Mortgage Options in the State of Iowa
It's never been a better time to buy a home in The Hawkeye State, and our regional team of home loan experts is committed to educating you about all the ins and outs of buying a home in Iowa.
In 2018, the Iowa median home value is $136,860, markedly less than the national median selling price of $261,500.
One of the more expensive areas to buy a home in Iowa is Urbandale, where the median listing price is currently $220,500. In comparison, in the state's oldest city of Dubuque, the median listing price is $139,500. A more interesting comparison would be between the capitol of Des Moines and West Des Moines, which have average home values of $119,000 and $195,800, respectively.
At home.loans, our team is committed to helping you make smart financial choices throughout the entire home purchase process. Whether you're taking advantage of a special loan program like a USDA, VA or FHA loan, are interested in getting an energy efficient mortgage, or want to access the equity in your home via a home equity loan or HELOC, we want to assist you on every step of your home buying journey.
Best Iowa Mortgage Lender: Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
A rapidly growing name in the national home finance industry, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is one of the best options for conventional, FHA, and VA financing across the country. Home buyers will agree that it’s actually pretty easy to find a Fairway location when its time to get a home loan. Beyond that, their customer service is well known to be top notch.
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has stunning reviews from its client base over the years. One thing they seem to excel in is cutting down the closing costs that borrowers are expected to pay at the end of a mortgage transaction, as well as facilitating a faster closing.
Fairway may very well be the best option for first time home buyers on this list. Their attention to detail and completely transparent methodology is perfect for obtaining a mortgage loan at a great rate in a stress-free environment.
Best Iowa Mortgage Refinance Lender: U.S. Bank
With a history dating all the way back to 1863, U.S. Bank is the farthest thing from the new kid on the block. Its strong presence in today’s mortgage market is a testament to their deep commitment to providing affordable home loans with excellent service.
U.S. Bank is well known for its knowledgeable staff and expert loan officers. Chances are, no matter what a borrower’s financial situation may look like, they can come up with a solution.
Experience often trumps trendy advancements, and the face-to-face personalized mortgage services offered by U.S. Bank are a shining example of this. Home buyers never have to worry about a lack of communication or being rushed, and will be treated with the same respect and due diligence as their big-name clients.
Best Iowa FHA Mortgage Lender: Academy Mortgage Corporation
Academy Mortgage Corporation has been around since 1988, and has made a name for themselves on a national scale. The company is committed to responsible lending practices, especially with the ever-changing economy of today.
Unlike many mortgage brokers around, Academy Mortgage Corporation has the advantage of being a direct mortgage lender. This means that they handle all loan processing, underwriting, closings, and funding at their local branch offices.
Being a direct lender, means being able to close mortgage loan transactions as efficiently and quickly as possible, sometimes even in a matter of days! With the security and efficiency of their in-house loan origination and management, they are one of the best when it comes to speedy and affordable FHA financing!
Best Iowa VA Mortgage Lender: New American Funding
The good folks over at New American Funding know how to give people a great mortgage experience. For first time home buyers, their commitment to providing affordable VA financing is nearly unrivaled.
The proof is in the reviews from past clients who consistently comment on the extraordinary diligence and overall sincerity of the New American Funding team. Home buyers who choose to finance their home purchase with NAF are in the hands of a knowledgeable and hard-working group.
The New American Funding team leaves no questions unanswered and is almost never out of reach. They are also quite adept at reducing the closing costs of mortgages down to the bare minimum, in an effort to provide home loans of the highest up-front affordability.
Best Iowa Home Equity Lender: Wells Fargo Bank
Regardless of who you choose to bank with, there is no denying that Wells Fargo is a huge player in the world of home finance. Home Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Home Equity Loans, Helocs -- They do it all.
Wells Fargo is actually one of the nation’s largest residential lenders. They have endless experience originating and refinancing affordable mortgage products, and working with borrowers to ensure that they can obtain the best home loan for their financial situations.
Wells Fargo only offers home equity lines of credit, no home equity loans. Their HELOC carries a minimum loan amount of $25,000, and a maximum of $500,000. Borrowers are required to have a credit score of no less than 621, while the HELOCs have a maximum LTV of 85%.
While many of the bigger lending institutions impose strict eligibility requirements for their borrowers, The folks at Wells Fargo offer some flexibility to their clients. Along with flexibility, past clients have consistently pointed out that second mortgages from Wells Fargo have lower rates and upfront costs than is typically accepted.
Shop Around Before You Get an Iowa Home Loan
Our picks for the best mortgage lenders in Iowa may not necessarily represent the best lender for your financial situation, goals, and desires. Everyone’s story is unique, and sometimes the best mortgage terms can be found in the most obscure places. Regardless of experience or lack thereof, the best plan of action is to shop around with multiple lenders to find out which one can provide the ideal mortgage solution that comes with the terms and affordability that best suits any particular financial situation.
While looking at reviews can be a huge help, getting a one on one consultation could mean saving thousands. If you’d like some help in locating the best mortgage lender in your area, don't hesitate to contact a home.loans mortgage expert!