You served our country. The Twin Cities Hero Program thanks you with real savings and a team that knows how to compare every loan option you’ve earned.
A partnership of
In short: Active and former military members 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 conventional loan, with low or no down payment options, reduced mortgage insurance rates, no income limits and a discounted lender fee. Veterans who sell get the $500 credit and the $150 Legacy Title discount too.
VA loans offer no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, but carry a funding fee for many borrowers. Ask Jeff to compare a VA loan side by side with a Community Heroes conventional loan.
Veterans who receive VA disability compensation are generally exempt from the VA funding fee, which can make a VA loan even more attractive. Jeff will factor that in.
Drilling with the Minnesota National Guard or a Reserve unit? Tim can help you find a home with a reasonable drive to your armory or base.
A DD-214 or statement of service and your Certificate of Eligibility make the process faster. Jeff can help you request the COE.
With Jeff Zajac, NMLS #373627
With Tim Gordon, Pederson Realty
With Pam Becker, Executive Closer
Answer a few quick questions online or call or text 651-321-3192. It takes about 30 seconds.
Jeff Zajac calls you to review your goals, compare loan options and get you pre-approved with your Community Heroes savings.
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.
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.
651-200-3777 · Lake Elmo office
The program is for active and former military. Guard and Reserve members should tell us their status on the form, and Jeff will confirm eligibility.
The $500 Pederson Realty credit and the Legacy Title discount apply whether or not you use a VA loan. TruStone’s Community Heroes pricing applies to conventional loans, so Jeff will help you compare which option saves you more.
Yes. The program is open to current and former military members.
Ask Jeff. Eligibility is based on the borrower, so how you and your spouse title the loan can matter.
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.
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.
The program also serves:
Two quick steps. No credit check, no obligation. Jeff will reach out to confirm your savings and answer questions.