I am going to return to college, but have never applied for a student loan. In the past I paid for my classes and books. I am going to buy my first home, and I am wondering if a student loan would affect my credit? I am a first time home buyer.

I HAVE OVER $24,000 IN STUDENT LOANS AT AN INTEREST RATE OF ABOUT 8%. I’M LOOKING TO MOVE TO A BIGGER CITY IN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS AND WANT TO BUY A HOME THERE. I WANT TO SAVE AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE FOR A DOWN PAYMENT. SHOULD I PUT MY STUDENT LOAN ON HOLD WHILE I SAVE?

I am currently a graduate student. I have a few unsubsidized student loans that are still in deferment. Should I be able to deduct the interest that is accumulating on the loan now, or am I only able to count that when I am actually makign payments on the student loan?