Iowa Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete Iowa mortgage guide covers FHA loan limits statewide, Iowa Finance Authority down payment and closing cost assistance, USDA rural loans for eligible Iowa areas, VA loan guidance for Iowa veterans, and a full closing cost breakdown — including Iowa Title Guaranty, the state-run program that takes the place of private title insurance — all in one place.
Everything You Need for an Iowa Home Purchase
Six guides covering loan limits, first-time buyer programs, FHA, VA and USDA requirements, and what closing actually costs in Iowa.
Iowa Mortgage Guide
Loan limits by county, loan programs, Iowa Finance Authority mortgages, property taxes, closing costs and the Iowa market — the full picture in one guide.
Read guide →Iowa First-Time Home Buyer Programs
FirstHome and Homes for Iowans, the $2,500 grant, the 2nd Loan, and the income and purchase price limits that decide which one you qualify for.
Read guide →Iowa FHA Loan Requirements
One FHA limit covers all 99 Iowa counties in 2026 — plus credit score and down payment requirements, mortgage insurance premiums, and how FHA compares to conventional here.
Read guide →Iowa VA Loan Requirements
VA loan benefits for Iowa veterans — no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, the funding fee table, and the state’s $5,000 military homeownership grant.
Read guide →Iowa USDA Loans
USDA-eligible rural areas across Iowa, FY2026 income limits by county and household size, and the guarantee fees that replace a down payment.
Read guide →Iowa Closing Costs
Transfer tax, statutory recording fees, and Iowa Title Guaranty — the state-run title program used in Iowa closings.
Read guide →Key Iowa Mortgage Guide Facts
FHA Loan Limits (2026)
- $541,287 one-family limit in all 99 Iowa counties
- No high-cost counties — Iowa sits entirely at the 2026 national floor
- Two-family $693,050 · Three-family $837,700 · Four-family $1,041,125
- HUD FHA limit lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- $2,500 FirstHome grant toward down payment and closing costs
- $5,000 Military Homeownership grant for eligible service members and veterans
- 2nd Loan up to 5% of price or appraised value — repayable at sale, refinance or payoff, not a grant
- Iowa Finance Authority programs
Property Taxes
- 1.39% estimated effective rate — median taxes paid divided by median home value
- Average consolidated levy $32.41 per $1,000 of taxable value, FY2026
- Residential rollback 44.5345% for assessment year 2025 — you are taxed on part of market value
- Iowa Department of Revenue
Closing Cost Highlights
- Transfer tax $0.80 per $500 of price above $500 — mortgages are exempt
- Recording fees are statutory and uniform statewide: $5 per page plus $2 per transaction
- Iowa Title Guaranty certificate $175 up to $750,000 — Iowa does not use private title insurance
- Iowa Code 428A.1
Buying or Refinancing in Iowa?
Iowa buyers have more state-level help than most realise: two Iowa Finance Authority first mortgages, a grant that does not have to be paid back, a separate grant for service members, and a title system that costs a fraction of what buyers pay elsewhere. Knowing which combination you qualify for is where the money is.
- FirstHome and Homes for Iowans first mortgages through the Iowa Finance Authority
- USDA financing with no down payment across most of rural Iowa
- VA loans with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance
- Conventional options from 3% down for buyers who do not need FHA
Coming soon · No obligation · Educational first
Iowa Advisor Network — Coming Soon
We currently connect buyers with licensed mortgage advisors in Florida and Utah. Iowa is on our expansion list. In the meantime, our Iowa guides and the official program links above have everything you need to research your purchase.
Join the Iowa Waitlist