Which loan program should I choose?

It depends on three things: your down payment, your credit profile, and how long you'll keep the loan. Brian is program-agnostic — he'll price the two or three programs you qualify for side by side and show you the total cost of each, not just the payment.

What are the 2026 loan limits?

The 2026 conforming limit for a one-unit property is $832,750. FHA's floor is $541,287, with most Minnesota counties at or near the floor. FHA-insured reverse mortgages (HECMs) are capped at $1,249,125.

Is FHA only for first-time buyers?

No — FHA is available to any buyer who qualifies. It's popular with first-time buyers because of the 3.5% down payment, but move-up buyers use it too when the math works better than conventional.

Do VA loans really require no down payment?

Yes, for eligible veterans and service members with full entitlement. No down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. The trade-off is a one-time VA funding fee, which is waived entirely for veterans with a service-connected disability.

What is Minnesota Housing and who qualifies?

Minnesota Housing is the state housing finance agency. Its Start Up and Step Up programs pair affordable first mortgages with down payment and closing cost loans of up to $18,000 for eligible buyers, based on income limits that vary by county.

Loan Programs

Every loan program, side by side.

Brian is program-agnostic. The right loan is the one that fits your goals, not the one with the highest commission.

Not sure which program fits?

Apply once securely and Brian will map every program against your situation.

Apply Now

The programs, with their guides

Each program below has a full guide with the 2026 numbers, qualification standards, and the trade-offs — written for Minnesota buyers.

Conventional

The workhorse of American mortgage lending. 3%-down for first-time buyers, competitive rates, no upfront funding fee. Best fit for buyers with strong credit and down payment.

Read the guide

FHA

3.5%-down, flexible credit standards. A common path for first-time buyers in Bloomington and Richfield. 2026 floor limit: $541,287.

Read the guide

VA

0%-down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. No mortgage insurance. Excellent rates. Brian is honored to serve Minnesota veterans.

Read the guide

Jumbo

Above the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750. Used regularly in Edina, Minnetonka, and West Bloomington. Both fixed and adjustable options.

Read the guide

Minnesota Housing

Down payment and closing cost loans of up to $18,000 plus affordable first mortgages for eligible Minnesota buyers. Brian will confirm eligibility on your first call.

Read the guide

USDA Rural

0%-down USDA loans for eligible properties in outer-ring metro communities and rural Minnesota. Income and location limits apply — worth checking if you're considering Scott, Carver, or Wright County.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Let's explore your options

A conversation with Brian is educational, unhurried, and never salesy.

Whether you're planning retirement, buying your next home in Bloomington, or helping aging parents, start with a conversation, not a pitch.

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"Brian didn't try to sell us anything. He drew a diagram on a napkin and answered every question we had. Two months later we called back."

, Karen & Doug · Bloomington, MN