"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin

Hey Everyone,

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

Think student loans mean you can’t buy a home? 🚫 Not so fast.
This week, we're clearing up the confusion around student debt and homeownership. The truth is, having student loans doesn’t mean you're out of the game. In fact, there are loan programs and strategies designed to help buyers just like you.

If owning a home is on your mind, this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for. 🏠

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 briefly topped 7% in early April amid tariff-related volatility but dropped to just over 6.8% by month’s end. Since May began, rates have steadily climbed, and today the average 30-year fixed rate is back near 7%. Mid-day bond market weakness pushed many lenders to raise rates again, landing the index at 6.99%. Tomorrow’s key economic reports could move rates further—strong data may push them higher, while weak data might be dismissed due to earlier tariff noise.

The Insider’s Guide to Real Estate | Tips

Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you're wondering:

• Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home?

• Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt?

Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily.

Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student Loans?

In the simplest sense, what you want to know is can you still buy your first home if you have student debt. Here’s what Yahoo Finance says:

And the data backs this up. An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shows that 32% of first-time buyers had student loan debt (see graph below): 

While everyone’s situation is unique, your goal may be more doable than you realize. Plenty of people with student loans have been able to qualify for and buy a home. Let that reassure you that it is still possible, even as a first-time buyer. And just in case it’s helpful to know, the median student loan debt was $30,000. As an article from Chase says:

If your income is steady and your overall finances are solid, homeownership can still be within reach. So, having student loans doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wait to buy a home.

Bottom Line

Having student loans doesn’t mean buying a home is off the table. Before you count yourself out, talk to a lender to get a clearer picture of what you can afford and how close you are to taking the first step toward homeownership.

Colorado Springs Social Scene

Military News and Updates

Nearly 80 Colorado Springs-area students honored for committing to military after graduation

Before a packed event room at Great Wolf Lodge, 75 high school seniors from Colorado Springs and surrounding areas raised their right hands and swore to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.

The group enlistment oath, administered by Army Brig. Gen. Eric Little, was met with thunderous applause from recruiters, community leaders, and, of course, proud parents.

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!