Whatever your situation — first home, next home, investment, or refi — I'll walk you through every option, set honest expectations, and be there at every step.
Down payment help
Grants and programs that put real money toward your closing costs.
Low down payment loans
VA, FHA, and USDA loans with 0–3.5% down for qualified buyers.
There’s money available for first-time buyers. Most people don’t know it exists.
Between our internal Key Mortgage Group grant and Iowa Finance Authority programs, you may have more help than you think. One conversation and I’ll tell you exactly what’s available for your situation.
One grant per loan · eligibility varies
Your loan process roadmap
Once you have an accepted offer, here’s exactly what happens — step by step. No guessing, no wondering. You’ll know what’s coming before it arrives.
1
Offer accepted
Congratulations — let’s get to work. This is where the loan process officially kicks off.
2
Lock your rate & finalize numbers
We lock in your interest rate and confirm your final payment and cash-to-close amounts. You’ll know your exact numbers before anything else moves.
3
E-sign your initial disclosures
You’ll receive an email from Atlantic Coast Mortgage with your initial disclosures to e-sign. Quick, digital, no printing required.
4
Pay for your appraisal
Once disclosures are signed, we’ll send you an invoice to pay for your appraisal. This gets the property valuation underway.
5
My team reviews your file
My team goes through your entire file to make sure everything is clean, complete, and ready before it ever touches an underwriter’s desk.
6
Loan goes to underwriting
Your loan is submitted to underwriting. Turnaround is typically within 72 hours — we’ll keep you posted the whole time.
7
Underwriter conditions
The underwriter will have a list of final documents needed. Ryan Roman from my team will reach out with exactly what’s required — it’s typically a short list, nothing overwhelming.
8
Clear to Close
The big one
Once we have your documents, we resubmit and the loan comes back out of underwriting approved and Clear to Close. This is the green light.
9
Closing Disclosure
We’ll send your preliminary Closing Disclosure (CD) at least 3 days before closing for your e-signature. This outlines your final loan terms and closing costs — no surprises.
10
Closing day
Almost there
Bring a cashier’s check made out to the title company. Date is determined as we get closer — we’ll have it confirmed well in advance so you can plan accordingly.
🏠
Housewarming party 🍾
You’re a homeowner. Invite the friends and family — you earned it.
Have questions about the process?
I walk every client through this before we get started. No confusion, no surprises — that’s the promise.
What I can do for you
How it works
01
We talk — no commitment
One conversation. I learn your goals, you learn what's actually possible. No hard credit pull, no pressure.
02
Get educated & pre-approved
I walk you through every option and every number so you know exactly what to expect — then we get you pre-approved and ready to make strong offers.
03
Close — and stay in touch
I'm your lender for life. Every refi, every next purchase, every question — I'm still your guy long after the keys are handed over.
Proudly rooted in
Des Moines, Iowa
I live here, invest here, and lend here. This city is home — and helping people own a piece of it is what I do every day.
Downtown Des Moines
The Greater Iowa Bridge
Des Moines, IA
City on the move
#1
Best place to raise a family in Iowa — U.S. News & World Report
Top 10
Most affordable housing markets in the Midwest
Growing
A city where your investment grows with the community around it
Ready to get started?
No pressure, no jargon. Just an honest conversation about your goals — and a clear plan to get you there.
Between state programs and what we offer internally at Key Mortgage Group, Iowa first-time buyers have real options to reduce what they bring to closing. The right program depends on your situation — and that's exactly what I'm here to figure out with you.
Only one grant can be applied per loan. Reach out and I'll tell you which one makes the most sense for you.
Not sure which program is right for you? Tell me your situation and I'll tell you which one puts more money in your pocket at closing. Grants can't be combined — so the right choice matters.
See IFA programs →
Key Mortgage Group · exclusive internal grant
Exclusive to Key Mortgage Group
First-Time Homebuyer Grant
Key Mortgage Group offers an internal grant exclusively for first-time buyers — real money applied toward your down payment at closing, no repayment required. Not every loan type or situation qualifies. Reach out and I'll tell you in one conversation whether you do.
* Not a loan. Not repayable. One grant per loan — cannot be combined with IFA grant programs. Eligibility varies by loan type and borrower profile. Contact Louie to see where you stand.
Details available in a conversation
Iowa Finance Authority programs
IFA FirstHome
Iowa Finance Authority
First-time only
$2,500
grant toward down payment & closing costs
A grant for first-time buyers paired with an IFA FirstHome mortgage. Below-market interest rates, no credit score impact on rate, and a free Iowa Title Guaranty certificate at closing.
Who qualifiesNo primary residence owned in last 3 years
Credit score640 minimum
Income limitVaries by county ($99,800–$173,460)
Purchase limitUp to $544,000 ($665K in targeted areas)
RepaymentGrant — no repayment required
IFA FirstHome Plus
Iowa Finance Authority
First-time only
Up to 5%
of purchase price as a deferred second loan
Larger assistance amount than the grant — structured as a second loan with no monthly payments. Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
Who qualifiesFirst-time buyers, primary residence
Credit score640 minimum
DTI limit45% maximum
PaymentsNo monthly payments while in the home
RepaymentDue at sale, refinance, or payoff
Homes for Iowans
Iowa Finance Authority
All buyers
$2,500
grant — available to first-time and repeat buyers
The only IFA program open to repeat buyers. Competitive rate structure, no credit score impact on rate, and grant assistance available at closing.
Who qualifiesFirst-time and repeat buyers
Credit score640 minimum
Income limitUp to $152,600 (or 80% AMI conventional)
DTI limit50% maximum
RepaymentGrant — no repayment required
Military Homeownership
Iowa Finance Authority
Veterans
$5,000
grant for eligible veterans, service members & surviving spouses
The largest IFA grant available. Pairs with either the FirstHome or Homes for Iowans mortgage. Funds are limited annually — confirm availability early in your process.
Who qualifiesVeterans, active service, surviving spouses
Service req.90+ days active duty (post Aug 1990 or Sept 2001)
DischargeOther than dishonorable required
Fund statusLimited — confirm availability with Louie
RepaymentGrant — no repayment required
Annual tax benefit
Up to $2,000
federal tax credit · per year
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
Not a down payment program — but too valuable to skip. Reduces your federal tax bill by 50% of the mortgage interest you pay annually, up to $2,000 per year, for every year the home is your primary residence. Can add up to tens of thousands over the life of a loan.
First-time only
Ready to find out where you stand?
One conversation. I'll tell you exactly which program fits.
Grants can't be combined, so the right choice matters. Tell me your situation and I'll cut through the noise and tell you what's actually available to you — no commitment, no hard credit pull to start.
Iowa mortgage insights
The LouieLends Blog
Plain-language takes on rates, loan programs, and the Iowa housing market — written monthly by a lender who's actually in the trenches.
LW
Louie Wickett
Branch Manager & Mortgage Loan Officer · Key Mortgage Group
All posts
Market updates
First-time buyers
For agents
Loan programs
Iowa housing
Featured · April 2026
Market update
What the Fed's latest pause means for Iowa buyers right now
Rates didn't move this month — but that doesn't mean your strategy shouldn't. Here's what I'm telling every client sitting on the fence about timing their purchase.
Louie Wickett · Key Mortgage Group · April 2026 · 5 min read
Read article →
First-time buyers
Did you know there's a first-time buyer grant most people miss?
It's not widely advertised. It doesn't require a separate application. And it could mean real money at your closing table.
March 2026 · 3 min read
LW
Louie Wickett · Key Mortgage Group
Iowa housing
IFA vs. other assistance programs: how to know which fits
There's more than one way to get help with a down payment in Iowa. The right one depends entirely on your situation.
February 2026 · 5 min read
LW
Louie Wickett · Key Mortgage Group
For agents
3 things your lender should tell buyers before the first showing
The agents I work with don't get surprised at the closing table. Here's what I cover with every buyer before they tour a home.
January 2026 · 4 min read
LW
Louie Wickett · Key Mortgage Group
Loan programs
VA loans in Iowa: benefits most veterans don't know about
No down payment and no PMI are the headlines. The funding fee waiver, assumability, and multi-use rules often get overlooked.
December 2025 · 6 min read
LW
Louie Wickett · Key Mortgage Group
Market update
Des Moines housing inventory: what I'm seeing on the ground
Data is one thing. What buyers are experiencing in Ankeny, Waukee, and Urbandale right now is another. Here's the real picture.
November 2025 · 5 min read
LW
Louie Wickett · Key Mortgage Group
First-time buyers
How long does pre-approval actually take in 2026?
Same day in most cases. Here's what you need ready before we talk so there are no surprises.
October 2025 · 3 min read
LW
Louie Wickett · Key Mortgage Group
Monthly newsletter
Iowa mortgage intel, once a month.
Rate movements, program updates, and one thing every Iowa buyer should know — straight from my desk at Key Mortgage Group.
You're in — Louie will be in touch!
Branch Manager & MLO · Key Mortgage Group
Hi, I’m Louie.
I’ve spent over a decade helping Iowa families get into homes — and stay ahead financially once they do. My job doesn’t end at closing. I’m in it for the long run, which is why my clients call me their lender for life.
Before lending, I was a football coach at Grand View University — including the 2013 national championship season. That background shapes how I work: preparation, communication, and a commitment to making sure every client knows exactly where they stand at every step.
Outside of mortgages, I’m a co-owner of Calia Capital, a multifamily real estate investment firm based in Central Iowa. That firsthand investing experience gives me a perspective most loan officers don’t have — I understand what it means to make long-term financial decisions, not just close a transaction.
I’m licensed in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Colorado, Kansas, and Wisconsin — and my business is built entirely on referrals, which tells you everything you need to know about how I treat people.
I know firsthand what homeownership means to a family.
Outside of work, I’m a proud husband and dad. I know firsthand how important it is to find a place your family can call home — and I bring that understanding to every client conversation I have.
That’s part of why I take this seriously. When I help a family close on a home, I know exactly what that moment means. It’s not just a transaction.
Key Mortgage Group · Central Iowa
The team behind every closing.
As Branch Manager, I’m backed by a team of experienced loan officers who share the same commitment to client experience. When you work with LouieLends, you’re getting an entire team in your corner — not just one person.
Every file gets the attention it deserves. Every client gets communicated with. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to — every single time.
Helping Homebuyers
Informed, Educated, and Comfortable — the standard we set for every client, every time.
Left to right: Jared Nicolaisen · Louie Wickett · Luis Solis · Brady Haye
Not pictured: Tucker Dickherber
How I work
Relationships first
My entire business is referral-based. That only works if I treat every client the way I’d want a family member treated. Every time.
Radical transparency
No surprises at the closing table. You’ll always know where your loan stands, what’s coming next, and what it means for you.
Local Iowa authority
I live here, invest here, and lend here. I know the Des Moines market in a way no out-of-state lender can match.
Background & credentials
Grand View University
Former football coach · 2013 NAIA National Championship season
Calia Capital
Co-owner, multifamily real estate investment firm · Central Iowa
Key Mortgage Group
Branch Manager & MLO · NMLS #1212160 · Urbandale, IA
Whether you’re buying your first home, your fifth, or just starting to think about it — I’m happy to have an honest conversation about what makes sense for you.
Get in touch
Let's figure out where you stand.
No commitment, no pressure. Whether you're ready to apply, just starting to think about buying, or a real estate agent looking for a reliable lending partner — reach out and I'll get back to you personally.
I respond personally — usually within one business day.
Message received!
Thanks for reaching out. I’ll be in touch personally — usually within one business day.
How I work
My philosophy is simple. Educated clients make confident decisions.
Every client deserves to fully understand the process before they're in it. That means no jargon, no rushing, and no surprises. Here's how I approach every single transaction.
Pillar one
Education First
Before we talk numbers, we talk goals. I want to understand where you are, where you want to go, and what matters most to you in this process. Most people come in thinking they already know what loan they want — and sometimes they're right. But often, once we dig in, there's a better path they didn't know existed.
I break down every loan option in plain English. What does a conventional loan actually mean for you? How does FHA compare? Is there a down payment assistance program that fits your situation? I won't move forward until you genuinely understand the difference and feel good about the direction we're going.
This isn't just good service — it's what prevents problems. An educated buyer is a confident buyer, and a confident buyer closes without chaos.
Loan program walkthroughs
Every option explained side by side so you can compare apples to apples.
Plain English, always
No mortgage jargon. If I use a term you don't know, I explain it — every time.
Down payment deep dive
I show you every grant and assistance program you may qualify for before we pick a loan.
Long-term thinking
I help you think beyond this loan — to your next purchase, your equity, your financial future.
Pillar two
Clear Expectations
The number one complaint people have about lenders is communication. They don't hear from their loan officer, they don't know what's happening with their file, and they find out about problems at the worst possible moment — the closing table.
That doesn't happen with me. From the moment we start working together, I map out exactly what the process looks like — every step, every timeline, every document I'll need from you. You'll know what's coming before it arrives, and you'll always know where your loan stands.
I proactively communicate — I don't wait for you to ask. If something changes, you hear from me first. If there's a potential issue, we address it early. If everything is on track, I still check in. That's the standard.
"You'll never wonder where things stand."
From application to closing, I keep you updated at every milestone. No news isn't good news in mortgage — proactive communication is the job.
Pillar three
Deliver High Service to Clients and Realtors
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of someone's life. The experience around that decision matters just as much as the loan itself. I take that seriously — for buyers and for the real estate agents who trust me with their clients.
For buyers: I'm available. I pick up the phone. I answer texts. I make time for the questions that feel silly and the ones that keep you up at night. My job isn't done at closing — I'm your lender for life, which means I'm here for the refinance, the next purchase, and every financial milestone in between.
For real estate agents: I understand that your reputation is on the line every time you refer a client to a lender. I protect that. I communicate with you directly, I flag potential issues early, and I do everything in my power to make sure your transaction closes — cleanly and on time.
My entire business is referral-based — that only works when every client feels genuinely taken care of.
360+ five-star Google reviews — written by real clients who experienced this firsthand.
Agents get direct communication — no chasing me down, no dropped balls, no surprises at closing.
The bigger picture
I'm not here for one transaction. I'm your lender for life.
Most lenders are focused on the close. I'm focused on the relationship. That means I stay in touch after closing — checking in on anniversaries, monitoring rates, and making sure you're always in the best position possible.
When you're ready for your next home, your refinance, or your first investment property — you shouldn't have to start over with someone new. I already know you. I already know your goals. That continuity is part of the service.
Written by real buyers, agents, and repeat clients who experienced this philosophy firsthand.
100%
Referral-based business
Every client comes from someone who trusted me enough to send a friend, a family member, or a buyer.
Ready to experience the difference?
One conversation is all it takes. No commitment, no pressure — just an honest talk about your goals and how to get there.
Des Moines, Iowa
Moving to Des Moines? You picked a great city.
As someone who lives, works, invests, and raises a family here, I know this city inside and out. Here’s my honest local guide to everything that makes Des Moines worth calling home.
Widely considered the best restaurant in Des Moines. Marble tables, gold ceiling inlays, handmade pasta and prime-cut beef — all locally sourced. Housed inside the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines. An experience, not just a meal.
📍 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines
801 Chophouse
$$$$
Steakhouse · Downtown
USDA Prime steaks only with beautiful views of downtown and an award-winning wine list. OpenTable Diner’s Choice winner. The premier steakhouse in the city — great for client dinners or a special occasion.
📍 801 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Harbinger
$$$
New American · Downtown
Consistently top-rated on Yelp. Creative small plates, outstanding cocktails, and an intimate atmosphere. One of the best date night spots in the city.
📍 2119 Embassy West Dr, Des Moines
Django
$$$
French · Downtown
A Des Moines institution. Classic French brasserie — moules frites, duck confit, great steak. Feels like a special occasion every single time.
📍 316 Court Ave, Des Moines
Local favorites
Centro
$$
Italian · Downtown
One of the most beloved spots in Des Moines. Great service, fresh Italian food, and a vibe that works for every occasion. Reliable, consistent, and always packed.
📍 1003 Locust St, Des Moines
Mulberry Street Tavern
$$
American · Downtown
Home of the best burger in Des Moines. Warm wood interior, zinc bar, open-hearth kitchen. World-class tavern fare in a timeless space.
📍 208 Mulberry St, Des Moines
Bubba
$$
Southern · East Village
Stylishly plated Southern classics — meatloaf sandwich, chicken-fried steak — in a stunning space with breathtaking chandeliers. Unique and unforgettable.
📍 200 Dean Ave, Des Moines
Eatery A
$$
Mediterranean · Beaverdale
Mediterranean-inspired with local ingredients. Rustic, relaxed, great patio. Spanish, Italian, and Moroccan flavors all on one menu — simple dishes done with exceptional quality.
📍 2932 Beaver Ave, Des Moines
Table 128
$$$
New American · Clive
Top-rated year after year. Upscale dining on the west side with seasonal menus, impeccable service, and a wine list that punches above its weight.
📍 West Des Moines area
Tacos Mariana’s
$
Mexican · University Ave
The best-kept Mexican secret in Des Moines. Colorful, casual, and the birria and carne asada tacos are as good as it gets anywhere in the Midwest.
📍 1305 University Ave, Des Moines
Breakfast & brunch
HomeGrown
$$
Breakfast · Multiple locations
The go-to breakfast spot in Des Moines. Fresh local ingredients, friendly staff, and a menu that hits every craving. Multiple locations across the metro — always packed for good reason.
📍 Multiple Des Moines locations
Tupelo Honey
$$
Southern brunch · Downtown
Southern comfort food done right. Chicken and waffles, biscuits, creative cocktails. Hard to beat the price for the quality. Perfect for a weekend brunch with the family.
📍 206 3rd St, Des Moines
For most families, schools drive the neighborhood decision. Here’s an honest breakdown of the top districts in the Des Moines metro — based on Niche 2026 rankings, test scores, and what I hear from clients every day.
Waukee Community Schools
Top rated
Waukee · Niche Grade: A
Consistently among the best school districts in Iowa. Strong academics, excellent extracurriculars, and a rapidly growing community. One of the top reasons families move to Waukee specifically.
Students: 11,000+
Graduation rate: 96%+
Ankeny Community Schools
Top rated
Ankeny · Niche Grade: A
Two high schools, strong athletics, and a community deeply invested in its schools. Families who move to Ankeny often cite the school district as the primary reason. Growing fast with new facilities to match.
Students: 14,000+
Graduation rate: 95%+
West Des Moines Schools
West Des Moines · Niche Grade: A-
Established district with strong academics and a wide range of programs. Valley High School is well-regarded statewide. A solid choice for families settling in the western suburbs.
Students: 9,000+
Ranked #5 in DSM metro
Johnston Community Schools
Johnston · Niche Grade: A-
Top-performing district on the north side of the metro. Johnston High School is a perennial academic and athletic powerhouse in Iowa. Great option for families buying in the Johnston/Grimes area.
Students: 7,000+
Graduation rate: 96%+
Urbandale Community Schools
Urbandale · Where I live
A strong, tight-knit district in a centrally located suburb. Urbandale High School has excellent programs and a community feel that’s hard to beat. My kids go here — I can vouch for it personally.
Students: 4,000+
Strong community culture
Norwalk Community Schools
Norwalk · #1 graduation rate in Iowa
Norwalk has the highest graduation rate of any district in Iowa at 99%. A smaller district with a big reputation — great for families looking south of Des Moines with a strong community feel.
Graduation rate: 99%
#1 in Iowa
A note from Louie
School districts are the #1 thing I hear about from families relocating to Des Moines. As someone who lends across every suburb and lives in Urbandale, I’m happy to talk through which neighborhoods match your school priorities. Just reach out.
Des Moines punches well above its weight for golf. Here are the best public and municipal courses in and around the metro.
Tournament Club of Iowa (TCI)
Best in DSM
Polk City · Arnold Palmer design
Designed by Arnold Palmer, TCI winds through 500 acres of forest adjacent to Big Creek State Park. Voted Golf Digest’s Top 10 Best New Upscale Courses in 2004. Stunning scenery and a legitimate championship challenge.
📍 1000 Tradition Dr, Polk City · 20 min from DSM
Waveland Golf Course
Municipal
Des Moines · Built 1901
The oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi. Built on wooded hillsides with 100+ year old trees — beautiful, challenging, and full of character. A must-play for any golfer moving to Des Moines.
📍 4908 University Ave, Des Moines
Otter Creek Golf Course
Ankeny · Municipal links-style
A former scruffy municipal course transformed into a country-club-for-a-day experience. Golf Digest praised the transformation. Links-style layout that changes direction constantly — never boring. Great value.
📍 Ankeny · North of Des Moines
A.H. Blank Golf Course
Municipal
Des Moines · 18 holes
One of three City of Des Moines public courses. USGA-approved fairways, excellent greens, and a beautiful pond with sand traps. Affordable and well-maintained. Great for all skill levels.
📍 Des Moines Parks & Recreation
The Legacy Golf Club
Norwalk · South of DSM
Well-maintained and challenging — the front nine winds through a residential neighborhood while the back nine plays through Norwalk’s countryside. A favorite of many local golfers and ranked as a must-play by Travel Iowa.
📍 Norwalk · South of Des Moines
Jester Park Golf Course
Granger · Near Saylorville Lake
Championship 18-hole course surrounded by stunning scenery near Saylorville Lake, 20 miles northwest of the city. Also has a par-three course and state-of-the-art practice facility. Worth the short drive.
📍 Granger · ~20 min from DSM
Beaver Creek Golf Course
Grimes · 27 holes
Three unique nine-hole courses in a western suburb of Des Moines. Picturesque landscapes, mature trees, and plenty of water features. Flexible 27-hole layout means you can mix and match your round.
📍 Grimes · West of DSM
Bright Grandview Golf Course
Municipal
Des Moines · Built 1902
One of the oldest courses in the country — built in 1902 on the east side of Des Moines. Shorter layout protected by large trees and small greens with elevation. Great for precision players and history buffs.
📍 East Des Moines
Des Moines has way more going on than most people expect. Here’s what I tell every client moving here — the things you’ll actually use and love.
Iowa State Fair
August every year · 11 days
One of the largest and oldest state fairs in the country — over 1 million visitors annually. Rides, livestock, concerts, and foods on sticks you never knew existed. An Iowa rite of passage.
Iowa State Capitol
Free tours · Downtown
The #1 attraction in Des Moines — the only five-domed capitol in the country, with a gold dome covered in 23-karat gold leaf. Free guided and self-guided tours. Genuinely stunning.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Free · Downtown
A $40 million, 4.4-acre outdoor sculpture park with 22 works by world-celebrated artists. Free to visit any time. One of the most impressive public art installations in the Midwest.
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, May–Oct · Court Ave
Nationally ranked as one of the best farmers markets in the country. Fresh produce, local vendors, live music, and thousands of people. A Saturday morning tradition for Des Moines families.
Blank Park Zoo
Family favorite · 49 acres
Over 100 animal species across 49 acres — red pandas, lions, giraffes, and more. A fantastic family destination that’s affordable, well-maintained, and one of Iowa’s most-visited attractions.
800+ Miles of Trails
Biking, running, walking
Des Moines has one of the most extensive connected trail systems in the Midwest. Gray’s Lake, the High Trestle Trail, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail are local favorites. Built for year-round use.
Greater DSM Botanical Garden
14 acres · 1,200+ plants
A stunning 14-acre garden with a massive glass conservatory that stays open year-round. Over 1,200 plant varieties, special events, and a tropical greenhouse that feels like an escape from Iowa winters.
Iowa Cubs Baseball
Triple-A affiliate · Principal Park
Des Moines is the #1 minor league baseball market in the country. Principal Park is a beautiful downtown stadium right on the river. Affordable tickets, great family atmosphere, and real baseball talent.
East Village & Valley Junction
Local shopping & dining
Two of the best neighborhood districts in the metro. East Village has local restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines has 120+ boutiques, antiques, and art galleries.
Ready to plant your roots?
Let’s get you into a Des Moines home.
I’m a local. I can answer questions about neighborhoods, schools, and golf courses — and then help you finance the home. One lender who knows the city inside and out.
