Questions people are actually asking

No. Conversations, pre-approvals, payment math, program comparisons — all free. Loan officers are paid through the loan transaction when you close, not by you writing a check for advice.

Fair question, and here's the honest answer: Ella works within the Lending Lakes & Co team at Fairway, so every file gets experienced review alongside her attention. What you get from a newer loan officer is responsiveness and time — you're a priority, not file #47. What you get from the team behind her is depth. You can verify anyone's license history, including Ella's, at NMLS Consumer Access.

Ella is licensed in Minnesota (NMLS #2829511) with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, dba Fairway Home Mortgage. You can verify her license anytime at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Nope — in fact, lender-first is usually the better order. Get pre-approved so you know your range, then shop. If you need a great agent, Ella can recommend ones her team trusts.

This website collects nothing — no forms, no trackers, no cookies. When you're ready to apply, everything happens inside Fairway's secure corporate systems, never over email or text. That's a hard rule.

Conventional loans start at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA/USDA can be 0% for eligible buyers. Minnesota Housing down payment assistance can cover part of it for qualifying buyers. The 20% rule is a myth — it avoids PMI, but it's never been a requirement.

Generally: 620+ for conventional, and FHA can work lower — sometimes in the 500s. Higher scores earn better pricing. If your score needs work, Ella can point at exactly what would move it rather than guessing.

Honest answer: it depends — on your credit, down payment, loan type, property, and the market on the day you lock. Anyone quoting you a rate before knowing those things is marketing, not lending. Ella will give you real numbers built on your real scenario.

Yes, on most programs — it needs to be a true gift (not a loan) with a short gift letter and a paper trail. A large share of first-time buyers use gift funds. Totally normal.

Often within 1–2 business days of getting your documents in — sometimes same-day. The conversation before it takes about fifteen minutes.

Typically around 30 days from accepted offer to closing, assuming documents move promptly. Ella's team maps every milestone so you always know where you are.

Nobody can time rates — truly nobody. If rates drop meaningfully after you buy, refinancing exists. If prices rise while you wait, that's gone forever. Buy when your life and budget are ready; treat the rate as adjustable-later.

Earlier than feels necessary — 6 to 12 months out is genuinely useful. Early conversations surface credit fixes, savings targets, and program options while there's still time to act on them. Worst case, you find out you're more ready than you thought.