Mortgage Rate Relief
As of March 3, 2025, FHLB Des Moines member Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) with an active MPF® Traditional Master Commitment (MC) can access Mortgage Rate Relief funds on a first-come, first-served basis up to a $5 million maximum funding limit per institution.
~1.5% Lower Interest Rate
Mortgage Rate Relief is designed to make homeownership attainable by permanently reducing the interest rate approximately 1.5 percentage points* for qualified borrowers.
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Use existing MPF Traditional MC
Separate Mortgage Rate Relief MC not required for 2025.
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Income Attestation Form Required
All buyers are required to sign form prior to or at closing.
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Updated Income Decision Tree
Effective tool to help analyze income for program eligibility.
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Funds Allocated
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19.76% - as of 3/12/25
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Mortgage Rate Relief Benefits
play video (opens in a new window)
Qualifications Include:
- Borrowers’ income is at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) according to Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) Underserved Areas Data
- Available for purchase transactions only, primary residence, 1-4 family dwellings
- Can be used in conjunction with other eligible grants, including the FHLB Des Moines Down Payment products, which has separate requirements.
| MPF Traditional |
Interest Rate |
Price |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate - Mortgage Rate Relief |
5.375% - available beginning 03/01/2025 |
102.000 |
Contact your Mortgage Relationship Manager for more information if you are not currently selling into MPF Traditional.
*The Mortgage Rate Relief interest rate offered by FHLB Des Moines will be approximately 1.5% below prevailing market rates at any given time.
Mortgage Rate Relief FAQs
Mortgage Rate Relief Product Features
| Product Features |
| Benefits |
Below Market Interest Rate |
| Follows Agency Conforming Loan Amounts |
| No New Master Commitment (MC) Required with existing MPF Traditional MC |
| PFI Earns 2% Agent Fee |
| Can be used in conjunction with other down payment and closing cost programs |
| Structure |
Credit Enhanced: FHLBank and PFI Share Credit Risk |
| No Loan Level Price Adjustments |
| Delivery Commitments - Mandatory Only |
| Underwriting |
Occupancy: Owner-Occupied |
| Mortgage Rate Relief Income Attestation and Documentation Required |
Tips for Calculating Mortgage Rate Relief Income Guidelines
Looking for support in calculating income eligibility? Follow these directions:
- Sign into eMPF
- Click on the HOME tab
- Look at the QUICK LINKS section and the links that says, "FHFA 80% AMI amounts by county”
Mortgage Rate Relief AMI Decision Tree
Our Commitment to Affordable Homeownership
In 2025, FHLB Des Moines has allocated $22 million in voluntary contribution funding for the Mortgage Rate Relief program to help you meet your community homeownership needs. These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis to active Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).
| Loan Amount |
Member Limit |
| Up to FHFA Conforming Loan Limit |
Initial $5 Million UPB - subject to funding availability |
Mortgage Rate Relief is supported through discretionary (voluntary) program funding, approved by the FHLB Des Moines Board of Directors. Learn More.
Partnership Marketing Support
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As your cooperative partner, we have multiple ways we can assist with your promotions and public relations efforts for Mortgage Rate Relief. Collaborate with our Marketing and Communications team and explore new ways to increase brand awareness for your business.
Partnership Marketing Resources
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Marketing Toolkit Includes
- Press release templates
- Promotional flyer
- Strategies to promote Mortgage Rate Relief
- Co-branding guidelines including FHLB Des Moines logo files
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