Real Stories, Real Relief: How Mortgage Rate Relief Helped Homeownership Happen for Idaho Families
Last Updated on September 23, 2025
First Federal Bank of Twin Falls, with support from The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, helped families and individuals achieve homeownership through Mortgage Rate Relief.
Randi Beachy from First Federal Bank of Twin Falls shares how the Mortgage Rate Relief program, in partnership with FHLB Des Moines, helps make homeownership more affordable in Idaho.
When rates started climbing, many hopeful individuals looking for their homes assumed they were out of luck. For homebuyers working with First Federal Bank of Twin Falls that assumption changed thanks to the Mortgage Rate Relief program, a program offered in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines.
Charlie, a middle school teacher, wasn’t at a position to purchase a home. When rates went up, he lost all hope of qualifying for a mortgage. In addition, he also worked at a restaurant, trying to save for a 20% down payment he thought he needed. A family friend of Charlie, who worked at First Federal, connected him to a lender. That connection helped him secure a 5.125% rate through Mortgage Rate Relief. Through Mortgage Rate Relief and the 15% down payment he had saved, Charlie was finally able to buy a home.
A couple relocating from Cascade, Idaho, to Twin Falls needed a home closer to family, and they were nervous about rising rates and qualifying for a new home mortgage. Mariana Angulo with H&L Real Estate connected the couple with Tyler Bringhurst, a mortgage loan officer at First Federal. He was able to qualify them for special rates based on their unique scenario. Through Mortgage Rate Relief, they were able to obtain a 5.125% rate on their home purchase. This stressful situation turned into a smooth transition. “My clients were very, very happy, and I truly appreciate the way you went above and beyond for them,” said Angulo.
Layne, a kindergarten teacher, has dedicated her life to helping young students, but when it came to buying her first home, she needed support. She felt overwhelmed with the idea of buying a house and was unsure if it was even financially possible. Thankfully, her real estate agent referred her to First Federal—and that’s when everything started to change. Layne was introduced to the Mortgage Rate Relief opportunity, and thanks to the partnership between First Federal and FHLB Des Moines, homeownership went from something she wasn’t sure she could afford to a reality she could confidently step into.
These stories highlight just a few homebuyers impacted by Mortgage Rate Relief. This product is more than a helpful option, it is helping individuals and families find a home that they never thought they could afford.
Want to read another First Federal homebuyer story? Read Here
About First Federal Bank
First Federal Bank is Idaho’s only mutual bank with more than $1.4 billion in assets. It has served the Gem State for over 110 years and has 14 branches located throughout the Magic and Treasure Valleys. First Fed provides businesses and retail customers with local access to premier financial services and solutions including personal banking, business banking, lending, and wealth management. As Idaho’s community bank of choice, First Federal team members serve on numerous boards and committees of non-profits and civic organizations as well as take part in a wide range of community improvement initiatives and philanthropic efforts. In addition, the First Federal Foundation has donated over $1.5 million to local causes since its inception in 2003.
For more news and information about First Federal Bank, be sure to follow First Fed on Instagram and Facebook (@BankFirstFed) as well as LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/company/bankfirstfed) or, visit the official digital home of First Federal Bank at BankFirstFed.com.