<prompt> Human: I have 10,000 in student loans. Id like to save 10,000 for a house down payment. Should I pay off all my students and THEN save for a house, or make smaller payments to my students loans WHILE Im saving for a house down payment?  <response>: To buy a house you need at least a 3 month emergency fund preferably 6 months. And really a 20 downpayment closing costs. You dont have to be debt free, but it will help you qualify for better mortgagerates if you are debt free. 