In short: Current and former firefighters who buy a home in the Twin Cities through the program get a $500 closing cost credit from Pederson Realty, $150 off the closing fee at Legacy Title, and at least $650 in savings from TruStone Home Mortgage’s Community Heroes loan, with low or no down payment options, reduced mortgage insurance rates, no income limits and a discounted lender fee. Firefighters who sell get the $500 credit and the $150 Legacy Title discount too.
Made for your job
Buying a home on a firefighter’s schedule
Use your days off
On a 24-on, 48-off rotation? Tim can stack showings into your off days so you see more homes in less time.
Overtime and second jobs
Many firefighters pick up overtime or run a side business. Jeff will explain how that income can count and what records to gather.
Room for the gear and the projects
Garage space, a workshop, a bigger yard: Tim knows where to find the homes firefighters actually want in the metro.
A smooth closing
Pam’s team at Legacy Title coordinates the details so closing day fits your shift.
What you save
Your savings, partner by partner
$650+
Community Heroes loan savings
Low or no down payment options
Reduced mortgage insurance rates
Discounted lender fee
No income limits
Competitive rates and expert guidance
With Jeff Zajac, NMLS #373627
$500
Closing cost credit for buyers and sellers
Applied at closing
No minimum price, no cap, no deadline
A builder’s eye on every home you tour
One-on-one service and tough negotiation
With Tim Gordon, Pederson Realty
$150
Off the closing fee for buyers and sellers
Locally owned Minnesota title company
Wire fraud protection on every closing
12 metro-area locations
Clear answers before closing day
With Pam Becker, Executive Closer
How it works
Three simple steps
Check your eligibility
Answer a few quick questions online or call or text 651-321-3192. It takes about 30 seconds.
Talk with Jeff
Jeff Zajac calls you to review your goals, compare loan options and get you pre-approved with your Community Heroes savings.
Buy or sell, then close
Tim at Pederson Realty helps you find the home or sell yours, and Pam at Legacy Title handles a smooth closing, with your credits applied.
$650
Selling a home? You save too.
Eligible heroes who sell get a $500 closing credit from Pederson Realty plus $150 off Legacy Title’s closing fee. Buying and selling? You save on both sides.
Jeff has been in residential lending since 2003 and with TruStone since 2014. He is a perennial Scotsman Guide Top Loan Originator, a four-time Super Mortgage Professional (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business) and sits on the board of the Minnesota Mortgage Association. Off the clock he coaches and officiates youth hockey.
Tim grew up on Pederson Homes construction sites, starting at age 12, and he still walks through a house the way a builder would. At every showing he looks for what most buyers miss: siding and flashing that let water in, cracks that signal real structural movement, aging furnaces and wiring, and grading that sends water toward the foundation. Spotting those problems before you make an offer protects your budget and gives you leverage. When you sell, he handles the marketing and paperwork from start to finish.
Pam brings more than 20 years of closing experience and is known for her attention to detail and clear communication. She handles everything from FHA and VA closings to down payment assistance and tricky title issues, so your closing is accurate, seamless and stress-free.
Do paid-on-call or volunteer firefighters qualify?
Many Minnesota departments use paid-on-call firefighters. Tell us your role on the form and Jeff will confirm whether you qualify.
Do EMTs and paramedics qualify?
The program lists firefighters. If you’re an EMT or paramedic, ask Jeff. Some healthcare roles may qualify under the healthcare category.
Do retired firefighters qualify?
Yes. The program is open to current and former firefighters.
Can I use the program to sell my home too?
Yes. Firefighters who sell get the $500 Pederson Realty credit and $150 off Legacy Title’s closing fee.
How much can I save?
Buyers save at least $1,300: a $500 closing cost credit from Pederson Realty, $150 off the closing fee at Legacy Title, and at least $650 from TruStone Home Mortgage’s Community Heroes loan, which includes a discounted lender fee and reduced mortgage insurance rates. Sellers get the $500 credit and the $150 title discount, a combined $650.
How do I get started?
The Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro, including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Scott and Carver counties, plus surrounding communities. Not sure about your area? Ask us.