Three Generations, One Dream: A Family’s Journey Home
Maggie and her husband Joe wanted to preserve the family farm when Maggie’s parents were ready to transition from country life. Their son Austin wanted to set out on his own while remaining close to home. The question was, could the Fitch family pull off three moves for three generations simultaneously?
Three Homes, One Seamless Transition
The seven-acre hobby farm outside Mantorville, Minnesota, had been Maggie’s parents’ home for more than 44 years, making it a place rich with family memories. Maggie and Joe had long envisioned the possibility of returning to Maggie's childhood home, so when her parents decided to move into town for health and mobility reasons, they knew this was their chance to make more than one dream come true.
Austin, a young farmer, dreamed of owning his own home, but needed a place near the family farm where he conducts his hay baling business and manages the family cattle operation alongside his brother, Bode, who helps care for the animals. Maggie and Joe moving to the country presented the opportunity for Austin to purchase his parents’ house in town, his childhood home.
But as a recent graduate early in his career, the financial barrier to homeownership felt daunting. That’s when the Fitch family turned to Compeer Home.
A First-Time Homebuyer Finds His Footing
Compeer Home’s First-Time Homebuyer Program was designed for moments just like this, when the right home comes along, but traditional financing feels out of reach.
Tailored for first-time buyers dreaming of rural living, the program offers flexible options like low or no down payments, no private mortgage insurance, a free online educational course and personalized support.
For Austin, who had just finished school and was building up his hay baling business, the timing of the opportunity didn’t quite match where he was financially. But with Compeer Home’s help, he didn’t have to let the chance pass him by.
“Austin had strong ties to agriculture, and we were able to leverage that,” said Compeer Home loan officer Chris Gartner, who worked closely with the Fitch family to create a financing solution. “With his grandpa co-signing and support from the First-Time Homebuyer Program, we could build a solid structure that worked.”
"I knew absolutely nothing about buying a home," Austin said. "But Compeer made it all easy to understand. Without that program, I wouldn't have been able to buy a home. It opened up a whole new pathway."
A Trusted Relationship Built Over Time
Before the Fitch family worked with Compeer Home, they already had strong ties to Compeer Financial, Compeer Home’s parent company that specializes in agricultural lending. Joe had worked on Compeer Financial’s insurance side of the business, and those past relationships built a sense of trust that made a big difference when it came time to plan a complicated, multi-step transition.
That trust was reinforced through their experience with Compeer Home loan officer Chris Gartner, who guided them through not just Austin’s financing, but also the construction loan Maggie and Joe needed to renovate the old farmhouse.
"We can't thank Chris enough," Maggie said. "He was so patient even when the process took time. He just kept saying, 'We'll figure it out.'"
"It takes time to get bids and line people up," Chris said. "But we worked through it together and made sure each step moved them closer to their goal."
With his support, the Fitch family found flexible loan options, clear next steps and breathing room to make thoughtful decisions, including coordinating the timing of all three moves so no one was displaced or rushed.
“Timing-wise, nobody was out of a house or in a storage shed,” Maggie said. “We were all able to transition without pressure, and that made a huge difference.”
"There's a lot of trust there," Joe added. "And that goes a long way."
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Vision
Today, Maggie's parents are settling into their new home in town, Austin is planning to add insulation and heat to his garage so he can better use the space year-round while Maggie and Joe are continuing their renovations, excited to welcome all three generations under one roof again and keeping up traditions like hosting Christmas on the farm.
"It all worked out for everybody," Maggie reflected. "We kept the homes in the family, and each of us got a place that fits. I think it was just meant to be."
Austin agrees. "If someone has the opportunity to go through Compeer’s program, 110% I would recommend it. You don't think it's possible until it happens."
Ready to Make Your Move?
Reach out to our team of rural mortgage experts and start your journey home today.
