Fairway Home Mortgage · Eden Prairie, MN
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or financing an investment property, I'll help you find the right loan with straight answers and a smooth process — start to closing and beyond.
About Ben
Ben Musselman is a Mortgage Loan Officer with Fairway Home Mortgage (Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation), NMLS #1600154, based at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota branch. He works with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, homeowners looking to refinance, and real estate investors across the Minneapolis–St. Paul Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota.
Ben offers the full range of Fairway Home Mortgage programs — Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance options, and investor financing including DSCR loans that qualify on a property's cash flow. He's individually licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan.
The mortgage process can feel intimidating. Ben's job is to make it clear: explain your options in plain language, set realistic expectations up front, and keep you updated at every milestone.
— Ready when you are. Call or text 651-800-5510.
Loan Programs
Four core programs cover most situations. Not sure which fits? That's exactly the conversation to have — reach out and we'll match the loan to your goals.
Flexible, widely used financing for primary homes, second homes, and investment property. Conventional 97 lets qualified buyers put just 3% down, and mortgage insurance can drop off once you reach 20% equity.
Government-backed loans with more forgiving credit and down payment requirements. A popular choice for first-time buyers and anyone rebuilding credit.
A hard-earned benefit for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses — no down payment required and no monthly mortgage insurance.
Zero-down financing for eligible rural and many suburban areas, with income limits by county. A strong option outside the urban core of the Twin Cities.
First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home is a big step, but it doesn't have to be confusing. Here's exactly how it goes when you work with Ben.
We review your credit, income, and goals and issue a pre-approval so you know your price range before you shop.
We map out your comfortable monthly payment — not just the maximum — including taxes, insurance, and any HOA.
With a pre-approval in hand, you and your real estate agent can make strong, credible offers.
When you find the right home, we'll provide the pre-approval and support your agent needs to compete.
We order the appraisal and gather documentation while your file moves through processing.
Underwriting reviews the full file. We'll let you know about any conditions and help you clear them quickly.
You sign, funds are disbursed, and the home is yours. We're here for questions long after closing.
Coming up with a down payment is the most common hurdle for first-time buyers. Minnesota Housing and other programs can help eligible buyers cover part of their down payment and closing costs. Ask Ben whether you qualify — it may put homeownership closer than you think.
Investor & Rental Property
Building a rental portfolio? A Debt-Service-Coverage-Ratio loan looks at the property's cash flow instead of your personal income — a flexible tool for real estate investors.
We compare the property's rent to its full payment (PITIA). Strong rent can carry the loan on its own.
Many DSCR programs skip personal income documentation, which keeps things simple for self-employed and full-time investors.
Hold the property in the name of your entity — a common structure for investors.
Because qualifying is property-based, DSCR loans can make it easier to grow beyond a handful of doors.
Estimate a property's debt-service-coverage ratio. Illustrative only.
Calculators
Quick estimates to help you plan. These are for illustration only — your actual numbers depend on a full review. Ready for real figures? Let's talk.
Principal, interest, and estimated escrow.
A rough price range based on income and debts.
*Estimates use illustrative tax, insurance, and mortgage-insurance assumptions and a 43% debt-to-income guideline. Your actual figures will vary. Not a loan approval, rate quote, or commitment to lend.
Questions & Answers
Ben Musselman is a Mortgage Loan Officer with Fairway Home Mortgage (Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation), NMLS #1600154, based at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota branch. He helps buyers and homeowners with conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA financing, first-time homebuyer programs, and investor loans including DSCR. You can reach Ben directly at 651-800-5510.
Ben works out of the Eden Prairie branch at 7500 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 900, and serves clients across the Minneapolis–St. Paul Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota. He is individually licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Call or text Ben at 651-800-5510, email ben.musselman@fairwaymc.com, or start a secure application online through his Fairway apply link. There is no cost or obligation to get pre-qualified.
Conventional (including Conventional 97 with 3% down), FHA, VA, and USDA loans, plus first-time homebuyer programs, down payment assistance options, jumbo financing, and investor loans including DSCR (debt-service-coverage) financing for rental property.
It depends on the program. VA and USDA loans can allow 0% down for eligible borrowers, FHA is as low as 3.5%, and Conventional 97 allows 3% down. Minnesota down payment assistance programs may help cover part of your down payment and closing costs. Talk to Ben about which fits your situation.
Requirements vary by program. FHA loans are often available to borrowers with lower scores, while conventional loans typically reward higher scores with better terms. Ben can review your credit and outline a realistic path, including steps to strengthen your profile before you apply.
A DSCR (Debt-Service-Coverage Ratio) loan qualifies an investment property on the property's own cash flow rather than your personal income. The lender compares the property's rent to its full payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any HOA — "PITIA"). A ratio of 1.0 means rent exactly covers the payment; many programs look for 1.0 to 1.25 or higher. These loans often skip tax returns and pay stubs and can close in the name of an LLC.
Yes. Many DSCR programs allow the loan to close in the name of a limited liability company or other entity, which is one reason real estate investors use them. Guidelines vary by program — Ben can confirm what's available for your scenario.
First-time buyer programs aren't a single loan — they're a combination of low-down-payment loans (like FHA or Conventional 97), down payment assistance, and education that make a first purchase more attainable. Ben walks first-time buyers through each step from pre-approval to closing.
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you share. Pre-approval is a stronger step where your credit, income, and assets are reviewed, giving you a documented price range and more credibility with sellers. Final loan approval is always subject to a full underwriting review.
Timelines vary with the program, your documentation, and the transaction. Getting pre-approved early and responding quickly to document requests are the two biggest things that keep a file moving. Ben sets expectations up front and keeps you updated at each milestone.
Refinancing can make sense to lower your rate, change your term, switch loan types, or tap equity — but it depends on your rate, remaining balance, how long you plan to stay, and closing costs. Ben can run the numbers with you so you can decide whether it's worth it.
Yes. VA loans offer eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses benefits like 0% down and no monthly mortgage insurance. Ben can help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility and structure the loan.
No. Getting pre-qualified and discussing your options with Ben is free and carries no obligation. You only move forward when you're ready.
Getting pre-qualified is free, fast, and carries no obligation. Reach out and let's talk about your goals.
