Minnesota Mortgage Lender
The lender your realtor wishes you had called first
Pride Lending is a Minnesota mortgage lender serving buyers across the state. Offering FHA, VA, conventional, USDA, and portfolio loans for first-time buyers, self-employed borrowers, LGBTQ+ buyers, and anyone the mortgage industry has overlooked.
Why Borrowers Choose Pride Lending
Meet Your Minnesota Loan Officer
Paul Holzmeyer
- NMLS: 2508718
- Phone: 904.377.2034
- Email: pholzmeyer@pridelending.com
- Licensed In: FL, MN
What Our Borrowers Say
Working with Paul was truly an outstanding experience. From the very beginning, Paul was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and patient in guiding us through the mortgage process. He took the time to explain every step clearly, answered all of our questions quickly, and made what can often feel like a stressful process feel smooth and manageable.
What really stood out was his commitment to finding the best solution for the buyer while keeping everyone informed and on track for closing. His communication with me as the agent was excellent, which made the entire transaction seamless for all parties involved.
If you’re looking for a mortgage professional who is reliable, transparent, and genuinely cares about helping clients succeed, I would absolutely recommend Paul!
– Deja M.
Paul was great to work with, he went out of his way to make things happen for us. He took the time to explain all our options clearly and worked tirelessly to ensure we got the best possible rate. If you’re looking for a loan officer who is honest, efficient, and genuinely cares about your financial goals, look no further Paul Holzmeyer is the one .
– Meanawattie E.
Paul provided extensive resources and maintained a clear, open communication channel that allowed my wife & I to stay up to date and feel comfortable asking questions while simultaneously receiving phenomenal assistance anytime we had any concerns. He went above and beyond by making instructional videos based on our options & decisions and he was available at all times of the day, even far after standard working hours. I would recommend anybody I know who is looking for mortgage lending assistance to work with him and utilize his professional lending knowledge and friendly + engaging communication skills. I’m very thankful to have him as my mortgage lender.
– Jay D.
The Minnesota Housing Market Right Now
Minnesota’s housing market remains one of the most stable in the Midwest. Inventory is slowly improving, prices have held steady without the extreme volatility seen in coastal markets, and the state continues to offer some of the most accessible paths to homeownership in the country, especially for first-time buyers.
Twin Cities Metro
Median Home Price
$395,000
Avg. Days on Market
36 days
Homeownership Rate
71%
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Click a region to explore market data.
See What Your Monthly Payment Could Look Like in Minnesota
01
Get Pre-Approved Online
Fill out a short application and we will get to work on your file right away.
02
Your Loan Officer Reaches Out
We review your file and contact you. We will walk you through your options and answer every question.
03
Find Your Home and Close on Time
We keep the process moving so your closing date is the date you actually close.
Down Payment Assistance Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota Housing Start Up Program
The primary first-time homebuyer program from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Provides affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with access to up to $18,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Requires a minimum 640 credit score, income limits by household size and location, and completion of a homebuyer education course.
Minnesota Housing Deferred Payment Loan
Provides up to $12,500 in zero-interest assistance with no monthly payment. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold, refinanced, or the mortgage is paid off. Available to buyers at or below 80% of area median income and must be paired with a Minnesota Housing first mortgage.
First Generation Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
Minnesota invested $150 million in 2024 specifically to close the homeownership gap for households from historically marginalized communities. Provides up to $35,000 for qualifying first-generation homebuyers. One of the most significant state-level homeownership investments in the country.
Minneapolis Affordable Housing Trust Fund
City-specific assistance for buyers purchasing in Minneapolis. Can be layered on top of Minnesota Housing programs to further reduce cash-to-close requirements. Eligibility and availability vary.
Helpful Insights for Minnesota Homebuyers
Why Value Driven Real Estate Agents Choose Pride Lending
Real estate agents do not just need a lender who can close a loan. They need a lending
November 21, 2025
Trump’s Proposed 50 Year Mortgage Is Not the Solution We Need
The President’s latest idea to “solve” the housing affordability crisis is a 50-year mortgage. On the surface, it
November 14, 2025
Trump Is Undermining the CFPB, And Borrowers Will Pay the Price
Let’s be clear. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is being dismantled before our eyes. Under President Trump’s leadership,
November 7, 2025
Minnesota Mortgage Questions, Answered
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Minnesota?
It depends on the loan type. FHA loans allow a minimum score of 580 with 3.5% down. Conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. Minnesota Housing programs require a minimum of 640. If you are not sure where your credit stands, a conversation with your loan officer will tell you exactly where you are and what needs to happen before you apply.
How much is a down payment on a house in Minnesota?
It depends on the loan. FHA requires as little as 3.5%. Conventional can start at 3% for qualified buyers. VA and USDA loans require zero down for eligible borrowers. With the Twin Cities median home price around $395,000, a 3.5% FHA down payment runs about $13,800. Minnesota’s down payment assistance programs can cover some or all of that depending on which you qualify for.
Does Minnesota have down payment assistance for first-time buyers?
Yes, and it is among the strongest in the country. The Minnesota Housing Start Up program provides up to $18,000. The First Generation Homebuyer program provides up to $35,000 for qualifying buyers. Minneapolis and other cities also offer additional local programs that can stack on top. We will find the ones that apply to you.
Can I get pre-approved before I find a home in Minnesota?
Yes, and you should. The Twin Cities metro moves quickly on well-priced homes. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you are ready and your financing is already in motion. It also gives you a clear budget before you start touring. You can start your pre-approval right here.
What is the FHA loan limit in Minnesota?
For 2026, the FHA loan limit for most Minnesota counties is $524,225 for a single-family home. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area may have higher limits depending on specific county data. Your limit depends on the county where you are buying.
What makes Pride Lending different from other mortgage lenders in Minnesota?
Pride Lending was built for buyers who have not always felt welcome in this industry, including LGBTQ+ buyers, BIPOC communities, first-time buyers, and self-employed borrowers. Paul Holzmeyer brings a personal, no-pressure approach and hands-on experience with Minnesota’s down payment assistance programs. You are not getting a call center. You are getting a loan officer who is genuinely invested in getting you to the closing table.