You spend your days investing in our kids. The Twin Cities Hero Program puts real money back in your pocket when you buy or sell a home anywhere in the metro.
A partnership of
In short: Current and former teachers 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. Teachers who sell get the $500 credit and the $150 Legacy Title discount too.
Many teachers aim to close in June, July or August so the move doesn’t collide with the school year. Getting pre-approved in late winter or spring gives you time to shop before the busy summer market.
If you’re paid over 12 months on a 9- or 10-month contract, or you earn coaching and activity stipends, Jeff can walk you through how that income is counted before you start touring homes.
Whether you teach in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Anoka-Hennepin, South Washington County or any district in between, Tim can help you weigh neighborhoods by drive time and price.
Minnesota has down payment assistance programs that may pair with your loan. Browse them at MN Down Payment Funds, then ask Jeff what you can combine.
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
Yes. The program is open to current and former teachers.
The program lists teachers. If you work in a school in a different role, tell us on the form. Jeff will confirm whether you qualify before you count on any of the savings.
No. The Pederson Realty credit and the Legacy Title discount are not limited to first-time buyers. Jeff will confirm which TruStone loan options fit your situation.
If you want to move over summer break, start with a pre-approval about three to five months before your target move date. That leaves time to shop, make an offer and close before school starts.
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.