Iowa Finance Authority Preferred Lender and Ambassador Partner

The Iowa Finance Authority’s (IFA) Preferred Lender and Lender Ambassador designations recognize lending professionals who actively work with IFA homeownership programs and help connect more Iowans to homeownership.

As a designated lender partner, you are recognized for your expertise and commitment to supporting homebuyers through IFA programs. These designations enhance your visibility with Iowa homebuyers and provide access to marketing and partnership opportunities through your collaboration with IFA.

Preferred Lender Eligibility

• Loan Officer must have a minimum of three current and consecutive years of experience actively originating IFA loans (Please note: “current” is defined as having done so within the last six months for FirstHome and/or Homes for Iowans loans)
• For lenders with strong knowledge of IFA programs and consistently connect homebuyers to them
• 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 Lender Benefits 

• Increased Visibility
  • Priority listing on IFA’s Find a Lender tool
  • Social media amplification 
• Marketing and Communications Tools
  • Official Preferred Lender 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 Lender Application Requirements

• Submit at least five reviews of a homebuyer assisted with an IFA mortgage (year to date 2026) during application
• Submit at least four marketing efforts that promoted IFA programs (year to date 2026) during application
   

Lender Ambassador Eligibility

• Loan Officer must have a minimum of three current and consecutive years of experience actively originating IFA loans (Please note: “current” is defined as having done so within the last six months for FirstHome and/or Homes for Iowans loans)
• For lenders still building experience and IFA program knowledge
• 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