FAQ
The questions that come up most, with the answers Ashland actually gives. If yours isn't here, it's a text away.
Working with Ashland
How do I get in touch with Ashland Alitz?
Text or call 612-505-7663 — texting is fastest. You can also email ashland.alitz@fairwaymc.com or start an application through her official Fairway Home Mortgage profile. Ashland is based at Fairway's Eden Prairie, MN branch and serves buyers and homeowners across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
What does it cost to ask Ashland a question?
Nothing. Questions, payment estimates, refinance break-even math and pre-approval conversations are free. Lender costs only appear if and when you close a loan, and they are disclosed on your Loan Estimate.
Who is Ashland Alitz?
Ashland Alitz is a Branch Sales Manager and Loan Officer with Fairway Home Mortgage (NMLS #1584948) in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and leads the Lending Lakes & Co team. She has originated loans since 2016, was named a 2025 HousingWire Rising Star and a Scotsman Guide 2025 Top Originator, and is licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and seven other states.
Do I need a real estate agent to work with Ashland?
No — but Ashland works best as part of a team with your agent, and she can introduce you to agents she trusts if you do not have one. You are always free to choose any licensed agent.
Does Ashland work with my real estate agent directly?
Yes. Ashland runs offer-day numbers with your agent, calls the listing agent with every offer, and keeps your agent updated at every milestone so nobody is chasing anyone for status.
Is Ashland available on evenings and weekends?
Ashland aims to be reachable seven days a week, because showings and offer deadlines do not keep office hours. Text is the fastest way to reach her.
Money questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
As little as 3% on conventional loans for qualified first-time buyers, 3.5% on FHA, and $0 on VA or USDA loans for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance from Minnesota Housing, WHEDA (Wisconsin) or the Iowa Finance Authority may cover some or all of it for eligible households.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
Conventional programs generally start around 620. FHA guidelines allow lower scores with 3.5% down. If your score is not where you want it, Ashland can map out what moves it and when buying makes sense.
What will my monthly payment be?
Use the calculator on this site for an instant estimate including principal, interest, taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance. Then text Ashland the address and price for numbers specific to that home and your scenario.
What are closing costs?
Fees to finalize the loan and transfer the home — typically roughly 2–4% of the purchase price. They can sometimes be covered partly by seller credits or lender credits, within program limits.
Can my family help with the down payment?
Yes. Gift funds from family are allowed on conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans with a gift letter and a documented transfer.
Can I buy a house on one income?
Yes. Single buyers and one-income households qualify every day. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, not the number of names on the application, and programs like FHA, USDA and state down payment assistance are built for buyers who qualify on income but are short on savings. Ashland built her team around buyers in exactly this spot.
Refinancing questions
Should I refinance my mortgage?
Refinance when the total savings outlast the cost. The quick test: divide the closing costs by the monthly savings — that is how many months until the refinance pays for itself. If you will stay in the home well past that point, it is worth a real look. Ashland runs the break-even math for free and will tell you to keep your current loan if that is the better move.
How much does it cost to refinance?
Typical refinance closing costs run roughly 2–3% of the loan amount, and they can often be rolled into the new loan. The exact figure is shown on your Loan Estimate so you can compare the cost to the monthly savings before you decide.
Can I refinance to get rid of FHA mortgage insurance?
Often, yes. With roughly 20% equity, refinancing from an FHA loan into a conventional loan can remove mortgage insurance entirely — sometimes saving hundreds a month even when the rate barely changes.
What is a cash-out refinance?
A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a larger one and gives you the difference in cash — commonly used for renovations, consolidating higher-interest debt, or other large goals. It is a new first mortgage with its own rate and term, so the break-even math matters just as much as it does for a rate-and-term refinance.
How soon after buying can I refinance?
It depends on the loan program and the type of refinance — some streamline options require a minimum number of payments on the current loan, and cash-out refinances typically require a seasoning period. Ashland can tell you the earliest date that makes sense for your loan.
Timing questions
How long does pre-approval take?
Typically a day or two once Ashland has your complete documents — often the same day. Incomplete paperwork is the most common delay, which is why the pre-approval checklist exists.
Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit?
A mortgage pre-approval is one hard inquiry — typically a few points, temporarily. Multiple mortgage inquiries in a short shopping window count as one.
How long does it take to close on a house?
Commonly 30–45 days from accepted offer to closing, depending on the contract, appraisal and underwriting. Ashland sets a realistic date with you and your agent on offer day.
Should I wait for rates to come down?
Nobody can predict rates. The better question is whether the payment fits comfortably today. If rates fall later, refinancing is an option; the purchase price you lock in today never changes.
Minnesota, Wisconsin & Iowa
Is there down payment assistance for first-time home buyers in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota Housing's Start Up program pairs a first mortgage with deferred or monthly-payment loans for down payment and closing costs for eligible first-time buyers. Income and purchase-price limits vary by county, and Ashland checks eligibility as part of pre-approval.
Can I buy a home in Wisconsin with Ashland?
Yes. Ashland is licensed in Wisconsin and regularly works with buyers across western Wisconsin and the rest of the state. WHEDA first mortgages with Easy Close and Capital Access assistance are available to eligible Wisconsin buyers.
Can I buy a home in Iowa with Ashland?
Yes. Ashland is licensed in Iowa (license #42587). First-time buyers in Iowa may qualify for the Iowa Finance Authority's FirstHome program, and repeat buyers for Homes for Iowans — both with down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible households.
Does Ashland lend in other states?
Ashland is licensed in ten states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, where this site is focused. The full license list is on the disclosures page and on NMLS Consumer Access.
Ready when you are
No dumb questions, no pressure, no forms to fill out. Text Ashland what you are wondering about and get a straight answer — usually the same day, nights and weekends included.
Applications happen on Fairway's secure site — never here.