Home About FAQ Videos Tools Calculator Rates States Iowa Minnesota Wisconsin Florida Contact Book a Call

Home Loans
Built on Trust.

Serving buyers and homeowners across Iowa and Minnesota — with a process that's actually smooth, communication that's actually clear, and a team that actually shows up.

Purchase Refinance Book a Call
300+Families Closed
100%Referral-Based
4States Licensed
5★Google Rating
Jared Nicolaisen
300+ Families Closed

About Jared

The Lender Your
Agent Already Trusts.

Jared has helped hundreds of families buy and refinance homes across Iowa and Minnesota. His business runs entirely on referrals — not ads, not cold calls — because when clients close with Jared, they come back. And they send their people.

Iowa is where he built his business. Minnesota is where he's expanding it — running and managing the MN branch himself with the same standards, same process, and same commitment to a 5-star experience.

He's not here to sell you a loan. He's here to make sure you understand exactly what you're doing, feel confident doing it, and look back on the experience as the easiest part of buying your home.

★★★★★
"I felt as if I was family. The whole process was a pleasant experience — I was well informed every step of the way."
First-Time Buyer — Des Moines, IA
Learn More About Jared

Client Stories

What Our Clients Say

Real reviews from real clients and agents

Google Review
★★★★★

"Jared is one of the best in the business. He is constantly finding solutions custom tailored to his clients needs. He is clear in his communication and responds in a timely fashion. When you are considering lenders, he is one that I highly recommend!"

Nathan Herbers
Des Moines, Iowa
Realtor
Google Review
★★★★★

"Jared was the one who calmed the storms and gave us a new perspective. We were a tricky case and on the first phone call Jared said 'this isn't a problem and we will get this closed for you guys.' The confidence he had in that one phone call is what reassured us we made the right decision. Everything was beyond exceptional. Words alone could not describe how grateful we are to Jared and his team!"

Breanna Kissel
First-Time Homebuyer
Client
Google Review
★★★★★

"Jared is the smoothest mortgage guy I've worked with in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas in Minnesota. His process is dialed in and he can be creative and adapt when he needs to. Great service, great communication, great human being. Highly recommend."

Sam Erickson
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Realtor
Google Review
★★★★★

"I can't say enough good things about Jared. He was so helpful, kind, efficient, and knowledgeable when it came to us buying our first home. He made the experience personal and made connections with us outside of buying a home. He is truly the best and we will recommend him to anyone we know buying a house!"

Kylie Roslien
First-Time Homebuyer
Client
Google Review
★★★★★

"Working with Jared as my mortgage lender was amazing, 10/10 would recommend. I thought getting a loan for my first home was going to be stressful and I couldn't have been more wrong. He made me feel like a V.I.P. the whole time. Between being thorough answering all my questions and helping me save money throughout the process — he was there for every step. For sure my go to lender for future purchases!"

Joseph Loffredo
First-Time Homebuyer
Client
★★★★★ 5.0 Google Reviews

Markets Served

Iowa & Minnesota.

Iowa

Licensed & Active

Deep roots in Iowa's housing market. From first-time buyers to move-up families and refinances — Jared has helped hundreds of Iowa homeowners navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Des Moines · Cedar Rapids · Ames · Iowa City

Minnesota

Licensed & Growing

Jared personally runs and manages the Minnesota branch — built on the same referral-based standards Iowa clients have trusted for years.

Twin Cities · Rochester · Duluth · St. Cloud

Find Us On Social

Follow Along

Ready to Get Started?

Book a free discovery call — no pressure, just a conversation about your goals.

About

I'm Jared.
I Do Mortgages Differently.

Not because I have a gimmick. Because I actually care about whether you understand what you're signing.

Jared Nicolaisen

What to Expect

Straight answers from day one — no runaround, no vague timelines

Pre-approvals in 1–3 days team-assisted, or same-day expedited

Clear communication throughout — you'll never wonder where things stand

A team built to close on time without drama

A lender who stays in touch long after closing day

About Jared

The Lender Your
Agent Already Trusts.

Most people go through the homebuying process feeling like they're just checking boxes. My job is to make sure you're never in that position.

I've been doing this long enough to know that the loan is only part of it. The real job is making sure you feel confident at every step — from the first conversation to the day you get your keys. That means straight answers, no sugarcoating, and communication that doesn't drop off the second things get complicated.

My business is 100% referral-based. No ads. No cold leads. Just past clients who send their friends because they had a great experience.

I work with buyers and homeowners across Iowa and Minnesota — and I'm licensed in Wisconsin and Florida as well. Iowa is where I built this business. Minnesota is where I'm expanding it, running and managing that branch myself. Same standards, same process, same commitment to a 5-star experience in both markets.

I grew up in New Hampton, Iowa and graduated from Luther College with degrees in Data Science and Business Management. I take this work seriously. I also try to make it fun — cookies on closing day, sports schedule mailers, videos that actually explain things. If I can bring some energy to a process that's normally stressful, I'm going to do it.

Book a Discovery Call Get Pre-Approved

Ready to Work Together?

Start with a discovery call. No pressure — just a conversation.

Book a Free Call

FAQ

Common Mortgage
Questions Answered.

These are the questions I get asked every week. If yours isn't here, just reach out — I'll answer it straight.

Buying a Home
How do I get started buying a home? +
Start with a discovery call. We'll talk through your income, debts, and goals to make sure we're the right fit — then decide together whether the next step is getting an application started. No pressure, just clarity.
How fast can I get pre-approved? +
We have two options. Our team-assisted approval runs 1–3 days — a full team of pros works through your file. Need it faster? I jump in personally and we can get it done same day. Either way, the timeline depends mostly on how quickly we can get your documents — pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and ID.
What credit score do I need to buy a house? +
It depends on the loan type. Conventional loans generally want a 620 or higher. FHA loans can go down to 580. VA loans are more flexible. Credit score is just one piece — income, debt load, and down payment matter too. If your score isn't where you want it, let's talk.
How much do I need for a down payment? +
Less than most people think. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% down. FHA is 3.5%. VA and USDA loans can be 0% down if you qualify. The question isn't always "how much do I have" — it's "what's the smartest way to use what I have."
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved? +
Pre-qualified is a rough estimate based on what you tell me. Pre-approved means I've actually verified your income, credit, and assets — and a seller can take that seriously. In competitive Iowa and Minnesota markets, a strong pre-approval can be the difference between getting the house and losing it.
What is PMI and do I have to pay it? +
PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) kicks in when you put less than 20% down on a conventional loan. It protects the lender — not you. The cost is often smaller than people expect and it's not permanent. Once you hit 20% equity, it can be removed. There are also loan structures that avoid PMI entirely.
What are closing costs and how much should I expect? +
Closing costs typically run 2–4% of the loan amount and cover appraisal, title insurance, lender fees, and prepaid items. I give you a clear Loan Estimate early in the process so nothing catches you off guard at the closing table.
The Process
What documents do I need to apply? +
The core list: last two years of W-2s or tax returns, last two pay stubs, last two months of bank statements, and a valid ID. Self-employed? Add business tax returns and possibly a P&L. I'll walk you through exactly what's needed for your situation.
How long does the mortgage process take? +
From application to closing, plan for 30–45 days. The biggest factor in keeping things on track? Responding quickly when I ask for something. My team is built to move fast — we just need you in the game with us.
What is an escrow account? +
An escrow account collects a portion of your property taxes and homeowner's insurance each month. When those bills come due, they're paid automatically from the account. If you escrow, do NOT also pay those bills directly — you'll pay double.
What happens at closing? +
You sit down, sign the documents, and get your keys. I'll have walked you through everything before you get there so nothing is a surprise. You'll also bring a cashier's check or wire for your down payment and closing costs.
Rates & Refinancing
What are today's mortgage rates? +
Rates change daily — sometimes multiple times a day. The more useful question is: what rate can YOU get based on your loan size, credit, down payment, and property? That's what we figure out in a real conversation. Book a call to get your actual number.
Should I wait for rates to drop before buying? +
Waiting for rates is a gamble, not a strategy. Buy when the home makes sense for your life and budget. If rates drop later, we refinance. Don't let a rate you can't control stop you from a decision that makes sense on every other level.
When does it make sense to refinance? +
When the monthly savings outweigh the cost to close — and you plan to stay in the home long enough to break even. If refinancing costs $4,000 and saves you $200/month, you break even in 20 months. The "1% rule" is outdated — let's run your actual numbers.
What is a VA IRRRL? +
A streamlined refinance for veterans with existing VA loans. Minimal documentation, no appraisal required in most cases. If you have a VA loan and rates have dropped since you closed, this is worth a conversation.
Non-QM & Specialty Loans
What is a DSCR loan? +
DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. It's a loan designed for real estate investors that qualifies you based on the rental income the property generates — not your personal income or tax returns. If the rent covers the mortgage payment, you can often qualify. No W-2s, no pay stubs, no personal income verification required. Great for expanding a rental portfolio without the documentation headaches of a conventional loan.
What is a bank statement loan? +
A bank statement loan lets self-employed borrowers qualify using 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements instead of tax returns. If your business write-offs make your taxable income look low on paper but your actual cash flow is strong — this loan is built for you. No W-2s or pay stubs required.
Who are Non-QM loans for? +
Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are for borrowers who don't fit the standard conventional lending box — self-employed business owners, real estate investors, borrowers with recent credit events, or high-net-worth individuals with complex income. If you've been told no by a traditional lender, it's worth a conversation. There are more options than most people realize.
Working With Jared
Why use a local lender instead of a big bank? +
Big banks and online lenders are set up to process volume. Local lenders are set up to close your loan. When something comes up — and in most transactions, something does — you want a person who picks up the phone, knows your file, and can actually solve the problem.
Do you work with buyers in Minnesota? +
Yes. I'm licensed in both Iowa and Minnesota and actively work with buyers and homeowners in both states. Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth, anywhere in Minnesota — I'm your guy.
What makes your pre-approval different? +
My Winning Offer Pre-Approval package is built to compete in strong markets. It's more than a letter — it's a verified, reviewed file that a listing agent can trust. In multiple-offer situations, that edge can get you the house.

Still Have a Question?

Drop your info and I'll reach out directly — no sales pitch, just a straight answer.

Call: 641.330.2932

Videos

Learn Before
You Commit.

Everything I know about mortgages, in plain language. No jargon. No sales pitch. Just the stuff you need to know before you buy or refinance.

First-Time Buyers

8 Videos

How to Know If You're Ready to Buy

3 min

What Nobody Tells You About the Process

4 min

Down Payment Options Explained

3 min

Rates & Timing

6 Videos

How Mortgage Rates Actually Work

4 min

Should You Wait for Rates to Drop?

3 min

What the Bond Market Means for Your Rate

3 min

Refinancing

5 Videos

How to Know If a Refinance Makes Sense

4 min

Break-Even Analysis: The Right Way to Think About Refis

3 min

VA IRRRL Explained for Veterans

3 min

For Real Estate Agents

7 Videos

What a Strong Pre-Approval Actually Looks Like

4 min

How to Talk to Clients About Rates

5 min

Objection Handling: "We're Going to Wait"

4 min

Full Video Library

Follow for New Videos Every Week

Follow @jn_mortgage on Instagram and Facebook for mortgage education content posted weekly.

Instagram @jn_mortgage Facebook

Contact

Let's Talk.

No pressure. Just a conversation about where you're at and where you want to be.

Send a Message

Or Reach Out Directly.

📞
Call or Text641.330.2932
✉️
Emailjared@gokeymortgage.com
🗺️
Licensed InIowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin & Florida
Prefer to Schedule?

Book a Free Discovery Call →

Tools

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your monthly payment. When you're ready for the real number based on your actual situation — book a call.

Javascript Mortgage Calculator by MortgageCalculator.org

Ready for Your Real Number?

This Is Just
An Estimate.

A calculator gives you a ballpark. Your actual rate and payment depend on your credit score, debt load, down payment, loan type, and the specific property.

Book a free discovery call and I'll give you a real number — not a guess.

Book a Free Call Get Pre-Approved Now

Quick Facts

Min down payment 3% conventional
FHA min down 3.5%
VA / USDA down 0%
Pre-approval time Same day – 3 days
Avg closing time 30–45 days

Questions About Your Numbers?

Skip the calculator — book a call and get the real answer in 15 minutes.

Book a Free Call

Iowa

Iowa Home Loans.
Done Right.

Jared Nicolaisen is an Iowa-based mortgage loan officer serving buyers and homeowners across the state. 100% referral-based, relationship-first, and built on a track record of closing on time.

Apply Now — Iowa Book a Free Call
$225KAvg Iowa Loan
300+Families Closed
100%Referral Based
5★Google Rating

Iowa Markets

Serving All of Iowa.

Based in the Des Moines metro, Jared has deep roots across Iowa's housing market. From first-time buyers in Ames to move-up families in Iowa City — the process is always the same: clear, honest, and built around your goals.

Iowa's average loan size runs $225K–$250K. Whether you're buying a starter home or refinancing a home you've had for years, Jared's team knows how to get it closed on time.

Des MoinesPrimary market, Jared's home base
Cedar RapidsActive and growing market
AmesFirst-time buyer hotspot
Iowa CityUniversity market expertise
AnkenyFast-growing suburb
West Des MoinesMove-up buyer market
Jared Nicolaisen

Loan Types

What We Offer in Iowa

Conventional

As low as 3% down. Best rates for borrowers with strong credit. Most flexible option for move-up buyers.

FHA

3.5% down, more flexible credit requirements. Great for first-time buyers getting into the Iowa market.

VA Loans

0% down for eligible veterans and active military. One of the best loan products available — use your benefit.

USDA

0% down for rural and suburban Iowa properties. Often overlooked — ask if your area qualifies.

Refinance

Rate-and-term or cash-out. We run the break-even math so you know exactly whether it makes sense.

Jumbo

Loan amounts above conforming limits. Available for higher-value Iowa properties with strong credit profiles.

Specialty Lending

Non-QM Loans — DSCR & Bank Statement

Don't fit the standard box? We specialize in non-QM solutions. DSCR loans let investors qualify on rental income — not personal income. Bank statement loans let self-employed borrowers qualify on 12–24 months of statements instead of tax returns. Ask about either on your discovery call.

Ready to Buy or Refi in Iowa?

Start your application or book a free discovery call today.

Apply Now Book a Call

Minnesota

Minnesota Home Loans.
Built on Relationships.

Jared runs and manages the Minnesota branch of his business — bringing the same referral-based, relationship-first process that Iowa clients have trusted for years to a growing Minnesota client base.

Apply Now — Minnesota Book a Free Call
30–45Day Avg Close
$380KMedian Home Price
HighAffordability Index
5★Google Rating
Jared Nicolaisen

Why Minnesota

The Same Standard.
A Bigger Market.

Jared personally runs and manages the Minnesota side of his business. This isn't a new market he's testing — it's a deliberate expansion built on the same relationships, referrals, and standards that have driven his Iowa business for years.

Iowa remains a core focus. Minnesota is a natural extension — higher average loan sizes, a competitive market, and buyers who deserve a lender who actually picks up the phone and communicates.

Whether you're a first-time buyer in the Twin Cities suburbs or refinancing a Rochester home — the process looks the same: clear, honest, and built around your goals.

Start Your Minnesota Application

Specialty Lending

Non-QM Loans Available

Don't fit the standard box? You're not alone. We specialize in non-traditional loan solutions for investors, self-employed borrowers, and buyers with complex income situations.

DSCR Loans

Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans for real estate investors. Qualify based on the property's rental income — not your personal income or tax returns. Ideal for expanding a rental portfolio without the documentation hurdles of a conventional loan.

Great for investors & landlords

Bank Statement Loans

Self-employed and your tax returns don't reflect what you actually make? Bank statement loans let you qualify using 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements instead. No W-2s, no pay stubs required.

Great for self-employed borrowers

Not sure which loan type fits your situation? Let's figure it out together.

Book a Free Call

Loan Types

What We Offer in Minnesota

Conventional

As low as 3% down. Most popular in Minnesota's competitive metro markets. Best for strong credit borrowers.

FHA

3.5% down with flexible credit. Great entry point for Twin Cities first-time buyers navigating a competitive market.

VA Loans

0% down for eligible veterans. Minnesota has a large veteran population — use the benefit you earned.

Jumbo

Above conforming limits for higher-value Twin Cities and suburban properties. Strong credit required.

Refinance

Rate-and-term or cash-out. We run the break-even math so you know if it actually makes sense for your situation.

USDA

0% down for qualifying rural Minnesota properties. Ask if your area is eligible — more places qualify than you'd think.

Minnesota Markets

Where We Work in Minnesota

Twin Cities

Minneapolis, St. Paul, and all surrounding suburbs

Rochester

Mayo Clinic corridor, strong medical professional market

Duluth

Lake Superior market, unique property types and financing needs

Statewide

Licensed across all of Minnesota — wherever you're buying

Ready to Buy or Refi in Minnesota?

Start your application or book a free discovery call today.

Apply Now Book a Call

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Home Loans.
Licensed & Ready.

Jared Nicolaisen is licensed in Wisconsin and available to help buyers and homeowners across the state. Same referral-based, relationship-first process — wherever you're buying.

Apply Now — Wisconsin Book a Free Call

Wisconsin

Licensed in Wisconsin.

Jared is licensed in Wisconsin and available to work with buyers and homeowners statewide. The same clear process, honest communication, and commitment to closing on time — wherever you are.

Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and refinance options all available. Book a free discovery call to talk through your situation.

Apply Now Book a Call
Jared Nicolaisen

Ready to Get Started in Wisconsin?

Book a free call — we'll figure out your best path forward.

Apply Now

Florida

Florida Home Loans.
Licensed & Ready.

Jared Nicolaisen is licensed in Florida and available to help buyers and homeowners across the state. The same referral-based, relationship-first process — just in the Sunshine State.

Apply Now — Florida Book a Free Call
Jared Nicolaisen

Florida

Licensed in Florida.

Jared is licensed in Florida and available to help buyers and homeowners statewide. Conventional, FHA, VA, and refinance options all available.

Whether you're relocating from the Midwest or buying a second home in Florida — you get the same clear, honest process that hundreds of families have trusted. Start with a free discovery call.

Apply Now Book a Call

Ready to Get Started in Florida?

Book a free call — we'll figure out your best path forward.

Apply Now

Market Data

Today's Mortgage Rates

Rates change daily. The number that matters is yours — based on your credit, loan size, down payment, and property type.

How We Shop Rates For You

Live Rate Data — Powered by MortgageNewsDaily

Today's Mortgage Rates
View More at MortgageNewsDaily.com

The Real Number is Yours

These Are Averages.

What you see here is a national average. Your actual rate depends on your credit score, loan amount, down payment, loan type, and the specific property.

Book a call and I'll give you the real number — not a range, not an estimate. The actual rate we can lock.

Get My Actual Rate Start Application

Rate Context

Rates updateDaily
Driven byBond market
Your rate depends onCredit + loan details
Best strategyBuy now, refi later

Ready for Your Real Rate?

Skip the averages — book a call and get your actual number.

Book a Free Call