Meet Ashland

A decade in, thousands of buyers, one philosophy.

"Explain it like you'd explain it to your best friend. Then check that they actually got it."

🏆 HousingWire 2025 Rising Star📈 Scotsman Guide Top Originator 2025NMLS #1584948

Ashland Alitz — Scotsman Guide Top Originators 2025, Top Dollar Volume and Most Loans Closed

Ashland Alitz, Branch Sales Manager · Loan Officer

The story

Ashland Alitz entered the mortgage industry in 2016 and did what almost nobody does: rose from brand-new loan officer to Branch Sales Manager at one of Fairway's leading Minnesota branches in under a decade — while personally producing at a level most veterans never reach. In 2025 she closed 136 home loans totaling $48 million, and the branch she helps lead guided 963 families home that same year.

The industry noticed. HousingWire named her a 2025 Rising Star, citing her "abundance mindset" and the way she leads by example — she's a trusted resource for the 16 loan officers on her direct team and a steady source of guidance for professionals across Fairway's national network. Scotsman Guide verified her as a 2025 Top Originator for both dollar volume and total loans closed.

But the resume misses the point of working with her. Ashland built Lending Lakes & Co around the buyers who usually get overlooked — the first-timers, the "I'm probably not ready yet" crowd, the single buyers doing it on one income. Her rule for the whole team: every question gets a real answer, in plain English, fast.

Licensed where you are

Ashland is licensed to originate mortgage loans in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Montana, North Dakota & New Hampshire (NMLS #1584948 —verify on NMLS Consumer Access). Home base is the Fairway branch in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

What the team runs on

Three rules, no exceptions.

Plain English, always

If you leave a conversation more confused than you entered it, we failed. Jargon is a service problem, and we treat it like one.

Honesty over deals

If waiting is smarter, we say wait. If refinancing doesn't pencil, we say keep it. Long-term trust beats any single closing.

Speed is respect

Fast answers, same-day pre-approvals when possible, and updates before you have to ask. Your time is part of the deal.

Real clients, real reviews

Five stars.4.89 across 423 verified reviews

In clients' own words — from Experience.com, Google, Facebook & Zillow.

Ashland was absolutely wonderful to work with throughout our home-buying process. She was knowledgeable, responsive, and always willing to answer our questions. She kept us informed every step of the way, making what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable. We truly appreciated her professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to helping us close on our new home. We highly recommend Ashland to anyone looking for a great lending experience!

Molly S. · Lino Lakes, MNExperience.com

We can't thank Ashland enough for her expertise, efficient communication, and hard work in assisting us in closing on a lake property (in record time)! Highly recommend Ashland and her team!

Melissa H.Google

Ashland and her team are simply THE BEST!!! If you are looking to buy a home I would recommend them 100%!! Great communication and they are awesome at helping answer questions and make the process as smooth as possible!!!

Wendy P.Google

Ashland's open line of communication was top notch and she was always available for questions and answered them in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Ashland for all your mortgage needs. Her team was also very responsive in assisting in our mortgage application and closing process!

David L. J. · Westby, WIExperience.com

Ashland is very helpful and knowledgeable. She went out of her way to individualize our experience with her and made sure we had all the information we needed to make a decision. Her little tips emails especially made us feel well taken care of throughout this process. We would highly recommend her to all our family and friends!

Dawn B. · Faribault, MNExperience.com

Ashland truly went above & beyond for my family to help us buy our first home! She was always there if we had any questions & we couldn't believe how fast Ashland & her team worked to get us our home in such a short time span! 10/10!

Ann W. · Saint Cloud, MNExperience.com