If you feel like you're drowning in college debt, you're not alone: recent graduates have an average of more than $37,000 in student loans to repay once they enter the workforce. If you land a good job, you may very well be able to afford the monthly payments of around $300 to $400 dollars, but that expense can also derail other big goals like saving up for a down payment on a house.While you should never take on more debt than you can afford, there are smart ways to lower your student loan bills, including an income-driven repayment plan or loan consolidation. You can also apply for a deferment or forbearance to put off paying your bill for a while without penalty. On the first episode of Real State, we meet a young family in Rosemead, California who are currently renting but trying to figure out how to take the next steps to homeownership.