First-Time Home Buyers
A calm, clear guide from Brandon Lawrence, a Keller Williams Edina Realtor who works with first-time buyers across the Twin Cities and West Metro. No pressure and no jargon, just a plan built around you.
You are more ready than you think
Most first-time buyers come to me with the same worries: not enough saved, unsure what they can afford, and no idea what the steps even are. That is normal, and it is exactly where I come in. My job is to slow things down, answer every question honestly, and make your first purchase feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
Working with first-time buyers is a big part of what I do. You get straight guidance on budgets and programs, patient time in every showing, and someone who protects your interests through the offer, inspection, and closing.
The process
Six steps, and I am with you through every one.
01
Get pre-approved
A lender confirms what you can borrow. It is free, tells you your real budget, and shows sellers you are serious. I can introduce you to lenders I trust.
02
Set your comfortable budget
Your approval is a ceiling, not a target. We land on a monthly payment that fits your life once taxes, insurance, and savings are in the picture.
03
Search with a plan
We define your must-haves and the areas that fit your budget, then tour homes together. You never do this part alone.
04
Make a smart offer
I handle the strategy: price, terms, and contingencies that protect you, and I negotiate on your behalf.
05
Inspection and appraisal
We confirm the home is sound and fairly valued, and I help you decide what to ask the seller to fix or credit.
06
Close and get the keys
We review everything before you sign, and then the home is yours. I stay a resource long after closing.
Minnesota programs
You may need far less cash than you expect. A few paths first-time buyers in Minnesota use:
The real numbers
Your budget is more than a mortgage payment. Plan for property taxes, homeowners insurance, closing costs (often a few percent of the price), and earnest money up front, plus a cushion for repairs once you own. A good pre-approval accounts for all of it so there are no surprises.
Want to sketch a monthly payment? Try the mortgage calculator, then let’s talk through what feels comfortable for you.
Where to start
A few areas where your budget tends to stretch furthest for a first home. Not sure which fits you? That is a great first conversation.
Richfield
One of the last truly attainable inner-ring options, minutes from the city.
View Richfield homes →
Hopkins
Walkable, a real Mainstreet, and value with character.
View Hopkins homes →
St. Louis Park
Close-in and in demand, with condos and starter homes.
View St. Louis Park homes →
Bloomington
One of the widest price ranges in the metro, including starter homes.
View Bloomington homes →
Shakopee
Some of the most affordable newer construction in the west metro.
View Shakopee homes →
Savage
Family-friendly and more attainable than the lake suburbs.
View Savage homes →
Chaska
Newer homes and a genuine downtown at an approachable price.
View Chaska homes →
Common questions
How much do I need for a down payment on my first home in Minnesota?
Less than most first-time buyers expect. Many conventional loans allow as little as 3 percent down, FHA loans around 3.5 percent, and Minnesota Housing programs can help with down payment and closing costs on top of that. The right number depends on the loan and price, which is exactly what a lender and I map out with you early.
Are there first-time home buyer programs in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota Housing offers first-time buyer loans (such as Start Up) that can pair with down payment and closing cost assistance, and there are conventional and FHA options with low down payments. Terms and income limits change, so we confirm what you currently qualify for with a trusted local lender before you shop.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
Many first-time buyer loans start around a 620 score, and some FHA options go lower, but a higher score usually means a better rate. If your score is not there yet, I can connect you with a lender who will lay out a short plan to get you ready, sometimes in just a few months.
How long does it take to buy a first home?
From a serious start, most first-time buyers are in a home within a couple of months: about a week to get pre-approved, a few weeks to find the right place and get an offer accepted, and roughly 30 to 45 days to close. We move at whatever pace feels right for you.
Should I get pre-approved before I start looking?
Yes, and it is the first thing I recommend. A pre-approval tells you your real budget, shows sellers you are serious, and prevents falling for a home outside your range. It is free, and I can introduce you to lenders I trust if you do not have one.
Can I buy a home if I have student loans?
Very often, yes. Lenders look at your overall debt-to-income, not just whether you have student loans. Plenty of first-time buyers in the Twin Cities carry student debt and still qualify. A quick pre-approval conversation will tell you where you stand.
Let’s begin
A relaxed, no-obligation chat about your budget, your timeline, and the areas that fit. Bring every question.
