BLG Home Mortgage — formally the Busch Lawrence Group — is an independent mortgage brokerage headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota. Founded by Brent Busch and Steve Lawrence, the firm operates as a branch of Edge Home Finance, LLC — a licensed mortgage broker — giving clients access to loan products from more than 50 wholesale lenders rather than the single-product shelf of a traditional bank.
Company Background
BLG Home Mortgage was established in Mankato, Minnesota, with the goal of offering borrowers a more transparent, choice-driven approach to home financing. Rather than originating loans in-house, BLG functions as an independent broker — sourcing loan options from a network of wholesale lenders and presenting clients with terms that reflect a competitive market comparison rather than a single institution's rate sheet.
BLG operates as a branch of Edge Home Finance, LLC (NMLS #891464), a licensed independent mortgage broker. BLG's office is located at 110 East Liberty Street in downtown Mankato, and the team serves clients across Minnesota, with licensing in Wisconsin and Florida and access to borrowers in all 50 states through their CCT partner network.
The Broker Model: How It Works
As a mortgage broker rather than a direct lender, BLG Home Mortgage occupies a distinct position in the home loan market. When a borrower applies through BLG, the loan officers assess that borrower's financial profile — income, credit, assets, property type — and then compare available loan products from dozens of wholesale lenders simultaneously.
This process differs materially from applying directly at a bank or credit union, where the borrower sees only that institution's available products and pricing. Wholesale lenders typically offer lower rates to brokers than the same lenders post publicly, because the broker handles origination tasks that would otherwise fall to bank staff. The broker model has gained significant market share in recent years as borrowers have sought more options and less institutional friction in the mortgage process.
BLG's lender network includes conventional, government-backed, and specialty lenders, allowing the team to accommodate a wide range of borrower profiles — from first-time homebuyers with limited down payments to self-employed borrowers with complex income documentation.
The BLG Team
BLG Home Mortgage employs six licensed loan officers, each with distinct areas of specialization. The team is led by co-founders Brent Busch and Steve Lawrence, both licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida.
Loan Programs Offered
BLG Home Mortgage offers a broad range of residential mortgage products through its wholesale lender network. Loan eligibility, rates, and terms vary by borrower qualification, property type, loan amount, and lender guidelines. The following programs are available:
- Conventional Loans
- FHA Loans
- VA Loans
- USDA Rural Loans
- Jumbo Loans
- Construction Loans
- Investment Property
- Refinance
- Cash-Out Refinance
- First-Time Buyer Programs
FHA Loans
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. They are commonly used by first-time homebuyers and borrowers with lower credit scores or limited down payment funds. FHA loans require a minimum 3.5% down payment for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. Borrowers with scores between 500–579 may qualify with a 10% down payment, subject to lender approval. FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), which are included in the monthly payment.
VA Loans
VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. They are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and do not require a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI) for eligible borrowers. Steve Lawrence, a U.S. Navy veteran himself, leads BLG's VA loan practice. VA loan eligibility and terms are subject to VA guidelines and lender approval.
USDA Loans
USDA loans are available for properties in eligible rural and suburban areas. They offer zero-down-payment financing to qualifying borrowers. Property and income eligibility requirements apply and are determined by USDA guidelines.
Conventional Loans
Conventional loans are not government-backed and generally require stronger credit profiles and more documentation. They are available with down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers. Borrowers who put down 20% or more on a conventional loan typically avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Service Area
BLG Home Mortgage is based in Mankato and serves clients throughout Southern Minnesota, including Mankato, North Mankato, Rochester, Owatonna, Faribault, New Ulm, St. Peter, and surrounding communities. The team is also licensed in Wisconsin and Florida, and assists borrowers in all 50 states through CCT lending partners.
Southern Minnesota's housing market has seen sustained demand from first-time buyers, relocating families, and agricultural community members. BLG's familiarity with local market conditions — including rural property eligibility for USDA programs and regional lender preferences — is a practical asset for borrowers in this geography.
Client Experience
BLG Home Mortgage has accumulated hundreds of five-star Google reviews since its founding, with clients frequently citing clear communication, responsiveness, and loan officer accessibility as standout qualities. Unlike larger lenders where borrowers are passed between departments, BLG clients work directly with their assigned loan officer from application through closing.
BLG's application process is conducted online. Prospective borrowers can begin an application at buschlawrencegroup.com. The initial application does not require a hard credit pull to get started. Pre-approval letters are issued subject to receipt of complete documentation and lender review. Rates and terms are not guaranteed until a rate lock is executed.
About Edge Home Finance
BLG Home Mortgage operates as a branch of Edge Home Finance, LLC — an independent mortgage broker licensed in multiple states. Edge Home Finance provides BLG with access to its lender network, compliance infrastructure, and licensing support. BLG's branch NMLS number is #2586240. Edge Home Finance's NMLS number is #891464.
Contact Information
BLG Home Mortgage — Busch Lawrence Group
110 East Liberty Street
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 351-0581
Email: brent@buschlawrencegroup.com
Website: buschlawrencegroup.com
NMLS #891464 (Edge Home Finance Corporation) · Branch NMLS #2586240
Licensed in Minnesota · Wisconsin · Florida
Serving all 50 states via CCT lending partners
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Talk to a BLG loan officer about your home financing goals. No obligation. No hard credit pull to start.
Start Your ApplicationNo Rate Guarantee: Any reference to "competitive rates" describes BLG's process of comparing wholesale lender offerings on behalf of clients. It does not constitute a promise, guarantee, or advertisement of a specific rate or APR. Contact BLG for a personalized Loan Estimate. Actual rates depend on credit score, loan amount, LTV ratio, property type, loan term, and market conditions at time of rate lock.