Neighborhood Finance Corporation

Loan Programs Overview

Home Purchase, Refinance, and Home Improvement Loans Designed to Help You Build Equity

Whether you're buying your first home, renovating the one you already own, or refinancing to make important improvements, Neighborhood Finance Corporation offers flexible loan programs designed to make homeownership more affordable.

Unlike many traditional lenders, NFC combines competitive financing with forgivable renovation assistance, helping homeowners invest in their homes, build equity faster, and strengthen neighborhoods throughout Polk and Linn counties.

The NFC Loan helps homebuyers and homeowners improve homes while making ownership more affordable.

With a NFC Loan, you may be eligible for any of the following:

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Home Purchase

Buy a home and complete repairs or renovations at the time of purchase.
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Refinance Loan

Refinance your home and complete needed repairs.
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Home Improvement Loan

Finance improvements to a home you already own.
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More Than a Loan…It's an Investment in Your Home

The NFC Loan combines a repayable mortgage with a forgivable home renovation loan of up to $15,000, helping qualified homeowners complete repairs and improvements while reducing overall borrowing costs.

Qualified homebuyers may also be eligible for up to $15,000 in down payment assistance, making homeownership even more attainable.

Available for homes located within NFC's lending areas.

View NFC Lending Area Map

Additional Program Offerings Include

Energy Advantage Upgrade Programs

Make energy-efficient home upgrades more affordable with flexible financing options for insulation, windows, heat pumps, solar, and more. Eligible homeowners can improve comfort, lower utility costs, and invest in a more sustainable home.
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Front Porch Exterior Repair Loan

Restore your home’s curb appeal and safety with financing for eligible exterior improvements, including porches, stairs, sidewalks, and other critical repairs. This program helps homeowners preserve both their property and their neighborhood.
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NFC + Invest DSM

The NFC + Invest DSM partnership provides additional financial assistance to eligible homebuyers and homeowners in targeted Des Moines neighborhoods. Together, these programs help make improving and staying in your home more affordable.
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Other Community Programs

Explore additional homeownership, renovation, and neighborhood revitalization programs offered through NFC and our community partners. Find resources and funding opportunities designed to support homeowners at every stage of their journey.
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Why Choose an NFC Loan?

Up to $15,000 in Forgivable Renovation Assistance Complete the repairs or improvements your home needs with a forgivable loan of up to $15,000. As long as you continue living in your home, 20% of the loan is forgiven each year. After five years, the balance is completely forgiven.
Up to $15,000 in Down Payment Assistance Qualified homebuyers may receive a 0% interest deferred loan to help cover their down payment. No monthly payments are required, and repayment isn't due until the home is sold or refinanced.
Build Equity Faster Without Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) For eligible purchase and refinance loans, NFC structures financing to help borrowers avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). That means lower monthly costs while building equity more quickly.
Finance Repairs as Part of Your Loan Because NFC lends based on your home's projected value after renovations are complete, you may be able to finance larger repair or remodeling projects than with traditional lenders. Need additional assistance? NFC loan programs can also work alongside select community resources and the Energy Advantage Program for qualifying energy-efficiency improvements.

Eligible Home Improvements

NFC financing can be used for a wide variety of home repairs, renovations, and property improvements. Eligible projects include (not limited to):
  • Heating and cooling (HVAC)
  • Electrical and plumbing upgrades
  • Energy-efficiency improvements
  • Insulation and weatherization
  • Roofing replacement or repair
  • Foundation repairs
  • Windows and doors
  • Exterior siding
  • Sidewalks and driveways
  • Drainage, grading, and erosion control
  • Interior remodeling
  • Kitchen and bathroom renovations
  • Home additions
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Aging-in-place modifications
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Garage construction or repair (maximum 24' × 24')
  • Environmental repairs such as radon mitigation and mold mitigation

Important: Repairs and improvements cannot begin until your NFC loan has closed. NFC cannot reimburse work completed before closing.

All work must be completed by independent licensed contractors. Before work begins, homeowners are required to obtain contractor bids. Visit the Contractors Resource page to learn more about the complete requirements for the Bid Process.

How to Apply

Getting started is easier than you might think.

Meet with an NFC Loan Originator to discuss your goals, determine which loan program best fits your needs, and receive guidance throughout the application process.

Consultations are always free.

Application Deposit: $80 (non-refundable)

Contact an NFC Loan Originator

Polk County

Monica Fay
Loan Originator NMLS #976357
515-273-1364
mfay@neighborhoodfinance.org
Johnna Fuson
Loan Originator NMLS #488973
515-273-1382
jfuson@neighborhoodfinance.org
Bridgett Robinson
Community Outreach & Loan Originator NMLS #2244064
515-273-1373
brobinson@neighborhoodfinance.org
Kari Vitzthum
Loan Originator NMLS #2168731
515-273-1380
kvitzthum@neighborhoodfinance.org

Linn County

Bryce Dake
Loan Originator NMLS #1897289
319-777-7128
bdake@neighborhoodfinance.org