I'm Tiaira Quinn, a mortgage loan officer with Fairway in Eden Prairie. This is the guide I wish every first-time buyer had: clear steps, real numbers, and someone in your corner who actually picks up the phone.
Every month of rent buys someone else equity. Buying your first home turns that same payment into something you own. The hard part isn't the want — it's knowing where to begin, what you can actually afford, and whether you're "ready."
That's what this page is for. Walk the roadmap, run the calculators, and when you have questions, I'm a call or text away. No pressure, no jargon — just a straight answer.
Here's the whole journey, in order — so nothing catches you by surprise.
We review your income, credit, and savings to find your real budget and lock in a pre-approval letter. This is your green light — and what makes sellers take your offer seriously.
We map a comfortable monthly payment (not just the max you qualify for) and connect you with a trusted real estate agent if you don't have one yet.
Your agent helps you tour homes in your range. When you find "the one," you'll already know exactly what you can offer with confidence.
Your agent writes the offer and negotiates. I'll be ready to back it with an updated pre-approval the moment you need it.
Offer accepted? We complete your full application, choose your loan program, and lock your interest rate so it's protected while we close.
An appraisal confirms the home's value while underwriting verifies your details. I'll keep you updated and chase down anything needed so things keep moving.
You'll sign at closing, bring your down payment and closing costs, and walk out a homeowner. Congratulations — that's your front door.
You don't have to memorize these — that's my job. But here's the lay of the land so the words feel familiar when we talk.
Not sure which fits? That's the most common question I get — and the easiest to answer once I know a little about you. Let's figure it out together.
For most first-time buyers, the down payment and closing costs — not the monthly payment — are the real obstacle. The good news: Minnesota has programs designed for exactly this, and I help buyers tap into them.
Program availability, income limits, and eligibility change over time and are set by the program provider. I'll check what you currently qualify for — there's no cost to find out.
Estimates to play with — then we'll get you exact figures together. No email required.
Estimate only. Taxes/insurance assumed at ~1.6% of price per year combined; mortgage insurance estimated when down payment is under 20%. Your actual numbers depend on the home, loan, and your profile.
A rough guide using a 43% debt-to-income ratio and the same tax/insurance estimate. Real approval depends on full underwriting — let's get you an exact number.
I'm a mortgage loan officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage, based out of our Eden Prairie branch and serving buyers across the Twin Cities. I came into lending from a background in sales and client service, and I've built my work around one belief: relationships come first, and the rest follows.
For first-time buyers, that means I slow down. I explain the parts that feel confusing, set clear expectations up front so there are no last-minute surprises, and stay reachable from your first question all the way to closing. Buying your first home is a big deal — you deserve someone who treats it that way.
You're not a file number. I lead with kindness and treat your goals like they're my own — because that's how this should work.
The best loans close smoothly because nothing's a surprise. I tell you what's coming before it arrives.
Questions don't keep business hours. When you need an answer or a quick gut-check, I pick up.
Less than most people think. Many first-time buyers put down 3% with a conventional loan or 3.5% with an FHA loan, and VA and USDA loans can allow 0% down for those who qualify. Down payment gifts from family and assistance programs can reduce it further. Let's find the lowest realistic number for your situation.
There's no single magic number. FHA loans can work with scores as low as 580, and conventional loans typically start around 620. A higher score usually means a better rate. If your credit needs work, I can show you what's holding the score back and a realistic plan to improve it.
Yes — it's the first real step. A pre-approval tells you your true budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer with financing lined up. In a competitive market, an offer without a pre-approval often won't be considered. It's free and usually comes back within a business day.
Pre-qualified is a quick, informal estimate based on what you tell me. Pre-approved is stronger: I verify your income, assets, and credit so the letter carries real weight with sellers. For first-time buyers, I recommend going straight to pre-approval.
Closing costs are the fees to finalize your loan and purchase — things like the appraisal, title, and lender fees — typically a few percent of the price. They're separate from your down payment. In many cases we can offset them with seller credits or assistance programs. I'll give you a clear estimate up front.
Private mortgage insurance is usually required on conventional loans when you put down less than 20%. It protects the lender, not you, and it's added to your payment. On a conventional loan it falls off once you reach about 20% equity. VA and USDA loans don't use monthly PMI at all. It's a tradeoff worth understanding, and we'll weigh it together.
Yes. Minnesota Housing and other programs offer down payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible first-time buyers, often alongside an affordable first mortgage. Eligibility depends on factors like income and the home's location. I help buyers check what they currently qualify for — at no cost.
Pre-approval can happen in about a day. Once your offer is accepted, closing commonly takes around 30 days, though it varies. The smoother your documents and communication, the faster it goes — and keeping things moving is exactly what I do for you.
Generally recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and ID. If you're self-employed or have other income, there may be a few extras. I'll send you a simple, specific checklist so you're never guessing.
Often, yes. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, not just whether you have debt. Many first-time buyers qualify while carrying student loans or a car payment. Let's run your real numbers and see where you stand — you might be closer than you think.
Tiaira Quinn is a mortgage loan officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2568351), based at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota branch and serving first-time and repeat buyers across the Twin Cities. Reach her at (651) 334-9049 or tiaira.quinn@fairwaymc.com.
Tell me where you're at — just curious, saving up, or ready to shop. I'll meet you there, no pressure. Your free pre-approval starts with a quick conversation.
Meet Shonn — a first-generation, first-time homebuyer who had everything he needed to own a home except someone to walk him through it. That's the part of this work I care about most.
A Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation story, shared to illustrate the first-time buyer journey.
