As Tyler Osby, NMLS #8668, and leader of the Tyler Osby Team at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289), I’m thrilled and deeply honored to announce that I’ve been selected as one of only 16 Preferred Lenders by the Iowa Finance Authority for 2026. This prestigious designation—earned through specialized training at the annual HousingIowa Conference and a proven track record of helping Iowans access affordable financing—reinforces our team’s commitment to making homeownership accessible, educational, and life-changing for families across Central Iowa.

In a state where building generational wealth through homeownership remains a cornerstone of financial stability, being a 2026 IFA Preferred Lender means we can deliver even more value through the Homes for Iowans program. Whether you’re a first-time buyer navigating Des Moines’ vibrant neighborhoods or a growing family looking at Urbandale’s top-rated schools and parks, this recognition ensures you have a trusted partner who knows these programs inside and out.

What Exactly Is an IFA Preferred Lender—and Why Does It Matter for You?

The Iowa Finance Authority carefully selects a small group of loan officers each year to serve as Preferred Partners. These professionals complete advanced training to become true advocates for Iowa homebuyers, ensuring seamless access to state-backed mortgage and assistance programs. For 2026, just 16 lenders statewide earned this distinction, placing us in an elite group dedicated to excellence.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, IFA programs empowered more than 2,900 Iowans to purchase homes, distributing nearly $23 million in down payment assistance. These aren’t just numbers—they represent families who turned dreams into reality, often with reduced interest rates, forgivable grants, and flexible options that big banks simply can’t match on their own.

As a Preferred Lender, our team offers prioritized expertise in:

• Reduced Interest Rates: Lock in competitive rates on purchase or refinance loans.
• Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance: Up to 5% of the home price in many cases, with options that may not require repayment.
• Flexible Eligibility: Programs for first-time buyers, repeat purchasers, veterans, and those with a minimum 640 FICO score.
• Military Homeownership Assistance: Additional grants for service members and veterans.

2026 IFA Preferred Lender Program Highlights	Details
Total Preferred Lenders Statewide	16
Program Impact (FY 2025)	2,900+ homes purchased; $23M+ in down payment assistance
Key Assistance Options	Reduced rates, up to 5% down payment/closing cost help, forgivable grants
Eligibility Basics	640+ FICO, Iowa residency, income limits, first-time/repeat buyer options
Tyler Osby Team Edge	5.0/5 client ratings, WHO13 Homewi$e expert, personalized weekly updates

This table underscores the real impact—IFA programs have helped nearly 70,000 Iowans since inception, and as a Preferred Lender, we make navigating them straightforward and empowering.

How the Tyler Osby Team Goes Beyond the Ordinary

With over 15 years as a loan officer, I’ve built our team around one core principle: treating every client like family. We don’t just process loans—we educate, communicate, and celebrate with you every step of the way. That’s why clients consistently rate us 5.0/5 on Fairway’s site, 98% recommendation on Facebook (with over 620 reviews), and perfect scores on Yelp and Angi.

Testimonials speak volumes:

• “The entire team was friendly and helpful—they made the whole process seem so effortless and easy.” (Angi review)
• “As a first-time homebuyer, I was nervous… Tyler and his team made it educational and smooth.” (Yelp review)

We specialize in Central Iowa’s stable, family-friendly markets. Urbandale offers low fluctuation in home values (median listings around $266,900) with excellent parks and schools, while Des Moines provides business-friendly opportunities (median prices around $135,000 per recent data). Whether you’re relocating, building new, or refinancing during life changes like divorce or employment shifts, we offer:

• Unfair Advantage Pre-Approval: A custom letter that strengthens your offers in bidding wars.
• Free Resources: Custom home loan reports, FICO score reviews with tips, and tutorial videos.
• Weekly Progress Checklists: Transparent updates so you’re never in the dark.
• Remote Support: Perfect for out-of-state buyers or busy schedules.

As a regular mortgage expert on WHO13’s Homewi$e with Amanda Krenz, I share practical advice on everything from employment impacts on loans to refinance timing and building your dream home. Catch recent episodes for insights that can save you thousands.

Ready to Experience the Difference? Let’s Make You Our Next Raving Fan

Being named a 2026 IFA Preferred Lender isn’t just an honor—it’s a promise to continue empowering Iowans like you. Don’t wait for rates to shift or inventory to tighten. Start your journey today with a free, no-obligation pre-approval—it takes just 10-15 minutes and gives you a clear picture of your options.

• Apply Online Now: applywithtyler.com/applytoday/
• Secure Application Portal: https://mtgpro.co/dr/c/oqk6x 
• Top Reasons to Get Pre-Approved: applywithtyler.com/top-reasons-to-get-pre-approved-before-house-shopping/

Connect with us:

• Website: applywithtyler.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tylerosby
• Facebook: facebook.com/tylerosbyteam/
• Instagram: instagram.com/tylerosby/

We’re here to turn the mortgage process into something stress-free and exciting. Experience the difference—let us make you our next raving fan!

About the Tyler Osby Team

The Tyler Osby Team at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation serves Central Iowa from Urbandale, offering personalized purchase loans, refinances, and pre-approvals. Led by Tyler Osby (NMLS #8668, Iowa License #19545), we emphasize education, transparency, and rave-worthy service. Equal Housing Lender.