Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Programs:
Updated July 2026IFA runs statewide mortgage products and down payment/closing cost assistance through participating lenders. The main IFA offerings are the FirstHome and Homes for Iowans products (25- or 30-year terms), plus a Military Homeownership Assistance grant. Check IFA for current interest rates, county income and purchase limits, and participating lenders at opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/ or contact an IFA-approved lender.
IFA First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Programs:
Eligibility: First-time status is generally defined as not owning a primary residence in the last three years (waived in targeted areas or for qualifying military buyers).
Offerings: Agency-backed 25/30-year fixed mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional HFA products) through IFA participating lenders with HFA features and pairing options.
Key program numbers:
- Household income limits vary by county and household size — county tables are published by IFA. 2026 county-level limits range roughly from about $102,000 (many rural counties) up to $171,360 for higher-cost areas/household sizes. Always check your county/tract table for exact limits. (IFA Income & Purchase Limits (2026)).
- Home purchase limits: FirstHome non-targeted areas are commonly capped at $566,000; FirstHome targeted-area caps and the Homes for Iowans program are commonly capped at $692,000 in 2026. Use IFA’s eligibility maps/tables for exact purchase caps by census tract. (IFA Homeownership Program Parameters (2026) / Income & Purchase Limits (2026)).
- Minimum credit score: IFA policy lists a typical minimum midpoint of 640 (individual lender/loan-type overlays may be higher; non-traditional credit can be allowed per agency rules). (IFA Program Parameters).
- Debt-to-income (DTI): IFA parameters commonly allow DTI up to about 50% with automated approve/eligible findings; manual underwriting typically uses ~45% as a practical cap. Lenders underwrite case-by-case. (IFA Program Parameters).
- Homebuyer education: required for most FirstHome borrowers; approved course options are listed by IFA. (IFA homeownership).
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Options:
FirstHome DPA ("Plus"): Two options under FirstHome —
- Grant: $2,500 toward down payment and closing costs (no repayment).
- Deferred 2nd Loan: 0% second lien up to 5% of the home’s sale price or appraised value (whichever is lower); repayable when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage (no monthly payment required). Subordination rules apply. (Note: some past IFA materials and partner guidance reference specific dollar examples—ask your lender to confirm exact caps for the product you plan to use). (IFA DPA details / IFA Program Parameters (2026)).
Military Homeownership Assistance Program:
Description: IFA’s Military Homeownership Assistance provides a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses for down payment and/or closing costs. Availability is funding-dependent — buyers should confirm current availability and have a participating lender reserve funds if required before contract. (IFA Military Program / see IFA bulletins for fund-status updates).
Local & Regional Programs (examples and where to check):
Cities, counties, and nonprofit partners often run additional deferred or forgivable assistance. Funding and rules change frequently; below are official places to start.
Statewide partner: FHLB Des Moines Home$tart
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines funds Home$tart grants that local member lenders and nonprofits distribute. Home$tart awards in many markets are commonly up to about $15,000 (higher amounts in very limited or special cases). Funding is reservation-based and may be fully reserved during funding windows — check member availability and reservation dates with a participating lender. (FHLB Des Moines Home$tart).
Des Moines / Polk County
Des Moines channels much of its homebuyer assistance through nonprofit partners such as HOME, Inc. and Neighborhood Finance Corporation. Assistance often includes deferred forgivable loans or grants tied to specific homes or new construction projects. Check city consolidated plans or nonprofit pages for current offers.
Cedar Rapids / Linn County
Cedar Rapids operates first-time homebuyer and rehabilitation programs via its Community Development plans. See the City of Cedar Rapids housing pages and the FY24–FY26 Action Plans for current program priorities and expected down payment assistance availability. (Cedar Rapids Annual Action Plan).
Quad Cities / Davenport area
The Quad Cities region uses a mix of local housing authority and nonprofit funds. Local grants and deferred loans are available in some jurisdictions; contact the local housing authority, city housing office, or a participating lender for the most current offers in Davenport, Moline, Bettendorf, or Rock Island.
Additional Information:
- USDA Loans: USDA Rural Development loans can offer 0% down for eligible properties in qualified rural areas; check property eligibility and income caps at the official USDA RD site. (rd.usda.gov).
- VA Loans: VA-guaranteed loans typically allow eligible veterans and service members to buy with no down payment; lenders verify entitlement and other eligibility. (va.gov home loans).
- FHA Loans: FHA loans commonly allow a minimum down payment of 3.5% for borrowers with credit scores around 580 or higher; exact underwriting and lender overlays vary—confirm with your lender and HUD guidance. (hud.gov).
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): IFA administers MCC resources; funding and allocation may be limited — check IFA for current status and reservation rules. (IFA MCC info).
These programs are actively used in 2026 but funding windows, income limits, and DPA availability change often. Start with an IFA participating lender or the official IFA pages: opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs and the DPA page at opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/down-payment-and-closing-costs-programs. For Home$tart, check member reservation status at the FHLB Des Moines page. (fhlbdm.com Home$tart).
Program details, income limits, interest rates, and availability may change. Always confirm the latest requirements with the official program administrator or a participating lender.
Seeking Agents® connects you with Iowa agents experienced in these programs who compete to offer reduced commissions or added services—free for buyers/sellers.