Helping Iowa’s Teachers Become Homeowners
Across Iowa and the nation, public school teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford homes in the communities they serve. Despite their critical role in shaping our future, educators are being priced out of the housing market—putting down roots where they work is no longer a given. At First Home Partners, we believe that needs to change.
The Affordability Gap for Educators
A growing body of research confirms what many educators already know: teacher salaries are not keeping pace with the rising cost of housing. According to a recent study from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), even mid-career teachers are priced out of homeownership in most major markets.
The NCTQ report, “Priced Out: The Growing Challenge of Teacher Pay and Housing Costs,” highlights a widening affordability gap that disproportionately impacts younger educators and those teaching in high-demand or rural areas. Teachers early in their careers, precisely the ones schools need to recruit and retain—often face the double burden of student debt and limited savings, making it even harder to secure financing and meet down payment requirements.
Similarly, a recent Yahoo Finance article analyzing national housing trends noted that housing affordability has reached its lowest level in nearly four decades. The cost of purchasing a home continues to rise, even as wage growth for many professions, including teaching—lags far behind.
Iowa's Teachers Are Not Exempt
Here in Iowa, the story is no different. From suburban districts to small towns, local educators are being priced out of their communities. This has consequences beyond housing; this circumstance directly impacts retention, morale, and the continuity of our public-school systems. When teachers are unable to live near the schools they serve, it affects everything from student outcomes to community cohesion.
This is where First Home Partners steps in.
A Homeownership Benefit Designed for Educators
At First Home Partners, we’re looking to introduce a smarter path to homeownership for Iowa school teachers through our Homeownership Assistance Benefit. This benefit, offered through an exclusive distribution partnership with Holmes Murphy, is designed to make homeownership more attainable, more accessible, and timelier for working educators.
Unlike traditional real estate or lending services, First Home Partners combines both under one roof—offering teachers a streamlined, supportive path to buying their first home or preparing to sell and purchase a step-up home.
Here’s how it helps:
Dedicated guidance: Access to real estate and lending experts who understand your financial situation and your long-term goals.
Customized resources: Step-by-step planning support to build credit, become pre-approved and prepare for homeownership on your timeline.
No cost to the employee: The benefit is free to teachers and made possible through their employer’s participation.
Reach out to your Holmes Murphy representative to explore how First Home Partners can be integrated into your school district’s employee benefits package. It’s a meaningful way to support your staff, attract and retain top talent, and invest in the long-term stability of your community.
