First Rate Mortgage

Waukee’s Trusted Local Mortgage Broker

For over 25 years, First Rate Mortgage has helped Waukee-area homebuyers and homeowners navigate the loan process with clear communication, fast turnaround, and a local team that actually picks up the phone.

First Rate Mortgage in Waukee
ABOUT US

Who We Are — And Why It Matters

First Rate Mortgage was built on a simple belief: buying or refinancing a home should not feel overwhelming. Since 1998, our Waukee-based team has guided central Iowa residents through every stage of the mortgage process with honest communication, responsive service, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from decades of working in this market. We are not a call center. We are not a big bank. We are a licensed, credentialed mortgage broker rooted in this community — and we answer our phone.

Get Started with Your Mortgage

Complete the form below, and a First Rate Mortgage specialist will contact you to discuss your home financing options, answer your questions, and help you take the next step with confidence.

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Hours

 Day Hours
Monday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
our services

Explore Our Mortgage Loan Solutions

Conventional Home Loans in Waukee

Purchase Loans Waukee buyers use most often are conventional loans. They work well for buyers with solid credit and stable income. Conventional financing fits primary residences, move-up purchases, and homes in Waukee’s newer subdivisions.

Conventional Home Loans

FHA Home Loans

FHA loans are a strong fit for buyers with lower credit scores or limited savings. You can qualify with a credit score as low as 580 and put just 3.5% down. Because FHA loans are government-backed, lenders take on less risk and can approve more buyers. Mortgage insurance is required with this loan type.

FHA Home Loans

VA Home Loans

VA home loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses buying a home in Waukee. If you have never used your VA benefit before, or if you need to restore entitlement from a prior VA loan, this program may be a strong fit. Purchase Loans in Waukee Waukee buyers who qualify can use VA financing to purchase a home without a down payment in most cases.

VA Home Loans

Jumbo Home Loans

Jumbo loans are for buyers purchasing homes above the conforming loan limit. In Iowa, that threshold is above $766,550 for 2024. If the home you want is priced above that ceiling, a conventional mortgage won’t cover it. Jumbo financing fills that gap.

Jumbo Home Loans

First-Time Homebuyer Loans

First-time homebuyer programs are for buyers purchasing their first home. They also apply to buyers who haven’t owned a home in the last three years. These programs may include lower down payments, reduced rates, or down payment assistance.

FHA Home Loans

Mortgage Refinancing

Refinancing Waukee homeowners most often ask about is the rate-and-term refinance. This option replaces your current loan with a new one at a better rate, a shorter term, or both. It works for recent buyers and long-term owners alike.

Mortgage Refinancing

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Pre-Approval & Application Waukee starts with knowing what you can borrow before you start shopping. A pre-approval letter is a written statement that shows how much a lender is willing to loan you. The process reviews your income, credit history, and current debts.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
why choose

First Rate Mortgage

Fast, Efficient Closings

Our processing pipeline is built to move files forward without unnecessary delays. Quicker closings reduce stress for buyers, sellers, and the real estate agents who depend on deals crossing the finish line on time.

25+ Years of Central Iowa Market Expertise

Waukee and the surrounding communities are not just our service area — they are our home market. We understand local real estate dynamics, lender relationships, and the Iowa lending landscape in ways that a national lender simply cannot replicate.

Licensed, Regulated, and Accountable

First Rate Mortgage operates under NMLS Company #2667 with Individual NMLS #32402 on file. NMLS licensing exists to protect consumers, and our credentials mean you are working with a professional held to regulatory standards at both the state and federal level.

Ready to Get Pre-Approved?

Buying a home starts with the right mortgage strategy. First Rate Mortgage provides fast pre-approvals, clear communication, and personalized loan solutions for homebuyers throughout Central Iowa. Reach out today to take the next step with confidence.

Testimonials

Trusted by Iowa Homebuyers

See why homebuyers across Central Iowa trust First Rate Mortgage for honest guidance, responsive communication, competitive loan options, and a smooth mortgage experience from pre-approval to closing.

our location

Serving Homebuyers Throughout Central Iowa

  • West Des Moines
  • Des Moines
  • Waukee
  • Clive
  • Urbandale
  • Johnston
  • Windsor Heights
  • Ankeny
  • Altoona
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Norwalk
  • Grimes
  • Carlisle
  • Cumming
  • Bondurant
  • Polk City
  • Saylorville
  • Valley Junction

Mortgage FAQs

Find quick answers to common questions about home loans, refinancing, pre-approvals, interest rates, and the mortgage process.

What is a mortgage broker, and how is First Rate Mortgage different from a bank?

A mortgage broker works with multiple lenders rather than offering a single institution’s products. When you work with First Rate Mortgage, we compare options across lenders to find rates and terms that fit your situation — something a bank cannot do, because a bank can only offer what it has. As a licensed Iowa mortgage broker (NMLS Company #2667), First Rate Mortgage shops the market on your behalf, which can mean better options and more personalized guidance than a traditional bank loan officer provides.

What areas does First Rate Mortgage serve beyond Waukee?

First Rate Mortgage is headquartered in Waukee, Iowa, and serves homebuyers and homeowners throughout the surrounding central Iowa communities. To confirm whether we serve your specific area, call us directly at (515) 771-9998 — our team is happy to answer that question in a straightforward, no-pressure conversation.

How long does the mortgage process take with First Rate Mortgage?

Timelines vary depending on loan type, borrower documentation, and market conditions — but fast, efficient processing is one of the core reasons clients and real estate agents choose First Rate Mortgage. We actively work to move files forward without unnecessary delays. The single most effective thing a borrower can do to speed up the process is respond promptly to documentation requests and be reachable when we call. We make that part easy by staying accessible and communicative on our end throughout.

What types of home loans does First Rate Mortgage offer?

As a mortgage broker, First Rate Mortgage works with a range of loan products including conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, purchase loans, and refinance options. The right product depends on your financial profile, goals, and the property you are financing. Contact us at (515) 771-9998 or start at https://www.firstrateiowa.com to discuss which loan type is the right fit — we will walk you through it clearly.

How do I get started with First Rate Mortgage?

Getting started is straightforward. Call us at (515) 771-9998 or visit https://www.firstrateiowa.com to begin. The initial conversation is relaxed and informational — no pressure, no commitment required. Our team will ask a few basic questions about your situation and help you understand your options from there.

Is First Rate Mortgage licensed and regulated?

Yes. First Rate Mortgage holds NMLS Company License #2667 and operates with Individual NMLS License #32402 on file. The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) is the regulatory framework that governs mortgage professionals across the United States. NMLS licensing requires background checks, education requirements, and ongoing compliance — all of which exist to protect consumers. You can verify our license status at any time through the NMLS Consumer Access database at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

How long has First Rate Mortgage been in business?

First Rate Mortgage was established in 1998, giving our team over 25 years of continuous experience serving Iowa homebuyers and homeowners. That longevity is not just a number — it reflects consistent trust earned one client, one closing, and one referral at a time across more than two decades in the central Iowa market.

What should I have ready when I contact First Rate Mortgage for the first time?

You do not need to have everything perfectly organized before reaching out. A general sense of your income, monthly debts, and what you are hoping to accomplish — whether that is buying a home or refinancing — is enough to start a productive conversation. Our team will walk you through exactly what documentation will be needed as the process moves forward. The goal of the first call is to understand your situation and point you in the right direction, not to overwhelm you with a checklist.