Buying your first home?
Down payment assistance, loan options and a simple checklist for buying your first home in Minnesota or Florida.
Minnesota down payment assistance
Program amounts and rules change. Check each program's site for current details.
Minnesota Housing (MHFA)
The state housing agency's first-time buyer programs: the Start Up loan, down payment and closing cost loans (deferred or monthly), and below-market rates.
City of Minneapolis
Down payment assistance for income-qualified buyers purchasing within Minneapolis city limits. It can often be combined with other programs.
Dakota County CDA
Deferred, low-interest down payment assistance for eligible buyers in Dakota County. Income limits apply.
Florida down payment assistance
Florida Housing Finance Corp.
Florida Assist and HLP second mortgages, Mortgage Credit Certificates and below-market first mortgages for eligible buyers.
Hometown Heroes
Down payment help for Florida's community workers, such as teachers, nurses, first responders and more eligible occupations.
Florida HFA Preferred / Advantage
Conventional loan programs with assistance as a grant or forgivable loan, depending on the program.
Federal loan options
FHA
Down payments as low as 3.5%, with flexible credit guidelines.
VA
Veterans and active military: $0 down and no monthly PMI.
USDA
$0 down in eligible rural and suburban areas. Income limits apply.
Conventional 97
Just 3% down for qualified first-time buyers.
Who qualifies?
Most first-time buyer programs require that you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years, meet income limits, complete a homebuyer education course and live in the home. Dustin can help you find the programs you qualify for.
Your first-time buyer checklist
Ten steps from "just thinking about it" to keys in hand.
Check your credit
Get your free report at AnnualCreditReport.com and fix any errors.
Set your budget
Include taxes, insurance, HOA and upkeep, not just the mortgage. Use the calculator.
Save for down payment & closing costs
Plan on 0–20% down plus roughly 2–5% for closing costs. Assistance can help.
Get pre-approved
Compare lenders. See preferred lenders.
Take homebuyer education
Many assistance programs require it, and it's good prep anyway.
Define your must-haves
Location, bedrooms, schools, commute. Separate needs from wants.
Start touring
Dustin sends listings and schedules tours around you.
Make an offer
A competitive offer built to win, without overpaying.
Get an inspection
Never skip it. Dustin helps you negotiate repairs.
Final walkthrough & closing
Verify repairs, sign, and get your keys.
Avoid these common mistakes
Not shopping for rates
Talk to at least 3 lenders. Rate quotes within about 14 days count as one credit inquiry.
Draining all your savings
Keep an emergency fund for repairs and surprises after you move in.
Skipping pre-approval
Sellers often won't consider offers without it.
Waiving the inspection
Major issues can cost tens of thousands. There are safer ways to make a strong offer.
Ready to buy your first home?
Dustin will walk you through every step, including down payment help.