GO
MENU

2024 Home$tart®

Down payment and closing cost assistance for qualifying first time homebuyers.

Program Details

Home$tart® Application

Speed Up Your Reservation Process for Home$tart

READ NOW

Home$tart® Reservation and Disbursement Approval Assistance

Tips for the top three challenges to successful and speedy processing

Read More

Since 1995, FHLB Des Moines has awarded $155.7 million in down payment and closing cost assistance to help more than 32,700 families with the purchase of a home.

Through our Home$tart program, eligible households may receive $15,000 and households completing a home purchase in Hawaii may receive $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. 

As of April 22, 2024, Home$tart funds have been depleted. 

As a reminder, 2024 rounds have a maximum grant amount per household, if there is less than a full grant remaining in the pool the funds are considered depleted. Check back frequently as funds may become available as reservations are withdrawn. View 2024 key program details.

As a reminder, please remember to monitor your pipeline for expiring reservations.

Processing Times for Reservations

PROCESSING TIMES FOR DISBURSEMENTS

2024 Home$tart Funding Schedule

Date of Funds Home$tart Amount
Tuesday, January 2, 2024 $2,100,000
Monday, April 1, 2024 $2,100,000
Thursday, April 18, 2024 * $1,300,000
Monday, July 1, 2024 * $3,400,000
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 *  $2,100,000
* Funds available no sooner than 12:00 PM CDT

Home$tart Process

Click on one of the steps below to guide you through the Home$tart process.

  1. Get Started
  2. Reservation of Funds
  3. Disbursement/Reimbursement of Funds

Already know the process? Find the forms and resources you need here.

Questions? Contact our Community Investment Department at communityinvestment@fhlbdm.com.

Why participate in Home$tart?

  • Meet Community Reinvestment Act objectives to serve low- to moderate-income households
  • Provide grants to expand market share or increase penetration in existing markets
  • Improve loan-to-value ratios on mortgage loans
  • Build community goodwill
  • Promote your corporate brand
  • Help families in your community realize their homeownership dreams by providing down payment and closing cost assistance