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For Noah and Susana, buying a home wasn’t just about reaching a personal milestone, it was about honoring what had been instilled in them long before they ever thought about interest rates or down payments. Stories like theirs remind us that the impact begins with the people who shape our understanding of what home can be.
“It’s not just about having a place.” Noah shared. “It’s about building something that feels like home – not just for us, but for the people around us.”
That sense of connection is reflected across generations, including the perspective of Noah’s mother, Cherie Montoya, owner of Farm & Table, who’s deep commitment to community, and staying rooted in place, brings an added dimension to their story – one where home in not only where you live, but how you choose to live, and remain connected.
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At 24 and 26 years old, Susana Gallegos and Noah Austin didn’t think homeownership was possible. Like many young couples, the idea felt overwhelming – distant, intimidating, and financially out of reach. But today, they’re proud homeowners in Albuquerque, building a future rooted in stability, community, and possibility.
Susana, a student at the University of New Mexico, and Noah, a solar contractor from Albuquerque’s North Valley, were renting a small home near campus with their three dogs when everything changed. Their landlord decided to sell the property they were living in, forcing them to rethink what came next.
At first, it felt very intimidating,” Susana shared. “It’s such a huge milestone in life. When Noah first brought up buying a house, I thought. ‘There’s no way.’ I’m in school full time, we’re young – I just didn’t think we would qualify.”
But sometimes, unexpected changes create new opportunities.
Noah’s mother, Cherie Montoya, encouraged the couple to explore their options. Through a connection with a close friend, she introduced them to Homewise and Home Purchase Advisor, Joe Kraft. That introduction became the turning point in their journey.
“When Noah told me he wanted to buy a house, I was super encouraging,” Cherie said. “But in the back of my mind, I wasn’t sure if it would actually be possible. Then I heard about Homewise and connected Noah with Joe. From that point on, I knew he was in good hands.”
Joe worked closely with Noah and Susana to help them understand the steps toward homeownership. He offered guidance, helped them make strategic financial adjustments, and gave them confidence along the way.
“From the moment we walked into Homewise, Joe made the experience personable and genuine,” Susana said. “It felt like he was family.”
Noah laughed as he added, “We joke that he’s going to be invited to our wedding – but it’s actually real.”
For Joe, stories like Noah and Susana’s are exactly why the work matters.
“Being a Home Purchase Advisor is incredibly rewarding,” he explained. “A lot of people come in with uncertainty and fear about the process. What I love about Homewise is that we remove that fear by sharing information and creating a path forward.”
While homeownership is often associated with equity and generational wealth, Joe believes the impact runs much deeper.
“Yes, owning a home helps build financial stability,” he said. “But beyond that, it’s about family, values, and community. It’s where your life happens. Your first holidays, celebrations, future children’s milestones – those memories become tied to a place that’s truly your own.”
For Noah and Susana, becoming homeowners represents more than purchasing a house. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, one they once thought was impossible.
Today, they stand as an example for other young New Mexicans who may be wondering if homeownership is within reach. Their answer is simple: it’s possible.
If Noah and Susana’s story proves anything, sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to help unlock the door.
