Iowa Finance Authority Announces Northwest Bank as Top Mortgage Lender

The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) based out of Des Moines, IA recently announced that Northwest Bank has earned IFA’s Gold Lender designation for our outstanding efforts in assisting homebuyers in 2025. Together, we’ve helped 70 homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership and begin building a foundation for long-term financial success.

“Homeownership is about so much more than buying a house, it’s about creating stability, opportunity and a place where families can truly thrive,” said IFA Director Debi Durham. “Every closing represents a real impact in the lives of Iowans, and it’s made possible by lender and Realtor® partners who go above and beyond to guide families toward a future they once thought was out of reach.”

IFA offers mortgage and down payment assistance programs for Iowa homebuyers through a network of more than 400 lenders throughout the state. These partnerships offer Iowans the convenience of working with their local lender and access to IFA’s down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

In 2025, local lenders assisted 2,600 Iowans in purchasing a home using IFA mortgage and down payment assistance programs and more than 72,000 have reached their goal of homeownership through the program since its inception. 

“Sara Frerichs, EVP and Director of Credit Administration at Northwest Bank in Spencer, shared, ‘At Northwest Bank, we remain focused on supporting the communities we call home. Our continued partnership with the Iowa Finance Authority allows us to provide a wide range of home loan options, helping more individuals and families take meaningful steps toward homeownership."

Homebuyers interested in learning more about homeownership programs available to them, including eligibility information should contact Northwest Bank at 800-678-4105 or visit ww.NW.bank

Northwest Bank is a $2.9 billion community-focused financial institution providing a comprehensive range of services, including business, agricultural, mortgage, consumer deposit and lending solutions, as well as wealth management offerings. With locations across Iowa—Afton, Algona, Ames, Ankeny, Arnolds Park, Creston, Estherville, Fort Dodge, Humboldt, Le Mars, Milford, Shenandoah, Sioux Center, Sioux City, Spencer, Spirit Lake, and West Des Moines—and in Nebraska—Omaha and La Vista—Northwest Bank is dedicated to serving its communities.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender