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More homes are available in Iowa, but what does that mean for your next move? A look at the latest housing numbers, mortgage rates, and the decisions facing buyers and sellers this fall. Social share settings

A divorce doesn't always mean giving up your low mortgage rate. Learn how a mortgage assumption after divorce in Iowa may let you keep your existing loan without refinancing.

Keeping the house after divorce may mean buying out your spouse’s share of the equity. Here’s how an Iowa divorce home equity buyout can work and what to plan for.

Keeping the house after divorce? Learn the main ways to remove an ex from the mortgage in Iowa, including refinancing, assumptions, and release of liability.

Buying a home before your Iowa divorce is final may be possible. Here’s what to know about the current mortgage, debts, support payments, equity, and timing.

You may be able to lock your mortgage rate before finding a house. But should you? Here’s how Lock & Shop works, what deadlines and costs to understand, and how to decide whether it fits your buying plans

Getting divorced in Iowa and own a home? Learn what happens to the house, mortgage, equity, refinancing options, and qualifying for your next home.

Making an offer on a home can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. In this episode, we walk through what to do before you write an offer, what actually goes into it, and what happens after it is accepted, from earnest money to inspections and underwriting.

FHA and conventional loans are the two most common mortgage options, but they work very differently. This guide breaks down credit requirements, down payments, mortgage insurance, and property standards so you can understand which loan fits your situation. Choosing the right option can save you money and make your path to homeownership much smoother.

Choosing FHA over conventional is rarely about the down payment. Both can allow as little as 3% down. The real difference is how flexible the loan is when your credit, debt ratios, or savings are tight. FHA shifts some risk to federal insurance, allowing approvals that would feel fragile on conventional loans. In this episode, we explain how to choose the structure that truly fits your file.

Not all mortgage approvals are created equal. Many buyers confuse pre-qualification with pre-approval, but the difference can cost you time, money, and even the home you want. This guide explains how each works, why sellers care, and how getting fully pre-approved can protect your budget and strengthen your offer in today’s market.

Buying a home in Iowa can feel out of reach because of upfront costs, but Iowa Finance Authority programs are designed to help. This guide explains IFA down payment assistance options, including grants and 5% assistance loans, who qualifies, and how buyers can reduce or even eliminate cash needed at closing. For many Iowans, these programs can make homeownership possible sooner than expected.

Seller concessions are often discussed in theory, but how often do they actually appear in real deals? This breakdown reviews 60 primary residence purchases that closed in Central Iowa in 2025, showing how frequently seller concessions were used, typical concession amounts, and why they helped buyers manage cash at closing.

If you’ve heard the word escrow but never fully understood it, you’re not alone. Escrow plays a major role in your monthly mortgage payment and is often the reason payments change over time. In this guide, we explain what escrow is, how it works, why taxes and insurance matter, and what Iowa homeowners should watch for to avoid surprise payment increases.

If you’re buying or selling a home in Iowa, you’ve probably heard the term “real estate abstract” — often followed by delays or confusion. In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we break down what a property abstract is, how abstract fees work, and why abstracting matters for both residential and commercial real estate. Understanding the abstract process can help you avoid surprises and keep your closing on track.

The Truth About Foreclosures: Why They’re Not the “Hidden Deals” Most Buyers Think If you’ve ever scrolled through Zillow, Auction.com , or Hubzu and spotted a foreclosure listed way below market value, it’s easy to get excited. Most buyers—and especially first-time investors—see a low price tag and assume they’ve uncovered a secret bargain. But the reality behind foreclosure listings is much more structured, far less mysterious, and almost never the shortcut people imagine.

Seller concessions are one of the simplest ways to cut your upfront home-buying costs. Instead of chasing a small price drop, a concession lets the seller cover expenses you’d normally pay at closing—often saving you far more and improving your loan approval. This quick guide breaks down what concessions are, why they matter now, and how they can make your offer stronger and more affordable.

Refinance in Iowa—made simple. If you bought in 2022–2024 and carry a high-6% rate, this guide shows when a refi actually makes sense, how to check breakeven, and what to do next for Waukee, West Des Moines, and beyond