Northwest Bank has been named a Top Mortgage Lender in 2022 by the Iowa Finance Authority.

That award is given to the lending institutions and loan originators who assisted the most homebuyers through IFA programs in 2022.

The Iowa Finance Authority offers mortgage and down payment assistance programs through a network of more than 400 lenders throughout the state. These partnerships allow Iowans both the convenience of working with their local lender and access to down payment assistance programs available exclusively through IFA Participating Lenders.

In 2022, local lenders assisted more than 2,300 Iowans in purchasing a home using IFA programs.

“Not only is homeownership a leading driver of wealth creation for families, but it is also a significant economic catalyst, with every home sale spurring additional local investments in our communities,” said IFA Executive Director Debi Durham. “I congratulate our top partners for their work in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Iowans.”

“We are glad to partner with the Iowa Finance Authority which gives many more Iowans access to affordable mortgage and down payment assistance programs,” said Sara Frerichs, director of credit administration and EVP at Northwest Bank. “I’m proud of our team members and the dedication they demonstrated during this past year. Working hard to get Iowans into their new home is very gratifying. We look forward to continuing to help bridge the gap for many Iowans in their home ownership goals this year.”

The Iowa Legislature created the Iowa Finance Authority, the state’s housing finance agency, in 1975 to undertake programs to assist in the attainment of housing for low- and moderate-income Iowans. Since then, the Iowa Finance Authority’s role has grown to include nearly 40 affordable housing, water quality and agricultural development programs.

Northwest Bank is a $2.47 billion community bank that offers a full line of business, agricultural, mortgage, consumer deposit and lending services as well as wealth management and insurance services. Northwest Bank has offices located in Algona, Ames, Arnolds Park, Ankeny, Estherville, Fort Dodge, Humboldt, Le Mars, Milford, Sioux Center, Sioux City, Spencer, Spirit Lake, West Des Moines, and Omaha and La Vista in Nebraska.