First-time buyers
Nobody is born knowing how mortgages work. Tiaira built her whole approach around first-time buyers: plain English, honest numbers, and down payment help most people never hear about.
Myth-busting
The truth: Conventional loans start at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA and USDA can be $0 down. On top of that, Minnesota Housing down payment assistance can cover much of what’s left. The 20% figure is about avoiding PMI — not about whether you can buy.
The truth: FHA guidelines allow scores as low as 580, and many conventional programs start around 620. If your score needs work, Tiaira can point you at the specific moves that raise it fastest — sometimes it’s a quicker fix than people expect.
The truth: Nobody can time rates — not Tiaira, not anyone. What you can control: buying when your life is ready, and refinancing later if rates improve. Meanwhile, rent has a 100% interest rate — none of it builds equity.
The truth: A mortgage pre-approval is a single hard inquiry — typically just a few points, and multiple mortgage inquiries within a shopping window count as one. The insight you gain is worth far more than the tiny, temporary dip.
The truth: Backwards — and it costs buyers their dream homes. Sellers take offers with pre-approval letters seriously. Get pre-approved first, so when the right house shows up you can move the same day.
The truth: Student debt factors into your debt-to-income ratio, but it’s rarely a dealbreaker. Underwriting looks at the monthly payment, not the total balance — and income-driven plans often count at their actual amount.
The path
Text Tiaira. Tell her where you are — even if it’s “I have no idea where to start.” That’s a great place to start. No documents needed for this part.
A short application plus some documents (pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements). Tiaira reviews your credit, income and savings, then issues a pre-approval letter — your buying power in writing.
The bank’s max and your comfortable payment are different numbers. Tiaira runs payment scenarios with you — including down payment assistance options — so your budget fits your life.
House hunt with your agent knowing exactly what you can offer. Tiaira stays a text away for “what would this one cost me?” moments — evenings and weekends included.
Tiaira locks your rate, orders the appraisal, and coordinates with your agent and the title company. Your job: respond to document requests quickly. Her job: everything else.
Underwriting signs off, you do a final walkthrough, sign at closing, and get your keys. Tiaira tracks every milestone so closing day stays on schedule.
Down payment help
Minnesota Housing offers down payment and closing-cost assistance to eligible first-time buyers — often as a deferred loan with no monthly payment until you sell or refinance. It stacks with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans. Wisconsin buyers have WHEDA options too. This is Tiaira’s specialty — she works with these programs constantly.
Real clients, real reviews
In clients' own words, from Experience.com — every buyer real.
If you wanna know what the essence of an Angel really is, it’s Tiaira. Not only is she an expert in her field, but the LORD is truly with her. I am honored that I had the opportunity to be graced with her presence again. Thank you so much for supporting me along this journey. None of this would have been possible without you.
Qadash Y.Client
Tiaira was so responsive and great to work with. Buying a home is a stressful process, but Tiaira did a great job making it less stressful and easy to understand.
Isaac M. · Burnsville, MNHomebuyer
Working with Tiaira was genuinely such a wonderful experience. Not only was she incredibly quick and timely, but she also went above and beyond to ensure that I was getting the best policies. I can’t say enough incredible things, I would recommend her over and over again.
Alyssa C.Client
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.
Jasmine J. · Brooklyn Park, MNFirst-time buyer
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!
Jacob M. · Woodbury, MNFirst-time buyer
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 perseverance during this whole process!
Rebecca E. S. · Hastings, MNHomebuyer
If you wanna know what the essence of an Angel really is, it’s Tiaira. Not only is she an expert in her field, but the LORD is truly with her. I am honored that I had the opportunity to be graced with her presence again. Thank you so much for supporting me along this journey. None of this would have been possible without you.
Qadash Y.Client
Tiaira was so responsive and great to work with. Buying a home is a stressful process, but Tiaira did a great job making it less stressful and easy to understand.
Isaac M. · Burnsville, MNHomebuyer
Working with Tiaira was genuinely such a wonderful experience. Not only was she incredibly quick and timely, but she also went above and beyond to ensure that I was getting the best policies. I can’t say enough incredible things, I would recommend her over and over again.
Alyssa C.Client
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.
Jasmine J. · Brooklyn Park, MNFirst-time buyer
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!
Jacob M. · Woodbury, MNFirst-time buyer
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 perseverance during this whole process!
Rebecca E. S. · Hastings, MNHomebuyer
Money questions
Less than most people think. Between low-down-payment programs (3–3.5% down, or $0 for VA/USDA) and Minnesota Housing down payment assistance covering down payment and closing costs, some first-time buyers bring only a few thousand dollars to closing. Your exact number depends on price, program, and assistance eligibility — which is a quick conversation with Tiaira.
FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Conventional programs generally start around 620, with better pricing as scores rise. Minnesota Housing programs have their own minimums (commonly around 640). If you’re below a threshold, Tiaira can map the fastest path up.
Minnesota Housing offers loans that cover down payment and closing costs — some deferred with no monthly payment until you sell or refinance. Eligibility depends on income limits, purchase price limits, and homebuyer education. Tiaira specializes in these programs and can check your eligibility in one conversation.
Pre-approval takes a day or two once your documents are in. House hunting is up to you — weeks or months. From accepted offer to keys is typically 30–45 days. Total: many first-time buyers go from first text to keys in 2–4 months.
No. There is no fee to talk, no fee for pre-approval, and no obligation. Lender compensation is built into the loan transaction itself and disclosed clearly in your Loan Estimate — asking questions costs you nothing.
Step one is a text message. That’s it. Tell Tiaira where you are and she’ll tell you what’s possible — including help you didn’t know existed.