Debbie is just above and beyond awesome! She was really looking out for us!!
Nathan J B · Minneapolis, MNVerified customer
First-time buyers
Your first home is closer than you think.
Most first-time buyers overestimate what it takes by a mile. Debbie has spent 30+ years turning 'someday' into 'sold' — starting with the honest math.
Myth vs. truth
Six myths that keep renters renting
Tap a myth to see what's actually true.
I need 20% down to buy a house.
The truth: Conventional loans start at 3% down for first-time buyers, FHA at 3.5%, and VA and USDA can be 0% down for those who qualify. Minnesota also offers down payment assistance programs Debbie works with all the time.
My credit has to be perfect.
The truth: It doesn't. FHA loans are designed with flexible credit guidelines, and plenty of first-time buyers qualify with scores in the 600s. The only way to know where you stand is to look — and looking with Debbie costs nothing.
Renting is always safer than buying.
The truth: Renting is flexible, but every payment builds your landlord's equity instead of yours. The real question is whether your plans, savings, and local prices line up — a 20-minute conversation can answer that honestly.
I should find a house first, then worry about the loan.
The truth: Backwards — and it costs buyers their dream homes every week. Getting pre-approved first tells you your real budget, and in a competitive market, sellers take offers with pre-approval letters far more seriously.
All lenders are basically the same.
The truth: Rates matter, but so do program knowledge, speed, and communication. A lender who knows Minnesota's DPA programs, closes on time, and answers the phone at 7pm changes your whole experience.
Student loans mean I can't buy.
The truth: Student debt affects your debt-to-income ratio, but it rarely rules you out. Underwriting rules for how student loans count have gotten friendlier — Debbie runs the actual numbers before anyone assumes anything.
The path
Six steps from browsing to keys
- 1
Talk to Debbie
A relaxed conversation about your goals, timing, and finances. No commitment, no cost — just clarity on what your options look like.
- 2
Get pre-approved
Debbie reviews your income, assets, and credit and issues a pre-approval letter that tells you (and sellers) exactly what you can afford.
- 3
Shop with confidence
House-hunt with your agent knowing your real budget. When you find the one, your offer carries the weight of a solid pre-approval.
- 4
Offer accepted — loan in motion
Debbie's team orders the appraisal, gathers your documents, and keeps your file moving while you plan the move.
- 5
Underwriting & clear to close
An underwriter verifies everything. Debbie keeps you posted at every milestone — no black holes, no silence.
- 6
Closing day 🔑
Sign, fund, and get the keys. Welcome home — and Debbie sticks around for every question after.
Minnesota advantage
Down payment help is real here.
Minnesota Housing offers down payment and closing cost loans for eligible first-time buyers — layered on top of a standard first mortgage. For many buyers in the St. Cloud area, this is the difference between buying this year and saving for three more.
Debbie works with these programs regularly through Fairway's participation with Minnesota Housing. Eligibility depends on income, purchase price, and location — a quick conversation tells you if you fit.
Explore down payment assistance →We have solid jobs but only about $6k saved. Are we wasting your time?
Not even close. Between low-down-payment programs and Minnesota Housing assistance, $6k can absolutely put you in the game. Let's run your numbers. 🏡
Real clients, real reviews
Five stars.4.97 across 130 verified reviews
Highlights from verified client reviews on Experience.com — every buyer real.
She has a great team and communicates extremely well.
Brandi N · Minnetonka, MNVerified customer
Debbie, you and your team give outstanding customer service! You have gone out of your way to help me find homeowners insurance and watched the rates fluctuate with me and gave me confidence to lock in at the right time.
Cynthia G · Saint Joseph, MNVerified customer
Debbie made the experience great. Have used her services for numerous homes purchased in the past.
Andrew N · Minnetonka, MNRepeat client
It was the easiest process. So helpful through the whole experience. We also were told from the county that they have never worked with a better lender.
Evan D · Alexandria, MNVerified customer
Responsive and friendly.
Chelse B · Saint Cloud, MNVerified customer
Debbie helped us get our credit scores to a place where we could buy our dream house! And for that I will forever be thankful.
Addison R · Sartell, MNVerified customer
The process was very smooth 👌
Travis S · Cape Coral, FLVerified customer
Seamless, helpful, and always responsive to all requests.
Amanda M · Cape Coral, FLVerified customer
Quick feedback with a friendly team. Everything came together as planned with no surprises.
Nathan A · Vadnais Heights, MNVerified customer
Debbie is just above and beyond awesome! She was really looking out for us!!
Nathan J B · Minneapolis, MNVerified customer
She has a great team and communicates extremely well.
Brandi N · Minnetonka, MNVerified customer
Debbie, you and your team give outstanding customer service! You have gone out of your way to help me find homeowners insurance and watched the rates fluctuate with me and gave me confidence to lock in at the right time.
Cynthia G · Saint Joseph, MNVerified customer
Debbie made the experience great. Have used her services for numerous homes purchased in the past.
Andrew N · Minnetonka, MNRepeat client
It was the easiest process. So helpful through the whole experience. We also were told from the county that they have never worked with a better lender.
Evan D · Alexandria, MNVerified customer
Responsive and friendly.
Chelse B · Saint Cloud, MNVerified customer
Debbie helped us get our credit scores to a place where we could buy our dream house! And for that I will forever be thankful.
Addison R · Sartell, MNVerified customer
The process was very smooth 👌
Travis S · Cape Coral, FLVerified customer
Seamless, helpful, and always responsive to all requests.
Amanda M · Cape Coral, FLVerified customer
Quick feedback with a friendly team. Everything came together as planned with no surprises.
Nathan A · Vadnais Heights, MNVerified customer
First-timer FAQ
Real questions, straight answers
How much do I really need for a down payment?
As little as 0–3.5% of the purchase price depending on the program — and Minnesota down payment assistance can cover part or all of that for eligible buyers. On a $300,000 home, 3% is $9,000, not $60,000.
What credit score do I need?
Many programs work with scores in the 600s, and FHA can go lower in some scenarios. If your score needs work, Debbie can point out what would move it most — sometimes small fixes make a big difference in a few months.
What are closing costs?
Typically about 2–4% of the loan amount, covering the appraisal, title work, taxes, and prepaid escrow items. Sellers can contribute toward them, and some programs allow assistance funds to help too.
How long does pre-approval take?
Often within a day or two once Debbie has your documents. The initial conversation takes about 20 minutes.
What is Minnesota down payment assistance?
Minnesota Housing offers loans that help eligible first-time buyers with down payment and closing costs, layered on top of a standard first mortgage. Debbie is with a participating lender and uses these programs regularly.
Ready to find out where you stand?
Twenty minutes with Debbie beats twenty hours of internet guessing.