Ready to buy a home in the North Star State?
With four distinct seasons, including long, snowy winters, and a state income tax, with rates roughly from 5.35% up to 9.85%, the state balances urban amenities alongside a close-knit community. Your dream home could be a charming single-family house in Minneapolis or a chic Victorian mansion in Saint Paul.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or new to Minnesota’s housing market, this guide will teach you everything you need to know. We’ve broken down the entire home-buying process into 13 actionable steps.
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Key Takeaways:
- Get Pre-Approved ASAP: In a seller’s market like Minnesota, a pre-approval makes your offer stronger and more competitive.
- Save Thousands with Assistance Programs: Programs like “Minnesota Housing Start Up program” provide assistance for your down payment. Ensure you research downpayment assistance programs thoroughly.
- Don’t Skip Minnesota-Specific Inspections: A Radon testing is often required for homeowner’s insurance. Sewers require inspection to look for inflow and infiltration to avoid any downspouts.
- Ask for Credits, Not Repairs: If the inspection has issues, ask the seller for credit at closing. This allows you to hire your own contractors and prevent closing delays.
- Protect Your Investment and Your Wallet: Standard Homeowners policies covers the wind and teh hail damage. Remember to get flood insurance, as standard policies don’t cover it. Don’t forget to file for the Homestead Exemption to save up to $517,200 on your home’s taxable value.
How to Buy a Home for the First Time in Minnesota: 13 Steps!
This step-by-step guide walks first-time home buyers in Minnesota through everything, from assessing finances and budgeting for a down payment to choosing the right mortgage. These 13 steps make the Minnesota real estate process clear, simple, and manageable.
Step 1: Assess Your Finances
As a first-time home buyer in Minnesota, the two factors that should matter the most to you are your credit score and Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio. Additionally, you must also consider how much you can afford for a down payment, a monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
What Is Your Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that indicates your creditworthiness to lenders. The minimum credit score to buy a house in Minnesota depends on the type of mortgage you get.
| Loan Type | Minimum Score | Ideal Score |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 500 (10% down) | 580+ (3.5% down) |
| Conventional | 620 | 740+ for best rates |
| VA | No minimum | 620 |
| USDA | No minimum | 640 |
Portfolio mortgage loans are easy to qualify for. Here, the credit score needed to buy a house starts at around 580. VA loans are available only to veterans and active-duty service members, and require a score of 620. FHA loans also accept scores as low as 580. They are good for buyers with lower credit scores looking for houses in Minnesota.
When purchasing property in Minnesota, you can check your credit score using several reliable methods. Most of them are free and will not harm your score:
- Annual Credit Reports: Federal law entitles you to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These can be accessed through the official, government-authorized website, AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Credit Monitoring Services: Many banks, credit card issuers, and financial service apps provide complimentary and regular access to the FICO score. This is a convenient way to track your credit health over time.
Knowing how to repair your credit score is important to get better mortgage rates. If you’re a first time home buyer in Minnesota, here’s what you need to do:
- Pay down credit card balances and make all payments on time.
- Avoid opening multiple new accounts quickly.
- Consider becoming an authorized user on a family member’s account with a good history.
- Monitor your score regularly to track progress.
How to Calculate Your Monthly Mortgage Payment in Minnesota?
As a first time home buyer in Minnesota, knowing your average mortgage payment helps you plan your budget. Your total payment includes 4 key components, often called PITI:
- Principal and Interest: This is a major chunk of your payment, covering the amount you borrowed (principal) and the cost of borrowing (interest). It’s determined by your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term.
- Taxes: Minnesota property taxes are based on your home’s assessed value. The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and pays the tax on your behalf.
- Insurance: Lenders require you to have homeowners’ insurance to protect the property. The annual premium is usually divided by 12 and added to your monthly payment, also managed through the escrow account.
Apart from PITI, your monthly payment may also include Private Mortgage Insurance if your down payment is less than 20%, and HOA fees.
What Is a Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio?
Your debt-to-income ratio shows how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments, including mortgage, car loans, credit cards, and student loans. To calculate it, add all monthly debts and divide the total by your gross pre-tax monthly income.
A high DTI can prevent you from qualifying for a mortgage, as it shows that you struggle to manage your debt. For the best mortgage rates and a higher likelihood of mortgage approval in Minnesota, aim for a DTI ratio of 36% or lower.
💡 You can still qualify for a loan in Minnesota despite a high DTI if you have compensating factors like a strong credit history, significant cash reserves or savings, stable long-term employment, etc.
Recommended DTI Ratios by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Recommended DTI Ratio | With Compensating Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 36% back-end | 45-50% |
| FHA | 43% back-end | Up to 50% |
| VA | 41% | Can exceed 50% with the residual income test |
| USDA | 41% back-end | 44% with strong credit |
To improve your DTI ratio for a mortgage, you can either reduce your monthly debts or increase your verifiable income.
- Pay Down Debt: Use a tax refund or bonus to clear smaller loans, or consolidate multiple debts into a single loan with a lower monthly payment.
- Increase Verifiable Income: Ask for a raise, take on part-time work, or start a side business. Include all consistent income sources on your application, such as bonuses or commissions, but remember that lenders require a two-year history for secondary income.
- Adjust Your Housing Budget: A larger down payment reduces your loan amount and your monthly mortgage payment. You can also consider a lower home purchase price to keep your future housing costs down.
To improve your DTI ratio for a mortgage, you can either reduce your monthly debts or increase your verifiable income.
- Pay Down Debt: Use a tax refund or bonus to clear smaller loans, or consolidate multiple debts into a single loan with a lower monthly payment.
- Increase Verifiable Income: Ask for a raise, take on part-time work, or start a side business. Include all consistent income sources on your application, such as bonuses or commissions, but remember that lenders require a two-year history for secondary income.
- Adjust Your Housing Budget: A larger down payment reduces your loan amount and your monthly mortgage payment. You can also consider a lower home purchase price to keep your future housing costs down.
Step 2: Budget for Your Down Payment and Closing Costs
You should set aside money for the down payment and closing costs. Minnesota’s first time home buyer programs help make homeownership accessible and affordable.
How Much Down Payment Does a Minnesota First Time Home Buyer Need?
Typically, the down payment on a house for a first time home buyer in Minnesota usually ranges from 3% to 20% of the property’s price. However, it can vary based on the loan type. FHA loans require just 3.5% down, while some conventional loans allow a 3% down payment. To help with these upfront costs, there are many state and local down payment assistance programs in Minnesota. They provide grants or loans to cover these expenses.
👉 First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Minnesota: Find out which is the #1 downpayment assistance program in the North Star State.
How to Estimate Closing Costs in Minnesota?
Closing costs are fees and expenses paid at closing beyond your down payment. Typically, buyer closing costs in Minnesota usually range from 2% to 5% of the home’s price. So, for a $360,600 home, buyers might pay $8,073 to $20,181.
These fees cover lender charges, appraisals, inspections, title insurance, taxes, agent commissions, and recording fees when buying a property in Minnesota.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Secure your financing early by getting pre-approved for a mortgage as a first time homebuyer in Minnesota. This step helps you understand your budget and strengthens your offer when buying a house.
How to Get Pre-approved as a First Time Home Buyer in Minnesota?
You need to follow these steps to get pre-approved when buying a house in Minnesota:
- Gather Financial Documents: Provide proof of income (recent pay stubs and W-2s), tax returns (last two years), asset statements, debt information, and a government-issued ID.
- Choose a Lender and Apply: Compare lenders in Minnesota and submit a mortgage application to get the best rates and terms.
- Receive Pre-Approval Letter: The lender verifies your info and issues a letter stating your approved loan amount, usually valid for 30–90 days.
A mortgage preapproval turns you from a casual house hunter to a serious buyer in Minnesota, as it:
- Strengthens Your Offer: 86% of the sellers prefer buyers with a pre-approved mortgage. For the strongest position, ask for a fully underwritten pre-approval, where the lender has already verified all your documents.
- Defines Your Budget: It clarifies exactly how much you can afford, allowing you to focus your home search on a realistic price range.
- Speeds Up Closing: With much of the financial vetting already completed, the mortgage process is streamlined once your offer on a home is accepted.
Yes, you can get pre-approved and even buy a home with bad credit in Minnesota. However, your loan options may be limited. You can also expect higher interest rates with poor credit.
Step 4: Choose the Right Mortgage
As a first time homebuyer in, assess your finances and select a loan that fits your budget and qualifies you for available programs.
| Feature | Conventional | FHA | VA | USDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min Credit Score | 620 | 580 (500 w/10% down) | No minimum | 640 |
| Min Down Payment | 5% to 20% | 3.5% | 0% | 0% |
| Max DTI | 45% to 50% | 43% to 50% | 41%+ | 41% to 44% |
| Mortgage Insurance | PMI if <20% | Always | None | Always |
| Loan Limits | $766,550+ | $498,257 to $766,550 | $766,550+ | Varies |
| Property Eligibility Criteria | Few | Must meet FHA standards | Must meet VA standards | Rural/suburban areas only |
Step 5: Decide Where to Buy a Home in Minnesota
Deciding where to buy is one of the most important steps for a first time homebuyer in Minnesota. Consider factors like local housing markets, popular neighborhoods, cost of living, and amenities to help you find the best places to live in Minnesota.
Why Now Is the Time to Buy in Minnesota
The Minnesota housing market is a buyer’s market. You now have more negotiating power and a wider selection of properties to choose from:
- Housing Supply is High: Minnesota has a 6-month housing supply, which is the benchmark for a buyer’s market.
- Prices Have Stabilized: The median home price has remained relatively constant at $360,600. This allows you to set your budget with more certainty.
- Sellers are Negotiating: 53% of homes in Minnesota have seen price drops, signaling increased seller flexibility.
- Homes are on the Market Longer: Properties are taking an average of 35-50 days to sell, which allows you to make more informed decisions.
These trends show that now is the best time to buy a house in Minnesota. According to Mauricio Umansky, founder of The Agency, the current market provides “great opportunities for buyers to be aggressive and write strong offers.”
Popular Areas for Different Buyer Types
With the market now in your favor, you can be more selective about where you buy. Use this advantage to find a neighborhood that matches your priorities, whether it’s schools, commute, or lifestyle.
- Best Areas for Families: Neighborhoods like North Loop, Stevens Square, and Elliot Park are top choices for their excellent schools and family-friendly parks. If you envision life in a community designed for family connection, explore homes for sale in Lakeville, MA. Properties with access to top-tier schools and parks typically range between $350,000 and $600,000.
- Best Areas for Retirees: Neighborhoods like Crossroads, Foxborough, and Heritage are top choices for their healthcare access and low crime rates. If you envision life in a space filled with miles of trails and bike parks for a quiet retired life, explore homes for sale in Minneapolis, MA. Properties with access to top-tier schools and parks typically range between $440,000 and $800,000.
- Best Areas for Young Adults: Cities like Eden Prairie and Lakeville offer thriving job markets and vibrant social scenes. If a cosmopolitan lifestyle is what you seek, browse the latest Eden Prairie houses for sale, where you can find modern condos and apartments starting at just $300,000.
Consider the Cost of Living When Choosing a Location
When looking for the best place to buy a house in Minnesota, consider the overall cost of living, as lower home prices can be offset by higher taxes or insurance.
- High-Cost Areas: Edina and Minnetoka are 38% above the national average.
- Moderate-Cost Areas: Lakevillle and Rochester are near or just below the national average.
- Low-Cost Areas: Albert Lea, Hibbing, and Fairmont are 15-28% below the national average.
Step 6: Start House Hunting in Minnesota
Once you’re pre-approved and know where you want to live, the next step is finding the right house. As a Minnesota first time home buyer you have two options:
- Work with a Realtor.
- Search for homes online.
An experienced agent can give you valuable local insights and expert guidance on neighborhood trends. However, you’ll have to negotiate the buyer agent commission with the seller, which may raise the home sale price.
If you prefer to take the lead, a high-tech platform like Houzeo is what you need. Whether you’re looking for beachfront mansions, high‑rise penthouses, spacious big homes, or luxury homes in Minnesota, Houzeo has you covered. You can browse through thousands of listings, set alerts, and save your search. You can even schedule showings and submit offers, all by yourself.
Don’t Just Browse. Buy.
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Download the Houzeo Mobile AppStep 7: Schedule and Attend Home Showings
After you narrow down your list of potential homes, schedule and attend showings to see each property in person. For a first-time home buyer in Minnesota, visiting homes firsthand helps you evaluate condition, layout, and neighborhood, ensuring you make an informed choice.
During the showing, ask specific questions like:
- How long has the home been on the market?
- Why is the owner selling?
- What is the age of the roof, HVAC system, and water heater?
- Are there any HOA fees or pending special assessments?
- Is the property located in a flood zone?
When buying a house in Minnesota for the first-time, check the property carefully during the open house. Look for roof sagging, foundation cracks, water stains, uneven floors, or sticking doors, which may indicate serious issues.
As a first time home buyer in Minnesota, there are three main aspects you need to focus on when shortlisting homes:
- Insurance Risks: Verify the home’s flood zone using FEMA’s maps. Get a radon test and sewer scope test done. In order to assess insurability and identify features, like an old roof or the lack of necessary repairs in place, that could drive up insurance costs.
- Commute and Lifestyle: Test your commute during rush hour. Visit the neighborhood at different times to check for noise from traffic, airports, or nightlife. Ensure convenient access to key amenities like schools, groceries, and parks.
- Minnesota Home Loans/Assistance Program Eligibility: If you’re applying for a loan or first time buyer program in Minnesota, ensure that the house complies with its property requirements, or you may risk losing the assistance.
Step 8: Make an Offer
When crafting an offer, make a competitive bid but stay within your budget. As a first-time home buyer in Minnesota, consider factors like the home’s market value, recent comparable sales, and any repairs needed. This increases your chances of getting a fair deal.
Step 1: Analyze Recent Sales
Your agent will pull up real estate comps that are similar to the one you want. Focus on the final sale price, not the list price. Home prices in many Minnesota metro areas have seen modest declines, so your offer should reflect this trend.
Step 2: Adjust for the Home’s Condition
Factor in the age and condition of the roof and HVAC. If a comparable home sold for $360,000 but had a new roof, and your target home needs a $10,800 replacement, adjust your offer to account for that expense.
Step 3: Factor in Today’s Market
With more homes for sale, you have leverage. Even home builders are lowering their prices by almost 6% to attract buyers. So, for a home that is priced fairly, offer 3% to 5% less. If it is overpriced, you can justify an even lower offer, citing both the comps and market trends.
What is an Earnest Money Deposit in Minnesota?
An earnest money deposit is a “good-faith” payment that shows you are a serious buyer. This money is held in escrow and applied towards your down payment at closing.
In Minnesota, the standard deposit is 1% to 3% of the purchase price. On a $360,600 home, this would be between $3,600 and $10,800. In highly competitive markets like Crystal or Richfield, sellers may expect a deposit closer to 10%.
Once your offer is accepted, you typically have 3 business days to submit the deposit to an escrow agent, such as a title company or real estate attorney.
Yes, you can get your earnest money deposit back in Minnesota, but only if you back out of the sale for the following reasons:
- The inspection reveals major issues, and you exercise the inspection contingency.
- The appraisal comes in low, and you exercise the appraisal contingency.
- You’re unable to secure the required financing, and exit during the financing contingency period
- Title issues are discovered.
Many Minnesota first time home buyers forfeit their earnest money because:
- They back out after the contingency periods expire without a valid reason.
- They violate contract terms.
- The seller meets all contract obligations, but the buyer still refuses to close.
Step 9: Conduct Home Inspections
First-time home buyers in Minnesota should schedule home inspections to uncover any issues before buying a house. You typically get the inspection report within 24 to 48 hours.
Which Minnesota Home Inspections Should You Schedule?
A standard home inspection in Minnesota isn’t enough. The state’s unique climate and weather risks require a few specialized inspections:
- General Home Inspection ($350–$500): A licensed inspector will examine everything from the roof to the foundation. They pay special attention to storm damage, proper drainage, and the age of the AC unit.
- Sewer Scope ($200–$300): A camera inspection of the main sewer line to check for roots, cracks, or sagging are often recommended in Minnesota’s older neighborhoods and some cities where sewer issues are common.
- Radon Testing ($150–$175): Very common in Minnesota because the state has elevated radon levels; many buyers make this a routine add‑on to the general inspection.
- Roof and Attic Moisture Checks ($75–$200): Inspectors look closely for ice-dam damage, leaks, mold, and inadequate ventilation/insulation in attics because heavy snow and temperature swings are hard on roofs.
Consider Other Specialized Inspections
Based on the property, a Minnesota first-time home buyer may want to conduct additional tests. For older homes, a sewer scope can detect cracks or tree roots in the main sewer line, saving you from a $15,000 repair down the road. If you see large cracks or uneven floors, a $700 foundation inspection is worth the investment.
For rural properties, a septic inspection is essential. If the home has a pool, a separate pool inspection will check the pump, filter, and structure for costly defects.
It’s not recommended. Even if you plan to buy cheap homes in Minnesota, skipping a home inspection can lead to unexpected repair costs.
Step 10: Complete the Home Appraisal
After the inspection, your lender will typically order a home appraisal, which professionally values the property to ensure it matches your offer.
Why Do Lenders Need Appraisals?
A home appraisal in Minnesota confirms the property’s market value. Appraisers typically focus on the following parameters:
- Flood Zone and Elevation: A home in a high-risk flood zone (like Zone A, AE, AH and AO) will likely be valued lower than a similar inland property due to higher insurance premiums.
- Insurance and Mitigation Features: The age of the roof, the presence of hurricane shutters, and impact-resistant windows directly affect a home’s insurability and, therefore, its market value.
- Condo/HOA Health: Appraisers closely examine a condo association’s financial health. They look for anything that may reduce the unit’s value, like the association’s reserve funds or any pending special assessments.
A standard appraisal in Minnesota costs between 500 and 700 and typically takes 7 to 14 days to complete. For luxury or waterfront properties, the cost and timeline can be higher.
If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer price, you have an appraisal gap. In such a situation, you can either:
- Renegotiate the Price: Ask the seller to lower the price to the appraised value. In the current market, many sellers are willing to negotiate.
- Cover the Gap: If the seller won’t budge, you can choose to pay the difference in cash.
- Dispute the Appraisal: If you believe the appraiser made a factual error or used poor comparable sales, you can file for a Reconsideration of Value.
- Walk Away: If you cannot reach an agreement, your appraisal contingency allows you to cancel the contract and get your earnest money back.
Step 11: Negotiate Repairs and Credits
As a first time home buyer in Minnesota, use your home inspection results to negotiate repairs and request credits from the seller. This step can help reduce unexpected costs and ensure your new house is move-in ready.
How to Use Your Inspection Report to Negotiate Repairs?
Your negotiation strategy should center on issues that impact the home’s safety, structural integrity, and insurability. Minor cosmetic flaws are not worth fighting over and can make you seem unreasonable. It’s easy to make this mistake as a first home buyer in Minnesota.
Focus your request on these critical areas:
- Safety Hazards: This includes outdated and dangerous electrical panels, faulty wiring, or missing safety features like GFCI outlets near water.
- Structural Problems: Any issues with the foundation, load-bearing walls, or the roof structure.
- System Failures: A failing HVAC system, major plumbing leaks, or an old roof.
Get 2 to 3 written estimates from licensed contractors for any major repairs. A repair request that includes professional quotes shows you are serious and have done your homework.
Should You Ask for Repair Credit?
While you can ask the seller to perform the repairs themselves, it’s better to ask for credit instead. Credit gives you the funds to hire your own contractors and ensures the work is done to your standards, not just the cheapest way possible. It also allows the sale to proceed on schedule, without any delays.
How to Negotiate Seller Concessions
Seller concessions are a powerful tool for reducing your out-of-pocket closing costs when buying real estate in Minnesota. Here, the seller pays for some of your expenses, such as the appraisal, title insurance, or property taxes.
Your ability to negotiate concessions depends on your loan type. Each loan program sets a maximum limit on how much a seller can contribute:
| Loan Type | Minimum Down Payment | Maximum Seller Concession |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Less than 10% | 3% of the purchase price |
| Conventional | 10% or more | 6% of the purchase price |
| FHA Loan | Any amount | 6% of the purchase price |
| VA Loan | Any amount | 4% of the purchase price |
| USDA Loan | Any amount | 6% of the purchase price |
Step 12: Review Your Closing Costs
After negotiating repairs and credit as a first time home buyer in Minnesota, review all closing costs carefully. Check title fees, escrow, insurance, and taxes so you can finalize your budget and confidently buy your house.
Understanding Closing Costs in Minnesota
- Minnesota-Specific Taxes ($1,000+): Minnesota’s real estate transfer tax is called the State Deed Tax. The State Deed Tax costs $3.30 per $1,000 of the home’s sale price (a rate of 0.33%). On a $300,000 sale, this tax alone will add about $990 to the closing costs, typically paid by the seller
- Title Fees ($2,000+): These fees cover the title search, settlement services, and title insurance policies for both you and your lender. In Minnesota, the party responsible for paying the owner’s title insurance varies by county.
- Third-Party Fees ($1,200 to $2,000): These usually cover the appraisal, credit report, and required lender checks, plus inspections you order like the general home inspection, radon test, and optional sewer scope.
- Prepaid and Escrow Costs ($3,000 to $6,000): You will pay for your first year of homeowners’ insurance upfront. In Minnesota, flood insurance is separate and is only added if the home is in or is near a mapped flood zone. You will also fund your escrow account with several months of property tax and insurance payments to cover future bills.
Step 13: Close on Your New Home
Closing day is the moment you officially become the owner of your new Minnesota home. Its success depends on a careful final walk-through, a smooth funding process, and making sure all legal documents are properly signed and recorded.
Complete Your Final Walk-Through
Within 24 hours of closing, you will do one last walk-through of the property. This is not a formal inspection, but rather your final chance to see if you want this home. Use this checklist:
- Verify Repairs: Bring your inspection report and repair addendum. Confirm that all negotiated repairs have been completed to a professional standard.
- Test Everything: Run the air conditioning and test all appliances. Make sure every system is functioning as it should.
- Check for Included Items: Ensure all items that were supposed to be included in the sale, like appliances, window treatments, and light fixtures, are still in place.
- Look for Signs of Additional Damage: Make sure no new damage has occurred since your last visit. If you see any issues, notify your agent and the title company immediately before you sign any documents.
Sign the Documents
While there are numerous documents to sign, the most important ones are:
- The Closing Disclosure: You will sign the final version of this document, which outlines all your loan terms and costs.
- The Promissory Note: This is your legal promise to repay the loan. The promissory note outlines the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and maturity date.
- The Mortgage: This document secures the property as collateral for your loan.
Once you have signed everything, you will provide your “cash to close” amount via a cashier’s check or wire transfer. After your lender sends their funds to the title company, the deal is officially funded.
Get Your Keys and Celebrate
Once the deal is funded, the title company will record the new deed with the county, officially transferring ownership to you. After they pay the seller and other parties, you will finally get the keys to your new home.
Congratulations, you are officially a Minnesota homeowner! 🎉
🚩 What are the Red Flags to Look for When Buying a House in Minnesota?
A new home is a huge financial investment. To ensure that you don’t sink your money into a dud, look out for these red flags:
1. Bargain-Priced Homes
An asking price that’s significantly lower than comparable homes in the area seems like a dream come true. But that’s just until the roof collapses or faulty electrical systems burn the house down. An extremely low price could mean the property is uninsurable, or is located in a high-risk flood zone with steep insurance costs. So before you put in an offer, check the home’s sale history and other permits from the local county’s office. Also, get insurance quotes to understand your total expense better.
2. Foundation Problems
Watch for wide horizontal foundation cracks, bowing basement walls, noticeably sloping floors, or doors and windows that won’t close properly. These issues can signal a structural movement and repairs that can easily slip into a five figure amount.
3. Problematic Disclosure
Be cautious if seller disclosures are overly vague or clearly conflict with what you see in person or in the inspection report. Finished basements, additions, or visible electrical/plumbing changes with no permit history can hide safety issues, making a thorough inspection very essential before buying a house in Minnesota.
4. Hidden Water and Roof Damage
One of the biggest red flags include musty odors, visible water lines in the basement, peeling or bubbling paint, white chalky deposits on concrete, and ceiling stains with sagging drywall. These signs often show that water has been entering the home repeatedly over time, whether from poor grading foundation seepage, roof leaks, or plumbing issues.
5. Radon Levels and Mitigation Costs
Minnesota is a high-radon state, and many homes test above the EPA action level, so high readings without an existing mitigation system are a major red flag. Installing a mitigation system typically costs around $1200-$2000, which buyers should factor into their budget if the test comes back high.
What Should You Do After Closing?
Welcome home! Now it’s time to handle a few must-dos to protect your investment:
- File for Homestead Exemption: If the house is your primary residence, apply for Minnesota’s Homestead Exemption to reduce your property taxes. To receive Minnesota’s Homestead Market Value Exclusion, which lowers the taxable value of your home by almost 40%.
- Set Up Utilities: Get the water, electric, internet, and trash services connected. Don’t forget pest natural gas, especially in metros like Minneapolis and Saint Paul, where electricity may be a municipal utility.
- Get Insurance: Homeowners insurance is required if you’re financing, and flood insurance may be needed in FEMA zones. Rates are higher in coastal areas like Moor Head and East Grand due to hurricane risk.
- Home Maintenance Plan: Schedule AC tune-ups at least twice a year, clear gutters regularly, and inspect roofs for storm damage or algae buildup. Consider updates electrical and plumbing to reduce insurance costs.
How to Buy a House in Minnesota Without a Realtor?
Research neighborhoods and browse listings on trusted sites like Houzeo. Then, schedule showings directly with sellers or their agents. You can also hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and handle legal details.
Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage, make an offer, schedule inspections, and negotiate repairs. With the necessary due diligence, you can buy a house without a Realtor.
Which First Time Home Buyer Programs in Minnesota Can You Apply For?
Various programs make homeownership accessible for a first time home buyer in Minnesota. They assist with down payments through grants or low-interest, deferred-payment loans. Applicants must meet the income and credit score criteria and complete a homebuyer education course to avail of these programs.
| Program Name | Eligibility | Assistance / Grants | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Housing “Start Up” Program | First-time buyers (or no ownership in 3+ years) within income and county price limits. | 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage (conventional/FHA/VA/USDA). | Main state first-time buyer mortgage. |
| MN Down Payment & Closing Cost Loans | Buyers using Start Up or Step Up who meet limits. | About $10,000–$18,000 for down payment/closing costs. | Lowers cash needed to close. |
| First-Generation Homebuyer Loan | First-generation buyers using a qualifying MN Housing first mortgage. | Around $35,000+ deferred, 0% assistance. | Extra help for first-generation buyers. |
| Local & City DPA | Buyers in participating MN cities/counties meeting local rules. | Forgivable/deferred second or third mortgages. | Location-based extra assistance. |
| Nonprofit Assistance | Buyers meeting nonprofit income/credit/geography rules. | Deferred/forgivable loans, sometimes $40,000–$50,000. | Large aid plus counseling. |
1. Minnesota Housing “Start Up” Program
- Eligible Buyers: First-time homebuyers (Buyers who haven’t owned a home in 3+ year)
- Credit Score: Minimum 640.
- Assistance: Access to 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loans.
The Minnesota Housing “Start Up” program is the core first-time buyer mortgage from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. It offers affordable 30‑year fixed-rate loans with income and price caps by county, and it requires an approved homebuyer education course
2. Minnesota Housing Down Payment & Closing Cost Loans
- Eligible Buyers: Buyers using a Minnesota Housing first mortgage.
- Credit Score: Minimum 640.
- Assistance: Up to roughly $14,000 (and sometimes higher) as either a monthly‑payment loan or deferred, low to 0% interest loan for down payment and closing costs.
The Minnesota Housing offers add‑on assistance loans-such as its Monthly Payment Loan and deferred options—that cover part of your down payment and closing costs. These are layered on top of your Minnesota Housing first mortgage to reduce upfront cash needed.
3. First-Generation Homebuyer Loan Program
- Eligible Buyers: First‑generation buyers (whose parents/guardians have not owned a home).
- Credit Score: 640+.
- Assistance: 0% interest loan assistance, often in the tens of thousands of dollars, typically repaid or forgiven under specific program rules.
The Homebuyer Loan Program targets households who are the first in their family to buy a home. It provides substantial extra down payment and closing cost help on top of standard Minnesota Housing assistance, making homeownership more accessible for first‑generation buyers.
4. Local and City Down Payment Programs
- Eligible Buyers: Buyers purchasing an owner-occupied home within the specific city or county who meet local income, price, and property location criteria.
- Credit Score: 620–640+ range
- Assistance: Mortgage packages including first, second, and third mortgages as needed.
Local and City Down Payment Assistance Programs in Minnesota, such as Saint Paul’s Citywide DPA or Anoka County’s first-time buyer assistance, partner with approved lenders to lower out-of-pocket costs for buyers who purchase within city limits and meet program criteria.
5. Nonprofit Assistance
- Eligible Buyers: First-time buyers meeting lender and FHA criteria.
- Credit Score: Flexible; must meet the partnering lender’s and program’s responsible underwriting standards.
- Assistance: Deferred or forgivable down payment and closing cost loans, sometimes up to 20–30% of the purchase price or $40,000–$50,000 where funding allows.
Nonprofit homebuyer programs in Minnesota help people buy a home with less money upfront. They offer down payment and closing cost help, often as loans you don’t pay back right away or that can be forgiven.
» First Time Buyer Programs: Find the perfect program that helps you get the key to your first home.
What Should You Know Before Buying a House in Minnesota
Before you buy a home in the North Star State, understand the factors that can impact your budget and lifestyle.
What are Some Additional Costs When Houses in Minnesota?
Apart from the purchase price, you must account for several other expenses, like property taxes and potential HOA fees. However, the most critical consideration for any Minnesota homebuyer is insurance.
- Why insurance matters in Minnesota: Minnesota has a moderate flood risk, especially near rivers, lakes, and in low-lying city areas. Heavier rain and wetter weather are making floods more common and more damaging over time.
- How much it can cost: Because of storms, hail, and higher rebuilding costs, typical homeowners insurance in Minnesota is about 1,700–2,100 dollars per year for a home with around 300,000 dollars in dwelling coverage. This cost can go up if the home is older, in a riskier area, or has prior claims.
- How to choose a policy: Make sure your policy has strong coverage for wind, hail, and, if needed, a separate flood policy, since standard home insurance does not cover flood.
Do You Need Separate Flood Insurance in Minnesota
Yes, you do. Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, so a separate policy is necessary for protection. FEMA maps determine your property’s flood risk:
| Flood Zone | Risk Level | Insurance Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| A, AE, V, VE | High-Risk | Mandatory for most mortgages. These areas have at least a 1% chance of flooding annually. |
| B, C, X | Low-to-Moderate | Flood insurance is still strongly recommended. Many flood claims come from these “lower-risk” areas, including Minnesota neighborhoods that can see flash flooding from heavy rain or drainage issues. |
Why First-Time Homebuyers Should Explore Minnesota Now
Minnesota is a smart choice for first-time buyers, thanks to its no-income-tax policy and a market that now favors buyers. From St.Paul’s job market to Moorhead’s River head charm, there’s a community for every budget.
With thousands of homes for sale and numerous down payment assistance programs, homeownership is more attainable than ever.
» Houzeo Reviews: Read what customers have to say about Houzeo, Minnesota’s best home buying website.
