Top 10 Real Estate Tips for Doctors & Medical Professionals

1. Understand Your Timeline & Career Stage

  • Medical students/residents: Consider renting until your career stabilizes.
  • New attendings: Prioritize short commutes and proximity to hospitals.
  • Established physicians: Evaluate long-term investment or retirement goals.
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2. Explore Physician Mortgage Loans

  • Special mortgage programs exist for MDs, DOs, dentists, and some veterinarians.
  • Low or no down payment
  • No PMI (private mortgage insurance)
  • Flexible debt-to-income (DTI) ratios
  • Great for early-career doctors with student loans but high income potential.
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3. Plan for Student Loan Debt

  • Lenders often evaluate your future earning potential.
  • Physician loans may exclude student loans from DTI calculations.
  • Still, factor it into your personal budgeting.
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4. Buy Below Your Means

  • High income doesn't mean you should max out your budget.
  • Consider saving excess income for:
  • Retirement
  • Investments
  • Future practice purchase or expansion
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5. Think Long-Term (Especially If You Move Often)

  • If in training or early career:
  • Buy only if staying >3–5 years.
  • Otherwise, rent or consider multi-family or investment property options instead.
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6. Consider Proximity to Work

  • Long hours and emergency calls mean commute time matters.
  • Look for neighborhoods near:
  • Hospitals
  • Medical centers
  • Major highways or transit (if you cover multiple locations)
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7. Protect Your Assets

  • Use legal and insurance tools:
  • LLCs for investment properties
  • Umbrella insurance
  • Work with an estate planning attorney
  • Doctors are at higher risk of being sued
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8. Partner With the Right Professionals

  • Look for a real estate agent familiar with:
  • Physician loans
  • Hospital proximity
  • Time-sensitive schedules
  • Also work with a lender, financial advisor, and real estate attorney who understand the unique needs of healthcare professionals.
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9. Evaluate the Investment Side

  • Real estate can diversify your income.
  • Consider:
  • Multi-family properties
  • Short-term rentals near hospitals
  • Medical office buildings (MOBs) as an investment
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10. Timing the Market vs. Time In the Market

  • Don’t wait for the “perfect” time—buying and holding long-term often yields better results.
  • Get in early if you're stable in your job and city.
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