findings of this study, and provide tips from experts as to how prospective borrowers settled with student loan debt can secure a mortgage and improve their chances of purchasing a home. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central, Tuesday, July 26.
QUESTIONS: 1. What are the major findings of the NAR/SALT study that got your attention? 2. What do these findings—especially the obstacles—mean to prospective buyers with student loan debt? How does it affect them today? 3. Why do these obstacles to homeownership for those with student loan debt persist today, and why are they getting worse? 4. What tips can you provide that can help prospective buyers with serious student loan debt secure a mortgage and purchase a home? What can/should they be doing to improve their chances? Please provide detailed steps, if possible. 5. What is your prediction: will these challenges/obstacles improve over time, or get worse? Why? 6. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic? 7. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
