"The best revenge is massive success.” - Frank Sinatra

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Ridgeline Rundown!

If you're thinking about buying your first home, this issue is for you. We’re breaking down how FHA loans can help first-time buyers get into a home with less money down and more flexible credit requirements. It’s simpler than you think—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

As always, I’m here to guide you with honest advice, real strategies, and a personalized approach that makes a difference. Have questions? Let’s chat and build a plan that works for you.

Mortgage Minute

Mortgage rates ticked up slightly Friday, with the top-tier 30-year fixed rising 0.04%. While that’s a modest setback, rates remain 0.08% lower than last week. There was no clear cause for the move—markets likely adjusted after a strong week and ahead of potential volatility next week.

The Insider’s Guide to Real Estate | Tips

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan.

They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why so many first-timers are using them to make their purchase.

Whether you’re dreaming of ditching rent, planting roots, or just wanting a place that’s truly yours, an FHA home loan could be the path that gets you there sooner than you think.

Buying Your First Home Probably Doesn’t Feel Easy Right Now

While the motivation to buy a home is still there for many people, affordability is a real challenge today. According to a survey from 1000WATT, potential first-time buyers say their top two concerns are saving enough for their down payment and making the monthly mortgage payments work at today’s home prices and mortgage rates (see graph below):

That’s Where FHA Loans Come In

FHA loans help many first-time buyers overcome these challenges.

In fact, according to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the average first-time buyer using an FHA loan puts down just $16,000. That’s a big difference from the $77,000 they’re putting down with the typical conventional mortgage (see graph below):

Essentially, buyers who use an FHA loan may not have to come up with as much cash up front. But the perks don’t stop there. You may also be able to pay less monthly, too.

That’s because, a lot of the time, the mortgage rate on FHA loans can be lower. Bankrate says:

So, if you’re thinking about buying your first place, an FHA loan may be worth exploring.

Because of the potential for lower down payment requirements and maybe even a lower mortgage rate, it could help with the two most common hurdles first-time buyers face today – saving enough money upfront and affording the monthly payment.

A trusted lender can walk you through the details, compare your options, and help you figure out what loan type makes the most sense for your situation.

Bottom Line

With the right loan and the right guidance, homeownership may be more achievable than you think.

Do you want to talk more about your options? A trusted lender is there to help.

Colorado Springs Social Scene

Military News and Updates

Fort Carson soldier honors family history amid the 81st anniversary of D-Day

A Fort Carson soldier honored his family’s history this week in France ahead of commemorating the 81st anniversary of D-Day on Friday.

On Monday, Sgt. John Simmons visited the grave of his great-great-uncle Cpl. Raymond Parry in St. Mihiel American Cemetery, marking the first time in 95 years a member of the family visited the grave of the World War I soldier who never went home to Wyoming.

Feel free to reach out with any real estate questions—I’m here to help, no matter the state!

Referrals are the biggest compliment, so send anyone my way. Until next time!