Fairway Independent Mortgage Lending Lakes & CoVA Home Loans
Earned benefit · $0 down

Your service earned you a better way home.

VA loans let qualified Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. See what you qualify for in under two minutes.

  • $0 down payment
  • No monthly PMI
  • Competitive rates
  • Reusable benefit
Ashland Alitz
Ashland AlitzBranch Sales Manager · NMLS #1584948
See if you qualify for a VA loan
No credit pull · No obligation
Ashland Alitz, Branch Sales Manager and VA loan officer with Lending Lakes & Co
2025 Rising StarHousingWire · Fairway
Meet your loan officer

Guiding Minnesota families home.

Ashland Alitz · Branch Sales Manager · NMLS #1584948

I'm Ashland Alitz, the loan officer behind Lending Lakes & Co at Fairway Independent Mortgage. Over the past eight years I've grown from a brand-new loan officer into a top producer leading one of Fairway's strongest Minneapolis branches.

In 2024 our branch helped more than 900 families reach homeownership, and I personally closed 126 loans totaling $43.7 million. For Veterans and military families, my job is simple: make sure the benefit you earned actually works for you — explained in plain language, from eligibility all the way to closing.

$43.7Mfunded in 2024
126loans closed in 2024
900+families · branch, 2024
Call or text (612) 505-7663 Check my eligibility
Why a VA loan

Benefits built for those who served

The VA home loan is one of the strongest financing tools available — and it doesn't expire.

No down payment

Eligible borrowers can finance up to 100% of the purchase price — keep your savings where you want them.

No monthly PMI

Conventional loans under 20% down charge mortgage insurance. VA loans never do — lower payment, every month.

Competitive rates

Backed by the VA guaranty, these loans often price below comparable conventional options.

Reusable benefit

Your entitlement can be restored and used again — this isn't a one-time-only program.

Flexible qualifying

More forgiving credit and debt-to-income guidelines help more service members get to the closing table.

Limited closing costs

The VA caps certain fees lenders can charge, protecting you from surprise costs at closing.

Not sure where to start? Check your eligibility in two minutes.
A few quick questions — and we'll flag if you may already be eligible.
Who qualifies

You may be eligible if you're a…

Service requirements vary by era and duty type. The fastest way to know is to check — it only takes a moment.

VeteranMet service length for your era
Active dutyGenerally 90+ continuous days
Guard / ReserveQualifying years of service
Surviving spouseOf a qualifying service member
Questions, answered

VA loan questions, in plain language

Straight answers to what Minnesota Veterans and military families ask us most.

Do VA loans really require no down payment?
Yes. Eligible borrowers can finance up to 100% of a home's purchase price with no down payment, as long as the sale price doesn't exceed the appraised value. It's one of the few loan programs that allows true $0-down financing.
Who qualifies for a VA loan in Minnesota?
VA loans are available to eligible Veterans, active-duty service members (generally after 90+ continuous days), many National Guard and Reserve members, and some surviving spouses. Service requirements vary by era and duty type, so the fastest way to know is to check your eligibility.
Do VA loans require monthly mortgage insurance (PMI)?
No. VA loans never charge monthly private mortgage insurance, even with no down payment — which usually means a lower monthly payment than a comparable low-down-payment conventional loan.
What is the VA funding fee?
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that helps keep the program running. The amount depends on your down payment and whether you've used your benefit before, and it can usually be financed into the loan. Some borrowers, including many with a service-connected disability, are exempt.
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes. Your VA entitlement can be restored and reused — it isn't a one-time benefit. Many Veterans use a VA loan several times over their lives.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
The VA doesn't set a minimum credit score; individual lenders set their own guidelines, and VA loans are often more flexible than conventional loans. The best step is to talk through your situation so we can review your options.
Is there a limit to how much I can borrow with a VA loan?
For eligible borrowers with full entitlement, there is no VA loan limit — your purchasing power depends on what you can qualify for, not a capped amount. Limits may apply if you have reduced entitlement from a previous VA loan.
More than a mortgage

Giving back to those who served

Fairway founded the American Warrior Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds life-changing service dogs for veterans and first responders. In 2025, AWI celebrated funding its 400th service dog.

Learn more about the American Warrior Initiative →