All articles about Minnesota First-Time Home Buyer Guide.
Minnesota is a title company state, not an attorney-closing state. Here's what a real estate attorney can and can't do for first-time buyers — and where a structured guide fills the gap.
Minnesota's two-year property tax cycle means buying a long-held home almost guarantees a reassessment spike. Here's how to model the escrow impact before you close — not after your payment jumps $200–$400.
mnhousing.gov is the authoritative source for MHFA program names and income limits — but it doesn't explain DPA stacking, the Mortgage Registry Tax, or the property tax reassessment cycle. Here are better alternatives.
If you're trying to combine MHFA Start Up with St. Paul Citywide DPA, Ramsey County FirstHome, or Hennepin County assistance, application sequencing determines whether you qualify for all of them or lose the most valuable one.
Comparing a paid Minnesota home buying guide against free tools like mnhousing.gov, Reddit, and Zillow. Which option covers the MRT, escrow explosion, and DPA stacking?
Many Minnesota buyers see their monthly mortgage payment spike $300+ a year after closing due to property tax reassessment. Here's how to predict it and protect yourself.
Minnesota mortgage pre-approval involves more than a credit check. Here's what documentation lenders need, how MHFA loans add requirements, and the difference between pre-qual and pre-approval.
Minnesota buyers can combine MHFA, Saint Paul, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County DPA programs — but the asset cap trap can disqualify you at the worst moment. Here's how to sequence it right.
Minnesota closings are handled by title companies, not attorneys. Here's exactly what happens from accepted offer to recorded deed — so no step surprises you.
A plain-English guide to Minnesota Housing's Start Up loan, Deferred Payment Loans, and income limits — so you know exactly what help is available before you start shopping.
Minneapolis-St. Paul first-time buyers face bidding wars, radon risks, and a median price of $390,000. Here's an honest look at the Twin Cities housing market and how to navigate it.
With Twin Cities median prices near $390,000, first-time buyers are looking outward. Here's where the real opportunities are — and what tradeoffs each market involves.
Minnesota property taxes are paid in arrears on a two-year cycle. How closing proration is calculated — short or long — affects your cash-to-close by hundreds of dollars.
The Homestead Market Value Exclusion can reduce your Minnesota property tax bill significantly — but only if you apply by December 31. Here's how it works and what to do.
Minnesota's first-generation homebuyer assistance can provide up to 10% of your purchase price as a forgivable loan — but the program has strict rules, asset caps, and frequently runs out of funding.
Minnesota uses two distinct land recording systems — Abstract and Torrens — and the system your property is in affects your title search, insurance, and closing process. Here's what buyers need to know.
The Mortgage Registry Tax catches Minnesota home buyers off guard at closing. Learn exactly how it's calculated, what you'll owe, and how to plan for it.
Minnesota purchase agreements use specific statutory contingency language that controls your earnest money. Here's what each contingency does and what happens when you need to cancel.
The Minnesota MCC converts part of your mortgage interest into a direct federal tax credit — and lenders can use that savings to increase your qualifying income. Here's how it works.
A home inspection in Minnesota isn't just a generic checklist. Basement moisture, radon, ice dams, and knob-and-tube wiring are regional risks that require specific attention. Here's what to check.
Minnesota's 2024-2025 contract for deed reforms overhauled decades of predatory practices. Here's what buyers must understand about the new law before signing anything.
Two in five Minnesota homes exceed the EPA's radon action level. Here's how to test, negotiate, and protect yourself before you close.
USDA Rural Development loans offer 100% financing in hundreds of Minnesota communities — including some you wouldn't expect. Here's how eligibility works and what the limits are.
The warranty deed is the document that transfers ownership of a Minnesota home. Here's what the seller legally promises when they sign it — and where it doesn't protect you.
Private mortgage insurance adds $100-$300/month to your payment. Here's exactly how PMI works on Minnesota conventional loans and the steps to remove it as soon as legally allowed.
Minnesota closing costs include state-specific taxes most buyers never see coming. Here's every line item explained, with real numbers for standard and metro county purchases.