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Mortgage tips, home loan guidance, and hyperlocal market insights from Andrew B. Nilssen (NMLS 253300) to help Minnesota and Wisconsin homebuyers make confident decisions.

Living in Minnesota, Buying in Wisconsin: A Cross-Border Homebuyer's Guide

Thinking about trading the Twin Cities for Hudson, River Falls, or the St. Croix Valley? Here is what changes when you buy across the MN-WI border, and what stays the same.

Jun 10, 2026 • Andrew B. Nilssen

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Two neighboring midwestern homes side by side on a tree-lined street

Mortgage Basics

FHA vs Conventional Loans: Which Is Right for Minnesota and Wisconsin Buyers?

FHA's easier credit standards or conventional's cancellable mortgage insurance? How MN and WI buyers should choose, with the trade-offs spelled out in plain language.

Jun 10, 2026

Historic river town with church steeples and a marina on a wide blue river

First-Time Buyers

The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Hudson, WI and the St. Croix Valley

From pre-approval to closing day in Hudson, River Falls, and St. Croix County: what first-time buyers should expect, what things cost, and the local programs that help.

Jun 10, 2026

Suburban Minnesota starter home on a leafy residential street in spring

Loan Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Minnesota: Start Up, Down Payment Help, and More

Minnesota Housing's Start Up program and down payment assistance can put east metro buyers in a home sooner. Here is how the programs work and who qualifies.

Jun 10, 2026

Kitchen table with a small model house, notebook, and coffee mug in morning light

Mortgage Basics

How Much House Can I Actually Afford? A No-Nonsense Guide

Lenders approve you for a maximum. Smart buyers shop below it. Here is how debt-to-income really works and how to set a budget you will not regret.

Jun 10, 2026

Tidy home office desk with a folder of documents, laptop, and reading glasses

First-Time Buyers

The Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist: Documents, Timeline, and Mistakes to Avoid

Everything you need for a mortgage pre-approval in Minnesota or Wisconsin: the exact document list, how long it takes, and the missteps that derail buyers.

Jun 10, 2026

House keys resting on closing documents on a wooden table

Local Insights

Minnesota vs Wisconsin: How Closing Costs and the Buying Process Differ

Transfer taxes, property tax timing, escrow setup: the real differences between closing on a home in Minnesota versus Wisconsin, explained by a dual-licensed broker.

Jun 10, 2026

White farmhouse and red barn on rolling Wisconsin countryside

Loan Programs

USDA Loans in the St. Croix Valley: Zero Down in Wisconsin's Small Towns

USDA loans offer zero-down financing in eligible rural areas, and that includes many small towns across St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties. Here is how to check.

Jun 10, 2026

Brick American home with white columns and a flag on the front porch

Loan Programs

VA Loans in Minnesota and Wisconsin: The Benefit Too Many Veterans Leave Unused

Zero down, no monthly mortgage insurance, competitive rates. How VA loans work for veterans buying in the Twin Cities east metro and western Wisconsin.

Jun 10, 2026

Classic Wisconsin craftsman bungalow home on a tree-lined street

Loan Programs

WHEDA Loans Explained: Wisconsin's Best-Kept Secret for First-Time Buyers

WHEDA offers Wisconsin first-time buyers competitive fixed rates and down payment assistance. Here is how the program works in Hudson, River Falls, and across St. Croix County.

Jun 10, 2026

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