2026 Updates to Down Payment Reservation Process

last updated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in Affordable Housing

We’ve simplified the process for reserving FHLB Des Moines Down Payment Product funds, making it easier for members to complete these steps. Forms and resources are now available to members for reservations of Home$tart and NAHI program funds beginning Jan. 2, 2026.

What's Changing?

Updates to Documentation Requirements:

1. Bank statements are no longer required if cash to close is $10,000 or more
2. The Household Member Questionnaire will be replaced with a new Homeowner Attestation Form
3. When submitting supporting document for household income, you will now be required to upload those documents by household members

Updates to Income Calculation Workbook:

1. The Household Summary will no longer need to be signed, dated or uploaded. 
2. Following income sources will no longer be included in the total household income calculation:
   • Interest, dividend and capital gains
   • Lottery and gambling
   • Adoption assistance
3. Unemployment: Only include in the household income calculation if receiving due to a seasonal position
4. Overtime, tips, bonus, commission will be annualize for current year's income instead of the last 2 years
5. Use current school year’s contract when calculating contract income (i.e., teachers)

Updated documentation and workbooks will be available online by Jan. 2, 2026. 

Additional resources may be found:

• 2026 Implementation Plan

• Down Payment Product webinars

For questions regarding our Down Payment Products, please contact the Community Investment Department at 800.544.3452, ext. 2400 or dponline@fhlbdm.com.

TAGS

1. Community Investment Programs
2. Home$tart
3. NAHI