Buying your first home is one of life's most significant financial milestones—and for physicians, the path to homeownership can be both exciting and uniquely challenging. Between medical school debt, irregular income early in your career, and long hours at the hospital, navigating the housing market requires smart strategy and trusted financial partners.

At Climate First Bank, we specialize in helping physicians like you make confident, financially sound home-buying decisions. Here are our top tips to guide your journey.  

1. Know Your Financial Picture Beyond Your Salary  

Your income as a physician may look impressive on paper, but lenders also assess your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Student loans from medical school can heavily impact this calculation.  

Quick Tip: Use tools like Climate First Bank's mortgage calculator to see where you stand. Get pre-approved early to understand your realistic buying power.  

2.  Look Into Physician Home Loans  

We offer specialized physician mortgage loans that cater to your profession. These may require little to no down payment and often skip Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).  

Why It Matters: These loans consider your potential earning power, not just your current income.  

3. Choose the Right Mortgage Partner  

As an FDIC-insured, values-based, digital community bank, Climate First Bank combines financial expertise with sustainability. Working with a bank that truly understands your goals can make the process smoother.  

What to Look For:  

• Knowledge of physician-specific lending  

• Flexible underwriting policies  

• Personal, tailored advice  

4. Don't Overbuy Even If You Qualify for More  

It's tempting to buy a dream home immediately after residency. But staying within your budget builds long-term financial resilience—especially when planning for practice ownership, family, or future investments.  

Pro Tip: Balance your monthly mortgage payments with lifestyle needs and savings goals.  

5. Consider Eco-Friendly Features  

As a values-based bank, we encourage buyers to consider homes that align with sustainability values. Think energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and sustainable building materials.  

6. Timing Matters—Start Early  

The earlier you begin the home-buying process, the better. Residency is an ideal time to research neighborhoods, build credit, and explore lending options.  

Your first home should reflect not only your hard work, but also your long-term goals and values. At Climate First Bank, we're proud to support physicians on this journey with transparent lending, sustainable guidance, and a deep understanding of your financial needs.  

Ready to explore your homeownership options? Contact our mortgage specialists and take the first step today.

Climate First Bank NMLS #2169275. All loans subject to credit approval. Some restrictions may apply. Terms and conditions subject to change. Interest on loan amounts exceeding property value may not be tax deductible. Consult a tax advisor.  

*Applicants must be licensed healthcare providers in the U.S., with credentials in good standing and a minimum FICO score of 680. Additional terms and conditions may apply.