DUBUQUE, Iowa—Dupaco Credit Union said it is partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to help first-time homebuyers take the leap into homeownership through the Home$tart program.
The initiative provides up to $15,000 in assistance, applied as a credit toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers beginning their homeownership journey.
Dupaco CU said first-time buyers represent a significant share of Dupaco’s mortgage lending: In 2025, over 54% of the financial cooperatives’ primary residence mortgages were made to first-time homebuyers. According to National Association of REALTORS (NAR), between July 2024 and June 2025 first-time homebuyers made up just 21% of all U.S. home purchases. This is the lowest share since NAR began tracking in 1981. Programs like Home$tart are critical to helping more families achieve the dream of owning a home, the credit union noted.
“At Dupaco, we believe homeownership should be within reach for everyone,” said Laurie Von Ah, senior mortgage lending consultant at Dupaco. “The Home$tart program allows us to provide meaningful financial assistance and personalized guidance, so first-time buyers can feel confident and supported throughout the process.”
