How to Use Your Homeownership Assistance Benefit
As we enter the prime homebuying season, we know many employees start thinking seriously about buying or selling a home. If that’s you—or it might be soon—you’re not alone. Our team receives a wide range of questions from employees who are curious about how to take advantage of the homeownership assistance benefit.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the most common questions we hear and provided clear answers. Whether you’re just starting to think about buying or are ready to jump into the market, this guide is for you.
Can I use the Benefit Today?
Yes! Our most common question is when an employer first introduces our homeownership assistance benefit to their employees.
There’s no waiting period. Unlike some employer benefits that require enrollment windows or eligibility timelines, you can start using your homeownership assistance benefit whenever you're ready.
In fact, most employers offer this benefit outside of their traditional enrollment periods—on purpose.
It ensures this valuable opportunity doesn’t get buried beneath decisions about health insurance or dental plans. You can complete the benefit enrollment form year-round, but March through October is when most people submit—so now is a great time to reach out.
What If I Already Have a Realtor?
If you're already under contract with a realtor, we respectfully ask you honor that agreement. Relationships matter—and we don’t want to interfere with commitments you've made to professionals who are already working on your behalf.
That said, if you're still in the planning phase and haven’t committed to a realtor, now is the perfect time to explore what this benefit can do for you.
Our benefit is ideal for employees who are:
Starting to think about buying their first home
Looking to sell and buy a step-up home
Seeking expert guidance on mortgage options and credit score readiness
How Do You Pair Me with a Realtor and Lender?
Finding the right help through trusted experts is one of the most important steps in your homebuying journey—and a task many people don’t enjoy doing for comparison and vetting purposes for selection. According to the National Association of Realtors, 67% of first-time buyers and 77% of repeat buyers work with the first realtor they meet.
We streamline this process for you.
We’ve already vetted a trusted network of local real estate professionals and mortgage lenders across Iowa. Once we understand your timeline and needs, we’ll introduce you to:
A local REALTOR® who serves as your personal guide through the buying or selling process.
A dedicated mortgage lender from Northwest Bank, who walks you through loan options, explains credit readiness, and helps you choose the best loan product for your situation.
Together, they’ll support you from day one through the closing of your home.
Why Choose First Home Partners?
Because we make homebuying easier and more affordable. We provide home buying and lending educational support before you decide to work with us and get pre-approved from Northwest Bank. Once you select us for representation, we deliver personalized oversight to ensure your assigned REALTOR® and lender are working in sync to deliver a smooth, first-class homebuying experience for you.
Let’s Recap: How the Benefit Works
Here’s how employees engage with us:
Reach out by completing the benefit enrollment form when you're thinking about buying or selling a home.
We’ll personally connect with you to learn about your goals and timeline.
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll pair you with a trusted Northwest Bank lender and a local REALTOR® from our partner network.
When a home is purchased through us, our benefit features are activated.
Ready to Start the Home Buying Journey?
Whether you’re just starting to consider homeownership or preparing to make a move soon, we’re here to help.
