The Iowa Finance Authority’s (IFA) Preferred Realtor® designation recognizes experienced real estate professionals who actively work with IFA homeownership programs and help connect more Iowans to homeownership.
As a Preferred Partner, you are recognized for your expertise and commitment to supporting homebuyers through IFA programs. This designation enhances your visibility with Iowa homebuyers and provides access to marketing and partnership opportunities through your collaboration with IFA.
Preferred partners are held to an elevated standard and are expected to embody a high level of quality, consistency, responsiveness, and compliance. The Preferred designation signifies more than participation - it reflects leadership. Preferred Realtors® are expected to model best practices, uphold program standards with consistency, and demonstrate a clear commitment to program expectations while delivering a reliable, high‑quality experience for borrowers.
Eligibility
- Realtor® must have a minimum of three current and consecutive years of experience actively promoting and closing IFA loans (Please note: “current” is defined as having done so within the last six months for FirstHome and/or Homes for Iowans loans)
- Must uphold IFA’s standards of excellence, professionalism, and integrity. This includes maintaining high-quality customer service, program competency, compliance before and after loan package delivery, and cultivating respectful, collaborative partnerships that uphold and reflect IFA’s mission and reputation
- Attend the annual in-person Half-Day Training at HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines on Thursday, September 10
- Attend the virtual quarterly trainings
Preferred Realtor® Benefits
- Increased Visibility
- Priority listing on IFA’s Find a Realtor® tool
- Social media amplification
- Marketing and Communications Tools
- Official Preferred Realtor® badge for digital and print use
- Co-branded marketing tools and educational resources
- Social Media Amplification
- IFA cross-promotion of your work via IFA social media and communication channels
- Strategic Influence and Collaboration
- Early access to contests and new resource initiatives for homebuyers
- Networking opportunities with IFA preferred partners statewide
Preferred Realtor® Application Requirements
- Submit at least one review of a homebuyer who was assisted with an IFA mortgage prior to May 15, 2026, by the July 1 deadline
- Submit documentation of at least four marketing efforts completed in calendar year 2026 that promoted IFA programs. At least three of the four marketing efforts must have been executed prior to May 15. Marketing activities should reflect ongoing promotion throughout the year and not be created solely for the application period
- Applications should not be submitted until all four marketing efforts are complete and available for submission as part of the full application package
- Applications for preferred Realtor® status are expected to be complete at the time of initial submission. Submitting a fully completed application demonstrates preparedness, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality. Incomplete or piecemeal submissions that require multiple follow‑ups may delay review and consideration
- Applications must be submitted as one complete package once all required documentation is available