Are Student Loans Hold You Back from Buying a Home?

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with student debt, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of owning a home. In fact, data shows that about 60% of people with student loans are actively planning to buy a home.

So if you’ve been putting off your search because of your loans, now’s the time to take another look.

“When you have student loans, it’s not the loan itself but how you manage your monthly debt that matters most. Lenders want to see that you’re responsible with repayment and not overextended.”
— Freddie Mac

Student debt doesn’t automatically disqualify you from buying. Lenders are mainly focused on your debt-to-income ratio, not just whether or not you have loans. That means responsible repayment and good credit habits can still lead you to a mortgage approval—even with student loans on the books.

Here’s how to position yourself for success:

✅ Tap into first-time buyer programs that offer down payment assistance
✅ Partner with a local lender who understands student loan guidelines
✅ Keep up with on-time payments and work on your credit score
✅ Talk with a real estate agent like myself who can guide you step by step

This chart from the National Association of Realtors helps put things into perspective—many buyers carry student loan debt and still move forward with purchasing a home.

If you’re planning to buy a home in South Snohomish or North King County, let’s connect. I work with buyers every day who are navigating student debt and still making homeownership happen.

Let’s talk about your next move—and how to make it work for your situation.

If you’ve spent any time browsing real estate forums or chatting with neighbors, you’ve likely heard some strong opinions about HOAs (Homeowners Associations). Some people swear they’d never live in an HOA again. Others love the structure and community feel it provides. So what’s the real story? As a local real estate expert who’s helped buyers and sellers navigate all types of neighborhoods, here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of living in an HOA community.

✅ The Pros of HOA Living

1. Neighborhood Aesthetics and Property Values
One of the top reasons people choose HOA communities is the consistent curb appeal. HOAs often enforce rules that maintain the look and feel of the neighborhood — things like lawn care, exterior paint colors, and fencing. While that might seem restrictive, it helps protect home values by ensuring your neighbor’s jungle of weeds or eye popping paint color doesn’t drag your property value down.

2. Amenities and Perks
Many HOAs provide shared amenities like parks, pools, clubhouses, walking trails, or even security patrols. These extras create a sense of community and often give you access to features you’d otherwise have to pay for separately.

3. Clear Community Standards
HOAs set guidelines to prevent common issues — like cars parked on lawns or loud late-night parties. For many homeowners, this means less conflict and a more peaceful living environment.

4. Community Events and Connection
Some HOAs go beyond rules and actually help build community. Seasonal events, neighborhood garage sales, and newsletters can help you feel more connected to your neighbors.

❌ The Cons (and Common Complaints)

1. Monthly Fees
HOA dues are one of the first concerns buyers bring up. These fees can range from under $100 to several hundred dollars a month or annually, depending on the community and amenities. It’s important to understand what you’re paying for — and whether it fits your lifestyle and budget.

2. Rules Can Feel Restrictive
Not being able to paint your front door bright red or park your RV in the driveway might feel overly controlling. For homeowners who value personal expression or flexibility, some HOA rules may feel like overreach.

3. Inconsistent Management
Let’s be honest — not all HOAs are created equal. Some are well-run and transparent, while others can feel disorganized or even overly aggressive. Before buying into a community, it’s smart to review the HOA’s budget, meeting minutes, and rules (known as CC&Rs).

4. Potential for Disputes
Occasionally, homeowners find themselves at odds with the HOA over fines or rule interpretations. While many issues can be resolved with good communication, some disputes can escalate — which is where the HOA’s reputation really matters.

🏡 Final Thoughts: Is an HOA Right for You?

If you’re someone who values structure, neighborhood consistency, and shared amenities, an HOA community can be a great fit. On the other hand, if you’d rather not have anyone telling you what you can and can’t do with your property, you might be happier outside of one.

The bottom line? HOAs aren’t inherently good or bad — it all depends on the specific community and what’s important to you as a homeowner.

If you’re curious about homes in HOA communities in South Snohomish or North King County, I’m happy to walk you through the options and help you find the right fit — whether that includes an HOA or not.

If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of homes for sale over the past few years in King and Snohomish Counties, here’s some good news: inventory is finally starting to open up, and it might be the perfect time to jump back into your home search.

According to Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin:

“Now is the best time to buy in the last two years. Mortgage rates are comparable to what they were two years ago, and prices remain high. However, there is significantly more inventory . . .”

Locally, we’re seeing that firsthand. Both King County and Snohomish County have posted significant increases in the number of homes hitting the market compared to last year. And while it’s typical for spring to bring more activity, this year feels different — and that’s a good thing for buyers.

New Listings Are Picking Up Steam

Across King and Snohomish Counties, new listings have been steadily climbing each month. In fact, according to the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service), new listings were up by over 25% in March 2025 compared to the same time last year in Snohomish County, and King County saw a similar boost.

That’s the strongest listing pace we’ve seen since the spring of 2021. Sellers who may have been sitting on the sidelines are finally deciding to make a move — whether they’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating. As a result, buyers have more options, less competition, and a better shot at finding the right fit.

Why This Matters for You

If you’ve been waiting for a wider selection of homes in cities like Lynnwood, Bothell, Kirkland, Seattle, Everett, or Shoreline, now is your window of opportunity.

More inventory means:

• More choices — It’s easier to find a home that checks your boxes.

• Less pressure — With more listings, you may face fewer multiple-offer situations.

• A better buying experience — The right home might be waiting for you without the rushed feeling we’ve seen over the past few years.

Of course, the best way to stay on top of the newest listings is to work with a local real estate expert who knows the King and Snohomish County markets inside and out.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home this spring in King County or Snohomish County, now could be the best time we’ve seen in years.
With more fresh listings hitting the market every week, there are more opportunities to find the home that fits your lifestyle — before the summer market heats up even more.

Ready to restart your home search? Let’s connect and talk about the newest homes for sale in your favorite neighborhoods!