Minnesota Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete Minnesota mortgage guide covers FHA limits by county, Minnesota Housing down payment assistance programs, USDA rural loans, VA resources for Minnesota veterans, and a complete closing cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a Minnesota Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Minnesota — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Minnesota Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by county, loan program comparison, property tax overview, and how the Minnesota housing market affects your financing options.
Read guide →Minnesota First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Minnesota Housing Start Up and Step Up loans, down payment assistance up to $18,000, and income and purchase-price limits by region — compared side by side.
Read guide →Minnesota FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits for the Twin Cities metro ($552,000), Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and every other Minnesota county.
Read guide →Minnesota VA Loan Requirements
VA entitlement, 2026 funding fee chart, and resources for Minnesota National Guard members and veterans statewide.
Read guide →Minnesota USDA Loans
2026 USDA income limits for Minnesota metro areas, eligible rural and suburban areas outside the Twin Cities core, and how zero-down USDA compares to FHA.
Read guide →Minnesota Closing Costs Guide
Minnesota’s deed tax and mortgage registry tax, title company vs. attorney closings, property tax prorations, and a complete fee-by-fee breakdown for Minnesota buyers.
Read guide →Key Minnesota Mortgage Facts
FHA Loan Limits
- Twin Cities metro (13-county): $552,000
- Duluth (St. Louis County): $541,287
- Rochester (Olmsted County): $541,287
- St. Cloud (Stearns County): $541,287
- All other MN counties: $541,287
Down Payment Assistance
- Start Up: below-market rate for first-time buyers
- Step Up: available to repeat buyers, statewide
- Deferred Payment Loan Plus: up to $18,000 at 0% interest
- Monthly Payment Loan: up to $14,000
- Income limits vary by region — Twin Cities metro allows higher qualifying income
USDA Income Limits
- Standard limit: $122,800 (1–4 person) / $162,100 (5–8 person)
- Metro areas are assigned higher limits — verify your county
- FY2026 figures, effective July 13, 2026
Closing Cost Highlights
- State deed tax: 0.33% of sale price (0.34% in Hennepin/Ramsey)
- Mortgage registry tax: 0.23% of loan amount
- Title companies commonly handle closings
- Property tax proration at closing
- Typical buyer costs: 2%–3% of purchase price
Buying or Refinancing in Minnesota?
Minnesota offers unique advantages — Minnesota Housing down payment assistance up to $18,000, competitive FHA limits across the Twin Cities metro, and USDA zero-down financing in eligible areas outside the urban core. Our guides above break down all of it, and every figure links to the official source so you can verify current terms.
- ✓ Check Start Up and Step Up eligibility and current terms at mnhousing.gov
- ✓ Confirm your county’s 2026 FHA limit with HUD’s lookup tool
- ✓ Compare FHA vs. USDA vs. conventional using our loan program guides
- ✓ Estimate your total cash to close with our closing cost guide
Coming soon · No obligation · Educational first
Minnesota Advisor Network — Coming Soon
We currently connect buyers with licensed mortgage advisors in Florida and Utah. Minnesota is on our expansion list. In the meantime, our Minnesota guides and the official program links above have everything you need to research your purchase.
Join the Minnesota Waitlist