Refinance student loan or apply for first home mortgage?

[Sarah Sparks]

Hello everyone. Like most Americans I have serious student loan debt. I also want to do my first house hack. I know each one of these ideas will put a hit on my credit report. I am unsure which would be better off to apply for first (mortgage for a property or refinance school loan) as the first hit will affect the second. If I apply for them close enough together  I think it shouldn't do too much damage to my credit report. Any suggestions? 

[Scott Passman]

Everybody needs a place to live, and if you can lower your living expenses while also gaining investing experiencing and building up equity that is a great combo.  Having no specifics on your loan debt, I would say house hacking certainly can provide great opportunities to simultaneously begin your RE investment journey and save money to allow you to pay off your student loans faster (should you decide to focus on that). Between the two choices, I would give serious consideration to house hacking before refinancing a student loan. Loan rates are historically low right now, so it's a good time to lock in a low rate if possible.