Minnesota Housing loans, explained by a local expert.
Start Up. Step Up. Downpayment and closing cost loans. The First-Generation Homebuyer Loan. Minnesota Housing programs can dramatically lower the cost of buying a home — if you know how to use them. Tiaira Quinn is a Minnesota Housing participating loan officer at Fairway Home Mortgage in Eden Prairie, and she'll match you to the right program in one conversation.
What is Minnesota Housing?
Minnesota Housing (the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency) is the state agency that makes homeownership more affordable through first mortgage programs — Start Up for first-time buyers and Step Up for repeat buyers or refinances — plus downpayment and closing cost loans, including the First-Generation Homebuyer Loan. You access these programs through a participating lender: Tiaira Quinn at Fairway Home Mortgage (NMLS #2568351) is a participating loan officer serving the Twin Cities from Eden Prairie, MN.
Last updated 2026-07-02 · Program lineup verified against Minnesota Housing participating-lender guidance
Two paths in. One is built for you.
Minnesota Housing first mortgages are real loans — FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional — with the agency's affordability tools layered on top. The right entry point depends on where you are in your homeownership story.
Start Up
For eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing in Minnesota — generally anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years.
- Competitive, often below-market interest rates
- Pairs with downpayment & closing cost loans
- Works with FHA, VA, USDA & conventional loans
- Homebuyer education course completes the picture
Step Up
Owned a home before? Step Up serves repeat buyers purchasing in Minnesota — and it can also refinance the home you already own.
- No first-time buyer requirement
- Purchase or refinance options
- Downpayment & closing cost help available
- Same trusted MHFA program structure
Downpayment & closing cost loans
The downpayment is the wall between most renters and their first home. Minnesota Housing offers loans specifically to knock it down — layered on top of your Start Up or Step Up first mortgage.
Monthly Payment Loan
Downpayment and closing cost help repaid in affordable monthly installments alongside your mortgage.
Deferred Payment Loan & DPL Plus
No monthly payment at all — repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. DPL Plus offers more for buyers who meet additional criteria.
First-Generation Homebuyer Loan
Purpose-built assistance for buyers whose parents never owned a home — helping break the generational wealth gap, one set of keys at a time.
Why aren't income and purchase price limits listed here?
Because they change. Minnesota Housing updates income and purchase price limits regularly, and they vary by county and household size. Rather than risk showing you an outdated number, Tiaira Quinn will run a current-limits check for your exact county and household — it takes a few minutes and it's free. Call (651) 334-9049 or email [email protected].
From "is this real?" to closing day.
Talk to Tiaira
A quick conversation covers your income, county, and goals. She confirms current program limits and identifies every MHFA option you qualify for.
Get pre-approved
Your Minnesota Housing program rides on a full mortgage pre-approval — FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional — so you can shop with confidence.
Close with help in hand
Your downpayment and closing cost loan funds at closing, alongside your first mortgage. You bring less cash to the table and get the keys.
Meet Tiaira Quinn
Tiaira Quinn is a Mortgage Loan Officer at Fairway Home Mortgage (NMLS #2568351), based at the Eden Prairie branch and serving buyers across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities. She specializes in helping first-time and first-generation buyers use Minnesota Housing programs and downpayment assistance to make homeownership genuinely affordable — and she'll meet you exactly where you are, whether that's "just curious" or "ready to make an offer."
Watch Tiaira, featured by Minnesota Housing.
Minnesota Housing spotlighted Tiaira on their official Instagram. Press play to watch — the video loads from Instagram only after you click, so nothing is tracked until you choose to watch.
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Five stars, from real closings.
“You made the home buying process feel so smooth and much less stressful for me. You were always quick to respond, patient with all of my questions, and very supportive throughout the entire process. As a first-time homebuyer, I really appreciated how clearly you explained everything and made sure I understood each step.”
“Tiaira was so helpful in our first home buying process. She worked basically around the clock and was always available to answer any questions we had. Tiaira is a true professional and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship with her as our loan officer. 20/10 would recommend her to anyone!”
“Tiaira was an EXPERT of knowledge and clearly answered all of my many questions! I felt comfortable with her leading this process involving such a big commitment. The process was easy and she was quick to respond every time I had a question via text and a phone call. Tiaira was quick to build trust and I am confident that I will be reaching out to her when we are ready to buy our next home. Tiaira was patient and kind during the entire process through an unusually long closing which was outside of either of our control. I appreciate her perserverance during this whole process!”
Minnesota Housing FAQ
What is Minnesota Housing?+
Minnesota Housing (the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, or MHFA) is the state's housing finance agency. It offers home loan programs — including Start Up for first-time buyers and Step Up for repeat buyers or refinances — along with downpayment and closing cost loans, delivered through participating lenders like Fairway Home Mortgage. You don't apply to the agency directly; you work with a participating loan officer like Tiaira Quinn.
Who qualifies for the Minnesota Housing Start Up program?+
Start Up is for eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in Minnesota — generally meaning you haven't owned a home in the last three years. You'll need to meet the program's income and purchase price limits, complete an approved homebuyer education course, and occupy the home as your primary residence. Because the limits are updated regularly, contact Tiaira Quinn for a current-limits check on your specific situation.
What if I've owned a home before — can I still use Minnesota Housing?+
Yes. The Step Up program serves repeat buyers purchasing a home in Minnesota, and it can also be used to refinance an existing home. Income and loan limits apply, but there is no first-time buyer requirement.
How much downpayment help can I get?+
Minnesota Housing offers downpayment and closing cost loans that pair with its first mortgage programs — the Monthly Payment Loan, the Deferred Payment Loan and Deferred Payment Loan Plus, and (for eligible buyers) the First-Generation Homebuyer Loan. The amount and repayment structure depend on the option you qualify for: some are repaid monthly, and some are deferred with no monthly payment until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Tiaira Quinn can tell you exactly which options fit your file.
What is the First-Generation Homebuyer Loan?+
It's a Minnesota Housing downpayment assistance loan designed for first-generation homebuyers — generally buyers whose parents never owned a home, or who lost one to foreclosure — layered on top of an eligible Minnesota Housing first mortgage. Funds and eligibility rules are specific, so a quick conversation is the fastest way to find out if you qualify.
Do Minnesota Housing loans have income limits?+
Yes — every Minnesota Housing program has income limits and most have purchase price limits, and they vary by county and household size. They're also updated regularly, which is why current numbers aren't published on this page. Call or email Tiaira Quinn and she'll run a current-limits check for your county and household in a few minutes.
Is homebuyer education required?+
For most Minnesota Housing first-time buyer financing, yes — an approved homebuyer education course (such as Framework online or a HUD-approved in-person class) must be completed before closing. It's inexpensive, most buyers finish the online version in a few hours, and it genuinely helps.
Can Minnesota Housing programs be combined with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans?+
Yes. Minnesota Housing first mortgages are delivered as government (FHA, VA, USDA) or conventional loans through participating lenders — the MHFA program layers its below-market pricing and downpayment assistance on top of the underlying loan type that fits you best.
How do I apply for a Minnesota Housing loan?+
Start with a participating loan officer. Tiaira Quinn at Fairway Home Mortgage in Eden Prairie is a Minnesota Housing participating loan officer — call (651) 334-9049, email [email protected], or apply online and she'll match you to the right program, confirm current limits, and handle the MHFA paperwork alongside your mortgage application.
Who is Tiaira Quinn?+
Tiaira Quinn is a mortgage loan officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation d/b/a Fairway Home Mortgage (NMLS #2568351), based at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota branch. She helps first-time and repeat buyers across the Twin Cities use Minnesota Housing programs, downpayment assistance, and the full range of loan options. Reach her at (651) 334-9049 or [email protected].
Your downpayment problem might already be solved.
Thousands of Minnesotans qualify for Minnesota Housing help and never use it — because nobody told them. Find out what you qualify for in one conversation.