BEST OF
4 Best Iowa Finance Authority Mortgage Lenders of 2021
These mortgage lenders rank among the best of those with expertise implementing Iowa Finance Authority home loan benefits.
The Iowa Finance Authority helps first-time home buyers in the state by offering unique assistance programs that help cover down payment and closing costs. But you'll need an IFA-approved lender to make the loan happen.
NerdWallet has created this short list of participating lenders, highlighting some of the best that know how to navigate state-sponsored home loan benefits for Ioans.
The Iowa Finance Authority helps first-time home buyers in the state by offering unique assistance programs that help cover down payment and closing costs. But you'll need an IFA-approved lender to make the loan happen.
NerdWallet has created this short list of participating lenders, highlighting some of the best that know how to navigate state-sponsored home loan benefits for Ioans.
Summary of Best Iowa Finance Authority Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for nontraditional credit borrowers | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for nontraditional credit borrowers | 620 | 3% | at New American Funding | |
Best for buying a fixer-upper | 620 | 3% | at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
Best for buying a fixer-upper | 620 | 3% | Read review |
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- New applications for home equity lines of credit suspended during COVID-19 crisis.
- Government actions and scandals have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
at New American Funding
at New American Funding
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness.
- Offers full online mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.
Cons
- Mortgage rates offered to borrowers are higher than the government-reported median of all lenders.
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Online application and progress tracking are available.
- Offers specialty loans, such as construction, renovation and reverse mortgages.
- Participates in some first-time home buyer assistance programs.
Cons
- Mortgage rates are available only by contacting a loan officer.
- Physical locations aren't available in all states.
More Iowa Finance Authority participating lenders
Here are additional Iowa Finance Authority-approved lenders. While they haven’t been reviewed by NerdWallet, they are among the highest loan volume mortgage originators in the state.
Apply online for a preapproval.
Provides fixed- and adjustable-rate construction loans.
A 10-year fixed loan option can reduce interest costs.
Offers reduced mortgage insurance premiums for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
Provides rural housing loans with zero down payments, backed by the USDA.
Condo financing also available.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 21, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best Iowa Finance Authority Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Wells Fargo: Best for nontraditional credit borrowers
- New American Funding: Best for nontraditional credit borrowers
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for buying a fixer-upper
- Wintrust Mortgage: Best for buying a fixer-upper