Clear communication
Ryan · Robbinsdale, MNJune 2026
First-time buyers
Your first home is closer than the internet says
Most of what keeps first-time buyers renting is myth, not math. This guide covers the truth — and Brett covers the rest.
is it dumb that I don't even know where to start? 😬
Not dumb at all — nobody teaches this stuff! Start with a 15-minute conversation. I'll map out your whole path, and you'll leave knowing exactly what's next.
Myth busting
Six myths that keep people renting
You need 20% down to buy a home
The truth: Conventional loans go as low as 3% down for first-time buyers, FHA is 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can be $0 down. 20% down avoids mortgage insurance — but it has never been the price of admission.
You need perfect credit
The truth: Plenty of first-time buyers close with scores in the 600s. Conventional programs generally start around 620 and FHA can go lower. Brett can also show you which moves raise your score fastest before you apply.
You should wait for rates to drop
The truth: Nobody can time rates — not Brett, not the news, nobody. If rates fall later, refinancing is always on the table. Meanwhile home prices and rents rarely wait around. The right time is when the payment fits your life.
Getting pre-approved hurts your credit
The truth: A mortgage credit pull typically dings your score just a few points, and multiple mortgage inquiries inside a shopping window count as one. The clarity you gain is worth far more than the handful of points.
Find the house first, worry about the loan later
The truth: Backwards. Sellers take offers with pre-approvals seriously and ignore the rest. Knowing your real budget first means you shop the right price range — and don't fall in love with a house you can't win.
Student loans mean you can’t buy
The truth: Student debt factors into your debt-to-income ratio, but it doesn't disqualify you. Millions of buyers with student loans close every year. Brett runs your actual numbers instead of letting a rumor make the decision.
The path
Six steps from renting to keys
01
The conversation
Fifteen minutes with Brett — where you are, where you want to be, and what questions are on your mind. Free, friendly, zero obligation.
02
Pre-approval
Brett verifies income, assets, and credit, and issues a real pre-approval letter. Now you know your true budget — and sellers know you mean it.
03
Set the budget
Pre-approved for X doesn’t mean you should spend X. Brett shows you the monthly payment at different price points so the number fits your actual life.
04
Shop with confidence
Tour homes knowing exactly what you can offer. When a house gets interesting, Brett runs updated payment numbers same-day.
05
Under contract
Offer accepted! Brett locks your rate strategy, orders the appraisal, and moves your file into processing while keeping you posted at every milestone.
06
Clear to close
Underwriting signs off, you do a final walkthrough, sign the papers, and get the keys. Welcome home. 🏡
Minnesota down payment assistance
The state might chip in for your down payment
Minnesota Housing offers down payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible first-time buyers — often structured as a second loan with deferred repayment, meaning no monthly payment until you sell or refinance. Income limits and program rules change, so the move is simple: ask Brett to check your scenario against the current guidelines.
How DPA works →wait, the state would help pay my down payment?? what's the catch?
For eligible buyers, genuinely yes. The 'catch' is income limits and paperwork — which is my job, not yours. Let me check if you qualify.
Real clients, real reviews
Five stars.5.0 from verified client reviews
In clients’ own words, from Brett's official Fairway profile — every review real, every closing real.
Full communication and great flexibility. Brett went above and beyond.
Brett · Minneapolis, MNJune 2026
Easy to work with. Always willing to answer our questions!
Abbey · Coon Rapids, MNJune 2026
He was always available and answered my dumb questions
David · Crystal, MNJune 2026
Brett is the man. He is always available, very helpful every step of the way and down to earth. It's more about the relationship than the business with him!
Cole · New Richmond, WIJune 2026
Great communication and super friendly! He did a great job and answered all our questions
Brittney · Mounds View, MNMay 2026
Going through the process with Brett was easy and very stress free.
Ezra · Lino Lakes, MNMay 2026
Brett was amazing! Super easy to get ahold of and answered all questions or concerns extremely quick. Would definitely recommend working with Brett!
Cody · Saint Paul, MNApril 2026
Clear communication
Ryan · Robbinsdale, MNJune 2026
Full communication and great flexibility. Brett went above and beyond.
Brett · Minneapolis, MNJune 2026
Easy to work with. Always willing to answer our questions!
Abbey · Coon Rapids, MNJune 2026
He was always available and answered my dumb questions
David · Crystal, MNJune 2026
Brett is the man. He is always available, very helpful every step of the way and down to earth. It's more about the relationship than the business with him!
Cole · New Richmond, WIJune 2026
Great communication and super friendly! He did a great job and answered all our questions
Brittney · Mounds View, MNMay 2026
Going through the process with Brett was easy and very stress free.
Ezra · Lino Lakes, MNMay 2026
Brett was amazing! Super easy to get ahold of and answered all questions or concerns extremely quick. Would definitely recommend working with Brett!
Cody · Saint Paul, MNApril 2026
Money questions, straight answers
First-time buyer FAQ
How much money do I actually need to buy my first home?
Between down payment (as low as 0–3.5% depending on program), closing costs (roughly 2–4% of the price), and reserves, many first-time buyers get in with far less than they expected — and down payment assistance can reduce it further. Brett will give you a real, itemized number for your scenario.
What credit score do I need?
Conventional loans generally start around 620, FHA can go lower, and pricing improves as scores rise. If your score needs work, Brett can point you at the specific moves that raise it fastest.
What is down payment assistance and do I qualify?
Minnesota Housing offers assistance programs that help cover down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers, often structured as a second loan with deferred repayment. Income limits and eligibility vary — Brett checks your scenario against current guidelines.
How long does the whole process take?
Pre-approval can happen in a day or two once your documents are in. From accepted offer to closing typically runs about 30 days with an organized lender — communication and preparation are what keep it on schedule.
Should I stop renting and buy right now?
It depends on your numbers, not the news cycle. Brett will compare your current rent against a realistic full payment — including taxes and insurance — so you can decide with real math instead of pressure in either direction.
First home? Home court advantage.
One conversation with Brett and you'll know your budget, your options, and your next step. That's it. That's the whole ask.